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.
Finally in Ishmael Bernal’s Relasyon, we have a film made explicitly for adults. There is no explicit sex sequence (adults don’t really go for that sort of thing, only adolescent boys do). But the psychological problems faced by the film are comprehensible only to adults, those who know what it means to live with someone one loves (or, at least, used to love).
This film is, thus, not entertaining in the usual prurient sense, but in a deeper, psychological, intellectual sense. There are basically two themes that this film tackles: sex roles and divorce. Vilma Santos represents womanhood in the film: Christopher de Leon represents manhood. The Filipina woman is commonly thought of as a martir or long-suffering masochist. Santos portrays a mistress who is an out-and-out martir. She serves De Leon hand and foot, ministering to his every need, including fetching beer for him, washing his clothes, serving as his shoulder to cry on, even baby-sitting his child. In return, all she gets from De Leon is chauvinistic love, void of tenderness, full of immature aggressiveness.
De Leon represents chauvinist maleness. He portrays a character who is totally insensitive to his woman’s needs. He wants the house done exactly to his own taste. He expects his woman to be there when he needs her, but does not even think that he should be there when she wants him. He finds nothing wrong with having a wife and a mistress at the same time.
On the other hand, he sees everything wrong with Santos entertaining suitor Jimi Melendez in the house. He’s even jealous of Manny Castaneda, Santos’ gay acquaintance. In short, he is selfishness personified. – Isagani Cruz, Parade magazine, 21 July 1982 (READ MORE)
“…The notion of the martir resurfaces in Relasyon (1982), a stellar example of a mistress movie with genuine depth. It portrays Marilou (Vilma Santos) as not just a mistress, but also a servant for the chauvinistic Emil (Christopher De Leon). There is a poignant scene in the aforementioned: in spite of catering to her lover’s every need, she is still left alone in the house on Christmas Eve, because he really isn’t hers to begin with. Santos’ brilliant, appropriately emotive acting in the movie gave the star her big break. Filipino Department faculty member Jayson Jacobo, PhD expounds on Santos’ role in Philippine media. “[Her] middle period presents us a social sphere of material conditions which articulate the context of amorous situations that persuade a woman to enter and exit a relasyon.” Jacobo finds that more recent mistress films are devoid of the dramatic sophistication that these older films presented. He points out their key faults, saying, “These films of late are too concerned with the calisthenics of sexual encounter, the scandalous confrontation, the fashionable hysteria, the publicity of neurosis and the contrivance of normative resolution…” – Rissa A. Coronel, Katipunan The Guidon Magazine, 30 January 2013 (READ MORE)
Dalawang magagandang pelikula ang sabay na itinatanghal ngayon. Ito’y ang “Relasyon” ni Ishmael Bernal at “Hubad na Gubat” ng baguhang si Lito Tiongson. Sa taong ito, tatlong pa lamang ang talagang namumukod tangi para sa amin. Ang “Ito Ba Ang Ating Mga Anak” ni Bernal, “In This Corner” ni Brocka at ngayon nga’y ang “Relasyon” ni Bernal na naman.
Napakahusay ni Vilma Santos sa papel ng pangunahing tauhan, isang dalagang umibig sa isang may asawa. It’s one hell of a role and a heaven of a performance. Kasama si Vilma sa lahat ng eksena sa pelikula at talagang ito na ang pinakamabigat na papel na napaatang sa mga balikat ng isang local actress mula ng gampanan ni Gina Alajar and lead role sa “Salome.” This time, sigurado nang mano-nominate si Vilma sa Urian (ito lamang ang award na hindi niya napapagwagihan) at malamang na ang maging pinakamahigpit niyang kalaban dito ay si Nora Aunor na very demanding din ang role sa “Himala” (na si Bernal din ang direktor). Ito’y kung matatapos ang ECP project na ito sa taong ito na sa palagay nami’y hindi kahit gusto ng ECP na isali ito sa filmfest sa Disyembre.
Dinalirot ng “Relasyon” ang lahat ng mga anggulong maaaring suutan ng isang babaing nagiging kerida. Maraming madamdaming tagpo sa pelikula, lalo na ang death scene ni Christopher de Leon na tuhog ang pagkakakuha. Bagay na bagay kay Jimi Melendez ang papel niya bilang torpeng talisuyo ni Vilma. Hit na hit siya sa audience. Hanggang ngayon ay patuloy na dumaragsa dito sa amin ang mga sulat na pumupuri sa acting ni Vilma Santos sa “Relasyon.”
Sabi ni Nelda Santiago ng Arellano Street, Marikina: “Napakagaling ni Vilma at kahit hindi pa ako nagiging kerida, para bang na identify ako sa kanya.” Sabi naman ni Hector Cruz ng 14 Malaya Street, QC: “Maraming nasasabi ang mga mata ni Vilma lalo sa mga eksenang wala siyang dialogue. Pati pilikmata niya ay umaarte. Dapat lang na magka award siya rito. Magaling din sina Jimi Melendez at Beth Mondragon.” Ayon naman kay H. Santillan III ng UP Village: “Hindi kami fan ni Vilma pero kung ganito ng ganito ang performances niya, dapat siguro’y maging fan na nga niya kami. Tour de force ang acting niya at dapat ilagay sa textbook on acting. Hindi mapapantayan ang rapport nila ni Christopher de Leon.”
May iba pang mga sulat pero hindi na namin masisipi sa kakulangan ng espasyo. – Mario E. Baustista, Peoples Journal, July 1982 (READ MORE)
May isang nagngangalang Rosa Vilma,
Ipinanganak sa Tondo, Maynila.
Naging artista kahit noong siya ay bata
pa, Galing sa pagganap noon ay pinag-aralan na.
Noong siya ay nagdalaga na,
Nagpatuloy sa kanyang pag-aartista.
Naging sikat at hinahangaang bituin
Katambal si Edgar bilang ka-loveteam.
Naging karibal si Nora
Sa pagiging isang reyna.
Subalit mas matagumpay si Nora
Noong mga panahon ng setenta.
Hanggang siya ay mag-iba ng imahen,
At gumanap bilang isang Burlesk Queen.
Mula noon at magpahanggang ngayon
Si Vilma na ang Reyna taon-taon.
Siya ay nag-iisang Star for All Seasons,
At gayundin naman ng for All Reasons.
Hindi magugupo o mapapataob ninuman,
Pagkat Vilmanians hindi s’ya pababayaan.
Queenstar mula noon hanggang
ngayon, Pinakamahusay na aktress sa
lahat ng panahon.
Nirerespeto ng mamayang Pilipino,
Pagkat mapagmahal siya sa kapwa Pilipino.
Isang ulirang artista at ina,
Matagumpay na mayora ng Lipa.
Siya at wala ng iba ang Reyna,
Yan ang mahal nating si Rosa Vilma.
