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.
Vilma Santos (with husband Ralph Recto and son Ryan Christian, left) shares her life as a mother, performer and public servant in Vilma: A Woman for all Seasons
The camp of Gov. Vilma Santos credits movie journalist JC Nigado for giving the actress-turned-politician the tag Star for All Seasons. For the longest time — since the early ’70s, rival Nora Aunor was called Superstar. In 1986, Sharon Cuneta was built up as the Megastar and yet Vilma remained untitled.
In 1988, when Vilma marked her 25th year in show business in a PICC extravaganza put up by GMA 7 with the help of Chit Guerrero for her weekly variety show, Vilma!, Nigado wrote a series of articles where he called her Star for All Seasons. Other titles were coined for other stars after that, but only a few managed to maintain those titles and Vilma is undeniably one of them.
Tonight, after Charo Santos’ Maalaala Mo Kaya, ABS-CBN will start airing a five-part special called Vilma: A Woman for All Seasons, which will trace the various facets of her life and career as an actress (the only one with four grand-slam wins), as a TV host and dancer (her Vilma! show on GMA 7 that ran for nine years was the best-produced — without question), as a wife and mother (the first time she is showing her new home in Alabang — a must-see on Aug. 15) and as a public servant (her image as Lipa mayor first and now Batangas governor is untainted). For the final episode on Aug. 29, son Luis Manzano will show viewers some of the behind-the-scenes in the making of their movie All My Life, which will be shown by Star Cinema in September.
I had a reunion with Vilma recently and we both agreed that the title Woman/Star for All Seasons is so apt for her because she had been through all the seasons of life round and round. Together, we sat down to trace the various seasons of her life.
Happiest seasons
“When I gave birth to my son Luis/Lucky — lucky talaga siya.”
“When I evolved as an actress and, modesty aside, started getting those grand-slam awards.”
“When I was given a second chance at marriage. Imagine, si Ralph (her husband, NEDA chief Recto), binata and he inherited an instant family.”
“When I gave birth to my other son, Ryan and he grew up to be a healthy boy,” she still sighs with relief now. “That was a difficult pregnancy that made me stay in bed for months.” The truth is, practically the whole nation prayed for her successful delivery and we are all happy that Ryan has turned into a bright and intelligent teenager.
Saddest seasons
“When I discovered in the late ‘70s that financially I was negative P16-M.” This was due to failed investments and mismanagement, particularly of her movie production outfit, VS Films. “The interest of the bank loans I made, I didn’t realize I had already accumulated — from P2-M, it swelled to P7-M. When I woke up one day, wala na akong ari-arian. All my assets were frozen because I also had problems with the BIR.” To her credit, she slaved it out to be able to recover and pay her bank debts. She did films left and right, but she never enjoyed her talent fees from those blockbusters because all these went straight to the bank and to the BIR. For her upkeep (she had to eat, too, of course and maintain a staff), she accepted the offer to do the BBC-2 variety show V.I.P. (Vilma in Person) that aired live Sundays. Looking back, that contributed to the failure of her first marriage (to Edu Manzano) because she had to sacrifice her Sundays, which was supposed to be family day.
“Also sad was the passing away of my father in 1986.” Even local showbiz mourned the death of Amado Santos because he was a good man and was missed by all.
Frustrating seasons
“When my first marriage failed. But God is good. He gave me another chance — and may bonus pa na another son.”
“When my career went down in the late ‘70s and for that I only blame myself because those were the years I was being unprofessional. For example, there was this Christmas presentation I was supposed to do and I fled to Baguio. I did not show up on the set.” Now, I really salute her because it takes a big person to admit that mistake when she could have passed on the blame on other people and even the system. But that’s Vilma Santos.
Rebellious seasons
“When I put my personal life and happiness over my career. Height ng katigasan ng ulo ko ‘yun. I was doing five to six movies a year and maybe na-burn out din ako. I was looking for independence. I wanted my freedom.” She says that her rebellious years happened when she was between 24 to 27 years old. Actually, if you ask me, she started rebelling late. She must have really been up to here to rebel at that point of her life.
Scariest seasons
“If you want me to panic and get scared, tell me that one of my family members is ill. If one of my children is sick, I don’t work — I don’t even sleep. I stay beside my child all the time.” I witnessed that myself when Luis got sick (was it dengue?) before he reached his teens. Nothing and nobody could make Vilma get out of the hospital room (maybe not even an earthquake) because she wanted to stay with her first-born all throughout the ordeal. No tapings, no shoots. If only for that, she should have been awarded best mother of the year. “Even with Ryan now, kaunting lagnat lang, I take his temperature every hour — until he gets annoyed with me na. Ha! Ha! Ha!”
Most romantic seasons
“All seasons,” she says, letting out a hearty laughter. People have extolled Vilma Santos as a great performer and politician. But has anyone cited her for being witty, too? Source: Written by Butch Francisco, The Philippine Star, August 01, 2009 Philstar.
Kampanerang Kuba started with Andang (Vilma Santos), a hunch back bell-ringer running away from the people in the market. She was accuse of stealing. When she got back from the church (where she lives and work), she was confronted and physically assaulted by Tateng (Celia Rodriguez) for no justifiable reason. Thankfully, Father Damian, the old sick priest intervened. He has long been her protector. Andang felt sad when she found out that Father Damian is leaving. On his absence, a young priest, Father Agaton (Edgar Mortiz) will take over. Aside from ringing the bell, Andang clean and feed the piglets (owned by Ellen and Tateng, they are the church’s caretakers). She normally eats with her bare hands while talking to her patron saint, Saint Martin. She talks and treats the idol along side the church’s bell towers like they are humans. Meanwhile, Tateng, the daughter of the head caretaker, Ellen (Patria Plata), is a sex maniac who loves to abuse Andang. She also seduce men in exchange of material things like jewelry.
One time Andang caught Tateng having sex with Crispin (Dindo Fernando) inside the church, when Tateng found out that she was around, she physically abuse her. Then the following day, while feeding the piglets, Tateng verbally abuse her. Andang retaliate and the two had mud-wrestling inside pig pen. Tateng’s mother Ellen was about to join the fight when Father Agaton arrived and intervened. The next day, a group of women arrived and accused Tateng of accepting gifts from their husband that they own. When Tateng overheard the loud complaints, she quickly went to Andang and pretended she wanted to make amends and gave her a necklace. When the group of women finally faced Tateng, she lied and told them to look for the jewelry at Andang.
