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Support and Inspire – “…I am hoping for a more positive 2018 for everybody. It seems many people are angry these days. Let’s just continue to support and inspire each other, instead…Things change when you become a mother. I am no longer important. My priority will always be my family and children. After all, Christmas is all about the family…” – Hon. Congresswoman Vilma Santos-Recto, Reported by Bayani San Diego Jr., Philippine Daily Inquirer, 18 December 2017

My Vilmanians – “…Solid na solid pa nga palang talaga ang mga Vilmanian ni Lipa Representative cum Star for All Seasons na si Vilma Santos-Recto. No wonder, Ate Vi refers to them as her ‘My Vilmanians.” A number of them were at the premiere of the restored version of Ate Vi’s 1981 movie, Karma, which was held at the Trinoma nu’ng Friday October 27. The restoration of Karma, directed by the late Danny Zialcita, who died in the year 2003, was made possible by the ABS-CBN Restoration Department headed by Leo Katigbak. Karma co-starred Ate Vi with Ronaldo Valdez and Tommy Abuel. In supporting roles were Aurora Salve, Suzanne Gonzales, Renato Robles, Fred Montilla and Chanda Romero. Gumanap naman ng special roles sina Leila Hermosa at Christopher de Leon. Remember them?…Of the Vilmanians, they are now, of course, like Ate Vi, are senior citizens. At karamihan din sa kanila ay “made” na, professionally and otherwise, like Ate Vi. Ate Vi, who had left Thursday yata with husband Senator Ralph Recto and son Ryan Christian for abroad where she will celebrate her birthday on November 3, was not at the premiere. Ganunpaman, dumating si Ronaldo, who were congratulated for a job well-done, not only in Karma but for his still currently showing movie na Seven Sundays…during its nearly three weeks run, reportedly grossed more than P200M na…” – Nel Alejandrino, Journal, 28 October 2017

Under Pressure – “…Baka lalong ma-pressure si Luis Manzano na pakasalan na ang girlfriend na si Jessy Mendiola anytime soon. Hindi lang pala ang mommy niyang si Lipa Congresswoman Vilma Santos-Recto ang eager na magka-apo na sa kanya kung hindi maging ang daddy niya na si Edu Manzano. Luis has two younger siblings with Edu na parehong nag-aaral sa abroad. Ang kanyang kapatid naman na si Ryan Christian with Ate Vi is only in his 20s at nag-aaral pa din…” – Nel Alejandrino, Journal, 15 October 2017

Pretty Legs – “…Magkatabi kami…at ang dami naming napag-usapan including my first FAMAS Best Actress for Dama de Noche which he directed and my movie Lipad, Darna, Lipad…at mga movies ko na sa kanya ang screenplay. We talked about the problems of the movie industry, including problems in my personal life noon na alam na alam niya. Adviser ko siya sa buhay ko. Sad news. Kung saan man ako ngayon at ang status ko sa career, recognition na nakuha ko, malaki ang parte niyang si direk Maning Borlaza. Ang dami kong ginawang movie na siya ang director. I will definitely miss him…Siya ang direktor na may pinaka-magandang legs!!! Alam niya ‘yan at ipinagmamalaki niya…” – Hon. Rep. Vilma Santos-Recto, reported by Ricky Lo, The Philippine Star, 14 October 2017

Kaparte ng Tagumpay ni Vi – “…My!! Enough of sad news! (Anyway, last saw him sa wake ni Mario H. Magkatabi kami/tayo Jun…At dami napag-usapan including my first Famas Best Actress sa movie naming Dama de Noche…na siya rin director and my movie Lipad Darna Lipad…mga movies ko na sa kanya ang screenplay! Pati mga naging problema ko sa personal kong buhay nuon…alam niya. Adviser ko rin siya sa buhay ko. Sad news. Kung saan man ako ngayon at status ko sa career…recognitions na nakukuha ko…malaki ang parte nyan ni direk Maning Borlaza!…” – Hon. Rep. Vilma Santos-Recto, reported by Jun Nardo, Abante, 13 October 2017

Happy Childhood – “…“I never felt na naghiwalay ang Mom at Dad ko (Vilma Santos at Edu Manzano). They never made me feel na hiwalay sila dahil pareho silang laging nasa buhay ko, anytime I need them. Sa mga school activities lalo na sa sports na kinahiligan ko, naroon sila pareho. At hindi ko kailanman nakita na nag-aaway sila…I had a happy childhood…tang-kita naman ang ebidensya. Lagi akong masaya. At ang mga shows na ibinibigay sa akin sa ABS-CBN ay masaya lagi. Sabi nga ni Aga, sakali mang hiwalay ang parents, hindi sila dapat sisihin ano man ang maging kapalaran ng mga anak. May sarili silang buhay…Kahit half- brothers or sisters, totoong magkakapatid kami. Walang kapatid sa ama o ina. Close kami ng lahat ng mga kapatid ko. I owe my happiness to my Mom and Dad, ganun din sa mga kapatid ko. At ang pagiging masaya ko, hindi naman secret ang humor ni Dad na namana ko…” – Luis Manzano, Reported by Chit Ramos, Journal, 08 October 2017