Never stop learning – “…More than half of my life I’ve been in the movie industry but still I’m in a learning process. No such thing as magaling ka na…pag huminto ka nang matuto, puwes, mamahinga ka na…” – Vilma Santos
Awards or Box-Office Success – “…Both are equally important. Winning an award is a prestige. It’s proof that you’re a legit actress. But you should also have drawing power. Let’s face it: Movie-making is a business. Producers should get back their investment…” – Vilma Santos
Not After Awards – “…Siyempre lahat naman ng pelikula ko ginagawa ko what I think is best. Pero hindi naman kami naghahabol ng award eh. Ang gusto naming mapatunayan this time ay maaaring kumita ang mga pelikulang indie. Na hindi naman lahat ng indie nilalangaw. Ang paniwala ko, ito ang future ng industriya, kaya kailangang simulan nang kumbinsihin ang mga tao na tangkilikin ang mga pelikulang ganito…” – Vilma Santos
Token ni Vi – “…Ang shooting ko, once a week, every Saturdays lang. Eh kaya naman pala kayang tapusin ng sampung araw, 17 hours din kayong magtatrabaho! Sabi ko, ‘Direk naman! Kaya pala kaya ninyong magtapos, 7 to 7 the next day!…Pag na-meet mo sila, iba silang mga tao. Hindi ‘yung the usual na nakikita mo, nakikilala mo, dun lang, malaking bagay na sa akin ‘yun…isang malaking education sa akin…Sabi nila, hindi makakagawa si Vilma ng indie film kasi mataas ang talent fee niyan. Para namang hindi ako maaaring gumawa ng pelikulang walang bayad? Hindi naman po. Kaya nga dito, ipinakita ko as an artist, hindi matatanggal sa puso ko yun. Why not? Hindi pag-uusapan ang pera. Kahit na singko (ang talent fee), okay lang, gagawin ko if as an artist, iyun ang fulfilment ko…At ang karamihang kasama ko dito ay talagang mga ekstra ng pelikula. Talagang nag seminar kami para mag blend ako sa kanila at hindi sila ma-starstruck sa set. Para magmukha rin akong isa sa kanila,…Maraming nagsasabing, ‘Ang dami namang artista niyan!’ Pero kung hindi po sa mga big stars na ito, hindi rin po kami lalabas na mukhang ekstra. So we need all these big stars…Wala silang bayad, hindi sila sumingil. At sinabi lang (sa kanila) na baka puwede silang mag- guesting sa film ni Ate V – at lahat sila ginawa ‘yun na they did not ask for anything in return!…Kaya naman ako in my own little way, kahit token man lang na regalo (binigyan ko sila). Kasi hindi man lang sila sumingil! Kaya naman nagpapasalamat ako ng sobra….” – Vilma Santos
Starstruck Director – “…I was so intimidated noong una, I really thought hindi ko makakaya. Siyempre, Vilma Santos ‘yan, e. Pero napakabait niya. Okay lang sa kanyang mura-murahin ko siya’t talakan, kagalitan, sigaw-sigawan. Pero akong na-starstruck sa kanya. Sa eksena, tumingin lang siya sa baba. Pag-angat ng mga mata niya, punumpuno na ng luha. Natulala ako. Nalimutan ko kung ano ang sasabihin ko. Pero siya, tuluy-tuloy lang ang emoting niya sa eksena. Hindi siya bumitaw. Napakahusay niya. Talagang sige lang siya hanggang sa maka-recover ako’t maalala ko ang mga linya ko. After that scene, nagkasakit ako. Pero talagang sobrang napabilib niya ako…” – Marlon Rivera
Down to Earth – “…She was very nice, very down to earth and ano talaga, kahit nga she’s such a big star, you won’t feel that way because she’s a very welcoming person…Of course. Nagpa-picture ako…She was very happy also kasi we both wanted to do a film together. Kahit maliit lang role ko, okay lang sa akin…” – Richard Yap
An Exposé – “…From my perspective, I’m not sure if I can now consider this film the parody it’s meant to be, or more of an “exposé” into our real world of soap operas. It reflects many truths of what these extras, or talents, face. I myself, despite my ranting, have softened up to their plight. On one taping day, lo and behold, the first sight that greeted me were some 20 talents sitting on cardboard on the ground, in the heat of the sun, right in front of the main actors’ air conditioned tent. Talk about rubbing the point in. All this for P1,000 a day or P1,500 if you had speaking lines, or if you played a nurse, police or doctor, you get P2,000 because you have to bring your own uniform. A day may mean 28 to 36 hours straight for many of them. I’m fortunate that after decades in the business, I’ve earned a cut-off time of 2 am (which in effect actually helps talents go home earlier, if they’re in my scenes). I realize minimum wage stands at under P500, but these seemingly good talent fees don’t go straight into their pockets. They too have agents or talent suppliers who whittle away their earnings. (Just like we do.) I could be putting myself on a limb here, but I’m going to say it anyway: isn’t it high time we make the working environment in the soap opera world better for all to enjoy the work and find dignity in our choice of profession?…” – Cherie Gil
Sampal ni Cherrie – “…Ikaw na lang yata ang hindi ko pa nasasampal sa showbiz!…” – Cherrie Gil
Christopher’s Ekstra Experience – “…Vilma Santos [“Ekstra (The Bit Player)”] obviously has a long history with my father. I used to watch her come to our house when I was a kid and then watched her on the set of ‘Burlesk Queen.’ I still remember going to that old theater where they filmed her dance scene…I did a movie with her entitled ‘Kailan Tama Ang Mali.’ My first day on the set, I had to act with her. So we rehearsed together and when it was time to shoot the scene and the director yelled ‘Action!,’ Vilma started acting and I just stood there and became a fan and totally forgot my lines. I forgot that I was supposed to act. Take two was worst, “I hit her on the nose with my hand gesture. I was just nervous acting with her for the first time. We both had a laugh about it…” – Christopher Castillo
The real extra of Ekstra – “…I got to act with Vilma Santos—in her tribute to bit players like me. There’s no one like Vi,” Villalobos said. “I’m afraid to approach other stars but with Vi, when she hugs you, you can really feel her sincerity…I had to faint in one scene and—I told my children and grandchildren—it was Vi who caught me!…We don’t have guilds or unions to protect us…Raquel Villavicencio told me that Direk Loy had asked her to write a script… with a character modeled after me…” – Erlinda Villalobos, Philippine Daily Inquirer, 01 Aug 2013, Bayani San Diego Jr.
Gaan ng Atmosphere – “…Ako naman, ginawa ko ito dahil gusto kong makasama si Gov. Vi and also for Atty. Joji Alonso…I really had a good time shooting for the movie kahit guest role lang ako. Nag-enjoy ako kasi ang gaan ng atmosphere sa set. Parang ‘di nagtatrabaho ang mga tao at ang saya ng lahat. Nakakahawa kasi si Gov. Vi. Low key lang and super professional, sa kabila ng stature niya. She just follows lahat ng direction ni Direk Jeffrey Jeturian…” – Marian Rivera
Heaven! – “…Vilma is every director’s dream actress…She’s very easy to work with. She’s very cooperative, she listens to and follows instructions, and she respects her co-workers. It has been my long-time dream to work with her. To borrow her favorite word, it’s ‘heaven’ to be working with Vilma…” – Jeffrey Jeturian
Sold out in TIFF – “…At the sold-out premiere in Toronto, many in the long lineup awaiting the film’s start were excited to watch it given the critical acclaim at Cinemalaya. Arnold Manalac, a big Santos fan, organized about 20 of his friends to come watch the film. “These are all my college friends, friends here in Toronto, some of my relatives,” he said while pointing out the smiling faces with him, “so we organized and came up with a small group to support this film. The crowd of mostly Filipino-Canadians was abuzz with anticipation, including the very first people in the line, Danny Ong and Ricardo Obusan, who came to support independent Filipino films. Jeturian signed autographs before and after the film’s screening and took questions from the audience. The final showing of Ekstra at TIFF is Sept. 15, but the movie will have a theatrical release in eight Canadian cities including Mississauga and Scarborough from Sept. 13 to 26…” – Dyan Ruiz, The Philippine Reporter, 13 Sept 2013
Never stop learning – “…More than half of my life I’ve been in the movie industry but still I’m in a learning process. No such thing as magaling ka na…pag huminto ka nang matuto, puwes, mamahinga ka na…” – Vilma Santos
Awards or Box-Office Success – “…Both are equally important. Winning an award is a prestige. It’s proof that you’re a legit actress. But you should also have drawing power. Let’s face it: Movie-making is a business. Producers should get back their investment…” – Vilma Santos
Not After Awards – “…Siyempre lahat naman ng pelikula ko ginagawa ko what I think is best. Pero hindi naman kami naghahabol ng award eh. Ang gusto naming mapatunayan this time ay maaaring kumita ang mga pelikulang indie. Na hindi naman lahat ng indie nilalangaw. Ang paniwala ko, ito ang future ng industriya, kaya kailangang simulan nang kumbinsihin ang mga tao na tangkilikin ang mga pelikulang ganito…” – Vilma Santos