The women then went to Andang and accused her of stealing. Afraid of her safety, Andang went to the church’s roof telling them that if they will not stop, she will jump. Tateng convinced Andang not to jump and that she is her friend. The trusting Andang came back and was welcome by the women with physical assaults. They tied her down with a long rope and dragged her on the ground until Crispin, who riding the horse (where Andang was tied down) reached the town’s mountain hill where he threw Andang’s lifeless body. When Andang miraculously regained consciousness, she was seen talking to her patron saint, Saint Martin. He blessed her and was able to bring her back to the church. There, she was blessed by the Virgin Mary. A holy miracle happened, flower petals falls down from the sky and holy lights beams Andang. She slowly changed from the ugly hunch back girl into a beautiful woman. As turned out she became Sandra Belmonte. A woman long gone and who were once the topic of town gossips. Sandra’s two sister found her into the church the next day. Surprised and very thankful, they brought her back to their big home. Andang now assumed the identity of Sandra. Sandra as it turned out has suitor, Roel (Ernie Garcia) who she didn’t like. She also discovered that she missed her life as Andang and now sure that she is in love with Father Agaton.
Can’t control her feelings anymore, she went to the church for the Catholic ritual of confession. And with Father Agaton, she confess her love for him. Tateng overheard this, and coerced the priest to have sex with her in exchange for her silence but failed. In retaliation, she spread this information to the town’s people. Headed by Tateng’s admirer, Max Alvarado, the priest was confronted by the angry people. The priest denied the affair. The town’s people decided to tied the priest into a post and burn him. This is because the priest doesn’t want leave the church. When Sandra who was with Roel, discovered what was happening, she luckily escape madness and went inside the church to pray to Saint Martin. Her pray were answered by the sudden ringing of the church’s bells followed by a loud thunder. It started to rain killing the fire and saving the poor priest. It was a miracle. Tateng’s sinful mind cleared and she ask Father Agaton’s forgiveness, who gladly obliged. Father Agaton then search for Sandra when her suitor Roel appeared. They both went to the church tower and saw Andang instead. The end.
Kampanerang Kuba’s convoluted long story maybe attributed to the original comics material written by Pablo Gomez. A good director should iron out all the unbelievable plots specially all the one-dimensional characters. For example, Celia Rodriguez character, Tateng. She is so masochistic that viewer might wonder why she is so mean. Also, with her tower-nesque beauty, why she decided to remained in a town where everything seems to be so trivial and everyone seems loves to gossip, even the men. Nilo Saez (with Jose Flores Sibal wrote the script) failed miserably in this regard. Shot in Nagcarlan Laguna, Kampanerang Kuba showcased the old Filipino beliefs in patron saints, religious rituals and miracles. It also demonstrates that people can be so cruel, can passed judgement, and can asked for forgiveness that quick when confronted with truth. All will be forgiving without taking into account all the harm that they have done. In the real world, these people will be punished. Celia Rodriguez seems to be wooden in so many scenes but equally infuriating when she started to do her verbal and physical abuse of Andang. With limited dialogue, a young Dindo Fernando portrayed Tateng’s lover convincingly. All the other supporting roles including Perla Bautista, Ernie Garcia and others gave forgettable performances. About the two main lead, Edgar Mortiz and Vilma Santos, both did what they can to portrayed their respective roles. Edgar Mortiz seems to be trying very hard to be effective as the priest but acting is clearly not his forte. Would this be different if Jay Ilagan did this role? Vilma Santos succeed more with her solo scenes, talking to the patron saints and the bell tower, eating with her bare hands and trying to beautify her ugly face. She appeared to be gearing up for more versatile roles that requires her not to sing but to act. – RV
Sing Vilma Sing (1972)
Side A
1. Da Doo Ron Ron – arranged by Orly Ilacad
2. Aba Daba Honeymoon – arranged by Orly Ilacad
3. Tweedlee Dee – arranged by Orly Ilacad
4. A Kookie Little Paradise – arranged by Orly Ilacad
5. Bobby Bobby Bobby – arranged by Orly Ilacad
6. The Ricky -Tick Song – arranged by Orly Ilacad
Side B
1. It’s Been A Long Long Time – arranged by Orly Ilacad
2. Breaking Up Is Hard to Do – arranged by The Music Machine
3. You Made Me Love you – arranged by Orly Ilacad
4. The Birds And The bees – arranged by The Music Machine
5. He’s so Near ( Yet So Far Away) – arranged by The Music Machine
**********************
Vocal Supervision: Bobby Guzman, Ernie De La Pena
Creative Director: Oscar Salazar
Photography: Vicor Studio
Cover Design: Nick B. Fertierra
Back Cover Notes: Baby A. Gil
Sound Engineer: Ric A. Santos, Jun Orenza, Jess Payumo
Recording Studio: Cinema Audio Inc.
Produced by: Vicor Music Corporation
Back cover LP text: – It is common knowledge that a few years ago, Vilma Santos was regarded solely as an up and coming young actress. Without a doubt, a most talented one, for by that time,she was already holding several acting honors under her belt. Not one to be typed, however she turned to recording. Vilma Santos recordrd “Sixteen” and in the process made recording history. “Sixteen” was that year’s biggest hit and resulting acclaim that came along made a singing star out of the actress. Today Vilma Santos is one of the most fabulous figures in show business. Just a hit short of being legendary. Nearly countless is the number of Vilma’s films which made a magnificent killing at the box office. Now a Famas Best Actress Awardee, Vilma is well on her way to becoming the country’s undisputed movie queen.
As a recording artist, she has her credit several hit albums. A Golden Record Award for the song “Palong Palo Ako” and another possible Golden Record Award for “Tweedlee Dee” – which is one of the songs included in this album. This is how for this young actress has come in the recording field. When Vilma decided to try her hand in recording, she wasn’t by a long shot merely trying to prove her versatility. The truth is the girl-Vilma-loves to sing and she wasn’t about to pass up the chance of waxing some of the songs she loves. In every recording session, there emerges in Vilma the inherent desire of every artist to do her work to the hilt. Vilma is a professional who can’t help but give her best. This comes accross with every movie role, with every performance and in this case with every song. It comes accross distinctly with this L.P. Here, Vilma glistens with a different, dazzling kind of brillance, further intensified by the sparkling beauty of the twelve songs contained in this album.