Incroci – “…With the assassination of Ninoy Aquino the following year, De Leon conceived of a more critical movie about the Philippines under the dictatorship. He got José “Pete” Lacaba to write the script with José Almohuela about the growing activism of religious sisters on the union front. And since Regal Films boss Lily Monteverde was looking for another project to cash in on the box-office magic of Vilma Santos, the proper financing and casting were obtained. The result was the classic “Sister Stella L,” released in 1984. Among many superlatives of the historic movie was its original sound track that included two key songs written by Lacaba and musical director Ding Achacoso, “Aling Pag-ibig Pa?” and “Sangandaan,” which means “crossroads.” When the movie was accepted to the main competition of Venice in 1985, its title was changed to “Incroci,” Italian for “crossroads…” – Lito B. Zulueta, Philippine Daily Inquirer, 18 September 2017

Kadiri-PaMORE – “…The nerve, di ba? Senador ka Tito Sen, hindi ka taong-grasa. Hindi ka taong-kalye para hayaang malagay sa kapahamakan ang mga mahihirap mong mga kababayan na left and right na pinapatay sa araw-araw na ginawa ng Diyos. Ito ang ahensiya na nag-aalaga at nakikipaglaban sa buhay ng mga taong bumoto sa iyo na pinapatay ng mga alagad ng batas na binigyan ng pangulo natin ng basbas on his campaign against drugs. Hindi ka ba naaawa sa mga pobreng binibiktima ng kapulisan? Sabihin man nating hindi lahat ay isinisisi ang mga nangyayaring patayan ngayon sa mga pulis pero sana naman maisip mo ring dapat ay bigyan ng patas at fair na budget ang CHR dahil kasama ang mga anak at apo mo sa pinangangalagaan nila. Tapos ang sasabihin mo kontra nang kontra kasi ang ahensya kay Digong? Wait lang, you mean kahit mali ang pinaggagagawa ng pangulo at mali ang kanyang panuntunan ay kailangang sundin lamang para walang isyu? Mali naman yata ito Sen. Sotto? Kung tama si Pangulong Duterte, okay sa amin. Pero pag mali, doon lang naman kami pumapalag. Bulag ka na ba, bingi ka na ba? Dahil lang ba sa pulitika kaya ka nagkakaganyan? Nakakadismaya ka, Sen. Sotto. This is not the Tito Sotto na nakilala namin at minahal. If only for this, we truly admire Cong. Vilma Santos’ stand – na hindi tama ang ginagawa nilang panggigipit sa CHR. Dapat bigyan ng sapat na pondo ang ahensyang ito para meron silang enough resources to protect human rights. That’s truly admirable of the congresswoman from Batangas. Hindi man nakapagtapos ng pag-aaral si Vilma ay nagamit naman niya ang wastong pag-iisip na galing sa puso. As we read our Facebook page, nakikita namin ang pagpapalitan ng kuro-kuro at opinyon ng mga netizens. Naloloka kami sa mga trolls at fanatics ni PDutz, ang argument nila palagi ay mas marami raw ang namatay nu’ng panahon nina Tita Cory Aquino and Noynoy Aquino kumpara ngayon. Mas marami raw ang namatay noon kaysa mga alleged EJKs ngayon. Maliban sa mga hunghang yata ang mga ito, talagang mahihina ang kukote, di ba? Ano ba ang tingin nila sa buhay natin? Paramihan ba ito ng napapatay? Iba noon, iba ngayon. Kung merong EJK noon, dapat natuto na tayo at hindi na ito nauulit ngayon. Kaso, mas lumala, hundredfolds pa. Kaloka ang mga netizens na ito, hindi nag-iisip. Lalo na ang mga taga-showbiz na sipsip – nakakadiri kayo…” – Jobert Sucaldito, Bandera, 17 September 2017

CHR’s Budget-Cut (The agency’s budget to P1,000 from the original proposal of P623.4 million Philippine Peso) – “…I am against cutting the budget of CHR. They have a duty to perform as mandated by the constitution. With so much crimes/EJKs (extra judicial killings) – they need more resources to these investigations. Ito ang ahensyang tumutulong sa karapatang pangtao!…” – Hon. Congresswoman Vilma Santos-Recto, Reported by ABS-CBN News, 13 September 2017

