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.
This is Vilma’s unguarded moment. Iyong bang para siyang nasa isang malayong lugar at malayo ang narating niya. At kung anuman ang iniisip niya ay siya lamang ang nakakaalam. And one time we caught them, siya at si Bobot. Nasa loob siya ng isang waiting room na residence ng kanilang producer sa Volta. Kasama siya at binabantayan ng mga ito. Sa di kalayuan nakaupo si Vilma. As usual, talks, “ika nga siyempre ang pinag-uusapan nila’y tungkol sa kanilang dalawa. Hindi maiwasan ni Bobot ang pagtatapat kay Vilma tungkol sa mga loobin pa niya. “Sus, nagbiro ka na naman, tigilan mo na nga ako ‘yan, Bingi na ako riyan.” sabi ni Vi at bahagyang nangiti siya. Nagyuko ng ulo si Bobot. Bahagyang nag-isip. “Wala ‘yes, huwang mong pansinin.” Tila naman pampalubag loob ay nabawi uling salita ni Vilma. Saka pa lamang napangiti si Bobot. At pag nabuksan na ang pinto tiyak na bubungad ang pinakamatandang kapatid ni Vi. “Kamusta? May kailangan ka ba?” Tanong nito kay Vilma. “Nagpapahinga lang kami dito. Tatawag ako kung may kailangan ako. May kasama naman ako rito eh.” Sagot ni Vi sa kanyang ate. One time sa KBS minsan nang naging guest naman ni Vilma si Jojit Peredes. Well, kahit sino ang makakila tiyak na iisipin at sasabihin na may ugnayan nang talaga ang dalawa. Nagkakaunawaan na.
These are many times we caught Vilma na paglapit sa kanya ni Jojit ay para bang may mahalaga silang pinaguusapang para sa kanilang dalawa. But in fact, may kinalaman lamang iyon tungkol sa gagawin nilang palabas. Kaya kung hindi sanay ang makakakita sa kanila, tiyak na sasabihin na boyfriend na pala ngayon ni Vi si Jojit. kahit kay Tirso Cruz III there are many unguarded moment of Vilma, me sasabihing mong uy new ito? Si Pip na pala ngayon? Kasi, hahawak sa braso ni Pip si Vi at kukulitin ito. Kaya lang malalaman ng mga kaharap sa nagbibiruan sila pagtawa ng malakas ni Vilma… Even with Walter Navarro ng minsan ay maging guest din ito ni Vilma, wala sa loob niya ay nabibiro din si Walater. At wala din sa loob niya bigla siyang titigan ni Walter. Ngiti ang tinutugon ni Vilma sa titig na iyon. Nakikiramdam ang mga kaharap. Si Walter naman ngayon? Tiyak na iisipin nila ito. Pero ang tooto ay walang kahulugan talaga at palagayang loob lamang. this is Vilma’s many unguarded moment. Kahit man nagaganap. At sakunan siya ng larawan ng hindi niya nalalaman kung ano man ang kanyang ginagawa. But in the name of love? Vilma is still thinking about it now. Kaya wala ngang makatitiyak kung silang dalawa ni Bobot ay magkakabalikan pang talaga o may lihim silang kasunduan. – Ric S. Aquino, TSS Magazine, No. 190, 08 Oct 1974
Ric S. Aquino is a Filipino movie reporter, writer, columnist who was part of Vilma Santos’ circle of movie writers in the early part of her film career. He mostly reports about the latest news about Vilma. He also wrote several pieces about her relationships with Edgar Mortiz and other admirers. His articles, mostly written in Tagalog were mostly published at Movie Queen magazine, a magazine identified with Vilma Santos. – RV
Isang pelikulang fantasy ang handog ng TIIP para sa nalalapit na 4th Quezon City Film Festival. Ito’y ang Maria Cinderella na isa na namang tambalan nina Vilma at Jay. napag-alaman naming hindi isang karaniwang fantasy ang nasabing pelikula. Manapa’y bibigyang-kulay nila at ningning ang tunay na Sining-Pilipino (Pilipino Art) in the serye na kahit na itanghal ito sa ibang bansa ay makapagbibigay inpormasyon sa mga foreigners. Ang location maging ang set ay talaga namang ating-atin. Ang bagay na ito ay isa sa mga nais mangyari ni Atty. Laxa, lalo na kung sa bakuran nila o oufit gagawin ang isang pelikula. Naging tradisyon na ng TIIP ang pagbibigay ng prestihiyosang movies sa publiko. Sa loob ng labingtatlong taong nagdaan ay napatunayan na nila iyon. Katunayan, sila ngayon ang sinasabing starmaker. Ang Maria Cinderella ay isang big budgeted movie. At alam ba ninyo na sa pelikulang ito ay nagbalik ang matagal na rin namang nawawalang bituin na si Blanca Gomez! Bukod kay Blanca, kasama rin nina Vilma at Jay Ilagan sina Geena Zablan, Janet Clemente, Janina Frias, Ike Lozada, German Moreno. Kabituin sina Jingle, Beth Manlongat, Don Don Nakar, Jon Jon Salvador, Maria Rosie Jico at Winnie Santos. Narito rin sina Joseph Sytangco, Elizabeth Vaugh, Greg Lozano at Dave Esguerra. Si Maning Borlaza ang siyang nagdirehe.
Pagkatapos ng pelikulang ito, nabanggit din ni Atty Laxa na magkakaroon ng ng iba-ibang leading man si Vilma. Ang bibigyan ng pagkakataon ay iyong mga walang gaanong pangalan. Sa gayong paraaan nga naman mabibigyan pa nila ng break iyong mga may kakayahan ngunit wala lamang pagkakataong maipakita ang kanilang talent. May seven fairies ang Maria Cinderella. At itoy’s binubuo ng pitong naggagandahang starlet! Nasabi rin ni Vilma na nang mabasa niya ang kabuuan ng kasaysayan ng Maria Cinderella ay natuwa siya pagka’t iyan ang uri ng storya na pang-fantasy na matagal na niyang ibig gawin. Sa side ni Jay Ilagan, isang karangalan umano ang muli nilang pagsasama sa isang pelikula ni Vi. Sana’y higit na ngayong maibigan ng mga manonood kaysa una namaing ginawang pelikula ni Vi – sabi ni Jay. Simula na nga ang puspusang pagsisiyuting ng Maria Cinderella at sa husay at tiyaga naming nakikita… walang dudang ito’y isa na namang panlaban ng TIIP sa mga makakasabay niya sa nalalapit na Pista ng Pelikulang Pilipino sa lunsod ng Quezon. At isa na namang karangalan para kay Vilma Santos! – Deo Fajardo Jr., Topstar Magazine, No. 73, 14 Sep 1973
Oh, it’s October, month of the “Holy Rosary!” Kay bilis malagas ng mga araw, hindi natin namamalayan, bagong taon na naman. Nagkakaedad na tayong lahat subali’t andito pa rin tayo…..humahanga pa rin kay Miss Vilma Santos. Kung sabagay, sabi nga nila, age is just a number, hehehe! Sa tinagal-tagal sa industriya ng pelikulang Pilipino ni Vilma, apatnapu at anim na taon na siya sa pelikula to be exact, kulang-kulang sa limang dekada ay hindi pa rin siya matinag sa kanyang kinalalagyan. Nagsilaho na ang kanyang mga kakontemporaryo. Nagsusulputan na ang mga bagong mukha subali’t parang bulalakaw na mabilis ding nawawala. Si Vilma ay andiyan pa rin…nagniningning pa rin ang kanyang bituin…tinitingala pa rin hindi lang bilang isang magaling na alagad ng sining kundi isa na ring mahusay na public servant. Pero kahit na nasa itaas siya ay nakatuntong pa rin siya sa lupa kaya naman lahat halos ng mga nangyayari sa kanya ay pulos positibo, kahit na minsan ay may mga taong bumabatikos sa kanya. Ipinagsasawalang kibo na lang niya ang mga ito, para que pa nga naman eh pampa-stress lang yan noh! At dahil diyan, siya pa rin ang Nag-iisang Bituin…nakakapag-demand ng mataas na talent fee sa kanyang mga pelikula at commercials na ginagawa. Siya pa rin ang “premiere actress” ng bansang Pilipinas. At yamang napapag-usapan ang kanyang pagiging “premiere actress” kung kaya’t balikan natin ang mga “premiere night” ng mga pelikula ni Governor Vilma Santos-Recto.