In “He’s so near (Yet So Far Away)” and “It’s been a long, long time, ” Vilma is wishful, in love. In “Abadaba Honeymoon” and “The Ricky-Tick Song,” she is wacky, a kook, impish, even irrepressible. She is all these in “Sing Vilma Sing.” Vilma Santos is indeed so many things to so many people. Superstar, Award-winning actress. A-one recording artist. She is all these and more. And to think that she’s great as any of them! How many Vilma’s are there? Which is the greater one? Well it really depends on who you’re looking for. Here we present Vilma, the singer. Listen to her to your hearts’ delight. So “Sing Vilma Sing” and make this a brighter, lovelier world to live in.
I was excited to see a good friend of mine in Malaysia to celebrate her birthday with her family, and to celebrate Ate Aida’s birthday, too. The only time I have been to Malaysia was on a cruise via Star Cruises, passing through Penang. So finally a trip to see Kuala Lumpur and Genting became a reality. Even if I was spending only two nights with the Vilma Santos, I welcomed the chance, and the break from the stress of Manila.
Vilma, Ralph, and Ryan planned to celebrate her birthday to be outside the country this time, instead of the usual dinner in her house. Of course, Ate Emily, Ate Aida, and Sonny (Vi’s brother), plus an entourage of family and friends, were in tow. I wanted to be in Phuket with them for their first stop, but work in Manila prevented me from joining them; I caught up with them in Malaysia. I missed out on the adventures in Phuket where, I was told, the group rode elephants through the jungle and, on another day, the boys went on a fishing expedition, while the girls had their retail therapy. On the eve of Vilma’s birthday, they had a formal dinner where Ralph surprised her with diamond necklace and earrings. When I ask how much the jewelry cost, all I got was the answer, “You can never put a price tag on love.” After a week in Phuket, the group flew to Malaysia. Genting is a mountain resort an hour away from Kuala Lumpur, and the highest peak of the mountain resort boasts a complex under the wing of Resorts World. You got it, casino galore!
But Vilma and the crew opted for a more quiet vacation, so they stayed at the mid-levels of the mountain at Awana Golf Resort. I was unfortunate to have the only available room left in the First Hotel. Little did I know I was arriving at the peak of a holiday in Malaysia, and I was greeted by hordes and hordes of tourists in the reception, making me claustrophobic. That’s how crowded Genting Highlands was that day. Vilma and the girls picked me up after I waited two hours for my room. They were excited to give me a tour of the complex, which was literally a maze within a maze. Each hotel—I know of at least four—are connected in a labyrinth of pathways to food malls, shopping areas, casinos, a theme park, and theaters. They toured me around, and showed me a hawker’s plaza aptly called “Food for the Seasons”; we all joked that it was named after Vilma Santos herself. The day ended in a Chinese restaurant Ralph chose. I must say the senator knows his food; I just loved the food there. A nightcap in a sports bar gave us the chance to behave like kids and dance to a few songs before we called it a night.
Retail therapy in KL – The next day Ralph rented two vans to bring us to Kuala Lumpur for a day tour. First stop was the Petronas Tower, where we all had our souvenir photo. We entered via the Suria Mall, which the girls fondly called, “divi-SURIA.” As girls will be girls, the tour turned into another retail therapy session. Vilma, who thought that she was not known in KL, walked without care in the world, exploring the shops, only to discover Filipinos working and shopping in the same area. Initially only a few recognized her and had their photos taken with her. When we sat down in a coffee shop, however, we realized that the number of fans and oglers was growing. The meal became a photo-op, and her anonymity was gone. I joined the fray, and we all made new friends in the end.
Nothing seemed to bother Vi, as she was on vacation mode. She obviously knew how it is to be a celebrity, but still, I was impressed with how patient she was in dealing with different people. She would even ask people who worked there how they were, and if life was good in Kuala Lumpur. She genuinely cared. As usual, we lost track of time and were a little late for the shuttle back to Genting. We all arrived famished and just ate at Awana. It was getting late, and I had to pack for my flight the next day. I had to travel three more mountains to my hotel, so I said my goodbyes. As I was about to leave, Ate Vi offered to take me back to my hotel via the cable car. And that was where the real adventure began. We got stuck 9,000 feet above the ground, in the cable lines. I videotaped this, and will show it in my podcast, Adventures Behind My Lens, available in iTunes, too. I suggest you wait to see how we survived. I watched the video for the fifth time today, and I still die of laughter every time.
After two nights I had to fly back to Manila, yet already missing the group. Those two days with them left me a valuable lesson. Vilma has been a public figure all her life. Going to the mall, sitting on the sidewalk, eating in a carinderia, even buying street food are things we take for granted. But for Vi, these things are precious moments. Some say that loss of privacy is a small price to pay for fame and fortune, but let me tell you that her life has not been all fame and fortune. It’s more of work, integrity, and sacrifice. Some people would trade places with her in an instant, but if you knew how she got to where she is now, you would wonder how she ever endured such a life. She has had really low points in her life. Life is hard enough but it becomes even harder when one is always under microscopic scrutiny. Seeing her enjoy the simple things makes me appreciate the things I take for granted. Funny that when I flew to Malaysia, I was wondering the birthday gift I could give someone who has everything—only to realize that it was she who gave me something instead: The gift of insight.
Source: Written by Raymund Isaac, Philippine Daily Inquirer, Nov 19, 2011 Telebisyon.net.
In the fickle and uncertain world of showbusiness, there is one name that has remained consistently on top fro the past two decades: Vilma Santos. Hers is an altogether exceptional case as her movie career has brought Santos both popular and critical acclaim. Even more amazing is her star continues to shine more brightly.
In 1963, a chubby, gangling nine-year-old girl was to do a film with Lolita Rodriguez and Luis Gonzales, in Anak ng Iyong Ina. An unexpected turn of events, however, found her auditioning for the lead part of Trudis Liit instead. The movie mogul, Dr. Jose Perez, of Sampaguita Pictures, who was then conducting the audition noticed the girl and thereupon commanded her to act. When she did, the producer was pleased with his find, wasting no time to cast her in the title role. That girl went on to become the first best child actress of the Filipino Academy of Movie Arts and Sciences (FAMAS).