Film Marketing – “…Gusto ng audience na iyong love ang mangibabaw, iyon ang ibinigay natin. Kaya ang dapat isipin ng mga gumagawa ng pelikula, kung ano ang gusto ng audience iyon ang ihain natin,” sabi ni direk. “Natatandaan ko noong araw, nasa shooting pa lang kami ng pelikula, talagang umaandar na ang promotions. Hindi ba nagpupunta pa kayo sa set, at saka iyang promotions, mahalaga iyan sa pelikula. Manonood ang mga tao sa mga unang araw dahil sa promo. Kung ma­ganda ang pelikula mo, mabilis kakalat na maganda ang pelikula, magiging malaking hit iyan. Tingnan mo na lang iyang Colgate, mas malaki ang gastos nila sa advertising kaysa sa toothpaste. Hindi na nga toothpaste ang tawag eh, Colgate na. Ganyan kahalaga iyang promotions at advertising. Eh tingnan mo ngayon, ni wala ka nang makitang movie ads sa mga diyaryo, sino ang manonood niyan? Ang nakakalimutan ng mga gumagawa ng pelikula ngayon iyong marketing. At saka kailangan may panggulat. Natatandaan mo ba iyong Dama de Noche ni Vi, may binago rin ako sa istorya noon. Ginawa kong dual role si Vi. Ginawa ko iyon para may maiba. Naglalaro tayo noon sa istorya dahil iyon ang pinanonood ng mga tao. Kung si Vilma lang ang gusto nilang makita, manood na lang sila ng TV. Pero nagbabayad sila dahil gusto nilang mapanood si Vilma na iba ang kuwento, at hindi nila iyon mapapanood sa TV. Eh ngayon, iyan ang ginagawa sa TV, tapos iyong mga pelikula natin hindi mo maintindihan ang kuwento. Ano nga ba ang mangyayari…” – Maning Borlaza, Director and MTRCB Vice Chairman, reported by Ed De Leon, Pang-Masa, 8 September 2017

Masama bang maging pangit? (on criticism about her visible eyebags) – “…Nakaka-miss talaga ang showbiz. Pamilya ko na kasi ito eh. Huwag lang naman sana sa ganitong okasyon tayo nagkikita-kita…Mahirap din kasing magmukhang wala kang alam ‘pag nagdedebatehan na sa committees…Hindi ko naman kasi pinaplano ‘yan eh. At least sa Congress may mga break sa session…Pag nasa executive ako, 24/7 ang trabaho ko. Kung pinaplano ko ang political career ko, tumakbo na sana ako bilang Vice President…Wala pang magandang story eh. Gusto ko namang may bagong ipapa­kita once gumawa uli ako ng movie. May sinabi sa akin si Direk Joyce Bernal. ‘Yung pagsasamahan namin ni Judy Ann (Santos). Maganda ‘yung idea dahil bago. Pero sabi ko, script muna ang gusto kong mabasa…Hayaan na lang natin sila. Hindi na ako naaapektuhan ng ganyang paninira. Saka masama bang maging pangit? Hindi nila alam ang story behind it kaya malaya silang sabihin ang gusto nilang sabihin…Kinaya ko naman kasi ang katawan ko that night kahit may dinaram­dam pa rin ako. Mas marami naman siguro akong napasaya nu’ng Star Awards, ‘di ba?…” – Vilma Santos, Reported by Jun Nardo, Abante, 08 September 2017

The Promise – “At long last, the certified queens of Philippine movies got to share the same stage again. Superstar Nora Aunor and the Star for All Seasons Vilma Santos graced the Star Awards for Movies, spearheaded by the Philippine Movie Press Club and held at the Resorts World Manila last Sunday. For the first time since the return of Ate Guy (as Aunor is known) from the United States in 2011, she bumped into screen rival Ate Vi (as Santos is called in the biz), in a glitzy event. They were the recipients of the Ginintuang Bituin ng Pelikulang Pilipino honor. They also tied as best actress; Guy won for “Kabisera”; Vi, for “Everything About Her.” “Nagkumustahan kami,” Guy told the Inquirer. “Sinabi ko na nawala ang cell phone ko kaya hindi ako nakapag-text sa kanya.” “[That’s why] I gave my phone number to her,” Vi related. “It was really nice seeing Mare again. The last time was when my movie, ‘In My Life,’ was shown in Los Angeles in 2009.” “Ngayon na nagbigayan na kami ng contact number, puwede na kaming magtawagan at mag-textan tulad noong nasa States ako,” Guy said. “Nagkuwentuhan kami about life. After five decades, nandito pa rin kami,” Vi remarked. “We are very thankful sa fans, sa press, para sa recognition. We kept talking all night. We promised to keep in touch…” – Bayani San Diego Jr., Philippine Daily Inquirer, 06 September 2017