Token ni Vi – “…Ang shooting ko, once a week, every Saturdays lang. Eh kaya naman pala kayang tapusin ng sampung araw, 17 hours din kayong magtatrabaho! Sabi ko, ‘Direk naman! Kaya pala kaya ninyong magtapos, 7 to 7 the next day!…Pag na-meet mo sila, iba silang mga tao. Hindi ‘yung the usual na nakikita mo, nakikilala mo, dun lang, malaking bagay na sa akin ‘yun…isang malaking education sa akin…Sabi nila, hindi makakagawa si Vilma ng indie film kasi mataas ang talent fee niyan. Para namang hindi ako maaaring gumawa ng pelikulang walang bayad? Hindi naman po. Kaya nga dito, ipinakita ko as an artist, hindi matatanggal sa puso ko yun. Why not? Hindi pag-uusapan ang pera. Kahit na singko (ang talent fee), okay lang, gagawin ko if as an artist, iyun ang fulfilment ko…At ang karamihang kasama ko dito ay talagang mga ekstra ng pelikula. Talagang nag seminar kami para mag blend ako sa kanila at hindi sila ma-starstruck sa set. Para magmukha rin akong isa sa kanila,…Maraming nagsasabing, ‘Ang dami namang artista niyan!’ Pero kung hindi po sa mga big stars na ito, hindi rin po kami lalabas na mukhang ekstra. So we need all these big stars…Wala silang bayad, hindi sila sumingil. At sinabi lang (sa kanila) na baka puwede silang mag- guesting sa film ni Ate V – at lahat sila ginawa ‘yun na they did not ask for anything in return!…Kaya naman ako in my own little way, kahit token man lang na regalo (binigyan ko sila). Kasi hindi man lang sila sumingil! Kaya naman nagpapasalamat ako ng sobra….” – Vilma Santos
Starstruck Director – “…I was so intimidated noong una, I really thought hindi ko makakaya. Siyempre, Vilma Santos ‘yan, e. Pero napakabait niya. Okay lang sa kanyang mura-murahin ko siya’t talakan, kagalitan, sigaw-sigawan. Pero akong na-starstruck sa kanya. Sa eksena, tumingin lang siya sa baba. Pag-angat ng mga mata niya, punumpuno na ng luha. Natulala ako. Nalimutan ko kung ano ang sasabihin ko. Pero siya, tuluy-tuloy lang ang emoting niya sa eksena. Hindi siya bumitaw. Napakahusay niya. Talagang sige lang siya hanggang sa maka-recover ako’t maalala ko ang mga linya ko. After that scene, nagkasakit ako. Pero talagang sobrang napabilib niya ako…” – Marlon Rivera
Down to Earth – “…She was very nice, very down to earth and ano talaga, kahit nga she’s such a big star, you won’t feel that way because she’s a very welcoming person…Of course. Nagpa-picture ako…She was very happy also kasi we both wanted to do a film together. Kahit maliit lang role ko, okay lang sa akin…” – Richard Yap
An Exposé – “…From my perspective, I’m not sure if I can now consider this film the parody it’s meant to be, or more of an “exposé” into our real world of soap operas. It reflects many truths of what these extras, or talents, face. I myself, despite my ranting, have softened up to their plight. On one taping day, lo and behold, the first sight that greeted me were some 20 talents sitting on cardboard on the ground, in the heat of the sun, right in front of the main actors’ air conditioned tent. Talk about rubbing the point in. All this for P1,000 a day or P1,500 if you had speaking lines, or if you played a nurse, police or doctor, you get P2,000 because you have to bring your own uniform. A day may mean 28 to 36 hours straight for many of them. I’m fortunate that after decades in the business, I’ve earned a cut-off time of 2 am (which in effect actually helps talents go home earlier, if they’re in my scenes). I realize minimum wage stands at under P500, but these seemingly good talent fees don’t go straight into their pockets. They too have agents or talent suppliers who whittle away their earnings. (Just like we do.) I could be putting myself on a limb here, but I’m going to say it anyway: isn’t it high time we make the working environment in the soap opera world better for all to enjoy the work and find dignity in our choice of profession?…” – Cherie Gil
Sampal ni Cherrie – “…Ikaw na lang yata ang hindi ko pa nasasampal sa showbiz!…” – Cherrie Gil
Christopher’s Ekstra Experience – “…Vilma Santos [“Ekstra (The Bit Player)”] obviously has a long history with my father. I used to watch her come to our house when I was a kid and then watched her on the set of ‘Burlesk Queen.’ I still remember going to that old theater where they filmed her dance scene…I did a movie with her entitled ‘Kailan Tama Ang Mali.’ My first day on the set, I had to act with her. So we rehearsed together and when it was time to shoot the scene and the director yelled ‘Action!,’ Vilma started acting and I just stood there and became a fan and totally forgot my lines. I forgot that I was supposed to act. Take two was worst, “I hit her on the nose with my hand gesture. I was just nervous acting with her for the first time. We both had a laugh about it…” – Christopher Castillo
The real extra of Ekstra – “…I got to act with Vilma Santos—in her tribute to bit players like me. There’s no one like Vi,” Villalobos said. “I’m afraid to approach other stars but with Vi, when she hugs you, you can really feel her sincerity…I had to faint in one scene and—I told my children and grandchildren—it was Vi who caught me!…We don’t have guilds or unions to protect us…Raquel Villavicencio told me that Direk Loy had asked her to write a script… with a character modeled after me…” – Erlinda Villalobos, Philippine Daily Inquirer, 01 Aug 2013, Bayani San Diego Jr.
Gaan ng Atmosphere – “…Ako naman, ginawa ko ito dahil gusto kong makasama si Gov. Vi and also for Atty. Joji Alonso…I really had a good time shooting for the movie kahit guest role lang ako. Nag-enjoy ako kasi ang gaan ng atmosphere sa set. Parang ‘di nagtatrabaho ang mga tao at ang saya ng lahat. Nakakahawa kasi si Gov. Vi. Low key lang and super professional, sa kabila ng stature niya. She just follows lahat ng direction ni Direk Jeffrey Jeturian…” – Marian Rivera
Heaven! – “…Vilma is every director’s dream actress…She’s very easy to work with. She’s very cooperative, she listens to and follows instructions, and she respects her co-workers. It has been my long-time dream to work with her. To borrow her favorite word, it’s ‘heaven’ to be working with Vilma…” – Jeffrey Jeturian
Sold out in TIFF – “…At the sold-out premiere in Toronto, many in the long lineup awaiting the film’s start were excited to watch it given the critical acclaim at Cinemalaya. Arnold Manalac, a big Santos fan, organized about 20 of his friends to come watch the film. “These are all my college friends, friends here in Toronto, some of my relatives,” he said while pointing out the smiling faces with him, “so we organized and came up with a small group to support this film. The crowd of mostly Filipino-Canadians was abuzz with anticipation, including the very first people in the line, Danny Ong and Ricardo Obusan, who came to support independent Filipino films. Jeturian signed autographs before and after the film’s screening and took questions from the audience. The final showing of Ekstra at TIFF is Sept. 15, but the movie will have a theatrical release in eight Canadian cities including Mississauga and Scarborough from Sept. 13 to 26…” – Dyan Ruiz, The Philippine Reporter, 13 Sept 2013
For All About Ekstra 2/2 (Video Links), CLICK HERE
Dambuhalang DJ – “…In the early 70s, the local entertainment industry was dominated by the love teams of Nora Aunor-Tirso Cruz and Vilma Santos-Edgar Mortiz. Arnold was a young teenager by the mid 70’s. Ike Lozada, a famous radio and TV host (known for his radio program, “Dambuhalang DJ”) and part-time talent manager conceptualized a junior love team that would target the younger audience and would follow the footsteps of the Nora-Tirso and Vi-Bubot love teams. The young love teams will be introduced in a new TV show which was planned to compete with the Channel 7 show, “Eto Na Kami”, another TV show quite popular with the young generation back then. Ike gathered the team of Arnold and Maribel “Lala” Aunor, Winnie Santos and Dondon Nakar that gave birth to the “Apat na Sikat” in Channel 9. The show was an instant hit not just with teen-agers, but also for older audiences and it quickly acquired a high rating among viewers. It was aired during prime time, and lasted for five years. People who grew up watching “Apat na Sikat” often associate Arnold’s name to the TV show, as it made television history during its prime…“Apat na Sikat” in the 70s was borne out of the imagination of the late Ike Lozada. Ike made quite a name for himself on his TV show “Big Ike’s Happening” and his AM radio program, “Dambuhalang DJ”. Like his colleague, Kuya Germs, Ike was also instrumental in launching the careers of young stars. The four young stars were easily brought to fame, because the two ladies were related to the star of the season. Winnie Santos is the younger sister of Vilma Santos, while Lala Aunor is the first cousin of Nora Aunor…” – Romy R. Protacio (READ MORE)
