Vilma Santos-Recto is a popular multi-awarded actress and politician in the Republic of the Philippines. *** She is known as "Queen of Philippine Movies," "Queenstar," "Grand Slam Queen," "Box Office Queen," and "Star for All Seasons." *** This website is mostly about her iconic film career.
Days in Amsterdam – “…“Where to now?” I heard my mommy ask Gil when all the proper and necessary introductions were conducted. “Since it is a Sunday,” Gil suggests, “Why don’t we hear mass at the church of the Bigginhoff?” The church is situated in a strategic area, along several residential houses, and it is one of the only two Catholic churches in Amsterdam. Since between the two churches, it is the Bigginhoff which celebrates one mass in English, it is where most Filipinos attend their Sunday mass. The front yard of the church, after the mass, serves as a melting pot of sorts for most Filipinos. It si here where they renew acquaintances, exchange tete-a-tete, or get the latest tsismis about a fellow Filipinos. It is in this area where my group and I chanced upon Eddie Gutierrez, who was on the last leg of his European tour. Eddie works as a promotional salesman for Belcraft International, a firm which has its main office in Canada and which specializes in household wares….Happily for all of us, nothing untoward happened since then. We managed to even finish shooting the entire movie ahead of schedule. Now that I am back home, things which I should have done and which I shouldn’t keep rushing back into my mind. Truly, my days in Amsterdam continue to evoke memories for me, both pleasant and otherwise. For example, how can I forget the group who made up Miss X? They were such a happy lot that I would love working with them again. Gil, my director, despite himself, is a dear. I love the guy, since I know he loves me, too. Mark G., my leading man, will forever hold a special place in my heart. He proved so sweet, so pleasant to work with, so much so, I pray he will succeed. And my Ductch leading man, Max van Os, he did make my last days in Amsterdam memorable. I will always take him as one of the most warm-heated persons I’ve ever met in my whole life. My memories of Amsterdam will never be complete without me mentioning the kindness and generosity of the Filipinos residing there. The way they welcomed and treated us in their respective homes truly amazed me. I love them all and will cherish their memories for a long, long time…” – Ethelwolda A. Ramos, Expressweek December 20, 1979 (READ MORE)
Raphael Joseph De Mesa Eigenmann (born September 25, 1961), better known as Mark Gil, is a Filipino actor. He is the son of actors Eddie Mesa and Rosemarie Gil, brother of actors Michael de Mesa and Cherie Gil. He is fourth Filipino, fourth Spanish, and half Swiss German American descent. He is the father of singer/actor Gabby Eigenmann and Ira Eigenmann from actress Irene Celebre. He is also the father of Tim “Sid Lucero” Eigenmann and Maxene “Max” Eigenmann from actress Bing Pimentel, and of Andi Eigenmann from another actress, Jaclyn Jose. He has been married for 18 yrs to Maricar Jacinto-Eigenmann. – Wikipedia (READ MORE)
Mark Gil and Vilma Santos
Still Friends – “…THE movie Miss X, filmed and released in the ’80s, will forever be memorable to Mark Gil. Then still very young and raw as far as acting is concerned, Direk Gil Portes tapped Mark to play Governor Vi’s leading man. Miss X had Governor Vi playing the title role. It was filmed entirely in Amsterdam, the official capital of the Netherlands. The entire cast, crew and staff, headed, of course, by Direk Gil, stayed in Amsterdam for about a month. As expected, the film was a blockbuster when it was shown. Henceforth, Mark admitted, life was never the same for him after the film. That he has a lot to thank Governor Vi is a given. Kaya for Mark, ang chance na makatrabaho uli si Gov. Vi is something to be grateful about. “Kasi she has not changed,” aniya. “Kung ano’ng pag-uugali niya when we were in Amsterdam together at pareho pa kaming bata noon, ganu’n pa rin siya ngayon. “Considering all the achievements na kanyang natamo, ’di lang bilang artista kundi bilang public official din, I am glad she still takes to me as a friend,” pahayag ni Mark. Doing The Healing with Gov. Vi is another challenge for the actor….” – Nel Alejandrino, Journal, July 11, 2012
The Healing (2012) – “…The Healing. A Star Cinema horror film under the direction of Chito S. Roño starring Vilma Santos, Kim Chiu, Janice de Belen, Pokwang, Mark Gil, Martin del Rosario, Cris Villanueva, Daria Ramirez, Maria Isabel Lopez, Ces Quesada, Cogie Domingo, Angelu de Leon, Ryan Eigenmann, and Jomari Yllana with a tentative nationwide theatrical release of May 2012…” – Chris A. (READ MORE)
Miss X (1980) – “…Did you know that as early as the ’80s, nagsusulat na ang award-winning scriptwriter na si Ricky Lee tungkol sa plight ng ating mga OFW (overseas Filipino workers)? He started with “Miss X,” filmed in Amsterdam in The Netherlands with now Lipa City Mayor Vilma Santos in the title role. For an entire month, namalagi sa Amsterdam si Ricky kasama ang cast and crew ng pelikula. Naging simula ang Miss X ng ilang collaboration sa pagitan nila ng equally award-winning director na si Gil Portes. Ang next movie together nila ni direk Gil was Carnival In Rio, which was filmed naman in Rio de Janeiro. Alma Moreno, who was at the height of her popularity as a bold star then, played the lead role. Then came “Merika,” na isinapelikula naman sa New Jersey and New York with Nora Aunor playing the lead role. “Because of that movie,” ani Ricky, “I was able to explore New York, the city of my dream. After my travels to all these places, I wrote (direk) Gil a letter, thanking him for the rare chance he gave na marating ang mga lugar na ito na ’di ko Inakalang mararating ko,” pahayag ni Ricky. For Anak, which was filmed in Hong Kong, Ricky had the chance na makatrabaho muli si Vilma sa ibang bansa muli. This time, na-renew, wika nga, ang kanilang bonding. Ricky remembered that because Anak was a blockbuster, binigyan ng Star Cinema ng malaking bonus si Ate Vi. Nagulat daw siya when one day, he received a P40,000 check from the actress. Contribution daw ang pera ni Ate Vi sa isinagawa niyang workshop for aspiring scriptwriters…” – Nel A, The People’s Tonight, Aug 31 2005 (READ MORE)
Ang Galing-Galing Mo Mrs. Jones (1980) – “…Ang Galing Galing Mo Mrs. Jones (August 29, 1980) ng HPS Film Productions ang nagtampok kina Vi, Al Tantay, Mark Gil, Richard Romualdez, Anna Gonzales, Vic Silayan, Josephine Manuel, Anita Linda, Rodolfo Boy Garcia, Tintoy at Pepot sa panulat ni Toto Belano, iskrip ni Ruben Rustia at direksiyon ni Cirio H. Santiago…” – Alfonso Valencia (READ MORE)
The Natural Way – “…Yes, she’s 46 years old and yet still possesses a 36-25-36 vital statistics. Who wouldn’t flaunt this figure? “I’m confident with my body, and I love being in my 40s because I’ve proven that aging is never an excuse not to look sexy,” Carmi shares. Indeed, she even broke boundaries so she could inspire women to look their best and be more confident. This summer, Carmi is the only celebrity in her 40s wearing a swimsuit — a gold, sequined, cutout maillot — on her much-talked-about billboard along EDSA, Guadalupe. “Honestly, I was hesitant at first,” she says. “I had this feeling that I’m already 46, I don’t want to wear a swimsuit for the billboard. I felt like I was finished with that. But I was convinced because I trust the slimming center that I endorse. I’d like to encourage women and say that even in your 40s, you surely can! Marie France makes it possible,” she says. For 24 years, Marie France has set the bar higher in the slimming industry by introducing the latest, most innovative and highly advanced non-surgical treatments. “Their treatments are the best! My body has always been voluptuous since the ’80s, but as I age, my metabolism has slowed down and I started to get flab,” Carmi says. “I tried exercising, but it wasn’t enough. That’s why it’s important to get professional help with Marie France. I couldn’t achieve my desired body by myself.” So how did she achieve her billboard body? “I really prepared. I knew I could do it. In just three weeks, I’ve effortlessly maintained my 25-inch waistline and my curves. No surgery, no cuts. I love the natural way!” she says….” – The Philippine Star (READ MORE)
Bible Studies – “…Asked about the status of her lovelife, Carmi said she is not seeing anyone at the moment. She added, “Alam mo, minsan nga parang nakakaiyak, kasi that is my greatest dream, to have my own family,” she said. “I am still hoping that it will happen,” the 46-year-old actress said. She went on and shared some learning from her church, “Parang ‘yun ang ginagawa ko, eh, while waiting for something that you really like, you feel the empty jars that are surrounding you. “Meaning to say, use your talent. Don’t just sit there and wait parang feeling miserable. Kasi, sometimes, we feel miserable and desperate, di ba?” Carmi admitted that there are times when she can’t help but worry. “Kaya lang, minsan nagiging scary, parang ang nakikita ko ngayon, just like other women, mahirap humanap, most especially here in the Philippines. “Parang ang dami ‘atang either married, o ang gusto niya to marry another man, or babaero, o, masama ang ugali,” Carmi sighed. Carmi related that her experiences in previous relationships made her cautious in giving her heart away. “It’s the way I look at it, baka kasi ang hinahanap nila ‘yung challenging ganyan, ganyan.” Carmi said that she oftentimes has second thoughts about the true intentions of her suitors. And then she added, “…pagka andun naman ‘yung mabait, feeling ko boring!” Carmi burst out in a resounding laugh. She said her friends tell her she may be afraid of commitment. “My friends are saying, ‘Alam mo, tingin namin sa ‘yo, ganyan ganyan ka lang,’ pero mukha daw akong takot mag-asawa. Kasi, even in our bible studies pag naririnig ko na ‘yong mga hinanakit ng mga misis, ‘Naku ano ba iyan, ayaw ko marinig iyan!'” Whimsically she confessed, “Pero, I’m still dreaming, I’m still hoping, kasi ang gusto ko, eh, something. Nothing is permanent here in our world. But, I want something semi-permanent, someone who will be with you ’till the end of your life….” – Nica Tomines (READ MORE)