Sense of Unpredictability – “The Philippine Movie Press Club (PMPC), in its more than three decades of recognizing stars and movies in local industry, has been notorious in giving out the same award to two nominees in a specific category on its awards night. And last Sunday, for the nth time, was no exception…in the Best Actress category, audiences raised their eyebrows and plastered the big question “why” on social media. Superstar Nora Aunor and actor-turned-politician Vilma Santos shared the top acting honors at the 33rd edition of PMPC Star Awards for Movies. Aunor and Santos were both proclaimed Best Actress winners for their roles in Kabisera and Everything About Her, respectively. Yes, they’re both great actors, so why not? This decision to split the coveted acting plum between two legendary actors was a tricky decision. But obviously, the members of the PMPC didn’t want to offend any of the two celebrated local movie stars who both showed up at the venue. The same thing applies to the ardent supporters of the “Superstar” and the “Star for All Seasons” who, up until now, could launch a massive word war. You see, they were uncertain on who to honor, but one thing was certain though, they didn’t want to make any bold decision to clean up their dubious credibility or at least give their award show some sense of unpredictability. It was a lost chance…Meanwhile, in the Best Actor race, Daniel Padilla walked home with the top acting honors winning over legitimate film critics’ favorite Paolo Ballesteros (Die Beautiful)…Sure, two or three among these actors mentioned have given better performances compared to the young actor. But they weren’t the choice of the members of PMPC. And that gives people an idea of PMPC’s benchmark when it comes to choosing the best in this art form.” – Nickie Wang, The Standard, 05 September 2017

Advice of Mommy Vi – “…When we were doing Dekada ’70, I was just starting out in the industry. Mommy Vi told me that she got into film production and all sorts of things, but what saved her were the properties she bought. Since then, what I would do, when I would get a big paycheck, I would buy a piece of land. I never (take out a) loan. I only did one time for my car because I didn’t have enough. Then when the recession hit the States, we got into US real estate…Now we’re in stage two, we’re partnering with different companies for commercial businesses. We’re building…” – Piolo Pascual, reported by Bianca Gonzalez, The Philippine Star, 27 August 2017

Dyed-in-the-wool Vilma Santos Fan – “…Playwright-director Chris Martinez, normally quite shy and averse to interviews, agreed to sit down with the Fabcasters to talk about the movie–among other things. It was a hoot…Other tidbits we gathered: He and his signature actress Eugene Domingo (Best Supporting Actress for 100 in the 2008 Cinemalaya Film Festival) go a long way back, even living together for a while–as friends. The movie’s title (spoiler alert!) refers to the hundred things Mylene Dizon’s stricken character sets out to do before she dies–though there are actually 102 tasks included in the film (I made sure to ask that). Since he likes dialogue-driven films, Woody Allen is his favorite director. And he is a dyed-in-the-wool Vilma Santos fan–the reference to Pahiram ng Isang Umaga at one point in the film is a dead giveaway. “Di ba dapat naman siya ang idolohin, the way she’s lived her life?,” he quipped. “Ang mga ina-idol natin dapat yung mga pasulong sa liwanag!” Laughter all around. Money quote (well, because I lobbed the question-on the claim by some that “Cinemalaya seems to be losing its way because mas marami na ang mainstream actors and actresses who are getting the parts there, and sila rin ang nananalo”): “I don’t find anything wrong with casting name actors… For me, the distinction between independent and mainstream [film] is just economics. But aesthetically, dapat walang distinction. Hindi naman ibig sabihin pag independent film kailangan unknown actors, or gumagalaw-galaw ang camera mo, or poorly lit. At di rin naman ibig sabihin pag mainstream e kailangan laging glossy. Sa akin, ang aesthetics iba yun sa economics. Ang goal naman yata ng bawat independent filmmaker is to get the mainstream audience–to get as many people to watch the film. Otherwise, hindi masu-sustain ang artist, di siya makakagawa ng mas marami pang pelikula…” – Gibbs Cadiz, 19 November 2008

Vilma may K para maging National Artist – “…Isinusulong pala ng Vilmanians na maging National Artist ang Star for All Seasons na si Vilma Santos-Recto. Why not? May karapatan si Mama Vi na i-declare bilang National Artist dahil sa mga achievement niya bilang aktres at sa kanyang mga kontribusyon sa local entertainment industry. Magsasalita na ako ng tapos, walang aktres ang makaka-duplicate sa mga naabot ni Mama Vi na na­ging mayor,governor at ngayon, house representative. Kung nasangkot man si Mama Vi sa mga kontrobersya, mga usual na intriga sa mga artista ang pinagdaanan niya. Hindi natin siya nabalitaan na nalulong sa paggamit ng illegal drugs, nagsugal at kung anik-anik na katsipan na ginawa ng ibang mga artista na hindi pinahalagahan ang mga bonggang biyaya na kanilang natanggap mula sa Itaas. Sana nga, matupad ng Vilmanians ang dream nila na magawaran si Mama Vi ng National Artist award dahil deserving siya para sa nabanggit na parangal…” – Lolit Solis, Pang-Masa, 13 August 2017