Noong araw, madalang ang mga pelikulang may “premiere night.” Ang mga sinehang pinagdarausan ng mga “premiere night” noon ay mga nangawala o nagsipagsara na katulad ng Galaxy Theater sa Avenida Rizal, Lyric Theater sa Escolta, Rizal at Magallanes Theater sa Makati City, New Frontier at Remar Theater sa Cubao, Quezon City at Gotesco Theater sa Recto Avenue, Quiapo, Manila. Nauso na ang mga “malls” na karaniwan ay may apat hanggang labingdalawang sinehan na pinagpapalabasan ng mga pelikula. Nilamon na ng mga sinehan sa mga naglalakihang malls ang mga lumang sinehan noon. Eh bakit pa nga ba ikaw manonood sa mga dating sinehan samantalang kung sa “mall” ka pupunta ay andun na lahat…..supermarket, department store, food court, amusement center at may mga shows pa. Ngayon…..halos lahat ng pelikulang tagalog ay may “premiere night”…..na karaniwan ay may mga nag-iisponsor at ito ay ginaganap sa mga sinehan sa mga malls. Pati ang mga digital films ay may “premiere night” na rin na sa UP Film Center ipinalalabas.
Ang pelikulang Pakawalan Mo Ako na ipinalabas noong Mayo 29, 1981 ay nag-premiere showing sa Lyric Theater at sponsored ito ng Catholic Women’s League Manila Chapter. Natandaan ko pa noon na ang pases na ginamit ko para manood ng pelikulang ito ay ibinigay lang sa akin ng isa kong kaopisinang tagahanga ni Nora Aunor. Eksaktong alas siyete ng gabi ito nagsimula. Walang artistang dumalo sa nasabing premiere night subali’t nang ito ay muling nag-premiere night sa Gotesco Theater ay talagang may mga nabasag na salamin sa lobby ng sinehan dahil sa pagkakagulo ng mga manonood. Si Vi ay hindi nakarating dahilan sa siya ay kapapanganak lamang kay Luis. Ang pelikulang ito kung saan si Elwood Perez ang naging direktor ay tinatampukan din nina Christopher de Leon at Anthony Castelo ay isa sa mga sumira ng takilya. Nakamit ni Vi ang pangalawang best actress award mula sa Famas sa pelikulang ito.
Nang mag-premiere night naman ang unang pelikula ni Vi sa Viva Films na Sinasamba Kita na idinerek ni Eddie Garcia ay talagang naging pandemonium. Ito ay ginanap sa New Frontier Theater, Cubao, Quezon City at nang makapasok na ang mga tao sa loob at magsisimula na ang pelikula ay nagkalat ang mga tsinelas sa lobby ng sinehan na naiwan ng mga tagahangang natapakan ng mga nais makapanood ng pelikula. Ito ay ipinalabas sa mga sinehan noong Agosto 19, 1982 at tinampukan din nina Christopher de Leon, Philip Salvador at Lorna Tolentino.
Sunud-sunod ang mga pelikula ni Vilma sa Viva Films na nagkaroon ng premiere night at katulad ng mga nauna ay nagkakagulo pa rin ang kanyang mga tagahanga. Ito ay ang mga pelikulang Gaano Kadalas Ang Minsan? at Paano Ba Ang Mangarap? na sa New Frontier Theater din ginanap. Ang New Frontier Theater pala ay itinuturing na pinakamalaking sinehan sa buong Asia nang mga panahong yun. Ang Gaano Kadalas Ang Minsan? na idinerek ni Danny L. Zialcita ay ipinalabas noong Nobyembre 11, 1982 at tinampukan din nina Dindo Fernando at Hilda Koronel…..samantalang ang Paano Ba Ang Mangarap? na idinerek naman ni Eddie Garcia ay ipinalabas noong Hunyo 9, 1983 at tinampukan din nina Christopher de Leon at Jay Ilagan.
Ang premiere night ng pelikulang Never Ever Say Goodbye ay sa Galaxy Theater naman ginanap. Bukod kay Vi ay dumalo din ang mga stars ng nasabing pelikula katulad nina Nonoy Zuñiga. Nagkaroon pa ng isang maliit na programa bago nag-umpisa ang pelikula. Ito ay ipinalabas sa mga sinehan noong Oktubre 7, 1982 sa direksiyon ni Gil Portes.
Sa Magallanes Theater ginanap ang premiere showing ng pelikulang tinatampukan ni Vi at ni Nora Aunor na T-Bird At Ako. Hindi dumalo ang dalawang lead stars ng pelikula, yung mga supporting stars lamang ang mga dumalo pati na rin ang prodyuser ng pelikula na si Irene Lopez. Si Danny L. Zialcita ang direktor ng pelikulang ito na ipinalabas noong Setyembre 2, 982 at tinampukan din nina Dindo Fernando at Tommy Abuel.
Sa Film Center sa Roxas Boulevard, Pasay City naman nag-premiere showing ang pelikula ng Mirick Films na inilahok sa 1982 Metro Manila Film Festival na Haplos. Kasama ni Vi sa pelikulang ito sina Christopher de Leon na nanalong best actor at Rio Locsin sa direksiyon ni Butch Perez. Hindi nakadalo si Vi at Boyet subali’t andun si Rio Locsin na kasama pa noon ang asawang si Al Tantay.
Samantala, nagkaroon ng double screening sa loob lamang ng isang gabi sa Rizal Theater ang pelikulang Sister Stella L. Punung-puno ang dalawang screening at grabe ang naging reception ng mga tao. Umaatikabong palakpakan ang maririnig sa loob ng Rizal Theater nang matapos ang pelikula. Nakita kong dumalo doon sina German Moreno at Babette Villaroel. Palibhasa’y ang Rizal Theater ay malapit lang sa Forbes Park, Bel-Air, Dasmariñas Village at San Lorenzo kung kaya’t karamihan sa mga nanood ay mga alta sosyedad. Sosyal talaga ang pelikula at ito lang yata ang pelikulang pinapalakpakan ng mga tao pagkatapos ng screening, maging ng mga class C, D at E. Nagkaroon din ng mga special screening ang pelikulang ito ni Mike de Leon sa iba’t ibang paaralan ng Metro Manila. Di nga ba’t isa si NEDA Secretary Ralph Recto na nanood nito na noon ay estudyante pa lang? Inilabas ito sa mga sinehan noong Hulyo 12, 1983 at napanalunan ng pelikulang ito sa Urian ang halos lahat ng awards sa iba’t ibang kategorya kabilang na ang tatlong taong sunud-sunod na best actress award ni Vi.
Ang una’t huling pelikula ni Vilma sa Via Hoffman Films na Tagos Ng Dugo ay nag-premiere night sa New Frontier Theater din. Bago pa dumating si Vi ay halos isara na ng mga guwardiya ang pintuan ng sinehan dahilan sa hindi na nila ma-accomodate ang napakaraming taong manonood. Nang dumating si Vi ay agad sinimulan ang pelikula. Sa loge ng sinehan naupo si Vi at ang kanyang mga co-stars. Nang matapos ang pelikula at magbukas ang ilaw ay walang humpay sa pagkaway si Vi sa mga taong nasa ibaba ng sinehan. Ang mga taong nanood ay walang pagod sa kasisigaw sa pagtawag kay Vi. Ang pelikulang ito na idinerek ni Maryo J. de los Reyes ay nag-regular showing sa mga sinehan noong Enero 25, 1987. Sa pelikulang ito natamo ni Vi ang ikaapat na best actress award sa Famas at pangalawa naman niya sa Catholic Mass Media Award.