Gay Icon – “…Last year ay lumabas si Carmi sa dalawang malalaking pelikula ng Star Cinema: In The Name of Love bilang praning na politician’s wife at No Other Woman bilang girerang ina ni Cristine Reyes. “Naku, maraming bakla ang natutuwa sa akin! Ginagaya ang mga lines ko sa No Other Woman. “Naging gay icon tuloy ako bigla!” natatawang sabi niya. “Naging pambansang linya na ng mga legal na asawa ang linya ko na, ‘I-pack up mo na si Lucy Torres at ilabas mo na si Gretchen Barretto.’ “Ultimo sina Lucy at Gretchen natuwa sa dialogue na ‘yan! “Roles like that ay nagiging challenge pa rin sa akin. I give my best parati. “Dala ko pa rin ang mga natutunan ko from my mentors, especially from the late Lino Brocka. “Walang madaling role. Lagi mong isipin na may bago at doon ka matsa-challenge nang husto…” – Ruel J. Mendoza (READ MORE)
Si Carmi Martin ay isang Pilipinang aktres. Isa siyang miyembro ng GABRIELA sa Pilipinas. Siya ay kapansin pansin sa tangkad niya (5’7″). – Wikipedia (READ MORE)
Carmi Martin and Vilma Santos
The Healing (2012) – “…Stories about the Filipino tradition of going to faith healers for guidance and treatment of ailments have not yet been tackled in-depth in movies. And in our film, the viewers will not just be horrified, they’ll somehow be challenged to think as to how faith healing has already been part of our culture…” – ABS-CBN News (READ MORE)
Ayaw Kong Maging Kerida (1983) – “…I was so tense bago kami nagkaharap sa shooting. We worked na together about 30 years ago in ‘Ayaw Kong Maging Kerida’ with Romeo Vasquez, shot in the U.S. Ngayon lang kami uli nagkaharap and I wasn’t sure if she knew me. Pero napakabait niya. Suportahan kami sa aming eksena…” – Showbiz-Portal (READ MORE)
Honorarium – “…Torre relates that the “Bourne” team decided to shoot in the country after a Hollywood casting agent came across “Amigo” in the United States. Torre earlier auditioned for the “Bourne” role that went to “Amigo” costar John Arcilla. Concepcion didn’t clinch the role she tried out for, either. Still, the production found roles that suited Torre and Concepcion who were only too happy to take part in the international project. “I did it for the experience,” Torre admits. “It’s just a bit role, but it was worth it.” There was talk that bit players received a princely sum in dollars. “I didn’t do it for the money,” Torre exclaims. “We got an honorarium, in pesos, but we didn’t mind,” Concepcion says. More than anything, it was, for them, a rare opportunity to watch the making of a mainstream Hollywood movie up close. “It was a learning experience,” Torre points out. “They’re so organized.” It’s a process that local productions can emulate, he adds. “We didn’t wait long for setups. Since a lot of time is spent on preproduction, actual shoot goes smoothly.” “They’re perfectionists,” says Concepcion. “We kept repeating our brief sequence (a complicated chase scene on a foot bridge during rush hour). We spent two entire days shooting that scene.” “I think they wanted to cover all the angles so that when it’s time to edit, they have all the needed footage,” Torre notes…” – Bayani San Diego Jr. (READ MORE)
Filipino Filmmaker – “…Joel is not that comfortable. He appeals to the audience to please tell friends to watch the movie as it is running against the gigantic Transformers 3: Dark of the Moon and Harry Potter & the Deathly Hallows Part 2. A DepEd endorsement, nevertheless could help placate his fears. In August, Joel takes leave from his 100 Days to Heaven to promote Amigo targeting the Fil-Ams in New York, the East and West coasts and Honolulu. “I might be away for three weeks, but I think this is also very important. It’s for our history,” Joel states. “There are four million Filipinos out there, so if we can get only 20 percent of that population, that’s a big number to help the producers get their money back and be able to do another film…It is significant that John wrote Joel’s part with him in mind which he says he doesn’t get to do very often. Amigo is written in English (the military), Tagalog (Luzon natives), Spanish and Latin (Spaniard Yul Vasquez as Padre Hidalgo), and an entire scene with imported Chinese to speak Cantonese, with a predominance of Tagalog. As we watch we are taken in by the Tagalog dialogue as natives would deliver them, unsullied and trusting. Any Pinoy viewer here or in the Americas would be touched to the core. Small wonder, we find later in the website poet-writer Pete Lacaba credited for Tagalog translation. Bravo Pete! And likewise Bravo John Sayles who auditioned the Filipino cast in Tagalog admitting to us he did this on the basis of emotion. Truly, as film critic Joel David has written, “John Sayles transcends the boundaries of race and nationality so utterly and triumphantly that he can justifiably be called a major Filipino filmmaker…” – Bibsy M. Carballo (READ MORE)
Amigo – “…The actor is talking about starring in foreign indie films, the latest oif which is Deep Gold directed by Michael Gleissner. “Especially when you’re out of the country performing or working like when I did theater in New York…”There’s a certain…not really pressure, pero you wanna excel. You don’t wanna fool around, you just wanna do it right! “Parang dala-dala mo ‘yong, you know, raised pride na Pinoy ka, na especially sometimes you got to na, may pagka-racist din ‘yong iba, ‘A, you’re an actor of color.’ “You know there’s nothing to prove but you do it 110 percent. Sometimes I get too hard on myself, as experience has told me, ‘Don’t pressure yourself.’ “I just put…you know, you just put the pressure on yourself, na you’ve been too hard na. “Basta at the end of the day, just relax, take it easy, enjoy it, have fun. “Do your best and stop acting…’yong natural lang, which I really did try in Amigo.” Amigo is the indie film directed by John Sayles…” – Elli Alipio (READ MORE)
Joel TorreJoel Rizalino Torre was born in June 19, 1961 and raised Bacolod City, Philippines.He studied at the University of Saint La Salle in Bacolod City, Philippines and married to Christy Azcona. He owned JT Manukan Grille located at Quezon City.He was for best actor in the Cinemanila International Film Festival 2001 in the movie Batang West Side.In 1997 FAMAS Awards he was awarded for best supporting actor in the movie Mumbaki and in Gawad Urian Awards in year 2000 and 2002, he was for best actor and best supporting in the movie Batang West Sdie and Bayaning Third World. – Wikipilipinas (READ MORE)
Joel Torre and Vilma Santos
“…Ang mentor ni Vi sa pagiging direktor ay si Joel Torre. Nakapagdirek si Vi ng isang telemovie na may pamagat na Lazarito kung saan tampok dito sina Dawn Zulueta, Ariel Rivera at Tom Taus, Jr…Kabilang naman sa ginawang telemovie ni Vi ay ang Lamat Sa Kristal, Katuparan, Once There Was A Love, Correctional, Bugso at Maalaala Mo Kaya: Regalo episode…” – Alfonso Valencia (READ MORE)
The Healing (2012) – “…Stories about the Filipino tradition of going to faith healers for guidance and treatment of ailments have not yet been tackled in-depth in movies. And in our film, the viewers will not just be horrified, they’ll somehow be challenged to think as to how faith healing has already been part of our culture…” – ABS-CBN News (READ MORE)
Anak (2000) – “…Other important movies of the year 2000:…”Anak” (Star Cinema). The year’s most successful move sometimes leans toward the mawkish, the result perhaps of its director’s protracted work on TV where the success of productions is determined by how well they can populate an episode with bathos and melodrama the better to maintain the ratings and keep the advertisers coming. But in honest look at the domestic wages of migrant labor and the utterly moving performances of Vilma Santos and Baron Geisler, it is a signigicant movie…” – Lito Zulueta (READ MORE)
Lipa Massacre (1994) – “…Vilma Santos finally gets her wish to star in a massacre movie under director Carlo Caparas with her role as Helen Arandia in the Lipa Massacre. The film is about the Arandia family tragedy (a mother and her two daughters were killed by a neighbor while Mr. Arandia was abroad). Congressman Ralph Recto plays himself in the movie. Vilma had to forego a trip abroad to shoot another film just to help promote this massacre movie. Producer Donna Villa is all praises for Vi’s professionalism and her concern for this movie. Playing Mr Arandia is Joel Torre, who has become a favorite of the Golden Lions couple after he worked with them in the Antipolo Massacre. The Lipa Massacre movie will have a playdate on November 9. Donna and Carlo are now ready with their new movie…” – Norma Japitana, Manila Standard, Nov 2 1994 (READ MORE)
The Healing (2012) – “…Stories about the Filipino tradition of going to faith healers for guidance and treatment of ailments have not yet been tackled in-depth in movies. And in our film, the viewers will not just be horrified, they’ll somehow be challenged to think as to how faith healing has already been part of our culture…” – ABS-CBN News (READ MORE)
Vilma is back in a genre she successfully done before.