The Uncredited Makeup/Prosthetic Artist of Lipad Darna Lipad – “…Now considered a lost film, Lipad, Darna, Lipad! (1973) was groundbreaking, not only in its highly camp self-awareness and pure pop-culture-meets-European-arthouse sensibility, but in its directors’ thoughtful application of special effects and prosthetics. Carvajal and Cecille transformed perennial bad girl Celia Rodriguez into Darna’s snake-domed nemesis Valentina like never before in the series’ previous three decades; likewise, Gloria Romero morphed into Impakta, and Liza Lorena became Babaeng Lawin. Cecille would continue her association with Darna in Darna And The Giants (1973) and Darna vs The Planet Women (1975), both starring Lipad…’s Vilma Santos, and the rebooted Darna (1991). “I enjoy so much working on Darna, because I have lots of episodes. In one film I was doing all of it – sometimes I do the makeup also, sometimes I do the effects. At that time there was not much production design, only costume and makeup. So I made already prosthetics of the different enemies of Darna, for example Darna and Valentina, Darna and the Giants, and I made up Helen Gamboa into an outer space alien, then the head was blown out. The effects man forgot, but that’s my head, we worked with. All the prosthetics there, I did…” – Cecille Baun, Reported and written Andrew Leavold, Andrew Leovold Blogspot, 08 January 2017

Still Relevant – “…Ate Guy and I had a great time shooting that movie (#TBirdAtAko). OK kami (we were on good terms), and it was a happy set…It was fun working with her. With Direk Danny guiding us, we would discuss the best way to execute our scenes together…We both liked our characters kasi—because the roles assigned to us played well to our strengths as performers. Everybody knows that I express myself well via body language, while Guy is noted for her subdued portrayals. So, when we’re together, our acting styles complement each other, at lalong napapaganda ang eksena (and the scenes are better because of them)! Now more than ever, ‘T-Bird at Ako’ shows how timeless it is because its theme is as relevant as ever—napapanahon pa rin s’ya!…” – Rito P. Asilo, Philippine Daily Inquirer, 31 July 2017

Ganda at Talino – “…Vilma was picked dahil sa kanyang husay at galing sa pagganap na umani ng parangal mula sa lahat ng mga organisasyong pampelikula na nagbibigay ng gawad…Taglay n’ya ang ganda at talino ng artistang hinahangaan ng marami sa publiko, subalit namumukod s’yang higit hindi lamang dahil sa pisikal n’yang katangian, ngunit dahil sa kanyang kabatiran at tagos-kaluluwang pagganap sa kanyang bawat katauhang binigyang-buhay sa pelikula…” – Bienvenido Lumbera, Manunuri ng Pelikulang Pilipino, Reported by Deni Rose M. Afinidad-Bernardo, Philstar, 21 July 2017

Pang-Abono – “…Iyon namang ibang award giving bodies, nominated pa rin si Ate Vi. Nanalo siya kamakailan sa The Eddys bilang Best Actress. Ang katuwiran ng ibang award giving bodies, aktibo pa naman bilang aktres si Ate Vi kahit na nga sabihing bihira na rin siyang makagawa ng pelikula dahil sa kanyang iba pang tungkuling kailangang gampanan. Pero paminsan-minsan, nakakasingit pa rin naman siyang gumawa ng pelikula lalo na at may magandang proyektong iniaalok sa kanya. Iyon kasi ang malaking kaibahan ni Ate Vi sa ngayon. Noong araw, ang pagiging artista ay isang propesyon para sa kanya. Talagang ito ang kanyang hanapbuhay. Ngayon, dahil sa naging katayuan nga niya sa buhay, at noong panahong isa siyang aktres ay nakapag-ipon naman siya ng pera, bukod pa nga sa mga napasukan niyang negosyo, makakapamuhay na siya nang walang problema. Sa pulitika ay alam naman nating walang kita at kadalasan abono pa, kaya nga siya gumagawa ng pelikula kung minsan, “para may pang-abono”. Kung minsan ang kita niya bilang artista, itinutuloy na niya sa foundation na itinatag niya para tumulong sa mga mahihirap. May plano rin siyang isa pang foundation para naman sa Vilmanians. Marami pang iniisip na proyekto si Ate Vi na makatutulong sa industriya at sa mga taong gumagalaw dito. Kaya palagay namin bagay nga sa kanya iyang “natatanging gawad” na iyan…” – Ed De Leon, Pang-Masa, 21 July 2017

Full Force Fans – “…Full force ang #JaDine fans, ang fans nina Elmo Magalona and Janella Salvador, Kisses Delavin and Marco Gallo, Julian Trono and Ella Cruz, Edward Barber and Maymay Entrata at maging ang fans nina Richard Gutierrez and Sarah Lahbati. May mga dala pa silang banner pero may particular size lang na puwedeng ipasok sa Kia Theater kaya ang iba’y ipinaiwan sa labas. Pero grabe ang tilian nila talaga. At ang nakakatuwa, hindi nagpatalo ang Noranians at Vilmanians na sumugod din sa venue ng awards night. Tili rin sila nang tili. At ang isa pang nakaka­tuwa sa ibang fans, nag-effort silang mag-formal. Hindi sila basta lang naka T-shirt o tsinelas. Mga nakabihis. Parang bumalik ang da­ting panahon na nagbibihis ang fans para mag-attend ng awards night…” – Salve Asis, Pilipino Star Ngayon, 11 July 2017