Apat na Sikat – “…In the early 70s, the local entertainment industry was dominated by the love teams of Nora Aunor-Tirso Cruz and Vilma Santos-Edgar Mortiz. Arnold was a young teenager by the mid 70’s. Ike Lozada, a famous radio and TV host (known for his radio program, “Dambuhalang DJ”) and part-time talent manager conceptualized a junior love team that would target the younger audience and would follow the footsteps of the Nora-Tirso and Vi-Bubot love teams. The young love teams will be introduced in a new TV show which was planned to compete with the Channel 7 show, “Eto Na Kami”, another TV show quite popular with the young generation back then. Ike gathered the team of Arnold and Maribel “Lala” Aunor, Winnie Santos and Dondon Nakar that gave birth to the “Apat na Sikat” in Channel 9. The show was an instant hit not just with teen-agers, but also for older audiences and it quickly acquired a high rating among viewers. It was aired during prime time, and lasted for five years. People who grew up watching “Apat na Sikat” often associate Arnold’s name to the TV show, as it made television history during its prime. “Apat na Sikat” in the 70s was borne out of the imagination of the late Ike Lozada. Ike made quite a name for himself on his TV show “Big Ike’s Happening” and his AM radio program, “Dambuhalang DJ”. Like his colleague, Kuya Germs, Ike was also instrumental in launching the careers of young stars. The four young stars were easily brought to fame, because the two ladies were related to the star of the season. Winnie Santos is the younger sister of Vilma Santos, while Lala Aunor is the first cousin of Nora Aunor. While doing my research on the internet, I chanced upon the Ukay-Ukay blog written by Guillermo “Ige” Ramos. He provided a vivid, though quite amusing takes on the “Apat na Sikat.” Nilampaso nya ang Apat na Sikat. Gigil na gigil si Ige sa kanyang characterization of Winnie Santos, and Lala Aunor. Ige, however, had kinder words for Dondon and Arnold. “Winnie tried to be her sister’s clone: she did a TV version of Vilma’s hit Trudis Liit, and she sang the Ate VI anthems, “Paper Roses” and “My Boy Lollipop”. Unlike her sister, who is still a terpsichorean wonder, Winnie could only dance the Lady Bump. The more she copied her sister, the more she receded into oblivion…” – Romy R. Protacio (READ MORE)
Vi’s Precious – “…Si kuya Ike Lozada ang nagbansag kay Ate Vi ng palayaw na “Precious” marahil dahil sa parang mamahaling kristal si Ate Vi sa paningin ng malusog na radio announcer na ito. Si Kuya Ike isa sa mga naging instrumento kung bakit naging sikat ang tambalang Vi at Bot. Kung si Guy at Pip ay mayroong German Moreno, si Vi at Bot naman ay mayroong Kuya Iking. Sa bawat radio commercial at mga kanta hindi mawawala ang mga balita’t dedikasyon niya sa kanyang nagiisang “precious.” Akmang akma para bigyan natin ng halaga ang isang taong malaking naitulong sa pagsulong ng career ni Ate Vi nuong mga dekada 70 at mga unang taon ng dekada 80. Ang isa pang mahalagang naitulong ni Kuya Ike ay pagpapahalaga niya sa mga Vilmanians. Kung hindi lang siya radio announcer marahil isa siya sa aktibong miyembro ng ating grupo…” – RV (READ MORE)
TV Host – “…Last Wednesday night, showbuz was once again thrown into unexpected mourning with the passing of Ike Lozada, comedian, singer, host and very much overweight. He was 54 at the time of his death. Ike, Enrique Lozada in real life, was last seen on TV with German Moreno on the late afternoon variety That’s Entertainment last Wednesday. He reportedly went to visit a friend, Rey Honrando, then proceeded to fastfood restaurant. Reports on where exactly he suffered from cardiac arrest are up to this time still sketchy. He was rushed to the Capitol Medical Center where attending physicians declared him DOA. The hefty comedian-singer was one of showbiz’ more colorful personalities and endeared himself to a lot of TV and movie fans, especially the elderly. His rise to popularity came almost at the same time Nora Aunor and Vilma Santos were winning admiration of millions of movie fans. Ike made his mark as host of the afternoon show Big Ike’s Happening. His closest friends in showbusiness were Inday Badiday and Kuya Germs…” – Isah Vaquez Red, Manila Standard, Mar 11, 1995 (READ MORE)
Amateur Singer – “…Movie and television talent Enrique “Ike” Lozada died of a heat attack Wednesday night at the Quezon City Medical Center. He was 54. Dr. Carlos Lagman, the attending physician, said the victim died of “secondary to massive biocardiac arrest” at around 8:25 p.m. A report said that after watching a moive Lozada reportedly ordered his driver to take him to a friend, Reynaldo Honrado, in Quezon City. Honrado said Lozada later complained of chest pains. As Honrado was talking to a friend on the telephone, he heard a loud thud. He said he saw Lozada fall head first on the floor. Lozada began his show business career after winning in an amateur singing contest in the television show Student Canteen. He hosted different television shows, and was a disc jockey; an entertainment writer and a talent manager…” – Manila Standard, Mar 8, 1995 (READ MORE)
Relationship with Santos – ” …And speaking of talents, Ike Lozada is “starmaker” in his own right. At previously mentioned he was responsible for the rise of several actors, actresses, and singers. A lot of people know that if German Moreno is often associated with Nora Aunor, then he in turn is associated with Vilma Santos. But it seems that while Moreno is still close to Aunor, his relationship with Santos has cooled off. How does he feel about it? “I feel na nakalimutan lang niya ako. May pinagsamahan naman kasi kami (he’s know her even before she was 10 years old).” he had been hoping that he would somehow be invited to guest in Santos’show, specially at the time when “I lost my show and I was out of circulation. Baka hindi siya ang may ayaw; maybe she has her reasons.” He feels no resentment though, and to prove it he adds: “I still care for her.” The fact that he has mellowed since his trip to the US has helped him improved his relationship with his peers in the business. If he used to hold grudges against them, he has resolved to sort it out with them. “Willing akong makipagbati. Ayoko na nang may kaaway.” He has since reconciled with Angge in Inday Badiday’s show. Lately, Ike Lozada’s been busy with a lot of things. Aside from co-hosting a daily shows and managing his talents, he produces shows in nightclubs, has a hand in a jewelry business and helps build and sell houses. Not bad for someone who’s trying to revive his status in the business. With the proliferation of teen and variety shows, luck in on his side. “The more programs, the better. They would as outlets for my talents,” he says…” – Marie T. Dimapilis, Manila Standard, 01 Oct. 1988 p24 (READ MORE)
Enrique “Big Ike” Lozada (August 13, 1940-March 8, 1995) was a Filipino comedian, actor and TV host. He was born on August 13, 1940 in Iloilo City. He started acting at the age of 11 on the movie Mga Bituin ng Kinabukasan with the younger Susan Roces. – Wikipedia (READ MORE)
Ike Lozada and Vilma Santos
Payaso (1986) – “…The 1986 Metro Manila Film Festival was considered the worst in the 12-year history of the annual 10-day festival of local movies. For the first time, it did not give out the traditional first and second best picture awards. Two other categories— best story and best screenplay were not also given. “No one of the seven entries deserved these awards,” according to Tingting Cojuangco, one of the jurors…” – J C Nigado (READ MORE)
Charot (1985) – “…As far as he can recall, his first gay outing was in the critically acclaimed High School Circa ’65. “Doon naman, I was nominated for Best Supporting Actor considering na 15 or 16 pa lang ako noon. I was the comic relief of the movie.” Bibeth Orteza, who played a teacher in High School Circa ’65, created a gay character for him in the sitcom “Tepok Bunot.” “Nag-hit ‘yon,” says Roderick. Then a producer gave him the lead role in Charot, a movie inspired by Dustin Hoffman’s gender-bending performance in Tootsie. Before Roderick knew it, other offers to do gay roles started coming his way, with one of them from a very persuasive line producer-actress. “After Charot, ayoko munang tanggapin ang mga gay-gay roles,” he says. “But it was Charo Santos who convinced me to do a gay movie where I would be paired with Maricel (Soriano).” The project was Regal Films’ Inday, Inday sa Balitaw which ended up being a huge success. “The rest is history!” Roderick exclaims. “Yun na! Sunud-sunud na sa box-office…” – Veroli1974 (READ MORE)