Haplos (1982) – “…Al (Christopher De Leon) is a balikbayan who returns to his former hometown where his mother is buried. There he meets his childhood friend Cristy (Vilma Santos) who works as a counselor for family planning. Eventually they develop a romantic relationship and end up as a couple. However, a mysterious lady appears one day while Al tends to his mother’s grave. Al falls in love with the stranger and is now torn between her and Cristy. Haplos is another cinematic masterpiece by famed screenwriter Ricardo Lee. It is the official entry to the 1982 Metro Manila Film Festival. With Vilma Santos and Christopher De Leon in the lead roles and supported by Rio Locsin, Haplos is a brilliant movie with a mind-boggling twist in the story. It’s a must-see for all Pinoy film buffs…” – neTVision (READ MORE)
A ghost living in a delapidated house near a cemetary.
Kamay na Gumagapang (1974) – “…Pablo S. Gomez is one of the top komiks writers in the Philippines. He is also a movie scriptwriter and director. His most popular works include Kurdapya, Petrang Kabayo, among others…Among the prolific writers in the Philippines, Gomez created more than 1,000 komiks novels and stories. Some 300 of which were given film adaptations by movie studios like Sampaguita Pictures, Lea Productions, FPJ Productions, Seiko Films, Viva Films, and Regal Films…In the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s, his list of works that became blockbuster movies were…Kampanerang Kuba (1973), Kamay na Gumagapang (1974)…” – Wikipedia (READ MORE)
Serialized in Pilipino Komiks, its a scary story about a “live” hand.
Lipad Darna Lipad! (1973) – “…First episode: “Ang Impakta,” starring Gloria Romero as Miss Luna, Narda’s school teacher who has a dark secret. She is actually a flying blood sucking creature at night. In this thrilling episode she knows the secret identity of Narda. The most memorable part was when Ms. Luna asked Narda to help her with some paper works. Little that she know, while she was busy checking the papers Ms. Luna excused herself, she then went to the next room and transformed into a scary vampire. Ding found out that Ms. Luna is the vampire and Narda forgot to bring the magical stone , he rushed to her sister who then was being strugled by the monster. As soon as he got there, he threw the stone to her much terrified sister and she immediately changed to Darna. Followed was the famous aerial fight scene. Nanette Medved and Bing Loyzaga tried to copy the infamous fight scene in 1990 Viva films Darna. Episode one was directed by Maning Borlaza….” – Eric Cueto (READ MORE)
The first episode of the trilogy, a scary flying vampire played by Gloria Romero fights the super heroine, Darna.
Anak ng Asuwang (1973) – “…featuring the Vilma/Gloria mother and daughter team had to be made. Gloria reprised her role as the vampire minus Darna. Vilma was her “doomed” daughter. Gloria was so identified as Impakta that when the second Darna flick cameabout she have to do do a cameo appearance!…” – Mario Garces (READ MORE)
Deglamorized veteran movie queen Gloria Romero played the vampire villain to Vilma Santos, the late Leopoldo Salcedo played Vi’s father.
Hatinggabi Na, Vilma (1972) – “…Joey re-emerged in the movie scene in 1972, bristling with fresh ideas. This time he made a big gamble by helping his brother Victor and some friends put up Sine Pilipino, the company that would revolutionize trends in local movie-making. SP specializes in campy, stylish movies with imperative, three-word titles: Takbo, Vilma, Dali; Hatinggabi na, Vilma; Zoom, Zoom Superman!l; Si Popeye Atbp.; and Sunugin Ang Samar. Except for the last mentioned which was an action saga, the four SP flicks were spoofs characterized by madness. They revived the all-star casting system, lumping together in one movie several big stars. The flicks made money. Joey Gosiengfiao had his “sweet revenge.” “It was not easy for us in the beginning,” Joey relates. “Just before the showing of our first film, Takbo, Vilma Dali!, Martial Law was declared. There were no newspapers then so we had to post bills all over the city, hanggang Pasay nagdidikit kami nina Douglas. We also distributed hand bills. Sa awa ng Diyos, kumita ang pelikula…” – Expressweek, December 12 1974 (READ MORE)
Vilma Santos teamed up with Barbara Perez, the late Joey Gongsiengfia directs.
Curtains down “…Dolphy, or Rodolfo Quizon Sr., passed away Tuesday at 8:34 p.m., at the Makati Medical Center (MMC), thus ending one of the longest and most colorful lives and careers in Philippine show business history. He was 83 and about to turn 84 on July 25. Eric Quizon, one of Dolphy’s sons, gave the following statement to the news media at the MMC at about midnight: “He lived a full life. He’s at rest. He’s at peace. He knew as he was going how much the country loved him. He knew how everyone was praying for him. And if he could, he would have stayed just so he could thank you personally. But where his spirit was strong, his body had so weakened. He had to go. “Pray for his eternal repose and in his honor, please smile at the person standing next to you. Heaven is a happier place with him there. And for us whom he’s left behind, comedy is dead but long live comedy,” Eric added. Dolphy starred in over 100 movies, including several reprising his lovable lead character in John en Marsha, a popular, long-running television show. He is survived by 18 children by six different women….” – GMA News (READ MORE)
Dolphy and Vilma Santos
“…Batangas Governor Vilma Santos, who’s now identified with ABS-CBN, told the Inquirer: “The whole country is saddened by the news. He was simple but someone with a big heart for Filipinos. He entertained us for over 60 years.” The actress-politician recalled that she first shared the screen with Dolphy when she was a child star. “I worked with him and the late comedians Panchito and Chichay when I was 11 years old in the Sampaguita movie ‘King and Queen for a Day.’ That was 1963…” – Bayani San Diego Jr, Philippine Daily Inquirer, Jul 12 2012 (READ MORE)
Dolphy and Vilma Santos did four films together (King and Queen for a Day (1963), Pag-ibig masdan ang ginawa mo (1968), Happy Days Are Here Again (1974), Buhay Artista Ngayon (1979)). The first one was in her first year in show biz and in a Dolphy-Chichay film. After six years, the two reunited in one of early films of Nida Blanca and Dolphy. The film was sort of about family planning and birth control. Vi was in minor role and one of the child actors featured in the film. They followed this up with minor roles in the Cirio Santiago’s all-star-cast film. By later part of 1970s, both Dolphy and Vilma became a regular staples in award shows receiving several trophies as box office king and queen. Finally, after almost a decade from their last outings and no longer his film daughter, Dolphy and Vilma did their last film (to this day), this time, Vilma played the leading lady, in a film, ironically, about show business. Also, that year, Doply became the only male actor who portrayed Darna, the female comic-super-heroine in Darna Kuno. Not to be undone, Vilma will reprise the role the following year in her fourth and final film as Darna in Darna at Ding. At present time, both superstars made headlines as contenders for Philippines’ National Artists honors. Vilma respectfully and publicly asked for Dolphy to confer the title ahead of her. – RV
Curtains down “…Dolphy, or Rodolfo Quizon Sr., passed away Tuesday at 8:34 p.m., at the Makati Medical Center (MMC), thus ending one of the longest and most colorful lives and careers in Philippine show business history. He was 83 and about to turn 84 on July 25. Eric Quizon, one of Dolphy’s sons, gave the following statement to the news media at the MMC at about midnight: “He lived a full life. He’s at rest. He’s at peace. He knew as he was going how much the country loved him. He knew how everyone was praying for him. And if he could, he would have stayed just so he could thank you personally. But where his spirit was strong, his body had so weakened. He had to go. “Pray for his eternal repose and in his honor, please smile at the person standing next to you. Heaven is a happier place with him there. And for us whom he’s left behind, comedy is dead but long live comedy,” Eric added. Dolphy starred in over 100 movies, including several reprising his lovable lead character in John en Marsha, a popular, long-running television show. He is survived by 18 children by six different women….” – GMA News (READ MORE)