Maindie – “…Quantum started the maindie trend when it entered Jeffrey Jeturian’s Ekstra (The Bit Player) in the 2013 Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival. Maindie marries qualities of the mainstream film with the indie film. When put together, it produces a quality film with commercial intent. Ekstra is a Vilma Santos starrer, a light movie about bit players supported by bit players with Piolo Pascual, Marian Rivera, Richard Yap, among others, in cameo roles. True enough, it won special jury prize, audience choice, NETPAC Prize, best actress for Vilma and turned out to be the highest grosser and had an out-of-festival commercial screening. So Quantum found the solution seven years ago that indie filmmakers cannot reconcile up to now, and that the 2017 Executive Committee is theoretically implementing this year. It seems irreconcilable because indie filmmakers aim to make themselves the standard, unwilling to work on a compromise. Trouble here is that the Film Development Council of the Philippines cannot take sides and decide that quality is almost not enough…” – Edgar Cruz, Tribune, 08 July 2017

Request kay MNS – “…Wow! Hindi ko pa alam, promise. Talaga ba? Sana talaga matuloy. Sa totoo lang, hindi pa kami nakakapag-usap ni Ate Vi. Kasi wala pang chance na magkaroon talaga kami ng moment na makapag-usap…Matagal ko nang nilalambing sa Star Cinema, ang dami lang talagang ganap. Kaya please, please sana matuloy. Lagi ko talaga request kay MNS (Malou N. Santos) na sana magkaroon ako ng movie with Ate Vi. Siya na lang kasi talaga ‘yung hindi ko pa nakakasama. Parang kulang eh, kulang ang pagiging artista mo kapag hindi mo siya nakatrabaho. Lahat yata ng artista gusto talaga siyang makasama at isa ako doon…” – Judy Ann Santos, Reported by Boy Abunda, Pilipino Star Ngayon, 08 June 2017

Survivor of Life’s Trials – “…Perfect ang description kay Vilma ng isang respected showbiz authority na nasubaybayan ang lahat ng mga pangyayari sa personal at professional life niya. “Vi is a beautiful survivor of life’s trials and has earned the public’s sustained respect and admiration because she has kept her dignity on and off camera, and she doesn’t inflict her privates pains, imagined or otherwise, on the public. “Remember, respect begets respect. Vi is the perfect role model not only of her colleagues but of the public as well…” – Jojo Gabinete, Abante, 06 June 2017

Signature Director – “…Gil (Portes) is one of the “most passionate filmmakers” I had ever worked with…He’s my signature director. And he used to call me his signature actress, too, because we did a lot of projects together…‘Munting Tinig,’ ‘Homecoming,’ ‘Barcelona’ and ‘Liars’…Direk Gil was an artist and a mentor in every sense of the word. He used to tell me, ‘O, Alex, ’naku, pang-best actress ito ha! Galingan mo, kalaban mo na naman si Ate Vi!…” – Alessandra de Rossi, as reported by Allan Policarpio, Philippine Daily Inquirer, 27 May 2017

Vilma Santos, The Batangueña – “…However, the most telling evidence of how well a person can suit language and lifestyle lies in Vilma Santos-Recto, who now peppers her conversations with traditional Batangueño lines spoken with the right attitude. Vilma has taken to calling friends as Ka Nitoy or Ka Celia, ka being a term of endearment among Batangas old-timers. Ka is also used as a term of respect to another person, usually older. In the late 70s, Vilma acted in a film called Vilma Veinte Nueve (29) where she played a balisong-wielding fighter of a character. She was Batangueña, but of course…” – Nestor Cuartero, Tempo, 22 May 2017

On Bashers – “…People say that I should take the high road in dealing with bashers, but I will be the one to tell you—bastos po ako, palamura ako. I will not pretend to be clean. If a basher hits me, he or she should be ready to be hit back. Our being TV personalities doesn’t give other people the right to attack us…They say the art of deadma is divine; I say, ‘To each his own.’ I don’t hate bashers. I actually enjoy dealing with them. Being on TV doesn’t make me a better person. I tell you, I’m the opposite of everything my parents are…” – Luis Manzano, Reported by Marinel R. Cruz, Philippine Daily Inquirer, 23 April 2017

Fashion Trademarks – “…Everyone has that one thing or two that most people remember them at. Especially for public figures where their fashion statement, more often or not, becomes their “identifier.” It can also reach that point where a style becomes iconic when people are donning it in costume events like Halloween! To prove that fashion statements leaves a mark, here are 7 Filipino celebrities whom became known for their all-time fashion trademarks…Vilma Santos-Recto: With her title as the “Star for All Seasons,” Vilma Santos-Recto also developed her fashion trademark overtime. The actress turned politician became iconic in her colorful suits and her trusty handerkerchief at her right hand. Trivia, the hanky is there simply wipe sweat and dust…” – Sherry Tadeja, Iniside Manila, 18 April 2017