Ang pelikulang tinampukan ni Vi kasama sina Tonton Gutierrez, Ricky Davao at Cherrie Gil na may pamagat ng Saan Nagtatago Ang Pag-ibig? ay sa Rizal Theater din nag-premiere showing. Sobrang dami ding tao ang nanood palibhasa’y dito noon ginaganap ang Vilma Show nang panahong yun. Ang pelikulang ito na idinerek ni Eddie Garcia ay ipinalabas sa mga sinehan noong Setyembre 2, 1987. Dito sa pelikulang ito nanalo si Tonton Gutierrez ng kanyang best actor award mula sa Catholic Mass Media Award at Star Awards for Movies. Si Eddie Garcia ay nanalo ring best director mula sa iba’t ibang award giving bodies.
Ang true-to-life story ni Dolzura Cortez na pinamagatang Dahil Mahal Kita: The Dolzura Cortez Story ay sa New Frontier Theater nag-premiere night. Dumalo sa nasabing premiere showing ang dating Secretary of Health na naging senador na si Flaviano Javier na umaming isang Vilmanian siya. Ito ang kauna-unahang pelikulang tumatalakay sa isang taong may AIDS (Acute Immune Deficiency Syndrome). Ito ay inilahok ng Octo Arts Films sa Manila Film Festival kung saan nasungkit ni Vi ang best actress award. Ito ay sa direksiyon ni Laurice Guillen. Nakamit din ni Vi ang kanyang pangalawang grand slam sa pelikulang ito.
Sa Greenhills Theater naman nag-premiere showing ang pelikulang Nag-iisang Bituin na bukod kay Vi ay tinampukan din nina Christopher de Leon, Aga Muhlach at ng isa ring Vilmanian na si Jao Mapa. Ito ang unang pelikula ni Vi kay Jose Javier Reyes na nag-regular showing noong Agosto 31, 1994. Isa sa mga sponsors ng pelikulang ito, kung saan si Vi ang endorser, ay ang Eskinol Facial kung saan namahagi sila sa pamamagitan ng paghahagis ng maliliit na bote ng Eskinol sa mga taong manonood. Isa sa mga Vis na nanood ay aksidenteng tinamaan sa mata subali’t ito ay kanilang ipinagamot.
Ang pelikulang pinagsamahan nina Vi, Gabby Concepcion, Aga Muhlach at Aiko Melendez na may pamagat na Sinungaling Mong Puso ay nag-premiere night sa Gotesco Theater. Tulad ng dati, nagkabasag-basag na naman ang mga salamin sa lobby ng sinehan. Nang mag-regular showing na ang pelikulang ito sa mga sinehan noong Agosto 27, 1993 ay bumabagyo at binaha pa ang ibang sinehang pinaglabasan ng nasabing pelikula subali’t super blockbuster pa din ito quesehodang nakababad ang mga paa ng ibang taong nanood. Ang pelikulang ito ay idinerek ni Maryo J. de los Reyes. Dito nagwagi si Aga ng best actor award at si Gabby naman ay best supporting actor.
Sa Remar Theater naman nag-premiere night ang pelikulang tinampukan nina Vi, Cesar Montano at Ronnie Ricketts na Ikaw Lang sa direksyon ni Chito Roño. Hindi magkamayaw ang mga tao nang dumating ang mga lead stars. Ang pelikulang ito ay ipinalabas sa mga sinehan noong Enero 12, 1994.
Ang pelikula tungkol sa OFW na Anak ay nag-premiere showing sa dalawang sinehan ng SM Megamall. Hindi mahulugang karayom ang mga taong nanood ng nasabing pelikula. Dumating ang mga lead stars ng pelikula at talagang walang katapusang tilian at sigawan ang mga fans sa loob ng sinehan habang pinapanood ang nasabing pelikula. Ipinalabas ang pelikulang ito noong May 12, 2000 sa kasagaran ng mga bomb threats subali’t hindi ito naging hadlang para hindi pasukin ng tao ang pelikula. Ito na yata ang pelikulang pinilahan ng husto sa takilya. Ang pelikulang ito ay sa direksiyon ni Rory Quintos at dito muling nabigyan si Vi ng box-office queen award kahit na hall of famer na siya. Nanalo din si Vi ng best actress award mula sa Star Awards for Movies at Pasado. Ang pelikulang ito din ang nanalong best film ng Catholic Mass Media Awards.
Nagkaroon ng ilang linggong exhibit sa lobby ng Robinson’s Galeria noong December 2002 ang pelikulang Dekada ’70. Mga damit, sapatos at iba’t ibang aksesorya noong dekada ’70 ang naka-display sa exhibit. Ang premiere showing naman nito sa isang sinehan ng Robinson’s Galeria ay dinaluhan nina Charo Santos, Malou Santos, Chito Roño at ang mga stars ng pelikula na sina Vi, Boyet, Piolo Pascual, Marvin Agustin, Carlos Agassi, John Wayne Sace at Danilo Barrios. Dumalo din si Marilou Diaz Abaya at panay ang bati niya sa mga stars at direktor ng pelikula. Dito sa pelikulang ito nasungkit ni Vi ang kanyang pang-apat na grand slam.
Sinabi noon ni Mother Lily Monteverde na ang final Mano Po movie ay itong pelikula nina Vi at Boyet na panlaban nila sa 2004 Metro Manila Film Festival na Mano Po 3 My Love, subali’t hindi ito nangyari dahil may mga sumunod na Mano Po pa. Nagkaroon ng red carpet premiere night ang nasabing pelikula sa SM Megamall. Dumalo ang mga stars ng pelikula na sina Vi, Boyet, Angel Locsin, Karylle, Dennis Trillo, Angelica Panganiban, Carlo Aquino, Jay Manalo, Boots Anson Roa, Eddie Garcia, Patrick Garcia, John Pratts at iba pa. Nanalong best actress at best actor sina Vi at Boyet. Nanalo ring best picture ang pelikula ganundin ang best float. Ito ang unang directorial job ni Joel Lamangan kay Vilma. Nanalo din si Vi ng best actress award mula sa Star Awards for Movies, Gawad Tanglaw at Gawad Suri.
Sa kabuuan, ang lahat ng “premiere night” na pelikula ng tinaguriang “premiere actress” ng bansa ay talagang malaking tagumpay. Panalong-panalo talaga!!!. – Alfonso Valencia (READ MORE)
Unprecedented Stella L Premiere – Kung ang batayan ay ang premiere night ng Sister Stella L na ginanap sa Rizal theater noong June 22, sigurado nang dudumugin nang masa ang pelikulang ito ni Mike De Leon kapag regula showing na ito sa commercial theaters. Talaga namang very, very successful ang nasabing premiere night at ayon nga sa mga nakakaalam, never in the history of local cinema na ang isang pelikula’y dalawa ang screenings sa premiere showing at parehong SRO. Obviously, maraming A-B crowd nung gabing ‘yon, tulad ng grupo ni Chona Kasten na namataan namin, pero marami ring mga manggagawa at mga miyembro ng iba’t ibang sektaryang pang relihiyon. Ang nag-isponsor ng premiere night na ‘yon ay ang The Organization for the Promotion of Church People’s Right/Response (PCPR). Ang Sister Stella L na pelikula ng Regal Films ay ipapaplabas umpisa sa July 14. – Movie Flash Magazine, July 12 1984
Paano malalaman kung magiging malakas sa takily ang isang pelikula? Isa sa mga sukatan ang premiere ngiht. Hangga’t maari’y ayaw ng ibang produser na magpa-premiere night. Usually kasi, may nag-iisponsor nito, at sa kanila, sa charity – kung tutoo mang sa charity – napupunta ang bayad sa takilya. At siyempre pa, dahil premiere night ekstra ang halaga ng tiket, P25 sa orkestra, P50-100 sa balcony at loge. Bukod sa malaking kawalan din yon sa produser sa regular run ng pelikula, puewede pang mapintas-pintasan ito, at pag kumalat iyon, bagsak ang pelikula! Sa isang dako, kung gustong makatulong ng produser sa charity, at kung sampalataya siya sa kanyang pelukula, mainam magpa-premiere night para higit na maipaalam sa lahat na maganda ito. Iyon ang nasa isip ni Mother Lily nang ipa-premiere night ang “Sister Stella L.” sa Rizal theater sa Makati. Umbrella organization ng mga madre ang nag-isponsor ng premiere night, dalawang screening iyon. Umuulan nang gabing iyon, pero dagsa pa rin ang mga tao. Siksikan. Gayunpama’y disiplinado. Marami rin kasi sa mga ito ang mga madre. Kung karaniwan nang umaasa pa rin sa walk-in ang ibang nagpapa-premiere night, iba naman ang nangyari sa “Sister Stella L.”