Order of the Golden Heart “…According to Malacañang, the Order of the Golden Heart was set up in 1954 by the late President Ramon Magsaysay to recognize individuals who have rendered distinguished service or given material aid to improve the condition of the masses. After the ceremony, Dolphy elicited laughter again when his family was called to be photographed with the President. As some of his children like Zia (his child with Padilla), actors Van Dolph (with former partner, actress Alma Moreno) and Rolly and Epi Quizon joined him onstage, Dolphy told the audience that he had many children, including seven based in the United States and one in Australia…Dolphy told reporters he could ask for nothing more. Of Mr. Aquino, he said: “I didn’t realize till now that our President was such a good man. I threw stones at him last election; now he gave me bread? this award, for which I will always be thankful.?…” – Christine O. Avendaño (READ MORE)
The Father “…Like any father, I have but one desire: to see to it that my family is fully satisfied. I always feel extremely happy when all my children typify the healthy and spirited youth. I’m proud to say that I’ve no problems with my five boys and lone daughter. They lead a normal life like most anybody, in spite of my being celebrity.” Dolphy mused…” – Nap AlipFoto Play, March 1969 (READ MORE)
Kung down na, huwag mo nang sipain – “…Hindi ako nakikialam sa pulitika. Kay Cory ka o loyalist ka, pareho sa akin. Mabut may freedom of speech na ngayon. Meron nga ba?,” he shoots back but answers himself. “Sa palagay ko talagang meron. Nakakatuwa yung si Hadji Alejandro at Florante, nakita ko minsan sa TV kumakanta…”…In this warm and genteel manner, Dolphy in all candor tell us how it saddens him that people who wield tremedous press power will go to gross entents just to malign, insult and shame…we countered that probably the mean crowd was a paid one and that they were there so that there would be a story to print. Maybe the headlines and the front page as it eventually did. “Bakit naman ganoon,” Dolphy said in grief and disdain. “Eh kasal naman noong tao. Naiinis lang ako ng ganoon. Kung down na, huwag mo nang sipain. Down na e. Hindi matgil ang pagjujuntahan tungkol sa artista maski sa programa sa TV, hindi naman isusulat pirmi yung kabutihan e di ba?” “huwag kang magagalit ha,” he takes a care not to be rude and continues, “pero mas masarap isulat yung baho. Wala namang hahanapan ng baho kung di artista lnag. Parang ganoon na ang silipan, hindi ba?” We claim that there has not been anything harmful said about him lately, that he is still respected. “Kung tungkol sa akin,” he comments disinterestedly, “tinatanog ko muna kung mabuti o masama. Kung masama hindi ko na binabasa. Sisirain ko yung araw ko.” Wala naman sinulat na masama pa, tungkol sa iyo,” we insists. “Anong wala,” he answers calmly without changing his mild voice tone, “ang dami dami na. Ngayon na lang siguro kaunti dahil wala na silang maisulat. Wala nang makitang hanggang sa pinatay na nga ako hindi ba?…” – Ada Dacay de leon, Weekend June 22 1986 (READ MORE)
John en Marsha “…In 1952, Dolphy met producer Dr. Jose “Doc” Perez of Sampaguita Pictures upon the recommendation of actor Pancho Magalona, father of the late rapper Francis Magalona. Dolphy said his first movie was Sa Isang Sulyap Mo, Tita, with Pancho Magalona and Tita Duran in 1953. Since then, Dolphy made more than 230 movies, including films based on komiks characters like Jack and Jill, Silveria, Captain Barbell, and Facifica Falayfay. “When I joined Sampaguita, my fee was P1,000 per movie. When my contract expired, P7,000 per picture na ako,” he said. He said he started on TV in the 1960s upon the invitation of ABS-CBN big boss Eugenio “Geny” Lopez, Sr. His first TV show was Buhay Artista, based on an idea of Mr. Lopez. “Sa radio, my talent fee was P250-P300 per program. On TV, my talent fee was a little bit higher, P500 per show,” he said. But his biggest TV program was John en Marsha, a sitcom that featured him and actress Nida Blanca as husband and wife. The show ran for 17 years until 1990, and spawned eight movie versions. “Ang success ng John en Marsha sa TV nag-translate sa big screen. I think ito lang ang local TV show na naisalin sa pelikula ng pinakamaraming beses. [The success of John en Marsha translated to the big screen. I think, this is the only local TV show that has been made into movie the most number of times],” he said. Dolphy admits that whenever he remembers John en Marsha, he can not help but feel sad about the death of Ms. Blanca, who was murdered nine years ago. The case remains unresolved. “As movie partners, we were a match made in heaven,” Dolphy said. “Magaling siya. Mayro’n kaming chemistry. Kung ano ang kaya ko, kaya niya, and vice-versa. OK kami sa comedy, sa musicals, sa drama. [She was excellent. We had chemistry. What I could do, she could also do, and vice-versa. We were OK in doing comedy, musicals, and drama].” “When she died, I felt bad. She does not deserve that kind of death,” he added….” – Jeffrey O. Valisno (READ MORE)
A Thesis “…While Dolphy’s iconic popularity has largely been appended to the roles or characterizations he has played over the years, and has been mainly, if not stereotypically, attributed to his personal exploits, this paper explores how this comic image, superimposed on the media hype that surrounds Dolphy’s own colorful life, moves beyond his career’s longevity or the controversies therein. Dolphy’s long and significant comic history in Philippine cinema has become a virtual template of what succeeds by way of the comic in Philippine popular visual media. While the predictability of his comedy petrifies him and ultimately limits the possible transformative value of his comedy, and while his reign as “king of Philippine comedy” is an appellation that may have begun as media hype, Dolphy can still be rightly valorized as “king” for the moment, for opening comic spaces for transgression/aggression in Philippine life…” – Maria Rhodora G. Ancheta (READ MORE)
Rodolfo Vera Quizon, Sr. (born July 25, 1928), known by his screen name Dolphy, is a Filipino comedian-actor in the Philippines. He is widely regarded as the country’s “King of Comedy” for his comedic talent embodied by his long roster of works on stage, radio, television and movies…In November 2010, President Benigno Aquino III conferred the Grand Collar of the Order of the Golden Heart to Dolphy – the highest award given to a private citizen by the President of the Philippines – for his contributions to the entertainment industry and for his charitable and philanthropic works. – Wikipedia (READ MORE)
Dolphy and Vilma Santos
“…Batangas Governor Vilma Santos, who’s now identified with ABS-CBN, told the Inquirer: “The whole country is saddened by the news. He was simple but someone with a big heart for Filipinos. He entertained us for over 60 years.” The actress-politician recalled that she first shared the screen with Dolphy when she was a child star. “I worked with him and the late comedians Panchito and Chichay when I was 11 years old in the Sampaguita movie ‘King and Queen for a Day.’ That was 1963…” – Bayani San Diego Jr, Philippine Daily Inquirer, Jul 12 2012 (READ MORE)
Messages from Tito Dolfs – “…Pero even that time, tuwing gumagawa ako ng special for Vilma, nu’ng araw, lagi akong may nakukuhang message from Tito Dolfs. So ‘yun ang mga encounter ko kay Tito Dolfs,” bungad ni Gov. Vilma sa alaala niya sa Comedy King. “Kasi si Tito Dolfs… Lahat ng kagandahan, lahat ng puwede nating masabing pagpuri kay Tito Dolfs ay… Ako, papatunayan ko rin. Nakasama ko siya ng dalawang beses. Totoo lahat ‘yon! Even the time that we were together, si Tito Dolfs, talagang ano eh. Malayo sa personal. Tahimik siya sa personal eh. One liner. ‘Yung akala mo, walang kibo. ‘Pag bibitiw ng salita, talagang tatawa ka! Hindi siya ‘yung maingay na klase porke sasabihin mong komedyante na maingay, hindi eh. Ang layo eh! “He’s a quiet person. Deep. Pero minsan, ‘pag magkukuwentuhan kayo, biglang sisingit ‘yon. One liner lang, pero tatawa kayong lahat…” – Jun Nardo (READ MORE)
Dolphy and Vilma Santos did four films together. The first one was in her first year in show biz and in a Dolphy-Chichay film. After six years, the two reunited in one of early films of Nida Blanca and Dolphy. The film was sort of about family planning and birth control. Vi was in minor role and one of the child actors featured in the film. They followed this up with minor roles in the Cirio Santiago’s all-star-cast film. By later part of 1970s, both Dolphy and Vilma became a regular staples in award shows receiving several trophies as box office king and queen. Finally, after almost a decade from their last outings and no longer his film daughter, Dolphy and Vilma did their last film (to this day), this time, Vilma played the leading lady, in a film, ironically, about show business. Also, that year, Doply became the only male actor who portrayed Darna, the female comic-super-heroine in Darna Kuno. Not to be undone, Vilma will reprise the role the following year in her fourth and final film as Darna in Darna at Ding. At present time, both superstars made headlines as contenders for Philippines’ National Artists honors. Vilma respectfully and publicly asked for Dolphy to confer the title ahead of her. – RV