Having hurdled her fist test, the child Santos found herself being cast in the part of the young daughter of the film’s leading adult characters, as in the controversial Iginuhit ng Tadhana, where she portrayed the Marcoses’ eldest daughter, Imee. At the onset of the popular teenage love teams, who dominated the late sixties and the early seventies, Santos found a loyal screen partner in Edgar Mortiz with whom she would coo and cuddle her way through the fans’ hearts and into the box office. The pair found a worthy match in the Nora Aunor-Tirso Cruz III romantic tandem, which could enviably pave the way for a long-time Santos-Aunor rivalry.
In 1977, Santos found herself gambling with her sweet and virginal image built up by studio machinery by doing the highly controversial Burlesk Queen. With maverick director Celso Ad Castillo at the helm, she essayed the role of a teen-age burlesque dancer in the fifties, who, driven by economic and personal depression, danced her way to the film’s grand finale – an abortion scene. That gamble certainly paid off, for soon after the film’s release, Santos felt that people became increasingly interested in her and more particularly in what she could do, not as a star but as an actress worth her salt, her fans, on the other hand, could only concur in her decision to become a serious thespian.
Her later movies would prove her right. In ht. In Rubia Servios (1978), directed by the top-caliber Lino Brocka, she made people take notice of her acting mettle as she effectively portrayed the harrowing experience of a rape victim. Then, she did Pagputi ng Uwak, Pag-itim ng Tagak (1978), under her own VS film outfit, in the role of a tragic heroine caught in the midst of seething social unrest. Then came the films with director Ishmael Bernal: Ikaw ay Akin (1978), Relasyon (1982) and Broken Marriage (1983). The last two films earned for Santos two consecutive best actress awards from the critics’ body. This was followed by yet another award-winning performance Sister Stella L. (1984) where she did justice to the part of crusading nun who eventually involves herself with the workers’ cause.
Graduating into mature and radically complex roles – away from the mold of which she was typecast – Santos adamantly refused to do the same predictable roles, believing that she would be better off with the then emerging roles of liberated woman and independent minded wife, as the temper of the times so dictated. Her continued popularity in these seemingly novel roles proved that the transition was smooth, and the fans were well-prepared for it. “If I am still here,” Santos says, “it must be because I am not afraid to take risks in my profession. I also owe it partly to careful planning and getting the right projects. And when I decide to take a chance, and it turns out well, then that would be great. If not, I just have to stand up again.”
Today, the actress is seemingly content with the way her career – and life – has turned out. She continues to get good meaty roles as evidenced by recent pictures such as Baby Tsina, Tagos ng Dugo, Ibulong Mo Sa Diyos, and Pahiram ng Isang Umaga, all of which have earned her both nominations and awards from various award-giving bodies. She continues to strike a happy balance by doing films that would please the critics and her audience of ardent admirers as well. Now the mother of eight-year old Lucky, her son by estranged actor-husband Edu Manzano, Santos has found newer challenges to keep her weekly musical show, Vilma, which has been accorded recognition by both Star Awards and the Catholic Mass Media Awards. On top of these, she produces occasional drama specials on television, directed by name directors and scriptwriters. “My career has brought me fame, fortune, and most important of all, professional fulfillment. From the mistakes I have committed in the past, I have emerged a much stronger person,” she says. If she were to live life all over again, Vilma Santos would have no qualms about becoming a movie star all over again.
Source: Written by Justino M. Dormiendo and Photographed by Calixto N. Rodriguez Filipino Heritage
The Plot: Film-Am Edgar falls in love with Vilma. The two had a set back that ended with Edgar returning all Vilma’s love letters that he regreted and wanted it back. He went to Vilma’s house to retrieve it but was caught and accused of stealing. The whole misunderstanding ended up in court but was settled eventually. Edgar left the country but returned for Alona Alegre’s wedding to Victor Wood. He also reunited Vilma. – RV (READ MORE)
The Reviews: Love Letters started with Vilma entering a living room and Baby De Jesus started playing the piano. Suddenly, Vilma started singing and after finishing her song, she left the room, while a very young Alona Alegre sitting beside her appeared to be in her own world, as if she heared, nothing. There were no interaction between the three, no dialouge, making this opening scene quite irritating. The next scene, we found out that Edgar, played by Edgar Mortiz is a Filipino-American. We assumed that he is vacationing and taking some course. Next scene, Victor Wood is singing on the telephone while Alona Alegre is listening on the other line. Then it Edgar turn to sing. This time, in the men’s dormitory followed by Baby De Jesus. Her limited dialouge: she wanted to sing “to entertain Vilma.” Then Edgar and Vilma are set to meet in a park but because Vilma was so late, Edgar decided to leave. When she arrived and found no Edgar, she started to cry and ofcourse, she sings! Not to be outdone, its Romy Mallari’s turn to sing! Then its Edgar turn to sing again. Edgar got so mad with Vilma and decided to return all of Vilma’s love letters. In protest, Vilma returned his gift, a ring and bracelet.
Afterwards she sings the theme song, “Love Letter.” She followed this up with her day dreaming scenes, remeniscing the time when the two of them are singing in the park. She then fell asleep but was awaken by an intruder! Presto! It was Edgar! Stealing their love letters! He escaped when Vilma’s parent caught them talking. The next scenes was a courtscenes. Vilma and Edgar plus Vilma’s parent testified in front of a judge. A phone call from the mayor who is connected to Edgar postponed the judge’s decision. As turned out, Vilma’s parent also owned some love letters which made them understand what their daughter is now going through. At the breakfast table the next day, Vilma all of the sudden proclaimed that she doesn’t care about Edgar anymore. Then they discovered that Edgar and his friends decided to have a picket line in their house (ala-“Occupy Wall Street”???). They decided to remained in the picketline over night with more singing. Sleeping outside, the girls headed by Alona Alegre, decided to join the picketline. Vilma’s parent confronted them and Victor Wood all of the sudden declared that he wanted to marry Alona Alegre! And to add to the drama, Edgar decided to leave the country. The next scenes was Vilma receiving love letters over time. Then finally the promised wedding of Victor Wood and Alona Alegre, Edgar then seranade Alona and Victor. When Vilma heard and saw Edgar, she run to the church’s balcony. They reunited with a duet! The End.