Darna at Ding (1980) – “…The climax of this “Darna vs. the Dragon Lady” part of Darna At Ding sees Lei Ming conjure up an evil double of Darna to keep our heroine busy while, elsewhere in her lair, a towering robot bears menacingly down upon Ding. It’s a suitably whiz-bang finale to this loopy, kitchen sink confection, and one that makes the long, strange and circuitous route that we’ve taken to get to it seem perhaps less arduous in retrospect. Still, at a solid two hours, Darna At Ding is an example of a movie that pulls out all the stops, but perhaps shouldn’t have. While it’s combination of horror movie chills, superhero thrills and slapstick spills might have been catnip for the Filipino audience of its day, for the rest of us it might prove mildly exhausting. Nonetheless, I find Vilma Santos so appealing in her role that it’s hard for me to imagine hating any Darna movie that she appears in, and this one’s no exception…” – Todd of “luchadiaries” (READ MORE)
Buhay artista ngayon (1979) – “…Finally, after almost a decade from their last outings and no longer his film daughter, Dolphy and Vilma did their last film (to this day), this time, Vilma played the leading lady, in a film, ironically, about show business…” – RV (READ MORE)
Mga mata ni Angelita (1978) – “…Julie Vega was only 10 years old when she was launched to full stardom in the 1978 movie, “Mga Mata ni Angelita.” She appeared in previous movie outings as Darling Postigo. The young Vega was ably supported by an all super star cast headed by the King of Philippine Movies, Fernando Poe, Jr. (in the role of Conrado, the ex-convict) and Comedy King Dolphy (as Tacio, the taho vendor). Also appearing in cameo roles were Joseph Estrada (as himself as Mayor); Nora Aunor (a metro-aide sweeper); Vilma Santos ( as a worried wife); Ramon Revilla (as barrio captain); Alma Moreno (as a jealous sweetheart); Christopher de Leon (as the lover) and many more…” – Simon Santos (READ MORE)
Big Ike’s Happening (1976) – “…All star casts din ang pelikulang handog ng Larry Santiago at Ike Lozada Productions na Big Ike’s Happening (February 27, 1976) na tinampukan nina Vi, Tirso Cruz III, Walter Navaro, Ike Lozada, Aurora Salve, Gina Alajar, Jojit Paredes, Dondon Nakar, Winnie Santos, Arnold Gamboa, Maribel Aunor, Allan Valenzuela, Doyet Ilagan, Edward Campos, German Moreno, Inday Badiday, Ben David, Lilian Laing, Aruray, Nora Aunor, Perla Bautista, Charlie Davao, Esperanza Fabon, Eddie Peregrina, Bella Flores, Lito Legaspi, Christopher de Leon, Van de Leon, Pinky Montilla, Alma Moreno, Dencio Padilla, Andy Poe, Jerry Pons, Ric Rodrigo, Gloria Romero, Daria Ramirez, Darius Razon, Marianne de la Riva, Eddie San Jose, Ricky Santiago, Lorna Tolentino, Eddie Villamayor at Vic Vargas sa direksiyon nina Pablo at Bobby Santiago…” – Alfonso Valencia (READ MORE)
King Khayam and I (1974) – “…Then veteran actress and much younger, Mary Walter in a cameo role, brought her just bought magic lamp. She complained to the king that the seller fooled her to buy the lamp and wanted a refund. She then caress the lamp and the gennie came out but instead of the expected giant gennie, a midget dwarf came out. Then from this moment the film went downhill. A singing bird, a transexual Ike Lozada being auctioned, Rod Navarro’s over the top villain antics, all failed to sustained our attention. The weak storyline did not help. Patterned with the Hollywood film, King Kayam & I’s only saving grace was the acting of its lead stars. Joseph Estrada’s precense was commanding and convincing as the playboy king and Vilma’s charming innocense despite the sexy dance number at the end complimented Joseph’s macho image…” – RV (READ MORE)
Biktima (1974) – “…In a strange turn of events, Dolores (Vilma Santos) moves in to live with her grandfather, who has sole custody of her ever since her mother was imprisoned for the m rder of Dolores’ father. Mystery unfolds as Dolores stays with her grandfather when members of the household are murdered one by one. Will Dolores escape the chaos unraveling around her or will she be the next victim?…” – Kabayan Central (READ MORE)
Kampanerang kuba (1974) – “…Despite of (or perhaps because of) her hideous appearance, she is held dear by the parish priest Padre Damaso but abhorred by the church caretaker, Edeng who maltreats her at every opportunity. Andang is ugly, ugly, ugly and deserves all the pain she can get…don’t think Mang Martin will give the miracle for free. Vilma emerges as the ugly hunchback Andeng! Sandra is gone! Death to fantasy!…” – Silver Screen Surfer (READ MORE)
Darna and the Giants (1973) – “…She reprised the role after three months. Liza Moreno, Eva Montes and Gina Pareno followed her. The inter-galactic pebble found its way to Vilma Santos’ throat in 1973 via the flick “Lipad, Darna, Lipad!” Santos, now a two-term mayor of Lipa City in Batangas, is probably the most popular Darna, with a total of four movies in a span of seven years. Some of these were made known to younger generations through afternoon airings on television in the late ’80s. Maybe RPN 9 should do that again so that even younger generations can marvel at Darna’s greatness, albeit antiquated, in such movies as “Darna and the Giants” and “Darna vs. the Planet Women…” – Armin Adina, Philippine Daily Inquirer, June 06, 2003 (READ MORE)
Ang hiwaga ni Maria Cinderalla (1973) – “…Besides teaming up with Edgar Mortiz during her teen years, Vilma Santos also starred and appeared in many movies opposite other leading men…Jay Ilagan — Inspiration (1972), Ang Konduktora (1972), Tatlong Mukha ni Rosa Vilma (1972), Tsismosang Tindera (1973), Ang Hiwaga ni Maria Cinderella (1973)…” – Simon Santos (READ MORE)
Dyesebel At Ang Mahiwagang Kabibe (1973) – “…In the 1973 Dyesebel movie, Dyesebel lives in an undersea kingdom of mermaids far from the land of humans because the humans believe that the mermaids are the cause of misfortune. Dyesebel fell in love with a male human being. In order to be with the man that she likes, she swore to find a way to be transformed into a female human being. In the movie, “Si Dyesebel at Ang Mahiwagang Kabibe,” the role of Dyesebel was played by Vilma Santos and Fredo was played by Romeo Miranda…” – Jun B (READ MORE)
Tsismosang tindera (1973) – “…Jay Ilagan and Vilma Santos did twelve films with commercial success except for one, their most critically acclaimed film, Sister Stella L. Total Number of films: 12 (Inspiration, Ang Konduktora, Tsismosang Tindera, Ang Hiwaga ni Mariang Cinderella, Paano Ba Ang Mangarap, Sister Stella L, Coed, Leron Leron Sinta, Ito Ang Pilipino, Remembrance, Karugtong Ng Kahapon)…” – RV (READ MORE)
Ang hiwaga ni Maria Cinderalla (1973) – “…Besides teaming up with Edgar Mortiz during her teen years, Vilma Santos also starred and appeared in many movies opposite other leading men…Jay Ilagan — Inspiration (1972), Ang Konduktora (1972), Tatlong Mukha ni Rosa Vilma (1972), Tsismosang Tindera (1973), Ang Hiwaga ni Maria Cinderella (1973)…” – Simon Santos (READ MORE)
Sweet Sweet Love (1972) – “…Film artist Walter Navarro (Vicor) will have his first LP, “King of Balladeer,” this month. He is a contract star of Lea Productions and principal mainstay of the El Bodegon Club. Navarro is doing a film musical with Vilma Santos (Wilear’s) with Mirick Productions…” – Oskar Salazar (READ MORE)
Don’t Ever Say Goodbye (1972) – “…Sa tuwing sumasapit ang Christmas at valentine’s Day ay nagtatapatan ang mga pelikula nila. Nang ginawa nina Guy at Pip sa Hawai ang pelikulang Blue Hawai, hindi nagpatalo ang Vilma at Edgar. Nagtungo rin sila sa Hawai at ginawa nila ang pelikulang Aloha, My Love bilang pantapat sa pelikula nina Nora at Tirso. Ganyan talaga kainit ang labanan noon ng dalawang parehang ito. Pagkatapos ipalabasa ang mga pelikulang Blue Hawai at Aloha My Love na parehong kumita sa takilya, nagtungo rin ang dalawang pangkat sa USa para gawin naman nila ang pang-Valentine’s Day offering nila. Don’t Ever Say Goodbye ang kina Vilma at Edgar, samantalang ang kina Guy at Pip naman ay ang Gift of Love. Hindi lang iyan. Tuwing sasapit naman ang Metro Manila Film Festival ay nagkakaroon din sila ng kanya-kanyang entry under their respective production companies – ang Tagalog Ilang Ilang for Vi and Bot at Sampaguita Pictures kina Guy at Pip. Halos sila na lang ang siyang pinapanood at iniidolo ng fans…” – Ely S. Sablan (READ MORE)
Aloha My Love (1972) – “…The loveteam of Edgar Mortiz and Vilma Santos endured a stiff competition from teeny bopper love team of Nora Aunor and Tirso Cruz III and came up with equal success with string of hit films during the musical era of the 70s. Together they did forgettable but commercial hits and also some hints of the years to come to Vilma Santos’ long career….” – RV (READ MORE)
Teenage Señorita (1971) – “…He became the leading man of Nora Aunor after Tirso Cruz III. Theirs was also a popular tandem. Decades later, when I finally got to talk to Nora during an interview, she revealed that their working relationship wasn’t really all that pleasant. Manny disappeared from the scene when Nora moved on to become a more serious actress. Whatever happened to Manny de Leon? When last heard from — many, many years ago — it was full of speculations and, sadly, those bits of information about him were unpleasant…” – Butch Francisco (READ MORE)