King and Queen for a Day (1963) – “…Pangkaraniwang papel niya ang Everyman na mula sa karalitaan ay humahantong sa tagumpay – at lover boy pa, tulad sa mga sumusunod na pelikula: “King And Queen For A Day” (1963), “Rodolfo Valentino” at “Tayo’y Mag-Up Up And Away” (1970). Matagal siyang nakakontrata sa Sampaguita, pero nang magsara ang pangunahing movie company ay gumawa si Dolphy sa iba’t bang studio, tulad ng Lea Productions at Regal Films, at sa sariling RVQ Productions…” – Mario A. Hernando (READ MORE)
Pag-ibig masdan ang ginawa mo (1968) – “…Here’s the picture with the secret formula for birth control…”Pag-ibig Masdan Ang Ginawa Mo (September 7, 1969) ng RVQ Productions ang pinangunahan nina Vi, Dolphy, Nida Blanca, Panchito, Myrna Delgado, Katy de la Cruz, Bayani Casimiro, Rolly Quizon, Georgie Quizon at Teroy de Guzman. Ito ay sa iskrip at direksiyon ni Luciano B. Carlos at istorya ni Dan Quizon…” – Alfonso Valencia (READ MORE)
Happy Days Are Here Again (1974) – “…In 1974, the Big 3 studios of the 50s, LVN Pictures, Sampaguita Pictures and Premiere Productions reproduced a full-length movie showcasing a compilation of the musical comedies produced by the three studios. It was a painstaking job for the researchers since most of the best musicals produced by the three studios were either lost or destroyed. At the start of the project, director Lamberto V. Avellana was supposed to direct the film but eventually replaced by Ciro Santiago after so many changes in the project including the script. He ended up as consultant of the movie. The film was HAPPY DAYS ARE HERE AGAIN, with brief narrations by movie stars like Gloria Romero, Nida Blanca, Susan Roces, Leopoldo Salcedo, Jaime de la Rosa, Eddie Gutierrez, Tirso Cruz III, Pugo, German Moreno and Ike Lozada…” – Pelikula Atbp (READ MORE)
Buhay Artista Ngayon (1979) – “…Talagang poor second lang noon si Vilma kay Nora Aunor, subali’t nang gawin niya ang trilogy film ng Sine Pilipino na Lipad Darna Lipad ay talagang lumipad ng husto ang kanyang box office appeal. Sinundan pa ito ng mga pelikulang Takbo Vilma Dali at Hatinggabi Na Vilma. Anupa’t itinambal din si Vilma sa mga matured leading man na katulad nina Eddie Rodriguez sa mga pelikulang Nakakahiya, Hindi Nakakahiya Part 2 kung saan nagkamit siya ng Best Actress Award sa 1st Bacolod City Film Festival at Simula Ng Walang Katapusan, Dante Rivero sa Susan Kelly Edad 20, Chiquito sa Teribol Dobol, Dolphy sa Buhay Artista Ngayon, Joseph Estrada sa King Khayan & I, Fernando Poe Jr. sa Batya’t Palu Palo at Bato Sa Buhangin, Jun Aristorenas sa Mapagbigay Ang Mister Ko, Dindo Fernando sa Langis at Tubig at Muling Buksan Ang Puso at Romeo Vasquez sa Nag-aapoy Na Damdamin, Dalawang Pugad Isang Ibon, Pulot Gata Pwede Kaya at Pag-ibig Ko Sa ‘Yo Lang Ibibigay…” – Alfonso Valencia (READ MORE)
The 5th Makati Cinemanila Film Competition is at its most exciting yet, with 16 films from around the globe competing for the top prizes. Awards at stake are the Grand Prize Lino Brocka Award, to be conferred by an international jury of prominent film personalities, the Network for the Promotion of Asian Cinema (NETPAC) Award, the Grand Jury Prize, the Ishmael Bernal Award for Young/Alternative Cinema, Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Documentary, Best Short Film, Best Screenplay, and the Special Jury Prize. The 5th Makati Cinemanila International Film Festival will be formally opened with the awarding of Lifetime Achievement Awards to Filipino-American Hollywood Stars Lou Diamond Philips, Tia Carrere, Rob Schneider, Dean Devlin and Fritz Friedman for their efforts in the plight of Filipino war veterans and their outstanding careers in world entertainment. The opening films are Filipino-American director Gene Cajayon’s “The Debut” and the Philippine premiere of “City of God” by Fernando Meirelles from Brazil. Fellow Lifetime Achievement Awardees are the Star for All Seasons Philippine actress Vilma Santos and Indonesian actress and activist Christine Hakim. Other special guests at this year’s festival are Brazilian director Fernando Meirelles and Czech director Petr Zelenka, Malaysian director U-wei Haju Saari, Scripwriter Prabda Yoon from Thailand, Indonesian director Garin Nugroho and many more. – Makati Cinemanila Film Competion, Philippine Daily Inquirer, Aug 7, 2003 (READ MORE)
Cinemanila best actress and Lipa City Mayor Vilma Santos says she has three options for 2004: to run for reelection, to run for governor of Batangas province, or not to run at all. The Star for all Seasons said this Thursday night after she won the best actress prize for her performance in Chito Rono’s “Dekada ’70,” during Thursday night’s Makati 2003 Cinemanila International Film Festival awards at Onstage in Greenbelt, Makati. Santos said she is taking her time to decide about her political plans, “because being a public official is not an easy job.” “I also have other roles in life that are equally demanding and tiring,” she said in Pilipino. “If I ran in 2004, that would mean I have to prepare myself physically and emotionally for another three years of public service,” Vilma later told Inquirer Entertainment, in a telephone interview the day after the awards night. “It’s not that easy becauise I am also a mother to two boys, and a wife to a senator,” pointed out the wife of Senator Ralph Recto. She and the senator have a 7-year-old son, Ryan Christian. VJ and television host Luis Manzano, 22 is Santos’ son with actor Edu Manzano. Recto was congressman of the fourth and largest district of Batangas province from 1992 to 2001 before he was elected senator in 2001. “As an actress, I am also constrained to my fans, who have stood by me through the years,” said Santos. “That’s why I choose my movies very carefully. I make sure the movies I make have social relevance.” Her best actress win for “Dekada ’70” is her second international acting trophy. She was also the best actress at teh 1999 Brussels International Film Festival in Belgium, for “Bata Bata, Paano Ka Ginawa?” which Rono also directed. “I’m very thankful that people appreciate my work, even if I only make one movie a year, by honoring me with awards like this,” Santos said of her triumph in the Cinemanila film fest. She said that a new movie, which is not as “heavy” as “Dekada ’70” and “Bata, Bata,” is now being planned for her. – Marinel R. Cruz, Philippine Daily Inquirer, Aug 24 2003 (READ MORE)
“There is a great need for films that reflect the current human condition,” said National Artist for Film Eddie Romero, guest of honor of the Makati Cinemanila 2003 International Film Festival awards ceremony last Thursday. “Film is the most powerful medium of the century. It is the great gulf that divides countries, but is also the great thing that binds them together.” Romero led other filmmakers, critics and film producers from different parts of the world in paying tribute to films on life’s various realities, during the two hour awards show at Onstage theater in Makati. Vilma Santos won the Best Actress award for her portrayal of the timid mother empowered by the death of her son in Chito Rono’s period drama, “Dekada ’70.” She acknowledged the film’s producer, Star Cinema, for continuously producing “non-traditional” films like “Dekada ’70,” and Lualhati Bautista, who wrote the screenplay.
Shared honors: Brazilian director Fernando Meirelles’ “City of God,” set on the mean streets of a Rio de Janeiro slum in the Cidade de Deus (City of God) housing project, shared the Grand Jury Prize with Sabu’s “Blessing Bell” of Japan, about a man’s journey from poverty to riches, and from honor to despair. The Turkish film “Distant (Usak),” by Nuri Bilge Ceylan, copped the grand prize, the Lino Brocka Award, for feature films. “Distant,” about the relationship between a melancholic and obssessive middle-aged photographer and his cousin, an unemployed country boy who comes to Istanbul to look for a job on a ship, was also the winner of the Jury Prize at the Cannes International Film Festival earlier this year.
Israel, India: “Dekada ’70” also won the Net-work for the Promotion of Asian Cinema (Netpac) Special Jury Award for Rono, who shared the honor with Elia Suleiman, director of the silent comedy “Divine Intervention,” which talks of living in Israel in time of war. Suleiman shared the Best Screenplay Award with India’s Apama Sen, director and writer of “Mr. and Mrs. Iyer.” which tackles India’s religious and ethnic violence.” Australian actor David Gulpelil was Best Actor for his portrayal of the resourceful aboriginal tracker in pursuit of a man accussed of the murder of a white woman in Rolf de Heer’s “The Tracker.” Niki Caro’s coming-of-age film, “Whale Rider,” took home the Special Jury Prize. A social commentary on police brutality, “Binyag (Baptism),” won the Ishmael Bernal Award for Young Cinema. The 15-minute films by Mariami Tanangco shows the dark side of the police force where summary execution is said to be practiced.