Bago pa ang first screening, dakong alas sinko-medya, sold out na ang tiket. Nakikiusap na talaga ang mga hindi nakabili ng tiket na bibili sila, pero ubos na. Dumating doon ang ina ng tunay na Sister Stella L. “No, my daughter is not an activist, she only wanted to help the needy,” sabi nito. Sa kasalukuya’y nasa abroad daw ito, nagtungo roon pagkaraang lumabas mula sa pagkaka-detain ng 11 months sa isang militar camp. Mula sa siyuting ng “Alyas Baby Tsina,” dumating si Vilma Santos. Kagulo sa kanya ang mga tao sa lobby. Magkasabay na pumasok sina Gina Alajar at Michael De Mes, at naisip namin, mali nga ‘ata ‘yung balitang nagkahiwalay sila. Very, very successful ang premiere night na iyon. Katunayan, gusto pa itong masundan ng isang labor sector, tumanggi na lang si Mother Lily. “They will give me raw three hundred thousand, but I said no. Paano naman ang regular run ko?” – Bibsy Estrella (READ MORE)
“…The Bicol Festival Foundation, in cooperation with Philtanco, is sponsoring the movie premiere of the film Saan Nagtatago ang Pag-ibig?, tonight at 7:30, at the Rizal Theatre in Makati. The movie, directed by Eddie Garcia, stars by Eddie Garcia, stars Vilma Santos, Gloria Romero, Ricky Davao, Cherie Gil, Alicia Vergel and Tonton Gutierrez. The Bicol Festival Foundation is headed by Justice Francis F. Gachitorena of the Sandiganbayan. Film director Garcia who is a Bicolano himself has offered this latest Vilma Santos starrer to the Bicolanos, many of whom have been devastated by typhoon Herming a few weeks ago. He said, ‘This is my little contribution in the Bicolano’s who will be celebrating the Penafrancia Festival next month.” The Bicolanos in Manila will hold teh Grand Bicolandia Festival from September 7-13 at the Manila Garden Hotel in Makati and many activities have been schedule to drum up support for the plight of the Bicolanos in the provinces. Tickets are available a the theater gate at Visual Horizons with telephone no. 815-0024 or Philtranco at telephone no. 833-7180…” – Manila Standard, Sep 01 1987 (READ MORE)
The Healing’s Premiere Night – “…The entire cast of “The Healing,” led by multi-awarded actress and Batangas Gov. Vilma Santos and young actress Kim Chiu, arrived together, wearing red outfits and flashing smiles to fans who attended the event. Santos was escorted by her husband Senator Ralph Recto. Before the movie was screened, Santos said she is truly proud of this movie because she and the rest of the cast really worked hard to make it beautiful. “We’re all very excited and we would like to thank each and everyone of you for joining us in the premiere night of ‘The Healing.’ Pinamamalaki po naming lahat ito dahil pinagpaguran namin,” she said. Santos said she is hoping moviegoers would enjoy the film and feel scared at the same time. Among the celebrities who attended the premiere night were Piolo Pascual, Maja Salvador, Matteo Guidicelli and Robi Dominggo. Chiu’s former boyfriend Gerald Anderson was also there as well as actor Xian Lim, who is currently being linked to her…The Healing was graded A by the Cinema Evaluation Board and it opens in theaters nationwide today, July 25…” – ABS-CBN News (READ MORE)
Eksta’s Premiere Night – “…As early as 5:00 p.m., people were already queuing for the 6:15 screening. The line became longer in just a few minutes, while other people were excitedly awaiting the arrival of Gov. Vilma Santos-Recto. The Vilmanians were hoping to get a glimpse of their idol enter the Main Theater. The celebrities started arriving, which made the task of containing the crowd a little difficult for the ushers. But they politely obliged when they were asked to clear the area leading to the Main Theater. When the signal was given that the moviegoers could now enter the theater, the people dashed toward the main entrance, hoping to be the first to get inside. This could have been a scene straight from Philippine cinema’s classic eras, such as the pre-martial law Manila film festivals. And the star of the night was a veteran performer with 5 decades in the industry. Vilma said the premiere erased her apprehensions about venturing into independent cinema for the first time. “Yung pinaka-reception kanina, yun na ang pinaka-bayad namin (The reception was already the reward).” Jeturian was a PA (production assistant) in the 1984 production of Marilou Diaz Abaya’s “Alyas Baby Tsina.” Vilma was the star of that film, and Jeturian remembers already dreaming of becoming a filmmaker at the time…” – Rappler (READ MORE)
A Sophisticate – “…The Peralta allure have been strongly felt since 17 years ago by women and lately, by men who became addicted to his extra stamp of exclusivity and sensibility. A key officer of the Fashion Designers’ Association of the Philippines, Oskar himself is a “raison d’ etre” for furthering the concept of clothing, literally encouraging women to dress up painstakingly at a given time without fuss. Oskar opts for stark, contemporary, romantic image that is not old-fashioned. He qualifies that women today have a sense of accomplishment blazing their way to a point where they can relax a little and do the things they put aside during the feminist movement. Oskar further the says that women can indulge in romance without taking any step backward, without relinguishing anything. Oskar Peralta’s clothes are, more often than not, romantic as the heroiness of his childhood movie days, “but romance is not one of suppression and sacrifice, his clothes are romantic but free…Vilma Santos – “Vi has develop her taste for sensible dressing in clothes that are simple, understated, elegant pieces that work, that makes her life easy. I see in her a well-groomed woman – sophisticated, not wasting herself to those “sock-it-to-me” numbers. Impressively, I believe she is one who wishes to fall into the background. A sophisticate…” – Movie Flash Magazine, 25 November 1982 (READ MORE)
Elegant and Confident Vi 2013
The Most Finicky – “…There is no definite trend in fashion now,” says Christian Espiritu and yes, you better believe him, he’s one of Manila’s finest couturiers. His name is synonymous to elegance, class, good taste and almost anything that connotes fashion sense. Here is his choice of ten best dressed women in Philippine Cinema. But don’t you dare raise your eyebrows, if you don’t agree with him, because as he reasons out, “some of our actresses may dress well, kaya lang, hindi ko nakikita.” What a good excuse really but knowing the exposure and back-ground of this guy, the ten best in his list are really what you may call the “deserving one.” Here they are…Vilma Santos: “I never liked her during her younger years, when she used to wear boots. But as a dresser, I think Vilma has gone a long, long way and I think that’s an achievement in itself, di ba? In showbusiness, I think Vilma is the most finicky, na maski maliit ang slit, hindi na niya gagamitin and I can attest to that…” – Phillip Garcia, Jr., Movie Flash Magazine, 25 November 1982 (READ MORE)
Comfortable and Classic Vi 2013
Erratic but comfortable – “…Ben Farrales started his designing career as an apprentice worker in Aurelia’s, one of the most prestigious dress shop during the ’50s. Aside from this, Ben has his fashion pages in the Daily Mirror which bore his designs and further developed his talent. In 1956, Ben ventured into his own and opened a boutique in Mabini, then considered as the exclusive shopping center of the metropolis. That year, the Philippine Couture Association was formed for the upliftment of Filipino fahion. It was headed by Ramon Valera and its members include such names as Casimiro Abad, Emil Valdez, Karlos Burgos, Ben and a lot others. Romance ’59 was his first fashion show and it was held at the Manila Hotel’s Fiesta Pavillion. It was followed by Anchore to Romance ’60 which then paved the way to more exclusive and bigger shows for him. To date, Ben’s boutique is situated in his own building along Adriatico street. From the facade of the shop and its interiors and furnishing, one can readily conclude that he ahs arrived and already curved a niche of his own in the Hall of Fame for fashion giants. Among the many fashion mannequins whose careers he helped launched are Bambi Lamoglia-Harper, Guada Sanchez, Cristy Flores-Araneta and Nini Ramos-Prieto. Through the years that he has been in the fashion scene, he has never been branded for using obsolete designs or constantly repeated a singular sketch for execution. In the world of fabrics, Ben has given the Batik due importance by injecting his original designs. With his list of achievements, Ben Farrales is snynonymous with the word “haute couture” in the Philippines. He is an institution. Here’s his list of 10 best dressede actresses in R.P. Cinema…Vilma Santos – Erratic, but appears comfortable from bathing suits to formal wear…” – Movie Flash Magazine, 06 January 1983 (READ MORE)
One day, I had a little argument or shall I say discussion with a Noranian who works at the Golden Gate park as a garden maintenance. He told me that Nora’s contribution to the Film Industry is when she stopped the tradition of having “mestiza only” system in showbizness because she made it in showbiz with flying colors even if she’s not tall, fair skin & beautiful. I told him that it was actually Nida Blanca who started the trend (although she’s a mestiza in real life) but she didn’t posseses a stand out beauty. Nida is beautiful but more on pure Filipina looks. And I also reminded him that Nora started as a singer not as an actress.