Love Letters is a musical films specially made for the fans of “teeny-bopper” stars – Vi and Bot. The film was probably shot with improvisations, which means, without a written script. This was noticeably clear as the film’s main characters and the actual names of the actors were not change at all. The film’s main plot was the the stealing of love letters that ended in court, followed by picket line (ala-“Occupy” Wall Street) that was hard to believe. And also the one-after the other testimonies of Edgar, Vilma and both parents that were irritatingly funny. Although we are used to Vilma’s tolereable singing, we’re more surprise to see a singing Alona Alegre! She looked more like Eugene Domingo (clearly before her sexy films/image). One more thing, Alona’s wedding gown was worth a second look, its not like your ordinary wedding gown. The head piece was a beaded hood that covers her hair and neck. With so much singing, Baby De Jesus’s voice stands out among the girls but her piano playing acting was over the top. Victor Wood’s duet with Edgar Mortiz, “Beautiful Dreamers” is worth downloading. Danny Subido was responsible for inserting all the musical numbers that was quite a tasks particularly without a well written musical screenplay. The film was shot in Baguio City and cinematographer, Avelino Peralta’s did a wonderful job showcasing the city on Vilma’s day dreaming except for the akward courtscenes. Love Letters was produced by Tagalog Ilang-Ilang Production and directed by Abraham Cruz, a forgettable film that only a die hard Vi and Bot fans (and those who loves film nostalgia) can only appreciate. – RV
The Plot: Single parents Tony Benetez (Carlos Salazar) and Sylvia Motolla (Merle Tuazon) fell in love and married without their spoiled and protective teen ager kids, Gina (Vilma Santos) and Danny (Jay Ilagnan). They decided to live in one roof with Sylvia getting pregnant and the two kids developing a special relationship. – RV (READ MORE)
The Reviews: Ishmael Bernal’s first film with Vilma Santos was 1972’s “Inspiration,” an unusual teeny-bopper team-up film of Vilma and the late Jay Ilagan. The film established its main characters as both very much protective of their parents. Although its not explained why both Tony Benetez (Carlos Salazar) and Sylvia Mottola (Merle Tuazon) are still single, they ended up dating and eventually marrying each other. Gina Benetez (Vilma Santos) and Danny Motolla’s (Jay’ Ilagan) parents first met in a polo tournament attended by both families. They were introduced by the socialite grandmother of Danny, Lola Jane (Lilian Laing). Later that same day both single parent met again in a night club. It was clear then that both are attracted to each other but are afraid that their kids will not approved it. They then continued to secretly date until one day both kids discovered when all four of them accidentally met in a restaurant. The complication ended when Lola Jane intervened. With the help of Gina’s household maid, Choleng, the two planned an intervention. The meeting ended up with both kids leaving the Lola Jane’s house while the parents eloped.
Without the kids aproval, the newly married couple returned and forced their kids to live in one roof. Sylvia then got pregnant while Gina and Danny developed a secret affair. Another complication and here come Lola Jane to the rescue, in the hospital after Slyvia delivered her baby, it was understood that Lola Jane has informed Sylvia and Tony about their kids special relationship. The next scene was Gina and Danny having a motorcycle ride that ended up in a park. Under the tree the two had an innocent chat about their relationship. The End.
In a musical era of 1970s, “Inspiration” was quite an experimental film, with no musical numbers but with better screenplay and well-written characters. Nestor and Bernal works well in establishing the character of Jay and Vilma. Their dialouges are not “corny” and very realistic. There is no over the top dramatic scenes inserted between musical numbers here. The parent played wonderfully by Merle Tuazon and Carlos Salazar were convincing. Although both Vilma and Jay played their roles effectively, Lilian Laing steals the film as Lola Jane. She was bubly and funny, a sex-starved, karate black belter, polo game afficionado, who loves life, considering she is playing the old grandma who is also the solution to all the complication in the lives of our four main characters.
Bernal was on his element here, a good story teller, pre-“Dalawang Pugad Isang Ibon, Pahiram Ng Isang Umaga and Relasyon.” Although he is directing a light comedy, written by Nestor Torre Jr., he managed to established all the characters without relying on corny dialouges and musical numbers common in this musical era.
Eric C: Ate Vi, ano ang pinaka paborito mo sa lahat ng Darna movies mo? (“Vi, what’s your favorite among your Darna movies?”)
Ate Vi: Syempre Lipad Darna Lipad, yon kasi ang unang Darna ko at maganda talaga. May copy ka ba nito? (Of course, it’s “Lipad, Darna, Lipad” since it was my first. It was really well done. Do you have a copy of it?)
Eric C: Wala din ako nito eh, hayaan mo at kapag naka hanap ako bibigyan kita. Paano ka nag handa sa movie na ito, nagkaroon ka ba ng special training sa mga fight scenes mo dito bago nag umpisa ang filming? I heard si Tony Ferrer daw ang isa sa mga nag guide sa iyo. (I don’t have this movie either. But if I am able to find one, I’ll give you a copy. How did you prepare for this movie? Did you have any special “fight training” before you started filming? I heard that Action Star-Tony Ferrer guided you.)
Ate Vi: Walang training sa set na talaga bago mag umpisa ang shooting namin. Hindi si Tony ang nag guide sa akin, yong mga stuntman lile SOS daredevils. (No, there was no training on the set before filming. It wasn’t Tony Ferrer who guided me but the stuntmen called SOS Daredevils.)
Eric C: Hindi ka ba nahirapan sa mga stunts mo? (Did you have any difficulties with your own stunts?)
Ate Vi: Hindi naman, kasi may pagka tomboy din ako noong araw kaya madali kong napag aralan. Actually, minsan nga nag karoon ng aksidente na kailangan ko na mag tumbling at sasaluhin ako ng stuntman ang nangyari nasipa ko sya sa mukha kaya putok yong ilong nya at kailangang dalahin sya sa hospital, ako naman nauntog sa bato kaya ang sakit ng ulo ko. (Not really. I was a bit of a tomboy in those days so I learned things quickly. Actually, there was a time when an accident occured. I had to go and do the tumbling bit where the stuntman was supposed to catch me. I accidentally kicked him in the face and he got a bloody nose and had to be brought to the hospital. I, on the other hand, hit my head on a rock and got a splitting headache.)
Eric C: I heard din na nilagnat ka noong first time ka eksena mo ay mga ahas? (I head that you developed a fever the first time you had a scene with snakes?)