Young Lovers (1971) – “…Si Edgar Mortiz ang unang nakapareha ni Vilma Santos as a teen star. Nakilala sila as the “Subok na Matibay, Subok na Matatag” loveteam called Vi and Bot at naging magka-steady sila sa tunay na buhay. Marami silang ginawang pelikula as teen stars in the early 70s…” – Showbiz Portal (READ MORE)
The Sensations (1971) – “…Ang The Sensations ay produce ng ABS CBN at dinerek ni Tony Santos Sr. Consistent No. 1 Top rater ang show at kasama ni Vi & Bot sina Perla Adea, Romy Mallari, Rhodora Silva, Darius Razon, Baby de Jesus, Tony Santos Jr., Janine Frias, atbpa. Dahil sa kasikatan nila Vi & Bot ginawang movie ang The Sensations noong April, 1971, big boxoffice hit ito kaya sinundan agad ni direk tony ng ” Young Lovers ” noong August, 1971, big hit din ito. Ginawan din ng L.P. Album nila Vi & Bot ang The Sensations at muling tinangkilik ng masang pilipino…” – Jojo V. Lim (READ MORE)
Young Love (1970) – “…Ang “Young Love” ay puno ng walang kawawaang musical numbers ni Nora Aunor. Puno rin ito ng mga eksenang nakakaloka na kahit na ang batang paslit ay magkakamot ng ulo at sasabihin ang “huh?” Kung hindi mo hahahanapin ang matinong istorya at ang hangad mo lang ay makita kung gaano kagaling kumanta si Nora Aunor kahit pa sa burulan ng patay tiyak na mage-enjoy ka sa pelikulang ito dahil maraming eksena rito si Nora na kumakanta ng walang kawawaang kantang dayuhan…” – RV (READ MORE)
Ding Dong (1970) – “…Adapted into movie from comics written by Pablo S. Gomez; Illustrated by Alfredo P. Alcala for United Komiks, 1970…” – Komiklopedia (READ MORE)
Gay Role – “…While making the movie, he remembered his late gay brother, Georgie Quizon, who would have emjoyed seeing him as “Markova.” I probably would have played the role even better if Georgie was still around,” he says. “He would have loved this project for me.” Dolphy shifts from comedy to drama in “Markova” and he is being touted to win the filmfest’s best actor trophy…” – Leah Salterio (READ MORE)
Barely Recognizable – “…Comedian Dolphy’s younger brother Georgie Quizon was found dead in front of Camp Crame on EDSA, and there are conflicting reports as to the cause of his death. A sister initially told TV reporters that the 60-year-old Georgie was on his way to see German Moreno and was probably waiting for a ride when he had an epileptic seizure and fell on the ground while it was raining heavily. The Inquirer, however, reports that a police blotter indicated that Georgie was the victim of hit and run. “His face was barely recognizable, and he was covered with mud. Bystanders were probably afraid to help him when his body started to twist and shake during his epileptic attack,” Ms. Quizon said. Dolphy was still in his Makati Medical Center hospital room, recovering from a double heart bypass when informed of his younger brother’s death. He was said to have dried after hearing the news, but his heart was able to take the news. Georgie Quizon was, like Dolphy, a former vaudeville artist who later became a Sampaguita Pictures contract star. He also acted in many of Dolphy’s movies…” – Sol Jose VanziQuezon City, Aug. 12, 1998 (READ MORE)
Georgie Quizon – “…Like Dolphy, Georgie started out in comedy roles. In fact, he was his brother’s follower noon pang nasa Sampaguita Studios si Dolph at isa siyang mainstay ditto. Nang minsang isinama ni Dolph si Georgie sa kanyang shooting ay namataan si Georgie ng isang direktor a binigyan ito ng bit role. He was found out to have his brother’s talent and soon, Georgie found himself in one picture after another, mostly in Susan Roces-starrers where he played her sidekick or friendly neighbor. Ito ang simula ng binyag ni Georgie sa pelikula. Naging sikat din siyang comedian. Kaya lang ang problema niya ay hindi siya makakatakas sa image at pangalan ng kanyang kapatid na lalong sikat. Kahit ano ang gawin niya ay siyempre, associated and identified siya kay Dolphy. “Ito ang malaki kong problema,” nabanggit ni Georgie sa amin. “But I also love my brother! Kung wala naman si Ompong ay sino kami, aber! Siguro, ganito ang buhay kung mayroon kang tanyag na kapatid na parehong propesyon. Kung sino ang mas sikat, iyon ang mas kilala. At ang hindi ay nananatili sa background. Tulad ko,” aniya. “Ako ang anino ni Dolphy. Hindi ako kilala sa sarili ko. Ako raw ay kapatid ni Dolphy. And never was I called my name. Kung minsan nga ay ako raw si Dolphy. Ganoon. “Kung minsan, I feel flattered. Pero kadalasan, tinatanggap ko na lamang nang basta ganoon. Kibit balikat baga. Ano pa nga ba ang magagawa ko? Kapatid ko iyon at sikat pa! “Kaya lang, I really want to be on my own. I want to be known as Georgie at hindi yung kapatid ni Dolphy. I am my won individual. Iba ako, iba siya. Nagkataon lamang na nagko-comedy rin ako. Kaya hindi talaga ako makakatakas sa kanyang anino,” pagtatapat ni Georgie….
…As a whole, wala naman siyang reklamo. Okey naman ang takbo ng kanyang showbiz career. Hindi siya nawawalan ng assignment. Tuwing Linggo, mayroon siyang TV show, nagge-guest din siya sa mga tanyag na shows at kung minsan, kumakanta siya sa mga roadshows, sa mga bases. “Para sa akin, tipong okey na ang lahat,” banggit pa ni Georgie. Everything’s fine. I am busy everyday. Malusog pa ang ermat, masasaya kaming lahat. Wala na yata akong mahihiling pa,” Georgie confessed. The other surviving brother of Dolphy and Georgie is named JIMMY, ang bunso sa lahat na hindi kailanman sumali sa showbiz. Nasa States siya ngayon at isang medical intern sa isang tanyag na ospital doon. Sampu sanang lahat sina Dolph, kaya lang tatlo na ang namatay. Sina Tessie, ang uang Jimmy na siyang pang-walo at si Melencio, Jr. na binawian ng buhay noong early 1970’s. Ang iba – sina Zony, Dolphy, Josie, Laura, Auring at Georgie – ay pawang naging showbiz folks at dalawa na lamang sa kanila ang aktibo sa pelikula. Sina Dolphy at Georgie nalamang, bagamat ang iba, sa pamamagitan ng kanilang mga anak, ay kasama pa rin sa iba’t ibang aspeto ng paggawa ng pelikula, particular na sa RVQ Productions syempre…” – Ross F. Celino, Jingle Extra Hot Movie Entertainment Magazine No. 20, June 22, 1981 (READ MORE)
Georgie Vera Quizon or popularly know as Georgie is the younger brother of Comedian Dolphy.
Georgie Quizon and Vilma Santos
Buhay Artista Ngayon (1979) – “…Talagang poor second lang noon si Vilma kay Nora Aunor, subali’t nang gawin niya ang trilogy film ng Sine Pilipino na Lipad Darna Lipad ay talagang lumipad ng husto ang kanyang box office appeal. Sinundan pa ito ng mga pelikulang Takbo Vilma Dali at Hatinggabi Na Vilma. Anupa’t itinambal din si Vilma sa mga matured leading man na katulad nina Eddie Rodriguez sa mga pelikulang Nakakahiya, Hindi Nakakahiya Part 2 kung saan nagkamit siya ng Best Actress Award sa 1st Bacolod City Film Festival at Simula Ng Walang Katapusan, Dante Rivero sa Susan Kelly Edad 20, Chiquito sa Teribol Dobol, Dolphy sa Buhay Artista Ngayon, Joseph Estrada sa King Khayan & I, Fernando Poe Jr. sa Batya’t Palu Palo at Bato Sa Buhangin, Jun Aristorenas sa Mapagbigay Ang Mister Ko, Dindo Fernando sa Langis at Tubig at Muling Buksan Ang Puso at Romeo Vasquez sa Nag-aapoy Na Damdamin, Dalawang Pugad Isang Ibon, Pulot Gata Pwede Kaya at Pag-ibig Ko Sa ‘Yo Lang Ibibigay…” – Alfonso Valencia (READ MORE)
Pag-ibig Masdan Ang Ginawa Mo (1969) – “…Nakagawa din si Vi ng pelikula na si Luciano B. Carlos ang direktor at ito ay sa mga pelikulang Pag-ibig Masdan Ang Ginawa Mo (1969), Teribol Dobol (1975) at Let’s Do The Salsa (1976)…” – Alfonso Valencia (READ MORE)
Ging (1964) – “…The ploy works all the time. Little did Ging realize that an unscupulous couple, racketeers Ramon D’Salva and Carol Varga were observing her in a restaurant and saw in her a goldmine: they would adopt her and make them rich as her talent manager. Talk of child exploitation. Reluctant at first, Ging agrees to go with the evil couple provided she would go to shool and that they would send her alcoholic mother (bagay na bagay ito sa isang artista) to the hospital for treatment. Of course, the evil and scheming couple reneged on their promises. They exploited Ging by forcing her to work overtime and would starve her so she wouldn’t grow up and lose her audience. Luckily, she has a guardian angel in Georgie Quizon, Dolphy’s erthswhile brother who, along with Aruray provided comic relief, and who would protect Vilma from her exploiters…” – Mario Garces (READ MORE)
As we celebrate the day that Vilma Santos was born, I could not help but reflect on her accomplishments and contributions to the Philippine movies in particular and to the Philippine nation in general. No movie star in the Philippines, past or present, can equal or surpass, the accomplishments of Vilma Santos in and out of showbusiness. Why? Because of Vilma’s 3 KKKs in her career.