Lifetime achievements: Sockie Fernandez’s “Flames” won the best short film award, and Ditsi Carolino’s “Life on Tracks” (Riles) the best documentary award. Carolino, whose work was first screened at the Brussels film fest in 1996, said she and her crew lived for four months in the slums in Balic-balic in Manila to do the documentary. Indonesian actress Christine Hakim received a lifetime achievement award. Hakim, who has appeared in over 30 films, founded a non-goverment organization bearing her name which gives milk to undernourished Indonesian schools and assists poor Indonesian teachers. Host Eddie Mercado entertained the audience during the show’s many awkward gaps, with very litle help from co-hosts Nanette Inventor and Paulo Trillo, who both seemed to read from their cue cards too much. Members of the rock legend Asin band showed young singer Jay-R and the quartet Streamline how to hold the audience in the palm their hads through their songs from “Pag-ibig, Pagbabago, Pagpapatuloy…,” the first Asin album since 1983. Actress Ara Mina kept the audience expecially the males, enthralled, not so much with her singing of “Ayayay Pag-Ibig” but with her tight-fitting top and pants. – Marinel R. Cruz, Philippine Daily Inquirer, Aug 24 2003 (READ MORE)
“…Vilma Santos, winner of seven best actress awards from Urian, five from the Famas where she is also a Hall of Famer, and various Star and Film Academy of the Philippines awards, was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the 5th Makati Cinemanila International Film Festival, during the opening rites last Thursday at Onstage in Greenbelt 1, Makati. Santos’ film career spans several decades starting with “Trudis Liit” at age nine for Sampaguita Pictures. She metamorphosed into a popular star in the ’70s, rivaled only by the Superstar Nora Aunor, and went on to become a highly respected multi-awarded actress. Some of her memorable films are “Relasyon,” “Broken marriage,” “Ikaw ay Akin,” “Pahiram ng Isang Umaga,” all directed by the Ishmael Bernal; “Sister Stella L, ” by Mike de Leon; “Rubia Serbios,” by the late LIno Brocka; “Ipapatawad Mo,” by Laurice Guillen; “Pagputi ng Uwak, Pagitim ng Tagak,” and “Burlesk Queen,” by Celso Ad Castillo; “Bata, Bata, Paano Ka Ginawa,” and “Dekada ’70” by Chito Rono which will be reshown at Cinemanila. She has also appeared in films by Eddie Garcia, Elwood Perez, Emmanuel Borlaza, Rory Quintos and Marilou Diaz Abaya. On television, Santos had one of the longest running musical variety shows, as well as a TV drama series. Married to Sen. Ralph Recto, she has two sons and is on her second term as mayor of Lipa City, Batangas. She was joined at Cinemanila’s opening rites by Fil-Am actors from Hollywood Tia Carrere and Lou Diamond Phillips and Indonesian actress Christine Hakim, the first Indonesian to sit on the jury of the Cannes Film Festival. They were also awarded lifetime achievement award. The 5th Makati Cinemanila Itnernational Film Festival runs from Aug. 7-24, at the Greenbelt Cinemas, Ayala Center, Makati…” – Philippine Daily Inquirer, Aug 8, 2003 (READ MORE)
“…Actress and Lipa City Mayor Vilma Santos, whose film career spans several decades starting when she was 9 in “Trudis Liit,” also received a lifetime achievement award on Thursday…Carrere, the first Filipino-American actress to become a Hollywood star, appearing with the likes of Arnold Schqarzeneger and Sean Connery in the movies, said her rise to stardom had been difficult. “Its was not easy fighting prejudice against the color of our skin,” she said as she accepted her award. “I work hard to represent you out there.” Carrere, who born to a Filipino father from Cebu, has more than 40 movies to her name and a hit US television series, “Relick Hunter.” Phillips dedicated his award to his mother, saying “I’d like to believe that I’m one her lifetime achievements.” The actor, who was born in Subic Bay Freeport in Zambales, starred in “The Big Hit,” “Bats,” “La Bamba,” and played with A-list actors Denzel Washington and Meg Ryan in “Courage Under Fire.” Also present during the ceremony was Filipino-American director Gene Cajayon. His feature film “The Debut” is the first Filipino-American movie released by Sony Pictures. It was shown for the first time in the Philippines as the opening film of the festival…” – Marinel R. Cruz, Philippine Daily Inquirer, Aug 10, 2003 (READ MORE)
“…Gagawin ko po lahat kahit ano, gumaling lang po ako…” – Cookie (Kim Chiu)
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Basic Information: Direction: Chito Roño; Cast: Vilma Santos, Kim Chiu, Pokwang, Mark Gil, Martin del Rosario, Allan Paule, Cris Villanueva, Daria Ramirez, Ces Quesada, Ynez Veneracion, Simon Ibarra, Abi Bautista, Joel Torre, Chinggay Alonso, Mon Confiado, Carmi Martin; Production Co.: Star Cinema; Release Date: July 25 2012
Plot Description: “…Stories about the Filipino tradition of going to faith healers for guidance and treatment of ailments have not yet been tackled in-depth in movies. And in our film, the viewers will not just be horrified, they’ll somehow be challenged to think as to how faith healing has already been part of our culture…” – ABS-CBN News (READ MORE)
Film Achievement:9th USTv Students’ Choice Awards – Best Local Full-Length Film – Star Cinema/ABS-CBN Film Productions; PMPC Star Awards 2012: 11 Nominations – Movie of the Year – Star Cinema; Movie Director of the Year – Chito Roño; Movie Actress of the Year – Vilma Santos; Movie Supporting Actress of the Year – Kim Chiu; Child Performer of the Year – Abby Bautista; Movie Screenwriter of the Year – Roy Iglesias; Movie Cinematographer of the Year – Charlie Peralta; Movie Production Designer of the Year – Erick Torralba, Richard Somes, Fritz Silorio; Movie Musical Scorer of the Year – Jerrold Tarog; Movie Editor of the Year – Jerrold Tarog; Movie Sound Engineer of the Year – Mike Idioma
100-million mark – Heavy rains may have flooded Luzon but that didn’t hinder to the success of Chito Rono’s most recent masterpiece “The Healing“. While expected to reach the 100-million mark, The Healing as of it’s 3rd week has grossed P85.96 million in ticket sales. The Healing actually started with an awesome 7-day gross at P80 million as reported by Star Cinema and P74.39 according to Box Office Mojo Philippines. That’s only a 6-million difference, but let’s say we consider P80 million as the first week gross of The Healing. After riding that week of wave of success, The Healing began to see a decrease in the box office earnings which may be caused by the storm that entered the country about two weeks ago (while the film was on it’s second week). And with Star Cinema’s The Reunion coming into theaters this week! I’m not sure if The Healing can still make it to the 100-million mark. Two other factors are Disney’s Brave (with 55-Million 2 weeks gross) and Philippines’ most awaited Hollywood movie event “The Bourne Legacy” which raked P110-million on its first week. Additionally, MTRCB’s two film rating cuts for The Healing (R13) and The Healing R18 might have affected their earnings. Like seriously! The malls where I went to watch The Healing are so damn strict that they looked for any identification/certification that I’m 18. Going back, the movie was given a grade “A” by the Cinema Evaluation Board and was well-received by moviegoers and even the country’s top critics. “The Healing” is starring Vilma Santos, Kim Chiu, Janice de Belen, Mark Gil, Martin del Rosario, Jhong Hilario, Allan Paule, Cris Villanueva, Daria Ramirez, Ces Quesada, Ynez Veneracion, Simon Ibarra, Abby Bautista, Joel Torre, Chinggoy Alonso, Mon Confiado, Carmi Martin and Pokwang. The Healing is still on its 4th week! – Mark Glenn Cabrera (READ MORE)
‘This one’s really made for Ate Vi’ – “…Horror is one of those genres na hindi talaga siya kumukupas. Once it’s done well, everybody loves to watch horror movies. Kahit na ako. masaya siya eh. Lalo na pag may matatakutin kang kaibigan, ang sarap (laughs). It’s an experience na like no other. It’s like comedy where tawa kayo ng tawa. Kasi kapag iiyak ka, medyo nahihiya ka pa. pero this one’s really made for Ate Vi. Talagang role tailor made for her. Matagal na niyang hiningi ito,” he shares during The Healing’s bloggers conference held last July 23 at the ABS-CBN compound. Direk Chito says he and Vilma had talked about making a movie together as early as three years ago. After doing movies like Bata, bata Pano Ka Ginawa? and Dekada 70, The Healing is their reunion movie after almost ten years. He adds the multi-awarded actress has already proven her worth after 50 years in showbiz. “This is our fourth movie. I’ve always said na nakita ko na ang galing ng isang Vilma Santos sa ilang dekada, sa ang daming great movies na nagawa. Parang she’s one of those people na kailangan pa ba niya i-prove ulit? Yung parang I know she now always demands for something na medyo mas substantial. Huwag naman yung mediocre. Sabi ko the concept of the movie is bagay na sa stature niya. We’ve seen her do a lot of great scenes in most of her movies. The famous monologue scenes, the famous long takes. Ate Vi yan pag sinabi mong three pages na monologue, automatic na yan sa showbiz. Bihira na lang sa industriya yung kaya gawin yan. I’m very happy na pumayag si Ate Vi na ensemble ang pelikula…” – Push, 25 Jul 2009 (READ MORE)
Film Review: “…Director Chito S. Roño is a veteran in doing horror movies. In 2004, he helmed the box-office hit Feng Shui, an answer to the Asian horror movie phenomenon. The Healing, on the other hand, can be considered an answer to Hollywood’s torture-and-gore horror movie phenomenon. It may be the first local horror film to do so, and thus it is refreshing to watch. There is no shortage of shocking gore in The Healing. There are lots and lots of blood; horror movie fans will not be disappointed. The movie is also made more fun by moments of fan service, that recalls several niches of pop culture that seem to be taboo in Philippine mainstream cinema. There’s a small child wielding a ninja weapon killing groups of monks, before jumping to her death. There’s a beheading using a giant knife. There are many more.