Ate Vi: Oo totoo yon! natakot ako sa mga ahas first shooting day yata namin yon sa may roof top ng isang building sa may Santa Mesa. Isang lingo akong nagkalagnat yata noon? then bago ulit kami mag shooting pinahahawakan na muna nila sa akin yong mga snakes para masanay na ako. (That’s true! I was terrified of the snakes the first day of shooting on a rooftop of a building in Santa Mesa. I think I kept getting fevers for a week. Then , they let me touch the snakes first before every shoot so that I could get over my fear)
Eric C: how’s Celia as Valentina and Gloria as Impakta?
Ate Vi: Celia, she’s really good! and Tita Glo was so scary as Impakta, I love her so much.
Eric C: How about Liza?
Ate Vi: She’s good too! I remember ang costume nya ay yong parang sheep skin at may pair of wings sya. Sa may Antipolo kinunan yong episode ng Babaing Lawin. (She’s good too! I remember her costume that was made of sheepskin with a pair of wings. We filmed the “Babaing Lawin” episode in Antipolo)
Eric C: May aerial fight scenes ba kayo ni Liza? (Did you have aerial fight scenes with Liza?)
Ate Vi: Wala, sa land lang kami nag laban mostly sa cave. I remember kami ni Tita Glo nag laban kami sa ere, naka tayo kami sa parang stage then madilim yong background at yong kalahati ng katawan ni Tita Glo ay may takip na itim na tela, at may malaking electric fan na naka tapat sa amin. (No we didn’t. We fought on land..mostly in a cave. I remember my aerial fight scene with Gloria (Romero). We were standing on a stage with a dark bacground and there was a black cloth covering the half lower part of her body and there was a large electric fan in front of us)
Eric C: May scene ba dito na nakuha mo yong bato mo sa shooting star? (Was there ever an origin scene where you received the magic stone with the coming of the shooting star?)
Ate Vi: May power na ako ni Darna sa umpisa pa lang ng story, sa Darna VS. The Planetwomen yong may nahulog na bato mula sa sky. (I already had the power of DARNA from the start of the movie. I only had an origin scene in “Darna Vs. the Planet Women” where the magic stone fell from the sky.)
Eric C: Excited ka ba ng i offer sa iyo ang Darna for the first time at may napanood ka ba na Darna movies before your Darna? (Were you excited when the role of Darna was offered to you for the first time? Also- Did you watch any of the Darna movies that came before you were offered the part?)
Ate Vi: Napanood ko yong Darna ni Eva Montes sa sine at yong Kay Rosa Del Rosario sa tv. Napanood ko din yong Darna ang Pagbabalik sa tv, i don’t really care about it, kasi parang tinipid yong movie. Of course excited ako ng I-alok sa akin ang Darna. I remember nag paalam pa ako sa mga madre sa school na pinapasukan ko noon, kasi diba na ka two piece si Darna at okay naman sa kanila, kasi nga hindi naman daw bastos yong character ni Darna, superheroine nga sya eh. Tinanong ko rin yong mga fans noon at medyo nga worried din sila sa costume baka daw bastusin ako. Kaya nga noong una sa pictorials ng promo ng movie naka body stocking ako, kaya lang hindi talaga magandang lumabas nakakataba yong stocking. William Leary and Douglas Quijano convinced me na tangalin ko yong stocking sa press con ng Darna. I remember nasa bathroom pa nga ako noon at mag papalit na ko ng Darna costume ko, then tinangal ko na rin kasi sabi nila ” Vi, masagwa talaga yong stocking bakit di mo sila gulatin lumabas ka ng walang stocking tutal may ipapakita ka naman” . At yon na lumabas na ko ng walang body stocking. (I saw Eva Montes’ “Darna at ang babaing Tuod” at the movies and Rosa Del Rosario’s Darna on TV. I also watched “Darna: Ang Pagbabalik (The Return)” on TV but don’t care for it..it had bad production values. Of course, I was excited when I was offered the role of Darna. I even had to ask permission from the Nuns at my school because of Darna’s 2 piece costume. Besides, there’s nothing obscene about the costume because this is a Superheroine after all. But I asked advice from some fans and they were concerned that I might get criticized for being daring. This is why I wore body stockings in the promotional pics for the movie. It looked so terrible and made me look fat with body stockings. William Leary and Douglas Quijano convinced me to remove the body stockings before the Press Con. I remember changing into my Darna costume and I remember their words telling me- “Vi, the stockings look terrible so why don’t you surprise all of them by not wearing them. Besides, you have the looks anyway.” So there – I was at the Press con without the body stockings.”)
Eric C: What do you think of Angel (Locsin) as Darna?
Ate Vi: She’s doing great sa tv series niya na Darna. Napapanood ko ito at bagay sa kanya tama yong ginagawa nya sa mga fight scenes nya, believable talaga! kasi pag Darna ka kailangan di ka malamya at mai papakita mo na kaya mo talagang mag patumba ng mga kalaban mo. (She’s doing great on the TV series as Darna. I do watch it and she looks great as Darna. Even the fight scenes are believable. That’s because when you’re Darna, you cannot be lethargic. You need to look like you can really knockdown Super-Villains.)
Eric C: Do you mind na mag guest appearance sa Darna movie or tv? (Do you mind making a guest appearance in the Darna movie or on a TV series?)
Ate Vi: I don’t mind basta ba maganda yong role. Noong araw sa Darna ni Dolphy inalok ako na mag pasa ng bato kay Dolphy, pero pregnant ako noon kay Lucky. (I don’t mind as long as the role is good. A long time ago, in Dolphy’s Darna..I was offered the role of Darna turning over the stone to Dolphy’s character. But I was pregnant. (My Baby named Lucky.)
Eric C: Ano pa yong mga memorable experience mo about Darna? (What other memorable experiences did you have as Darna?
Ate Vi: Yong flying scenes, mahirap talaga yon kasi kailangang i balance mo yong katawan sa 3 maninipis na bakal na nakasasalo sa katawan ko, at may malaking electric fan na nakatapat sa may mukha ko kaya sakit talaga sa ulo after takes. Also, natatandaan ko rin yong lumilipad ako papuntang Maynila na background music na My Beautiful Baloon. I also remember si Angelito pa ang Ding ko sa Lipad Darna Lipad. (The flying scenes. That was really hard because you have to balance your body on 3 steel bars while a large electric fan in front of my face which gave me headaches after takes. I also remember the flying scene where Darna was flying towards Manila and the background music was the song – “My Beautiful Balloon”. I remember the boy- Angelito who played “Ding” in “Lipad, Darna, Lipad”.