The first K in Vilma’s career is walang KATULAD. Vilma is walang katulad among the female actresses or stars in Philippine movies. She is the most versatile female star the of them all. Proof? Look at her filmography. She essayed varied and interesting roles like a nun in Sister L to a go-go dancer in Burlesk Queen. She was a querida in Relasyon to a hard working OFW mother in Anak. She was an AIDS victim in Dolzura Cortez and a hunchback bell ringer in Kampanerang Kuba. She was a flying heroine in Darna and a swimming mermaid in Dyesebel. The different roles that Vilma has played in her movie career is the most varied that any actress has ever portrayed in the movies. The closest actress that comes close to her when it comes to versatility is Maricel Soriano. But Maricel has not been that successful in essaying any Pinoy heroines in her movie career. Vilma was not only the most succcessful Darna, she was also the most successful Dyesebel. How about her other talents? Granted that she is not a singer like Nora Aunor or Sharon Cuneta but she is a graceful and excellent dancer like Maricel Soriano. Just as Nora and Sharon can sing, Vilma and Maricel can dance. Tit for tat. Vilma is not only a versatile actress and a graceful dancer, she is an excellent and successful Mayor of Lipa City as well. She is a three term Mayor of that city. She also has received numerous awards as Mayor of Lipa. Again, no female star, past and present, has ever done that before. Only Vilma does. An actress in the first calibre, a good dancer in her own right, and a successful civil servant of a city, that’s Vilma Santos. Thus, Vilma is walang KATULAD.
The second K of Vilma is walang KAPANTAY. Some female stars, past and present, are considered by the film critics, directors, movie scribes and by the public as great actresses in their own rights. Aside from Vilma, some female stars that comes to mind are Nora Aunor, Gina Alajar, Hilda Koronel, Lolita Rodriguez, Maricel Soriano, the late Nida Blanca, Charito Solis and RIta Gomez. Though known for their acting talents, they are not considered by many, save for Maricel Soriano, as Box-Office Queens. They can certainly act but can they carry a movie to the box-office? While other female stars, past and present, are considered by the movie industry as Box-Office Queens. Sure they can bring money to the tills but they are not known as acting thespians. Aside from Vilma, females stars considered as Box-Office Queens, either today or during their days, are Sharon Cuneta, Gloria Romero, Susan Roces, Amalia Fuentes, Kris Aquino, Ai-Ai delasAlas, Claudine Baretto, Regine Velasquez. The closest female star that come close to Vilma in this regard is Sharon Cuneta. Like Vilma, she is a Box-Office Queen Hall of Famer. These female stars might have won an award or two, but the general concensus are that they are not acting greats compared to the first group. Vilma, on the other hand, is not only the most awarded actress we have in the Philippines but she is also the original Box-Office Queen. Acting and box-office appeal wise, she is number one. Thus, Vilma is walang KAPANTAY.
The final K in Vilma’s career is walang KUPAS. Ever since Trudis Liit up to Mano Po 3, Vilma has been reaping awards after awards. Recently, she was awarded the GAWAD PLARIDEL by the College of Mass Communication of the University of the Philippines. She was also awarded the GAWAD SURI by the University of Mindanao. Those who came before her in Philippine showbusiness and even her contemporaries can not compare to her durability. She is the most durable star the Philipines movies has ever produced. Many of her contemporaries are either gone and have retired from showbusiness or are no longer considered as bankable but not Vilma. Stars, male and female, have come after her, but Vilma can still command the respect and admiration of her peers, fans and the general public. She can still attract the moviegoers to her movies. Fact? Anak is considered as the second highest movie of all times. After so many years in the business, she is still considered as the number one actress and star among them. She is the Queen for All Seasons and Reasons for nothing. In terms of durability no one can top her. In summary, Vilma Santos’ place in the history of the Philippine Entertainment Industry will forever be remembered. We may have superstars, megastars, diamond stars around us. But Vilma is the one and only Queen for All Seasons. From the 1970’s up to the present she remained on top. She is THE Legend, THE Icon and THE greatest actress that everybody will continue to admire, respect and love. Thus, Vilma is walang KATULAD, walang KAPANTAY at walang KUPAS! – Juancho Gutierrez (READ MORE)
The Painter – “…He took a break from acting in the ‘80s in order to shed his sexy image. He decided to resume his love for singing and performed in the United States and Japan. When he came back to the Philippines, he was glad to learn that movie fans as well as his friends in showbiz still remember him for his performances in movies. He was no longer the Ernie who appeared in sexy roles, but instead, he started doing roles in movies that would identify him as an “actor”, and not simply as a movie celebrity. He eventually ventured on painting and entered the world of theater. Ernie did a lot of stage work like “Noli Me Tangere,” and “El Fili.” He did “Hamlet” for the late Rolando Tinio in which he garnered an Aliw Award for best actor on stage in 1988. He received the FAMAS best supporting actor the following year (1989) when he made the movie, “Bukas Sisikat Din Ang Araw” He also received the Best Supporting Actor for the same movie given by the Star Awards. While he was busy acting on stage, Ernie discovered and harnessed his love for the visual arts. He started painting and experimented on the canvas and eventually explored other art mediums like tiles and fiberglass….” – Romy R. Protacio (READ MORE)
Sexy Actor – “…Ernie started his showbiz career on television in the ‘70s before trying his hand at the movies. Prior to acting, the then 16-year-old neophyte was more known as a singer whose repertoire would range from popular ballads to upbeat numbers. He had his first taste of real acting when he filled in for Eddie Peregrina in the soap opera Aliw ng Buhay, and was paired with fellow young upstart, Gina Alajar. Ernie’s TV drama stint caught the producers’ attention and eventually paved the way for his entry into the movies. “I was asked to play important roles in three Vilma Santos films—Takbo, Vilma, Dali; Hatinggabi na Vilma; and Lipad, Darna, Lipad,” said Ernie. He was soon paired with Chanda Romero in Uhaw na Bulaklak, which became a big hit, especially to the “Bisaya” audience. The success of the team-up resulted in three more movies—Alma Bonita, Ikaduhang Bathala, and Sabrina. All these films raked in huge box office sales, which gave Ernie the title King of Visayan Movies. Subsequently, the public also started seeing Ernie as a serious-sexy actor, an image he perfectly carried out in the movies Hubad sa Mundo, Araw-Araw, Gabi-gabi, Beer House, Sumigaw Ka Hanggang Ibig Mo, Amor Seko, Ingat Kayo, Playboy Ako, Pagmamahal Mo, Buhay Ko, Eva Fonda, 16, Bukas Sisikat Din Ang Araw, among many others. He also starred in a Hong Kong-Korean-Philippines joint project titled Ang Mahiwagang Kris. But of all his films, Ernie was particularly proud of the 1982 Celso Ad Castillo obra, Virgin People. When the movie premiered at the Manila Film Center, the sizeable crowd applauded Ernie’s acting—which still gives him chills to this day, every time he recalls the event…” – Bong Godinez (READ MORE)
Ernie Garcia or Ernesto Garcia in real life, was born on August 12 in Caloocan City, Philippines. His father, Artemio Garcia, is a Caviteno but grew up in Masbate, and his mother, Marina Sta. Maria is from Bulacan, a pure Tagalog. He started schooling at San Sebastian College. He was a former University of Santo Tomas Architecture student. He is known as the Bold King of Philippine cinema due to his many daring scenes in movies that he starred in. Before becoming a movie actor, Ernie started his showbiz career on television in the ‘70s. – Buddhist Celebrities (READ MORE)
Ernie Garcia and Vilma Santos
Ernie Garcia and Vilma Santos did eight films together, seven of it was in the 70s. Their last film together was in 1988 where Vi appeared in a cameo role and Ernie Garcia supporting leading actor Snooky and Gaby Concepcion. He received a FAMAS nomination for this effort.