Anyhow, here is my answer to what Vilma Santos contribution to the Film Industry are:
Woman Power: Tradition na ang male actor lamang ang nananatiling bida at malakas sa box-office kahit may edad na. Vilma broke that tradition by maintaining big hit movies even at her 50’s. She also proves that there is a lot of good roles for her as “bida” up to now.
Star and Politics in one: When Vilma rules Lipa City, people realized that actors can run a city even if he/she’s just a star and do not know anything in politics. Vilma sets a good example because she turned Lipa as one of the most successful city in the nation.
Quality & Box-office Movie at the same time: Vilma can give us a good movie & make the producers satisfied with it’s box-office results. Dolzura Cortes, Bata, bata…, Burlesk Queen, Dekada ’70, Anak, Rubia Servios and a lot more are considered classic and it earned huge money at the box-office. It is considered as a great contribution to the Film Industry when you make the producers happy by giving the return of their investment, this means more business and more job for the small workers.
Willing to sacrifice: She is willing to negotiate and give away a big discount from her talent fee for the sake of a good script and good film. This will help the movie industry to survive & the small artist to be productive.
After I mentioned these contributions, he brought back the topic to Nora broke the mestiza, tall Pinay actress mould. I told him that this was phenomenal. But my rebuttal is…Vilma is also petite, 5 feet only. Nora’s dark complexion, eye-acting style limited her range to apiapihan roles, not credible as a modern Pinay woman. Si Vilma ay maputi, petite at mas versatile, more eloquent, believable as poor, kiri, martyr, madre, prosti, high-class. Any role kaya niya. Vilma has no college degree but that did not stop her from learning, asking questions to the experts like Brocka, Bernal, Laurice. Seeking the advice of Marichu Maceda, Atty Laxa etc. Hindi siya tamad.
She is not contented to be a second fiddle to Nora. Vilma tried hard to have a direction in life. She studied in U.P.- crash course in Public Administration to prepare for her mayoral seat. When it comes to teachable attitude, Vilma has a competitive spirit, more emotionally strong than Nora, more mature. She learned fast from her mistakes. She has goals in life. Pagkatapos kong magpaliwanag ay nag-depensa si Manong. Nagkataon lang daw na Senator ang napangasawa ni Vilma at kay Nora ay isang ordinaryong tao lang (John). I told him that is exactly my point. Vilma has a game plan. She chose winners than losers. There’s Senator Ralph Recto, Connie Reyes, Tina Revilla etc. Nora has John Rendez, etc.
Dahil di na maka-compete kay Vilma, bumigay na- poor impulse control, lost control, became a gambler, unprofessional, with undying rumors on substance abuse. Di na makabawi. Friends have given up. But fans? Let’s be franc – in denial big time. Night (Nora) and Day (Vilma). Vilma chose the Road Less Taken (poem of Robert Frost); hard work, dedication, education, sacrificed Vilma(show), movie career to give birth to Ryan Christian; she sacrificed movie and TV career to public servanthood (this means less pay). Di ba’t her life was threatened when she entered politics, yet she continued- she is a survivor.
A born winner. Wala nang nasabi pa si Manong. Di na rin ako humirit pa. Nagkatitigan kami habang hawak niya ang orchids. Walang kibuan, mata lang namin ang nag-uusap. Hinihintay ko na magtanong siya, pero walang masabi si Manong. Nilisan ko na lamang ang garden na iyon. Habang naiwan si Manong na hawak pa rin ang mga orchids at lagadera. Habang naglalakad ako palayo ay bigla kong naisip…teka, pamilyar ang eksenang yon ah. Parang ending sa isang pelikula nina Ate Vi at Guy. – Franco Gabriel (READ MORE)
In Nora’s Territory – “…Here, Vilma is Loida Malabanan, a haggard, weight-challenged bit player struggling in an out-of-town shoot for a serye. She wears oversized shirts, carries with her a heavy bag of clothes (a movie star would have a chauffeured van as her mobile closet), and rides in a cramped shuttle with fellow “extras” heading for an early-morning location shoot. She would sleep on the cold concrete floor in a given night, at other times on the damp grass under the shade of a tree in the middle of a sugarcane field, while waiting with the other bit players for their call. In one scene, she would just be a face in the crowd, in another, a house servant. In other words, this is Nora Aunor’s territory, as defined by such critically acclaimed films as Eddie Garcia’s “Atsay” and Lino Brocka’s “Bona” – the Nora Villamayor (the Superstar’s real surname) production in which La Aunor derided her own stardom by playing an alalay to Phillip Salvador’s bit player. So it’s nice that Vilma is virtually paying a nod to Nora, and in the indie world that has been Nora’s playing field for some time. Tart Carlos’s role as Loida’s best friend, who happens to be a die-hard Noranian, further underscores “Ekstra’s” Noranian connection….” – Teodoro Jose Joaquin, Rappler 04 August 2013 (READ MORE)
Tribute to Nora – “…We tell Ate Vi that she has many funny one-liners in the film, but the one that really brought the house down was when she said: “E, bakit si Nora Aunor?” We all know they’re the most intense and fiercest rivals in local movie history, so with her uttering a line that refers to Ate Guy is really something. “Wala akong kasalanan diyan,” she says. “Ayaw nga niyang sabihin yun,” says Direk Jeff Jeturian. “Pero maganda nga, e. Kasi it’s a confirmation na icon si Nora. Kasi pinag-uusapan nila mga artistang puro mestisa ang sumisikat, then she said ‘Bakit si Nora Aunor?’ And it’s true. It’s really a tribute to Ate Guy who should be flattered that she’s being praised in “Ekstra…” – Showbiz Portal, Showbiz Portal, 11 August 2013 (READ MORE)
Mature Rivalry – “…Naniniwala si Ate Vi na makabubuti para sa showbiz ang pagre-revive ng rivalry nila ni Ate Guy, na itinuturing na pinakamahigpit na magkaribal sa kasaysayan ng local showbiz. Pahayag ng actress-politician, “Hindi mawawala ang rivalry namin ng kumare ko. “Ang importante lang, ang gusto ko, even with us, even with the fans, i-attack lang natin nang mas mature, i-mature lang natin ng konti. “Para [hindi] yung dati na kailangan magsalita ng di magaganda…huwag na, hindi. “Sa edad namin…we’re not getting any younger, so it’s good may rivalry, pero attack it with maturity…” – Ava May Robles, PEP, 27 June 2013 (READ MORE)
I would like to share with you some songs that have been written originally as theme songs for Vilma Santos movies. Song that became big hits and now considered as Original Pilipino Classic.