Rebel Director – “…Maraming galos si Vilma Santos rito pero di siya nagreklamo. Sobrang bow ako sa kanya. Nagkwento na lamang siya na nahilo siya, may galos siya. Sobrang inspiring makatrabaho si Ate Vi. Di siya nagpapa-importante kahit Batangas governor na siya noon. Di rin siya nagpapa-antay. Mahal na mahal siya ng mga kapwa-artista. Sabay-sabay sila dumating. Di siya nagbibigay ng problema…Iyon ang sobrang sarap kay Ate Vi…I’ve always been a rebel. May sarili akong diskarte o pananaw. Even my father, who had a high position in government (being a local government minister then), never forced me to do things that I did not want. My mother was the one worrying kasi wala naman kita sa art..” – Chito S. Roño, As Reported by Rogelio Constantino Medina, Manila Standard, 10 April 2017

Vilma’s Darna costumes – “…Over the past six decades, more than 15 actresses have portrayed Darna, the iconic Pinoy heroine created by Mars Ravelo. Filipinos have also witnessed more than a dozen variety of Darna’s costume, which is usually a red bikini with a gold star on each brassiere cap and a helmet with ruby-encrusted gold winged medallion. Her accessories include gold cuff bracelets, golden medallion belt with a loincloth in the middle, and red boots. Here’s an extensive look on how Darna’s costume changed through the years…Vilma Santos ruled the ’70s as Darna, and wore four different costumes. In Lipad, Darna, Lipad (1973), she donned the original red bikini with gold stars (left) including the red helmet with gold winged medallion, the red boots, gold medallion belt, and gold cuff bracelets. In Darna and the Giants (1974), she wore an all-gold ensemble (middle) with red details, plus a gold choker. In Darna vs. the Planetwomen (1975), she donned a dark blue bikini (right) with red stars and the same accessories plus the choker…1980s, Vilma took back Darna’s stone for the movie Darna and Ding (1980). This was the last time she played the iconic super heroine, and also her most daring Darna costume ever: from boyshorts, her bottoms were changed into a high-waisted bikini. She also donned a sparkly red bikini top with gold stars and shiny blue shorts with white loincloth. The rest of her accessories were in gold…” – Nikko Tuazon, PEP, 09 April 2017

On #LGBT and The #DeathPenalty – “…Kung maaari nga lang sana, may exclusive laws para sa LGBT, kasi naiintindihan ko situations nila eh…Kasi ang LGBT, may discrimination talaga eh. Parang kapag sinabing lesbian (o gay), may (negative) connotation na agad ang mga tao (sa kanila). (Pero) ang sa akin lang, ‘What’s wrong with that (being gay)?’ Buti nga ngayon, mas libre na sila mag-expose (ng mga sarili nila)…(on saying NO to death penalty) Yun kasi ang prinsipyo ko sa buhay. Iba din ang prinsipyo ng iba na dapat din natin igalang…At the end of the day kung anong makakabuti sa mga tao, ’yun ang sundin natin. Since naninindigan ako sa no, I am ready to accept the consequences of my decision…” – Vilma Santos-Recto, as reported by Regina Mae Parungao, Manila Bulletin, 16 March 2017

Life is simply not ours to take – “…Naniniwala ako sa hustisya. Ang mga nagkasala ay nararapat na patawan ng parusa, karampatan sa nasasaad sa batas. But I also believe that everyone has the right to become productive members of society. Everybody deserves a chance to correct their mistakes. Reformation. Rehabilitation. Reintegration. Those are the three processes that I believe in. Masugid akong sumangguni sa aking mga kababayan tungkol sa pagsasabatas ng Death Penalty. On their behalf, I say an adamant NO to the re-imposition of Death Pe­nalty. I fully understand the consequences of not supporting this bill, but in the question of life and death, our conscience prevails. Life is simply not ours to take. Mabuhay ang mga Lipeño at mabuhay ang sambayanang Pilipino!” – Vilma Santos-Recto, as reported by Alwin Ignacio, Abante Tonite, 10 March 2017

Remembering Danilo – “…The country’s top actors and singers remember fashion designer to the stars, Danilo Franco, fondly. Often described as “a loner and a man of few words,” Franco would rather let his designs—by turns, elegant, intricate and colorfully flamboyant—speak for themselves. Several star-clients were his most ardent supporters, as well—and would proudly don his creations not only onstage (in plays, concerts and awards rites) and onscreen (in movies and on TV shows), but offstage as well…Rep. Vilma Santos wore a Franco Filipiniana gown when she tied the knot with Sen. Ralph Recto in Lipa, Batangas, in 1992. Franco also took care of Santos’ wardrobe when she played a fierce and feisty mogul in the movie, “Everything About Her,” last year…”He was like family. We were together for ages. He did my clothes for years—from the ‘Vilma’ show in the 1980s until his passing. I am so sad. I am continuously praying for him. I love him. He was a very quiet person. Observant, passive, but a true, loving and loyal friend…” – Bayani San Diego Jr., Philippine Daily Inquirer, 06 February 2017