The story also offers something new, away from familiar themes like haunted houses and vengeful ex-girlfriends. It exploits the Filipino tradition of faith healing, and the consequences of tapping this alternative form of therapy. What’s most admirable is the fact that The Healing’s actors went to great lengths to provide credence to the story. Vilma Santos, for instance, gets stabbed multiple times that you’d wonder how she can take these intense physical scenes at her age. Kim Chiu should also be praised for her handling of her character, Cookie. Her early scenes when she needs to act sick are believable and downright affecting. In summary, The Healing is suited for Pinoy horror fans. It is fun as it is shocking, and non-squeamish viewers should have no problem having a good time…” – Mark Angelo Ching, PEP, July 30, 2012 (READ MORE)
“…Santos’ spine-tingler is far from original, but as it tweaks the narrative conceit that has made “Final Destination” a box-office-busting film franchise, the movie finds innovative ways to establish an atmosphere of impending doom that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats: You feel that something gruesome is about to transpire, you just don’t know how it will play out—or when! The Star for All Seasons decided to make the film because she wanted to add something “new” to her formidable oeuvre—and, with “The Healing,” Santos accomplishes exactly that. The role doesn’t require her to do much except run in circles or look worried or scared. But, she displays flashes of dramatic brilliance when she is hounded by guilt, a motivation that presents her with forks in the road that just might lead to the resolution of the horrifying story’s main conflict. More than anything, it’s a treat to see the durable actress on the big screen again. The horror-thriller genre she dabbles in effectively introduces her to a younger (and wider) viewing demographic that derives pleasure from getting scared out of its wits….” – Rito P. Asilo, Philippine Daily Inquirer, July 28, 2012 (READ MORE)
“…The reason I like Chito Rono’s horror movies, and the reason I see most of them in the theatre, is because suspense-horror is a completely original genre, completely divorced from the hang-ups and expectations of movies that involve real people doing somewhat credible things. I remember when Chito Rono did a suspense project DAHAS, topbilled by Maricel Soriano and Richard Gomez. It was one of a kind. Very engaging just like the Healing. Kim Chiu, among other characters has lesser exposure here but a huge revelation. She epitomizes the typical Asian character on every horror films we watched. Her make-up was perfect and she looks so fresh on the movie. Pokwang, Janice and Martin Del Rosario did a great job as support role. Their characters are very important and happy to see Janice De Belen again on the big screen. Pokwang gave a little taste of comic on her dialogues, which gave everyone to catch their breath in preparation to next scene. Martin Del Rosario is a real charmer. Again the focus of the film is the story, its suspense package and for Vilma Santos, which they succeeded. I suggest everyone should watch the uncut version, brave the director’s cut as there seems to be obvious reason why some of the scenes are not included on R13. DISLIKE: There’s one thing I don’t like, they are trying to blur some of Vilma Santos physical feature. That looks very obvious on the big screen. But you will love the color coding (that’s for you to find out). Star Cinema gave another reason for everyone to go back to movie houses and appreciate local films. It’s another excellent film of 2012…The Movie is in honor of Vilma’s 50th anniversary, Star Cinema gathered an all-star highly acclaimed powerhouse cast composed of Kim, Janice de Belen, Mark Gil, Martin del Rosario, Allan Paule, Cris Villanueva, Daria Ramirez, Ces Quesada, Ynez Veneracion, Simon Ibarra, Abi Bautista, Joel Torre, Chinggoy Alonso, Mon Confiado, Carmi Martin and Pokwang. I am giving THE HEALING 10 out of 10…” – Rod Magaru (READ MORE)
“…Vilma is subjected to a lot of stressful scenes in the movie as she fights for dear life. We have to suspend our disbelief a bit in the scenes where she gets violently mauled, stabbed, hit by a chair, repeatedly hurled down into the floor, but it did elicit a lot of deafening screams from the theatre crowd. Some of her fans feel she should have just done another drama but we can understand her desire to flex her wings and do a vehicle of this sort. When we saw the movie, a lot of viewers were young people who enjoy watching scary films like this. With this, Ate Vi has successfully reached out to a new demographic, with the help of a young star like Kim Chiu, who in all fairness, also does well in her dual roles. For us, it’s a very wise decision indeed. And Chito Roño shows here to younger horror directors like Topel Lee, Richard Somes and Jerrold Tarog (Tarog did a fine job of scoring and editing the movie) that he remains to be the master of the genre who can be even playful with the orchestrated color scheme of the costumes worn by his characters in the movie…” – Mario Bautista, Malaya, Aug 6 2012 (READ MORE)
“…Roño elevated gore in this horror. From a decapitation scene in the middle of the street to a massacre inside a temple, the director inspired the MTRCB to give the film dual versions: The director’s cut rated R-18 and a trimmed R-13 that allows the fans of Kim Chiu into the cinemas. While the spooks work (including a stroke of brilliance of a popped, moving left eye when the victim becomes possessed), acting was also solid in “The Healing.” Vilma, who owns most of the frames, is convincing whether consoling her friends, guilt-ridden, confused, terrified. She’s even perfect as the ex-wife who, despite the fact that she was the one left behind for a new family, remained careful and concerned when dealing with her son and the daughter of her ex-husband because she always consider how her ex and his new wife would feel. Supporting performances are as engaging. Kim Chiu, whose Cookie is also healed but scheduled to die if Seth fails to stop the terrifying chain, traded convincing scenes with the actress/politician. Robert Arevalo and Allan Paule (Greta’s husband) offered moments of laughter and chances to exhale from the jolts and gore. Joel Torre and Jhong Hilario stole bits of the thunder in their moments leading to the climax…” – Kaye Villagomez, Manila Bulletin, Aug 07 2012 (READ MORE)
“…Vilma Santos is an icon and it is cool that she is accessible to a new generation of movie-goers. Ate Vi, this time without the benefit of long monologues or cinematic crying, proves her virtuosity as an actor in a horror movie, a genre she’s not really known for. But the good governor is indisputable as the leading lady within a great ensemble cast, including Joel Torre, Alan Paule, Janice de Belen, Cris Villanueva, Kim Chiu, and Pokwang among others. Look closely and you’ll find her photographed lovingly (by cinematographer Charlie Peralta) in almost soft-focus -is that what they call a two stocking shot? -running around in her platform mules and designer handbags. She’s awesome at looking surprised and seemed suitably spooked when a black crow flies in her face. (I will not mention any plot spoilers because the story is way too convoluted to summarize here, but I will say that yes, there is an ugly black bird in this movie)…” – Ria Limjap, Spot.ph, Aug 03 2012 (READ MORE)
To Rono’s credit, each “death scene” would top the last one as far as gore and blood are concerned. The cast did well, too. Vilma Santos is Vilma Santos. She will always be bigger than her roles. This is not to say that she did not perform well; she did. But, watching her, you see Vilma more than Seth – too strong to ignore. Kim Chiu appeared in very few scenes despite her second billing. As with her performances on TV, she would have done better if she injected more energy into her role. I did not know Martin del Rosario before this movie, but he delivered very well in his crucial role as Jed. I’m not really sure why Ynez Veneracion had to show her right boob in a scene – maybe for old times’ sake. Several camera angles used by Mr. Rono were very well-planned and executed, maximizing the tension onscreen. Like other productions (movies and theater plays) I watch nowadays, there was color coordination in the outfits/costumes of the characters onscreen. In “The Healing,” though, I did not quite get why a certain color was chosen to be the “theme” of a scene. It was too obvious, that when a scene’s color scheme continued into an unrelated scene, it became distracting. Many common scare tactics and music were employed in the film. Thankfully, there was no Sadako-like creature in this one (if you still don’t know who Sadako is, Google “The Ring” Japanese version — or search on YouTube). Overall, “The Healing” is okay. It is similar to other horror films in the way the friends of the lead female character are dying around her and it is up to her to break the curse. If it was Kris Aquino who played Seth instead of Vilma Santos, the movie would just be “Feng Shui” all over again…” – Fred Hawson, Rappler, Aug 12 2012 (READ MORE)