01. DITO BA – Composed by the late George Canseco. This song was the theme song of MISS X. Ito ang awi-ting nagpakilala at nagpasikat kay Kuh Ledesma. This was one of Ledesma’s earliest hit which also gave her multiplatinum awards. Kaya sa ayaw at sa gusto ni Kuh, malaki ang naitulong ng awiting ito sa kanyang career. Kahit nag-concert siya USA, kasama si Nora Aunor alam kong mas malapit sa puso niya si Vilma. Isa pang awitin ni Kuh na talaga namang napakaganda at mangangarap ka kapag pinakikinggan mo ay ang MINSAN SA ISANG PANAHON. Gawa din ito ni George Canseco para maging theme song ng pelikulang KARMA.
02. LANGIS AT TUBIG – Another Canseco composition that have been made for the movie of the same title. Dito nagsimulang marinig ang kakaibang tinig ni Sharon Cuneta. Naging mega hit ang awiting ito at maririnig sa lahat ng sulok ng Pilipinas, dahil walang singing contests na hindi mo maririnig ang awiting ito. The people behind the making of this Vilma Santos classic movie were also the people behind Sharon Cunetas first movie DEAR HEART. I believe that LANGIS AT TUBIG is a big influence to Sharon Cunetas film career, remember she is originally known as a singer.
03. IBIG KONG IBIGIN KA – The song have been composed by Vic Villafuerte for the movie “PAKAWALAN MO AKO.” Sang by one of Ate Vis leading men in the film, the dashing debonaire, Anthony Castelo. Actually, during that time “BALATKAYO” lang ang talagang hit ni Anthony. But because of this song muling nagkaroon ng hit si Anthony and actually gave him a gold record award. Naging favorite din ito ng mga sumasali sa singing contest, pero talagang ang may mahusay lang na tinig ang pwedeng umawit nito. To date, this is still one of my favorite OPM.
04. KUNG KAILANGAN MO AKO – This was composed by Rey Valera as theme song of the movie “ROMANSA.” The movie is the first team-up of Ate Vi and former husband Edu Manzano. Sa trailer palang ng movie ang awiting ito kaagad ang bubungad. Ito ang isa sa biggest hits ni Rey Valera at naging multiplatinum din and awiting ito. Hanggang Ngayon sikat pa rin ang awiting ito at madalas gamitin na theme songs ng pelikula at television drama. Naging title at theme song din ito ng pelikula ni Sharon Cuneta at Rudy Fernandez, ditto with one of teleserye in ABS-CBN kung saan unang napansin at nakilala si PIOLO PASCUAL. Incidentally Piolo became one of Ate Vis anak in DEKADA 70.
05. KUNG TAYOY MAGKAKALAYO – Another Rey Valera composition that was used as theme song of the movie “HIWALAY.” The song is also a hit and considered by song critics as one of Rey Valeras best composition. This is one of my favorite song and I enjoyed singing it on videoke. Madamdamin talaga ang awiting ito and Rey Valera admitted that this is one of his favorites and would you believe he composed this song alone in LA LOMA CEMETERY?
06. HIRAM – This was again originally written by George Canseco for the movie “PALIMOS NG PAG-IBIG.” Magnificently rendered by ZSA ZSA PADILLA that gave her first platinum record and her biggest hit. Ito ang awiting nagpasikat ng husto kay ZSA ZSA PADILLA aminin man nya o Hindi. Hanggang sa Ngayon bumebenta pa ang awiting ito. Inawit din ito ni Sharon Cuneta at ginamit na theme song ng pelikula nila ni Richard Gomez ang MINSAN MINAHAL KITA. And now it was the title and theme song of ABS-CBN Soap Opera staring Kris Aquino.
07. SINASAMBA KITA– Written by Rey Valera and Lyrics by George Canseco was made for the movie of the same title. Katulad ng movie record breaking din ang song dahil naging mega hit ito sa mga record bar and naging multi platinum din ito. This is Rey Valera’s biggest hit. Lalong sumikat nang awitin din ni Sharon Cuneta. This was also included in one of Regine Velasquez’ album. That meams marami ang kumita sa awiting ito at hanggang ngayon sikat pa rin.
08. Sino ang makakalimot sa mga walang kamatayang awitin ni BASIL VALDEZ na sadyang ginawa para sa pelikula ni Vilma Santos. Kung ano ang title ng song siya ring title ng movie. Ang mga awiting ito ay all time favorites ng mga videoke officionados. Mostly if not all composed by George Canseco, these songs gave Basil either Gold or Platinum. Here they are: GAANO KADALAS ANG MINSAN; PAANO BA ANG MANGARAP; MINSAN PA NATING HAGKAN ANG NAKARAAN; MULING BUKSAN ANG PUSO; SAAN NAGTATAGO ANG PAG-IBIG
09. SANA MAULIT MULI – This song was used as theme song of the movie “IBULONG MO SA DIYOS.” Originally sang by GARY VALENCIANO and one of Ate Vi’s leading men in the film. This is Gary’s first hit tagalog song. Lalong sumikat ang kanta nang awitin ni Regine Velasquez. Inawit din ito ni Lea Salonga at naging theme song ng ng movie nila ni Aga Muhlach sa Star Cinema. The movie won Best Picture and gave Aga his first Best Actor trophy sa URIAN.
10. SANGANDAAN & ALING PAG-IBIG PA – Kung madalas kang mag-attend ng mga rallies especially during the time of EDSA revolution and up to now sa mga labor rallies madalas mong maririnig ang mga awiting ito. These songs have been featured in the movie SISTER STELLA L. These were magnificently rendered by Pat Castillo. Ang mga awiting ito ang nagpakilala sa singer na ito. Sa mga music lounge lang naman talaga sya maririnig at makikita, pero simula ng awitin nya ang mga songs na ito nagsimula syang makilala ng masa. Laging kasama ang mga awiting ito sa mga Nationalistic and Patriotic albums. We can now consider Vilma Santos not just a powerful figure in the movie industry but in the music industry as well. Kahit hindi sya and singer or composer malaki ang naiambag nya sa pagsikat ng Original Pilipino Music. Imagine how influential Ate Vi is, mapa-kanta or singer napapasikat nya as long as ma-identify ito sa kanya. And now Vilmanians, start compiling these songs in one CD and be proud to be a true blooded Vilmanians Saranghamnida Ate Vi! – a – V Magazine (READ MORE)
It is a fact that Ms. Vilma Santos is the most-loved actress of all time. The longest reigning Queen of Philippine movies is incomparable. She must have stumbled or fell before, but this did not stop her from moving on; instead she used her vast experience as her weapon against tougher situations, she succeeded and the rest is history. Why do people love Vilma? I asked this to myself as well, but I cannot find enough reasons why. It’s hard to explain but my love for Queen Vi comes out naturally and not forcing through. She possesses such a magnetic charm that nobody can’t resist. When I see her, I feel like a fallen leaf in a stream and just goes wherever it would lead me.
Parade – Way back my younger days in the Philippines, I used to go to the assembly point of the floats of the participating films in the MMFF as long as the QueenStar has an entry. And God! Never have I felt a bit of tiredness while looking at the Queen in the float. Vilma is such a thing of beauty that captivates the eyes of every beholder. Until the parade starts, just like other people, I keep on following the flow of the float where she is in without batting an eyelid. Still not satisfied, I will then go to the other lane and wait for the return of the parade from Baclaran.