Selfie and Other Topics – “…I’m used to it because I’ve been in show biz since I was 9. Yes, it gets distracting sometimes, especially if you need to focus and think about what’s being discussed. At the same time, I also should be thankful because it means they’re interested in me…I’m more careful now (on being outspoken) because I’m aware that whatever I say influences people. You can’t dispense irresponsible advice or issue flippant comments…I support President Duterte’s war on drugs—it’s about time we take the issue seriously. But while we’re aware of the dangers of drug abuse, we can’t solve crimes by killing people. If you ask me, everybody deserves a second chance. Hindi tayo puwedeng basta magbitaw ng kung kaninong pangalan [without proof], at patay lang nang patay. There’s a better way to do this. Kailangang nasa tamang lugar…Expressing contrarian views is a human right. And she (Meryl Streep) is as intelligent a person as she is as an actress…In a way, they rule with an iron fist (Trump and Duterte). But we should give them a chance. President Duterte’s trust rating is very high (86 percent), which means he has the people’s support. Six months aren’t enough to gauge a president’s performance. Let’s hope for the best…” – Congresswoman Vilma Santos-Recto, as reported by Rito P. Asilo, Philippine Daily Inquirer, 05 February 2017

Can’t Say NO to Ate Vi – “…I didn’t receive any reply, which was unusual. The next day, Tuesday, I texted him again to ask him if we could meet up and have coffee. Again, no reply. But after about an hour, it was his brother Joey who texted me back using Danny’s phone. He told me that Danny was in the hospital and was already in critical condition…he couldn’t say no to, actress-politician Vilma Santos. At the time of his death, he only had two sewers who were on call at his shop in Singalong, Manila…Sir Dan was one of the pillars of SoFA…He was one of our first few faculty members and he eventually became a major member of our education team. He was one of those we relied on to deliver the SoFA method of design education. He understood the value of the design process and managed to mentor our students through it. He was extremely generous, becoming a lifelong mentor and friend to his students even after graduation…In spite of his full load as a SoFA professor, Dan still continued to serve his clients…He always wanted to retire from designing and move from Malate to a smaller place in Makati near SoFA. But how could he do that when clients like Vilma Santos wouldn’t stop ordering? He was always busy, but always found time to dine out, hang out with designers, co-teachers, and create artworks when his schedule allowed…” – Rene Bisquera, Reported by Alex Y. Vergara, Manila Bulletin, 05 February 2017

The Balisong-wielding Batangueña Fighter – “…Vilma Santos, the Batanguena: However, the most telling evidence of how well a person can suit language and lifestyle lies in Vilma Santos-Recto, who now peppers her conversations with traditional Batangueño lines spoken with the right attitude. Vilma has taken to calling friends as Ka Nitoy or Ka Celia, Ka being a term of endearment among Batangas old-timers. Ka is also used as a term of respect to another person, usually older. In the late ’70s, Vilma acted in a film called “Vilma Veinte Nueve (29)” where she played a balisong-wielding fighter of a character. She was Batangueña, but of course…” – Nestor Cuartero, Manila Bulletin, 27 January 2017

#GEMS Awards for Film – “…Sinadya naming lumiban sa pagbibigay ng blind item sa araw na ito para bigyang-daan ang isang bagong tatag na samahan, ang GEMS (Guild Of Educators, Mentors And Students), na binubuo ng mga akademisyan mula sa iba’t ibang paaralan, mga propesyonal mula sa mga pribadong institusyon at sektor ng lipunan, at mga mag-aaral ng mga prestihiyosong kolehiyo at pamantasan…Best Film (Indie) – Die Beautiful (The Idea First Company); Best Film (Mainstream) – Everything About Her (Star Cinema); Best Film Director (Indie) – Jun Robles Lana (Die Beautiful); Best Film Director (Mainstream) – Joyce Bernal (Everything About Her); Best Supporting Actor – Xian Lim (Everything About Her); Best Supporting Actress – Cherry Pie Picache (Whistleblower); Best Actor – Paolo Ballesteros (Die Beautiful); Best Actress – Vilma Santos (Everything About Her); Special Award, Natatanging Hiyas Ng Sining Sa Pinilakang Tabing – Jaclyn Jose…” – Cristy Fermin, Pilipino Star Ngayon, 12 January 2017

Full Protection for Filipino #LGBT – “…Ang gusto nating isulong ay itong full protection para sa ating mga LGBTs not only in this term. Sana maging permanente po ito through a law not only through a resolution. I hope this committee will support this endeavor…Ultimately, this bill seeks to create a police organization that is able and eager to respond to any criminal or emergency incident, regardless of the gender orientation of the people involved…” – Congresswoman Vilma Santos-Recto, reported by Kristian Javier, Philstar, 03 January 2017