Eric C: May naitabi ka ba na Darna memorabilla? (Were you able to take some Darna memorabilia?)
Ate Vi: Wala, binabalik namin yon sa studio like costumes. (None. We returned everything to the studios)
Eric C: Ano ang pagkakaiba ng Darna noon at ngayon? (What’s the difference between the your Darna and the version today?)
Ate Vi: Ngayon mas advance na ang technology at computerized na talaga, madali ng gawin yong mga mahihirap na scenes. Noon pag nag Narda ako naka steady talaga yong camera tapos bihis agad balif sa dating pwesto, ngayon halos computer na talaga lahat. (Technology is much more advanced today. The harder scenes are easier to make now. Whenever I shot my scenes as Narda changing to Darna, the camera remains steady as as I get dressed in costume and return to the same spot before the transformation.)
Eric C: Ate Vi, nagawa mo na halos lahat ang hindi na lang is to play the role of Impakta or Aswang, will you consider na lumabas ng isa sa mga villainess sa Darna like Gloria Romero noon? (Vilma, You have done every role already except playing “Impakta” or an “Asuwang”. Would you consider playing a Darna villainess like what Gloria Romero did?)
Ate Vi: Naku! mukha na ba akong impakta? (sabay halakhak) actually may ginawa na kong Aswang yong ” Anak ng Aswang” pero hindi ako ang aswang si Tita Glo. Actually very interesting yang role na yan at challenging, i don’t mind playing those kind of roles na kontrabida, basta ba maganda ang story. (Yikes! Do I already look like a Vampire? (Laughs out loud) Actually I starred in a Vampire movie already “Anak ng Aswang” (Vampire’s Child) but I was not the Vampire. Gloria Romero played the Vampire. Actually I think that’s an interesting role and I don’t mind playing a Villainess as long as it’s a good story.)
Eric C: Teka muna ate Vi, kailan mo ba ipapasa sa akin ang bato? (Jokingly, by the way Vilma, when are you surrendering the “magic stone” to me?)
Ate Vi: ( sabay tawa) Hay naku! hindi pa panahon para ipasa ko sa iyo ang bato. (Laughs) Oh well, it’s not time yet for me to give up the “magic stone” to you.”)
Eric C: Ate for the last time sumigaw ka ng Darna please! (Vilma, could you do the “Darna yell” one last time?)
Ate Vi: Baka magising ang mga tao dito sa hotel madaling araw na. (We might wake up the people in this hotel. It’s really late.)
Eric C: Please ate Vi….Medyo pabiro pang isinigaw ni Ate ang Darna) (Please Vi. (Then Vilma gets playful with the “Darna yell”)
Ate Vi: Jworna (pa cute pa sya dito ha!) then di ba meron pang sumigaw ng Daarnaaa, na parang hirap sya sa pag sigaw di ba? (“Jworna!!! (makes funny expressions) Wasn’t there another Actress who sounded like she was having a difficult time yelling “Darna”??)
Eric C: kilala ko yong mga sumigaw ng ganoon ate Vi. (then finally medyo nag emote muna si ate at sabay taas ng kamay) (I know the actress who did the yell that way. ……….AND THEN….. VILMA REALLY GOT INTO CHARACTER)
Ate Vi: DARNA!!! (DARNA!!!!)
Eric C: no pa naman di halos hinimatay ako sa tuwa imagine in person talaga narinig namin na sumigaw si Ate Vi ng Darna at palakpakan ang mga Vilmanians na nakipag puyatan sa pakikipag chikahan sa Darna for all seasons, na kahit walang make up ay super ganda pa rin. (Hehehe I almost fainted with great joy. Imagine- I got to hear the most famous Darna of them all do the yell… in person !! All the Vilma Fans applauded as we all stayed up late into the early morning with the “DARNA OF ALL SEASONS” (who is still very pretty ..even without make-up) – Eric Cueto, Mars Ravelo Darna web-site
Written by Eric Cueto, Mars Ravelo’s Darna web-site READ MORE
About Darna – Darna is a fictional character and Filipino comics superheroine created by writer Mars Ravelo and artist Nestor Redondo. In her more popular incarnations, she is a deceased warrior from another planet manifesting herself through a girl from Earth, named Narda. She first appeared in Pilipino Komiks #77 (May 13, 1950). Darna is a retooling of Ravelo’s earlier character Varga, whose stories he wrote and illustrated himself. She first appeared in Bulaklak Magazine, Volume 4, #17 (July 23, 1947). Ravelo left Bulaklak due to differences with the editors…Starting in 1951, several Darna movies were made. Some made from 1973 onwards starred the future multi-awarded dramatic actress and politician Vilma Santos. In these 1970s films, Darna’s origin was changed; no longer a little girl, Narda was now in her late teens. Also, she herself becomes Darna, unlike the original where she just “channels” her (not unlike Jason Blood and Etrigan). Only Ding knows her secret in this version. Also, the stone comes out of Narda’s mouth every time she changes back; she has to swallow it every time she wants to transform (This became standard for following versions). Darna is not specified as coming from Marte, just as a “warrior of Light”. This version of Darna became most people’s idea of the character for about 3 decades. A catchphrase popularized by the movies and said by Narda runs, “Ding, ang bato!” (“Ding, [give me] the stone!”) (Wikipedia)
Fifty-seven looking Sweet Sixteen (to borrow the title of her hit song way back when she was, uhm, fresh as a daisy and thought that she could sing. Well, she could carry a tune but she eventually turned out to be not a singer but a great actress who has dozens of awards that have left no more space to display in. Name it, she has won it. Looking at her, it seems unthinkable that Batangas Gov. Vilma Santos, still called simply and fondly Vi for short, is seven years and half a century old on Wednesday, Nov. 3. How does she manage to look so young? “Positive attitude,” she said. And exercise and a healthy diet.