Grade School – I started to admire Ate Vi when I was still in grade school as influenced by my sister and her friends who were already Vilmanians at that time. I enjoyed it very much every time my sister is bringing me along with her specially when watching Vilma movies of course, until the first time I saw her in person. The sweetness and caring that she showed us is forever etched in my mind. So natural. so human.
Sweet Sixteen – She may not be a singer, but who can sing her Sweet Sixteen with magic? The song fitted her personality and charm perfectly that I have never heard of any rendition that surpasses the fascination delivered by Sweet Vi. And yes, she may not be a singer but she has a gold album or two to her name that can be identified only to her.
Unreachable – Status wise, Queen Vi is an unreachable star as compared to her peers. It is impossible for anybody to do better than or even be on par with Vilma’s achievements as a private individual, a public servant and as a movie star. New stars may come and go but Queen Vis throne has remained firm and unthreatened through the years. There will never ever be a star that may outshine the brightness that Ms. Vilma Santos-Recto has bestowed upon the movie kingdom, at least not in the near future. Vilma indeed is the greatest gift that God has given to Philippine Cinema. My gratitude to Mr. Eric Nadurata is worth mentioning as he opened the doors for me to interact with the smart Vilmanians all over the globe. I am in the group of wonderful fellow Vilmanians who always welcome new members with open arms and all at once you will feel comfortable. I am delighted to be with a group of people from all walks of life who are not just mere followers of the QueenStar but real people as well. Real in the sense that they say what they feel, they can make you laugh, they can make you cry, and the best of all you will feel that you are a part of a big family. Though most of us have not met each other personally, it seems that we have known each for so long because of the camaraderie existing within the group.
My congratulations to Rendt for conceiving this newsletter as well as to the initial contributors the V5 themselves composed of Eric Nadurata, Mar Garces, Charlie Gomez, Franco Gabriel and Marcus himself . At the rate things are going, as one of the country’s highest paid actresses, the most sought after star by the producers, with throng of followers, then words are not enough to depict the eminence of the one and only Queen of Philippine Cinema, Ms. Vilma Santos-Recto. VilMANIA is still very much alive, kicking and keeps on getting more amazing by the day, and that is a fact, I swear! – Eddie Lozano (READ MORE)
We’re back!.” once more to bring you the best of the best on Ate Vi. Fresh from the success of the maiden issue of our newsletter, the V-5 is back. This time theyre not just five, but five times five. The talented and wonderful Vilmanians across the globe have joined forces to come up with more exciting contributions and write-ups to ensure that only a quality and entertaining newsletter is delivered right at your door. Besides, this newsletter is for all of us – you and I, the forever Vilmanians! We thank everyone who have appreciated our first salvo and those who unselfishly imparted suggestions and encouraging words, including the negative ones. We truly appreciate them Rest assured that we would take everything positively and constructively. Our theme for the second issue as Rendt emphasizes to us, is Retro/Nostalgia. What a fitting follow-up indeed!
For there’s so much that can be written of the Philippines’ legendary and ultimate movie queen. Having weathered a successful career that spans for three decades now. Yet, I’m in quandary as to how would I start. Perhaps, words arent enough to describe her majestic resume and refreshing persona that anyone who intends to write about her would be taken aback in bewilderment. But alas! As I contemplate in front of my PC, a perfect word came along. And this is it – “Viva La Vilma!” “Perfect!” I said to myself. And the keyboard started to tick. It’s a nomenclature that speaks of the Queen Star’s revered stature in the Philippine movie industry as country’s prime and greatest actress of all times, and Star for All Seasons and Reasons. Likewise, it hails of the diminutive actress’ charm and strength in political arena where she is now serving her third term as Lipa City’s mayor, and the bright promise of an endless possibilities her innate and God-given talents will bring.
What’s in a name anyway? Spelled as capital V-I-L-M-A. Let me put words to each to get the right picture.
V – is for victorious! Indeed she is, right from the start. Her very first outing into celluloid world in 1963 where she was then 9 years old via the film “Trudis Liit” opposite Lolita Rodriguez bestowed her that year’s FAMAS Best Child Actress. Also worth mentioning is – at that same year while filming Trudis, she is wrapping up another movie titled “Anak ang Iyong Ina” where she shared stellar highlights with acting stalwarts, Gloria Romero and the late Rita Gomez. Thus, shes the only child actress who started her career via two movies. What a feat! And La Vilma did. The winning streak continues. From Trudis Liit (1963) to Mano Po 3 (2005), the victorious La Vilma always emerges triumphant year after year even in the midst of storms that beset her in life, she wears still the crown. Nothing and no one can ever stop the winningest actress of all time, La Vilma. The record speaks for itself: Four-times Grand Slammer for Best Actress 1982 in “Relasyon,” 1993 in “Dahil Mahal Kita (The Dolzura Cortez Story),” 1998 in “BataBata Paano Ka Ginawa?,” and 2002 in “Dekada 70.” 8 times URIAN awardees for Best Actress (one more is coming up), 6 times in PMPC Star Awards for Movies, and 5 times in FAP. Best Actress Hall of Fame in FAMAS and Lifetime Achievement awardees. Box Office Queen Hall of Fame awardees. Cine Manila and Brussels International Film Festival Best Actress awardees. And lots more. The list goes on and on.
V – is also for versatility! Only La Vilma can essay varied roles in every movie she made with finesse and perfection. This is very true during the early 70’s especially after she won her very first FAMAS Best Actress trophy via “Dama de Noche” in 1972. She was the super Filipino flying heroine in “Lipad, Darna, Lipad,” the all-time favorite and most successful Darna movie ever made, box-office wise speaking. The testament to her effectual performance of this Filipino heroine is her having played the role four times, namely “Lipad, Darna, Lipad,” “Darna and the Giants,” “Darna and the Planet Women” and “Darna at Ding.” That’s another feat unparalleled in the history of movie-making that only La Vilma can deliver.
She was the beautiful mermaid in “Dyesebel at ang Mahiwagang Kabibe,” the champion of the jungle in “Wonder Vi,” and the action heroine in “Vilma Veinte Nueve,” “Phantom Lady”and “Vivian Volta” – all box-office hits of the 70’s.
She’s exciting to watch in heart-pounding, hair-rising suspensehorror movie in “Kamay na Gumagapang” and “Anak ng Asuwang,” and in heart-warming drama-fantasy movie “Kampanerang Kuba,” the latter now being aired as ABSCBN’s latest teleserye. She’s equally refreshing and hilarious in “Kundoktora,” “Teribol Dobol,” “Tok Tok Palatok,” and “Vilma and the Beep Beep Minica” where she played a young socialite opposite a talking minica. The latter movie was truly hilarious. The audience had a great laugh when it was shown in theatres many years back.
She’s so sweet and amorous in “Batya’t Palu-Palo” and “Bato sa Buhangin” opposite the late king of the Philippine movie, FPJ, and in “Nakakahiya” and “Nakakahiya II” opposite the late drama king, Eddie Rodriguez, that you cannot help but fall in love with her. I did, and still am.