Bukas Sisikat Din Ang Araw (1988) – “…Ang tatay ni KC Concepcion na si Gabby Concepcion ay isa rin sa mga kaibigan ni Vi. Ilan ding pelikula ang ginawa ni Vi at Gabby katulad ng Pahiram Ng Isan Umaga, Sinungaling Mong Puso, Hahamakin Lahat, Ibigay Mo Sa Akin Ang Bukas at Asawa Ko Huwag Mong Agawin. Sa pelikulang Bukas Sisikat Din Ang Araw, kung saan si Gabby ang prodyuser ay naging special guest si Vi na sa totoo lang ay halos kasinlaki ang billing niya (Vi) sa mga major characters nito. Isa sa mga anak ni Gabby, anak niya kay Grace Ibuna ay inaanak ni Vi katuwang sina Lorna Tolentino, Alma Moreno, Snooky Serna at Maricel Soriano…” – Alfonso Valencia (READ MORE)
Amorseko Kumakabit Kumakapit (1978) – “…Ang first anniversary presentation ng Diamond Films na Amorseko Kumakabit Kumakapit (April 13, 1978) ay pinangunahan nina Vi, George Estregan, Ernie Garcia, Rez Cortez, Beth Bautista, Cloyd Robinson, Dick Israel, Laila Dee, Brenda del Rio, Anita Linda, Angie Ferro, Mary Walter at Odette Khan sa panulat at iskrip ni Ruben Arthur Nicdao at direksiyon ni Maria Saret…” – Alfonso Valencia (READ MORE)
Hindi Nakakahiya (1976) – “…Luis Enriquez aka Eddie Rodriguez first directed a young Vilma Santos in 1968 Kasalanan Kaya, another love triangle genre starring the dramatic trio of Marlene Dauden, Eddie Rodriguez and Lolita Rodriguez. Vilma received an early acting recognitions from this film by receiving a FAMAS Nomination for Best Supporting Actress. When Enriquez directed Vilma again, it was a calculated risk that allowed a still young Vilma into a bikini-clad lead role opposite his director himself, Eddie Rodriguez. The film, Nakakahiya, a may-december affair between an older man and a young woman was an entry to 1975 Bacolod City Film Festival. Aside from making the the film a smash hit, Vilma received the festival’s Best Actress. Enriquez will direct Vilma in five more films, the last one was ExWife in 1981 where surprisingly Luis used in film credits his screen name, Eddie Rodriguez. Theri total number of colloborations were seven (Ex-Wife 1981, Halik sa Kamay Halik sa Paa 1979, Hindi Nakakahiya 1976, Ikaw Lamang 1971, Kasalanan Kaya? 1968, Nakakahiya? 1975, Simula ng Walang Katapusan)…” – RV (READ MORE)
Kampanerang Kuba (1974) – “…With limited dialouge, a young Dindo Fernando portrayed Tateng’s lover convincingly. All the other supporting roles including Perla Bautista, Ernie Garcia and others gave a forgettable performances. About the two main lead, Edgar Mortiz and Vilma Santos did what they can to portrayed their roles. Edgar Mortiz seems to be trying very hard to be effective as the priest but acting is clearly not his forte. Would this be different if Jay Ilagan did this role? Vilma Santos succeed more with her solo scenes, talking to the patron saints and the bell tower, eating with her bare hands and trying to beautify her ugly face…” – RV (READ MORE)
Lipad, Darna, lipad! (1973) – “…Ding, ang bato!” yells Narda, the adolescent country lass, to her younger brother. Ding obligingly hands over a shiny pebble which Narda swallows to turn herself into the vivacious super-vixen, Darna. Mars Ravelo’s superheroine, clad in crimson bikinis and knee-high stiletto boots, may perhaps be the most famous local fantasy character given life on the silver screen. Though not actually considered a career-defining role, portraying Darna is, nonetheless, highly-coveted. Darna has been portrayed by no less than nine actress in 12 feature films. Rosa del Rosario first wore the scarlet two piece in May 1951. She reprised the role after three months. Liza Moreno, Eva Montes and Gina Pareno followed her. The inter-galactic pebble found its way to Vilma Santos’ throat in 1973 via the flick “Lipad, Darna, Lipad!” Santos, now a two-term mayor of Lipa City in Batangas, is probably the most popular Darna, with a total of four movies in a span of seven years. Some of these were made known to younger generations through afternoon airings on television in the late ’80s. Maybe RPN 9 should do that again so that even younger generations can marvel at Darna’s greatness, albeit antiquated, in such movies as “Darna and the Giants” and “Darna vs. the Planet Women…” – Armin Adina, Philippine Daily Inquirer, June 06, 2003 (READ MORE)
Takbo, Vilma, Dali! (1972) – “…Joey Gosiengfiao had his “sweet revenge.” “It was not wasy for us in the beginning,” Joey relates. “Just before the showing of our first film, Takbo, Vilma Dali!, Martial Law was declared. There were no newspapers then so we had to post bills all over the city, hanggang Pasay nagdidikit kami nina Douglas. We also distributed hand bills. Sa awa ng Diyos, kumita ang pelikula.” Of the films he has done, Joey considers Sunugin Ang Samar as the most difficult, not only because of its scope but also because action is not his forte. It took him three months to make the movie because the script (by Wilfrido Nolledo) called for different settings and they had to move from one place to another. Joey didn’t exactly follow Nolledo’s script but he saw to it that “the spirit was retained.” Of late, Joey has organized his own company called Juan de la Cruz Productions together with Elwood and Douglas. Their inital production, Asawa Mo, Asawa KO, was a moneymaker. SP specializes in home-movie types while JC makes more of the woman’s movie, “that’s because we are not good for action pictures.” Joey is now connected with SP only as a director…” – Expressweek, December 12 1974 (READ MORE)
Hatinggabi na Vilma (1972) – “…The following year, Santos made fourteen films, mostly forgettable musicals. It was also a year where her benefactor started to positioned her as more of a film actress than a singing film star. The results was successful experiments that showcased her comedic ability (Ang Kundoktora), screaming action stunts (Takbo Vilma Dali) and dramatic capability (Dama De Noche). Her followers was delighted when she earned her first acting recognition the next year receiving the FAMAS best actress via Dama De Noche. Most of her films in 1972 were directed by Emmanuel Borlaza however, she was able to do one film with Ishmael Bernal, “Inspiration” with the late Jay Ilagan, one of her regular film partner. According to Bernal, the film wasn’t as successful as what he expected, as the film flopped. Aside from Inspiration, Bernal did two other films, El Vibora (starring Vic Vargas and Boots Anson Roa) and Till Death Do Us Part (starring the young Hilda Koronel and Victor Laurel)…” – RV (READ MORE)
Remembrance (1972) – “…Remembrance,” another film musical, was chosen “best musical” in the Manila Film Festival. The film stars Vilma Santos (Wilear’) and Edgar Mortiz (Wilear’s). The film also won in the categories of best film editing, best sound and best script…” – Oskar Salazar (READ MORE)
Endorsing Products – “…Vilma Santos started endorsing products in the early ‘70s and the first product she sold on TV I remember was Tanduay – the wholesome edition. (There was a sexy version with Rosanna Ortiz). Then, there were those beautiful Lux commercials, one of which was shot in an old church in Nagcarlan, Laguna. After that came the Fita ad where she hosts a children’s party for a niece who tells her, “Tita Vi, I am so happy. Thank you!” The one product she endorsed the longest, of course, was Eskinol. Her career at this point was charted very well. It was around this period when she did the Darna series, “Takbo, Vilma, Dali!” and other blockbuster hits. In 1975, she made a rather daring move that called for her to come out in a twopiece swimsuit. This was in “Nakakahiya” where she was involved in a May-December affair with Eddie Rodriguez…” – Butch Francisco, The Philippine Star, Nov 04 2003 (READ MORE)
Eskinol Cinematographer – “…Direk Marilou was like a mother to me, especially on the set of ‘Baby Tsina.’ I remember that she would always bring for the cast members pandesal and Spanish sardines, which we ate before shooting. “I love her and her husband, Direk Manolo, who I always requested to be my cinematographer in all of my Eskinol commercials before. “The last time I saw Direk Marilou was at the wake of actor Johnny Delgado. She was already sick then. She was a fighter. She told me, “kaya ko ‘to! I pray for her family and for the eternal repose of her soul…” – Marinel Cruz, Philippine Daily Inquirer, Oct 09 2012 (READ MORE)
Costliest Commercial – “Vilma Santos renews her contract with Metro Drugs Inc. manufacturers and distributors of the popular Eskinol line of beauty products. This year marks the eight year the actress will portray the glamorous Eskinol Girl, a role and image she has kept as the product’s longest-reigning model. The new Vilma Santos Eskinol commercial is a multi-million peso productions, perhaps the costliest commercial produced to date. Santos will receivea hefty talent fee, reportedly the highest of its kind so far in the industry.” – JC Nigado, Manila Standard, 08 Dec 1987 p11 (READ MORE)
Star For All Seasons 
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