Did you know that Gov. Vi works out every day in one of the rooms of her houses (one in Corinthian Garden and another in Lipa City where she served as mayor for three terms)? She would close all the windows, turn the aircon off and sweat it out. Some detractors may refute it but Vi insists that every part of her body is original, untampered by needle and scalpel. A member of the household staff gives her a massage after a hard day’s work, whether at the Provincial Capitol or on a movie set. “I eat anything,” she said, “but in moderation.” Asked what her priority is, Vi replied, “Family, Batangas and showbiz.” She and her husband, Sen. Ralph Recto, are partners at home and at work. Her son Luis “Lucky” Manzano (from a previous relationship) is like a friend to her. Ryan Christian, her son by Ralph, is growing up to be the sum total of his parents’ best traits.
Successful as a woman and as an artist, what more can Vi ask for? “Maybe a good sleep,” laughed the former insomniac. The journey from Trudis Liit (which she did for Sampaguita Pictures when she was that little, recently adapted as a teledrama by GMA) to, uhm, Governor Liit was fraught with high drama both on the personal level and the professional level, and all sorts of tests and trials which she survived very beautifully. She’s her own glowing trophy.
To mark the 57th milestone in her life, Conversations asked Vi to do a list of the 57 VIPs in her life. Forever Vilmanian Alan Trambulo, who works at the front desk of Radisson Hotel in Manhattan, helped conceptualized this piece. (As of this writing, Vi and Ralph, with son Ryan Christian and close friends and relatives, are vacationing in Seoul. They came back Friday night.)
1. Amado Constantino Santos (deceased), my father
2. Milagros Tuazon Santos, my mother
3. Luis Philippe S. Manzano, my son
4. Ryan Christian S. Recto, my son
5. Ralph Gonzalez Recto, my husband
6. Emelyn Tuazon Santos, my sister
7. Ma. Theresa Santos, my sister
8. Conrad Lopez, my brother-in-law (Ma. Theresa’s husband)
9. Ana Norwina “Winnie” Santos, my sister
10. Willie Herber, my brother-in-law (Winnie’s husband)
11. Joel Tuazon Santos, my only brother (the youngest)
12. Rafael R. Recto (deceased), my father-in-law
13. Carmen Gonzalez Recto, my mother-in-law
14. Dr. Edwin Argonza (my cousin who assisted and attended to me when I gave birth to Luis and Ryan)
15. Dr. Connie Argonza (same reason as above)
16. Eduardo “Doods” Barrios Manzano
17. Adrian Manzano (deceased), Dood’s father
18. Rosario B. Manzano (deceased), Dood’s mother
19. Amaury Agra (my uncle who introduced me to Starmaker Dr. Jose R. Perez of Sampaguita Pictures where he was a cameraman)
20. Dr. Jose “Doc” Perez (deceased), my discoverer
21. William Leary (deceased), my one and only business & appointments manager
22. Cardinal Gaudencio M. Rosales (the first church personnel who gave me trust to be a public servant)
23. Bishop Salvador Quizon (who officiated at my wedding to Ralph)
24. Monsignor Alfredo Madlangbayan (who also officiated at my wedding to Ralph)
25. Boss Vic del Rosario Jr. (producer of my Viva films…and thanks to his late better half, Ate Mina del Rosario)
26. Fr. Lito Malibiran (my adviser, critic and friend)
27. Atty. Espiridion D. Laxa (deceased), my legal adviser and one of my producers.
28. (Regal Matriarch) Mother Lily Monteverde (who produced most of my acclaimed films including Relasyon, Broken Marriage and Sister Stella L)
29. Father Remy Monteverde (Mother Lily’s husband who has also been supportive)
30. Ishmael Bernal (deceased), who was responsible for my winning my first Best Actress grand slam (for Relasyon)
31. Lino Brocka (deceased), who directed me in some of my most memorable films including Rubia Servios, Adultery and Hahamakin ang Lahat
32. Douglas Quijano (deceased), whose well-meaning pieces of advice have paid off
33. Mina Aragon del Rosario (deceased), my dear Ate Mina who carefully and lovingly chose the scripts and stories for the films that I did for Viva Films
34. Helen Vela (deceased), my gangmate
35. Coney Reyes, my gangmate
36. Tina Revilla, my gangmate
37. Roderick Paulate, my BFF (Best Friend Forever)
38. Marichu Vera Perez Maceda, my ever-loving and ever-thoughtful Manay Ichu
39. Marie Babacui, my companion during my younger years, in my escapades, disappearances and rebellious days
40. Viring Morada (deceased), another kasama sa lahat ng lakad starting from my younger years
41. Federico M. Garcia (FMG), who negotiated for my contract with Channel 7 for my TV show VIP right before he transferred to Channel 2
42. Chit A. Guerrero, my EP (Executive Producer) for 15 years in VIP of Channel 7 and 2
43. Cory Valenzuela Vidanes, the PA (Production Assistant) at that time who almost caused my rift with Ricky Lo (Note: During her show, Vi made a joke about the sartorial taste of Cory V who was a Valenzuela and not yet a Vidanes at that time; she’s married to TV director Bobit Vidanes. That was in 1986 when Cory Aquino was only a few months into her presidency. I mistook Cory Vidanes for Cory Aquino because Vi didn’t mention Cory V’s surname. Vi lashed back at me on camera, very angry and very hurt. Hehehehe!)
44. Maribeth Bichara, who honed my dancing prowess
45. Super Morales, who patiently guarded my diction and my grammar in reading spiels for my variety shows
46. Christopher de Leon, my perennial leading man with whom I made more than two dozen movies; he’s now OIC governor of Batangas while I am in Korea and Vice Gov. Mark Leviste is in UK
47. Edgar Mortiz, my first love interest on and off the screen
48. Jose Mari Chan, one person and gentleman whom I truly admire
49. Ricardo F. Lo, the very first movie writer who interviewed me when I was 12 pa lang yata and who even paid the fare for the taxi that he, my mom and I took to the Manila Times building on Florentino Torres St. in Sta. Cruz, Manila, where we did the cover pictorial for Variety, one of the paper’s Sunday magazines
50. Malou N. Santos, whom I thank for believing so much in me
51. The Star Cinema Team
52. The Regal Family
53. Batangueños, my constituents
54. Movie/Showbiz world — the producers, directors, leading men, co-stars, production staff and crew
55. The media guys who helped package my career
56. The Vilmanians whom I thank for their unwavering faithfulness and admiration
57. And all my friends whose names slip my mind at the moment I’m doing this list and from whom I ask forgiveness even as I thank them because they, too, played a very important part in my life.
Written by Ricky Lo, The Philippine Star, Oct 31, 2010 (Philstar)
Star For All Seasons 
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