She’s riveting and magnificent various award-winning movies she did with country’s finest directors such as in Celso Ad Castillo’s epics, “Tag-ulan sa Tag-araw,” “Pagputi ng Uwak, Pag-itim ng Tagak” and “Burlesk Queen.” In the late Lino Brocka’s “Rubia Servios,” “Aida Macaraeg: Adultery,” and “Hahamakin Lahat,” and in the late Ishmael Bernal’s “Relasyon,” “Broken Marriage,” “Ikaw ay Akin,” “Dalawang Pugad, Isang Ibon” and “Pahiram ng Isang Umaga.” In Mike De Leon’s “Sister Stella L,” Chito Rono’s “Ikaw Lang,” “Bata Bata Paano Ka Ginawa?” and “Dekada 70,” and Gil Portes’ “Miss X.” In Danny Zialcita”s “Gaano Kadalas ang Minsan,” “Langis at Tubig,” “Karma” and “T-Bird At Ako,” and Laurice Guillen’s “Ipagpatawad Mo,” “Kapag Langit ang Humatol,” “Dahil Mahal Kita (The Dolzura Cortez Story).” In Eddie Garcia’s “Sinasamba Kita,” “Paano Ba ang Mangarap?,” and “Imortal,” and in Marilou Diaz Abaya’s “Alyas Baby Tsina” and “Minsan Pa Nating Hagkan ang Nakaraan.”
Indeed, that’s versatility at its peak that only La Vilma possesses. Shall I need to say more? But let’s finish it anyway.
V – is for Victorious and Versatility.
I – is for ingenuity. The QueenStar never stop reinventing herself. She has a lot of creativity in her sleeves. Her latest project would be another off beat role, Star Cinema’s “Flores De Mara.” She will be playing a mother to three gay sons.
L – is for longevity. At 51, she still commands the highest pay in Philippine movie world. She was recently named the All-Time Favorite Actress by Guillermo Mendoza Foundation. Whats the secret of her longevity? It’s her dedication and love to her career and her humility.
M – is for magnanimity. Vilma’s kindness and benevolence to both her family, her constituents in Lipa and to her millions of adoring fans are shining testimonies of her being God-fearing and magnanimity of her heart. She’s both a blessing and a blessed lady.
A – is for affinity. Vilma is not just an actress, an A1 star, Mayor, but a friend, a sister, and a mother to millions and millions of Vilmanias at every nook of the world, and in all strata of life. She is a part of the family. Remember, the adage “We are family?” That’s what we are. Therefore, the next time we say V-I-L-M-A, theres only one beautiful woman that will come up to our mind, none other than the woman of substance, Lady Vilma. Long Live the Queen! Viva La Vilma! – Charles Gomez (READ MORE)
Friendship and goodwill to man. Ito ang patakaran ng bawat bansang nagsasanig sa buong daigdig. At ang palagayan ng mga tao sa mundo’y minsan pang nabigyan ng katuparan nang ang dayuhang artista (Meng Fei), ang humanga at hinahangan naman ng mga Pilipino. Tulad ng paghanga ni Meg Fei kay Vilma at paghanga naman ni Vilma kay Meng Fei. “Hinahangaaan niya ang mga dalagang Filipina,” simula ni Vilma. “Nang may sabihin si Meng Fei, ang una bang nadama ay pagmamalaki sa aking sarili para sa kapwa ko dalagang Filipino. Hindi ba karangalan nating lahat na madama at marinig mula sa dayuhang ang paghanga nila sa akin?” Napangiti si Vilma nang sabihin niya na amini ang pagiging tunay na maginoo ni Meng Fei. Sa loob ng maraming araw na pagkakalapit nina Vilma at Meng Fei, mula nang magshooting sila sa Cebu City na ginagawa nilang bagong pelikula, ang Two Fists For Justice, ay lubusang nakilala ni Vilma ang tunay na pagkatao at paguugali ng Chinese actor na ito. “Never na never sa pag-uusap namin ay pinuri ko si Meng Fei o ang mga kaugalian nila. Nakikisama ako sa kanya bilang isang kaibigan at siya, bilang isang dayuhan ay pinakitunguhan ko bilang panauhin.” But most of all the time, laging nasasabi ni Meng Fei ang kanyang paghanga sa Filipina at sa mga Pilipino. Sa ganyang paraan ay makakadama ako ng kasiyahan dahil ako’y Pilipino.
Sinisikap ni Meng Fei na makapagsalita at matuto ng wikang Tagalog. Tuwing mag-uusap kami’y ugali ng mga dalagang Filipina ang lagi niyang tinutukoy. At maging kapansin-pansin para sa kanya ang pagkakaroon natin ng mga beauty queens na isang malaking karangalan sa buong mundo.” ani Vilma. “Natuklasan ko ang pagiging edukado at makabayan ni Meng Fei. Bakas na bakas sa kanya ang pagmamahal sa kanyang sariling wika. Kaya nga hindi siya sanay magsalita ng Ingles. Ayong sa kanya, sa kanilang bansa ay higit na hinahangaan ang mga taong nagbibigay dangal sa sarili nilang wika. Naniniwala ako, pagka’t nang makarating ako sa Japan noon ay napansin kong karamihan sa mga Japanese ay hindi makapagsalita ng ibang wika. Sarili nilang wika ang kanilang ginagamit at sa kabila nito ay makikita naman natin ang progreso ng kanilang bansa. Ang hapon ay isa sa maunlad na bansa sa buong mundo. Subalit ang China ay humahabol ngayon sa kanila. Sa kabila nito, ayon kay Meng Fei, ay mayroon silang dapat ipagmalaki ang mga Filipina. Ang kanilang mga katutubong kaugalian. Amg kaugalian natin, ang katahimikan ng ating bansa at pamahalaan, ito ay hinahangaan at pinuring lahat ni Meng Fei.” Ayon naman kay Meng Fei, ang kanilang pelikulang Two Fists For Justice ay naka-booked na for intenational release. Ibig din niyang ipakita sa ibang bansa ang kagandahan ng Pilipinas na nasaksihan niya sa pamamagitan ng pelikulang ito. – Ric S. Aquino, Modern Romances Illustrated Magazine, No. 13, 17 Sep 1973
Ric S. Aquino is a Filipino movie reporter, writer, columnist who was part of Vilma Santos’ circle of movie writers in the early part of her film career. He mostly reports about the latest news about Vilma. He also wrote several pieces about her relationships with Edgar Mortiz and other admirers. His articles, mostly written in Tagalog were mostly published at Movie Queen magazine, a magazine identified with Vilma Santos. – RV
These are many times we caught Vilma na paglapit sa kanya ni Jojit ay para bang may mahalaga silang pinaguusapang para sa kanilang dalawa. But in fact, may kinalaman lamang iyon tungkol sa gagawin nilang palabas. Kaya kung hindi sanay ang makakakita sa kanila, tiyak na sasabihin na boyfriend na pala ngayon ni Vi si Jojit. kahit kay Tirso Cruz III there are many unguarded moment of Vilma, me sasabihing mong uy new ito? Si Pip na pala ngayon? Kasi, hahawak sa braso ni Pip si Vi at kukulitin ito. Kaya lang malalaman ng mga kaharap sa nagbibiruan sila pagtawa ng malakas ni Vilma… Even with Walter Navarro ng minsan ay maging guest din ito ni Vilma, wala sa loob niya ay nabibiro din si Walater. At wala din sa loob niya bigla siyang titigan ni Walter. Ngiti ang tinutugon ni Vilma sa titig na iyon. Nakikiramdam ang mga kaharap. Si Walter naman ngayon? Tiyak na iisipin nila ito. Pero ang tooto ay walang kahulugan talaga at palagayang loob lamang. this is Vilma’s many unguarded moment. Kahit man nagaganap. At sakunan siya ng larawan ng hindi niya nalalaman kung ano man ang kanyang ginagawa. But in the name of love? Vilma is still thinking about it now. Kaya wala ngang makatitiyak kung silang dalawa ni Bobot ay magkakabalikan pang talaga o may lihim silang kasunduan. – Ric S. Aquino, TSS Magazine, No. 190, 08 Oct 1974
Ric S. Aquino is a Filipino movie reporter, writer, columnist who was part of Vilma Santos’ circle of movie writers in the early part of her film career. He mostly reports about the latest news about Vilma. He also wrote several pieces about her relationships with Edgar Mortiz and other admirers. His articles, mostly written in Tagalog were mostly published at Movie Queen magazine, a magazine identified with Vilma Santos. – RV
Star For All Seasons 
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