“…The movie has a cohesive plot. The editing is brisk. The story telling is to the point. The jolts, the surprises, the building tension as the plot thickens makes you squirm from your seat. You can’t take your eyes off the screen so as not to miss the details, the foreshadowing, the conflict resolution. From the impressive opening credits, to the alternate theme colors of blue, red, yellow & white, you know the movie is special. The ensemble acting reminds you of such sleuth movies as Murder on the Orient Express & Death on the Nile, where Rono is able to flesh out the best from each actor or actress, no matter how small the role is, whether in a group or singly . I particularly like Janice De Belen, Pokwang, Robert Arevalo (in a groovy role that Sildenafil users could relate to), Kim Chiu, Joel Torre & Martin Del Rosario. Vilma Santos is in almost every frame. It is a most restrained performance, akin to her Urian winning Amanda Bartolome character in Dekada 70 where she has mastered “doing less is more.” As the key figure or the cause of the sad fate of her friends, Vilma is able to effectively use her eyes to show fear, guilt, sadness, even remorse. Her best scenes are when she tells her son Martin to not leave Kim from his sight, while calling from a cell phone, her confrontation scene with Kim in a car while Martin is driving the van & her hair raising, thrilling confrontation scene with Kim, the evil twin…” – Mar Garces (READ MORE)
“…The Healing spends a great deal of time needlessly attempting to make sense of the plentiful contrivances it filled its plot with. Simplicity is not one of Roño’s priorities. The film indulges in so many points that require tiring explanations and expositions, some of which seem too farfetched to be believed or to be appreciated. While the genre relies heavily on the supernatural and the unexplainable, Roño’s story seems too all over the place, forcing everything to cohere seamlessly like a completed jigsaw puzzle. Unfortunately, the film’s insistence on forcing the details mostly backfires, creating a story that meanders a little bit too much. The key to good horror is not necessarily what is overtly shown and depicted but the quality and the extent of what is left to the imagination. Roño invests a lot in The Healing’s visual design. Practical effects are abandoned for computer-generated effects, allowing grislier and more deranged sequences to exist with absolute ease. Instead of heightening the tension, the computer-generated effects only deflates it, inviting humor with how closer it resembles cartoons than macabre realism instead of fear. The acting is also unnecessarily pronounced and hysterical, despite the characters’ unnatural reaction to impending amorality and death. There is just too little left for the audience. The film is just frustratingly cluttered, serving details and elements, motivations and reactions, all of which do not necessarily fit the material they are forced to support. The Healing is commendable only for the fact that it attempted to stray from the inanities of uninspired horror cinema that has occupied Philippine cinema for far too long. It bears ideas and an execution of such ideas that evince an ambition and effort to break away from tired conventions. Sadly, everything ends up in forgettable confusion…” – Oggs Cruz (READ MORE)
“…The film is, by turn, violent and the sexy episode given clinical treatment. The breast of Ynez Veneracion (as Greta) is fondled matter-of-factly to show that the cancerous lumps are no longer there. The series of death – suicide and murder, keep the moviegoers on the edge, screaming here and there and up to the very end when the ‘sanib’ victim Kim Chiu (as Cookie) opens her eyes. Rono has a perfect acting ensemble to make this film credible and engaging. Even with the limited exposure and dialogue that she had, Daria Ramirez was great acting personified in The Healing. Pokwang (as Alma) was another revelation. Here, Rono doesn’t allow her to take another crack at her comic talents and emerges a natural performer. Everyone has defining moments in this film from Kim Chiu (as Cookie), Janice de Belen (as Cita), Robert Arevalo (as Odong), Martin del Rosario (as Jed), Mark Gil (as Val), Carmi Martin, Cris Villanueva (as Ding), Allan Paule (as Ruben), Ces Quesada (as Chona), Chinggoy Alonzo and Simon Ibarra (as Rex), among others. Joel Torre -as the healer’s brother- turns in another winning performance. This is my first horror film with Vilma Santos in it and I must say that she acquitted herself very well. Her subtle acting in The Healing was reminiscent of Audrey Hepburn in Wait Until Dark. I think she should do more horror film with Rono. Like it or not, The Healing is my Horror Film of the Year…” – Pablo A. Tariman (READ MORE)
“…The cast delivers a believable performance in The Healing. For a horror film, it sure has some good humor on it. The humor usually comes from Seth’s (Vilma Santos) father Mang Odong (Robert Arevalo). But never forget that this is a horror film, you when you least expect it the film delivers this sucker punch jump scare. The Healing has a good number of jump scares which you can either love or hate. I personally prefer the more psychological and creeping form of scare when it comes to horror films. Don’t get me wrong, The Healing has these creepy elements as well. The scares in the Healing are okay which have been generally enhanced by CG-effects…Star Cinema’s The Healing is a good horror film which has some pretty suspenseful and creepy moments…The Healing is worth the time, money, and effort. The film is more of a suspense than a horror in the latter part of the film which is not bad which doesn’t diminish how the story progressed. Pinoy Movie Blogger gives The Healing (2012) an 8 out of 10 (4/10) film review rating…” – Chris A., Pinoy Movie Blogger (READ MORE)
Most Trusted “…In a Trust Poll conducted by Reader’s Digest Asia, Mayor Rodrigo Roa Duterte ranked 5th among all politicians and 47th in the list of Philippines ’ Most Trusted Individuals of 2010. Among the politicians, Senator Benigno Aquino III leads the most trusted leader followed by Lipa City Vilma Santos-Recto, No. 3 is Senator Mar Roxas, No. 4 Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim and Number 5 Mayor Rodrigo Duterte….” – Balita.ph (READ MORE)
Most Powerful “…Vilma Santos ranked 86th in BizNewsAsia Magazines’ 100 Most Powerful Filipinos – Education: Crash course on local governance, primary health care, human resource development and fiscal administration, UP. The Star for all season has proved cynics wrong that movie people have little between their ears, aside from a beautiful face or a handsome profile. As mayor of burgeoning Lipa, she has been chosen “most outstanding city mayor” in 2000 by the Civil Service Commission. Her popularity helped her husband Ralph Recto win a senate seat in 2001, and she can easily win a senate seat for herself if she gets tired of running Lipa city. The mayor with an ageless face received the Ten Young Achievers award in 1992…” – BizNewsAsia Magazine, June 2004 (READ MORE)
Most Influential “…Vilma “Ate Vi” Santos-Recto – The popular governor of Batangas province reportedly turned down invitations for her to run as vice-president in the 2010 election and she switched from Lakas party to P-Noy’s Liberal Party in late 2009. She is former three-term mayor of Lipa City and the street-smart political partner of husband Senator Ralph Recto. When asked if she plans to someday run for president of the Philippines, the multi-awarded film and TV actress said she never makes political plans and is “only concerned about doing a good job serving the people of Batangas as governor…” – Wilson Lee Flores (READ MORE)
Recent Survey – “…Senators Francis Escudero and Loren Legarda will emerge as the top two winners if senatorial elections were held today, a recent Pulse Asia survey showed. Escudero and Legarda ranked one and two with 65.1 percent of the respondents saying they will vote for Escudero and 63.6 percent for Legarda…Customs Commissioner Ruffy Biazon got 23.2 percent; Jose de Venecia III, 23.2 percent; Batangas Gov. Vilma Santos-Recto, 23 percent; Mark Lapid, 22.5 percent; and Rep. Imee Marcos, 22.4 percent…Censors board chief Grace Poe-Llamanzares got 20.7 percent; Bacoor Rep. Lani Mercado-Revilla, 18.2 percent; former senator Ernesto Maceda, 18 percent; former Akbayan party-list representative Risa Hontiveros-Baraquel, 15.7 percent; and Zambales Rep. Mitos Magsaysay, 14.4 percent…The survey also showed that Santos-Recto had a 96 percent awareness rating, same as that of Honasan…” – Christina Mendez (READ MORE)
Best Role Model “…A survey was conducted last July 15 among 455 students of Humanities under Dr. Ronnie Gan at the University of Mindanao in Davao City and, you guessed it, Lipa City Mayor Vilma Santos emerged as the popular Students’ Choice as Best Role Model of the Youth. This piece of good news was relayed to Funfare by reader Willie Fernandez, who said that he’s “a solid Vilma Santos fan from General Santos City…A plaque of recognition will be given to Vilma. The other good news is that as part of the 60th founding anniversary UM, Vilma will be awarded the Gawad Suri Gintong Alamat ng Sining on Aug. 14 at the school’s main gym. She was chosen for “her phenomenal career which spans four decades…” – Ricardo F. Lo (READ MORE)
2012 Power 100: The most Powerful and Influential – “…No. 64. Vilma Santos/Ralph Recto…Vilma Santos, Governor (Batangas) – She continues to enjoy popularity because of her sincerity and charisma, helped by occasional appearances in movies. A recent awardee in local governance, she can easily win other elective posts, such as congressman or senator (except that her husband is already in the Senate), or even in vice presidency. Ralph Recto, Senator – Another ally of President PNoy in the Senate, he chair the powerful Ways & Means Committee and the Government Corporations and Public Enterprises panel. His legislative agenda and advocacy priorities are health, education, agriculture, roads, tourism and security. He watered down the sin tax bill…” – Alfonso Valencia (READ MORE)
Star For All Seasons 
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