Vilma Santos is a popular multi-awarded actress and politician in the Philippines. She's known as the "Queen of Philippine Movies," "Queenstar" and "Star for All Seasons." She is currently the Congresswoman of District of Lipa, Batangas (Philippines). This site is mostly about her film career.
Credits: Directed: Ishmael Bernal; Story: Bing Caballero, Jose Carreon; Screenplay: Ishmael Bernal, Bing Caballero, Jose Carreon; Cast:Vilma Santos, Christopher De Leon, Orestes Ojeda, Lito Pimentel, Tessie Tomas, Richard Arellano, Cesar Montano, Len Santos, Ray Ventura, Harlene Bautista; Executive producer: Lily Monteverde; Original Music: Max V. Jocson; Cinematography: Manolo Abaya; Film Editing: Jess Navarro; Production Design: Len Santos; Sound: Rudy Baldovino; Production Co: Regal Films – IMDB
Plot Description: – Trapped in a world of hectic schedules, pressure and little time for each other, Ellen (Vilma Santos) and Rene (Christopher de Leon) decided to have a temporary separation. One of the things that is against traditional Filipino culture is a marriage break-up. And that is what they went through as their maariage reaches one of its lowes points. Saddled by their two children, Ellen tried her best to live a normal life as possible, eventually finding a prospective lover (Orestes Ojeda). But something is missing from her life that not even a new flame could fill. A self-discovery both for Ellen and Rene, one great film that will surely make you realize the value of marriage. – Regal Films
Nakausap ko kanina si Bb. Irene Zamora na nagtatrabaho sa U.P. College of Mass Comm. Hiniling kong makuha ang pangalan ng institusyon at ang taong nag-nominate kay Mayor sa Plaridel upang mapasalamatan sila kahit na papaano. I gathered that the person responsible for this glorious moment is none other than: Mrs. Namnette de la Pena of: Concerned Parents International Foundation. Sa aking panayam kay Irene, nagkuwento siya ng mga pangyayari leading to the awarding ceremony na idinaos kahapon. Eto ang mga samut-sari:
Pito ang mga original na na-nominate hanggang sa naging tatlo. Dumayo raw ang ilang mga maka-Nora sa naturang kolehiyo para maggprotesta nang hindi mapasama ang idolo nila sa natitirang tatlo ngunit umuwi silang luhaan. Nangako raw silang babalik.
Ang mga nag-cast ng vote sa natitirang tatlo ay mga guro na lamang ng Dept. of Film Institute. Alam natin na wagi si Mayor sa huli.
Oo. Vilmanian nga daw si Mrs. Nanette de la Pena and most of her colleagues.
Punong-puno ang Cine Adarna at lahat ay nakapasok. Aside from friends, family and followers of the Mayor, ibat-ibang delegasyon ng mga mag-aaral galing sa Metro Manila at Batangas ang dumating.
Inaantabayanan daw ng mga mass comm employees ang threat ng mga maka-Nora ngunit walang dumating.
Walang halong pulitika daw ang ceremonya. Si Sen. Ralph Recto lamang ang politiko sa mga dumalo.
Tumagal ng 45 minutos ang lecture ni Mayor with matching audio/visuals.
Pagkatapos ng ceremony, nagbigay ng salusalo ang butihing presidente ng U.P. at ng ilang opisyales in VS’ honor sa Executive-House sa campus din. – Agra Amaury (READ MORE)
For crafting and creating her varied cinematic roles with consummate artistry, making us empathize with whatever character she is portraying by delineating for us the characters history, problems, and aspirations, in dynamic interaction with the films ensemble of of other characters.
For bravely using her popularity as an actor to choose roles which brings to the public attention an astounding range of female experiences as well as an array of problems confronting women of different classes and sectors in contemporary Filipino society, even if these experiences or problems would not only not enhance but could even detract from her mass appeal.
For bringing to life on screen characters whose stories have the effect of raising or transforming the consciousness of women, leading them a few steps closer to a deeper understanding of their situation vis-à-vis the patriarchy and to the ability to control their own lives and make choices of their own.
For courageously playing maverick characters which dared to speak the truth in a period of intense political repression and reprisal, thereby showing a concern not for her own self but for a Filipino society fighting for basic human rights under a dictatorial regime.
For building a brilliant career which saw her grow from popular icon to professional actor through selfdiscipline and tireless honing of her craft, thereby challenging writers, directors, and producers to come up with films that would be worthy of her enormous artistic resources and repaying their efforts with some of the most unforgettable performances in Filipino cinema.
For showing that the movie star can place the stamp of her own individuality and talent on the films she choose to make, thereby proving that the star can be regarded as an auteur in her own right.
For excellence, integrity, and social responsibility which have distinguished her major performances, and for being a model of professionalism to other actors and technicians engaged in the creation of a Filipino national cinema.
The U.P. Gawad Plaridel 2005 is given to Rosa Vilma Santos on the 4th day of July 2005 by the U.P. College of Mass Communication at the Cine Adarna, U.P. Film Institute, University of the Philippines, Diliman, Quezon City. – Emerlinda R. Roman, Ph.D.President, University of the Philippines; Sergio S. Cao, Ph.D.Chancellor, U.P. Diliman; Nicanor G. Tiongson, Ph.D.Dean, U.P. College of Mass Communication. (READ MORE)
The Second U.P. Gawad Plaridel (2005, Film) For 2005, the award is given to an outstanding film practitioner. The U.P. CMC received nine nominations from various media organizations and academic institutions on April 8, 2005, the deadline for nominations. The nine nominees were Nora Aunor, Celso Ad. Castillo, Ricky Lee, Mike de Leon, Lily Monteverde, Eddie Romero and Vilma Santos.
The first round of deliberations was held on April 19, 2005. The screening committee was composed of the following : Dr. Nicanor G. Tiongson (Dean, U.P. CMC), Dr. Rolando B. Tolentino (Acting Director and Professor, U.P. Film Institute), Dr. Grace J. Alfonso (Professor, U.P. Film Institute), Ms. Eliza Cornejo (Instructor, U.P. Film Institute), Prof. Anne Marie G. de Guzman (Assistant Professor, U.P. Film Institute), Prof. Roehl J. Jamon (Assistant Professor, U.P. Film Institute), Prof. Eduardo J. Lejano (Assistant Professor, U.P. Film Institute), Prof. Eduardo J. Piano (Assistant Professor, U.P. Film Institute), Prof. Arminda V. Santiago (Assistant Professor, U.P. Film Institute). This committee recommended three nominees, Mike de Leon, Eddie Romero and Vilma Santos as finalists for the awards.
The second screening with the representatives of the three departments of the U.P. CMC took place on May 11, 2005. The body, known as the U.P. CMC Gawad Plaridel Faculty Committee, was composed of the following: Dr. Nicanor G. Tiongson (Dean, U.P. CMC and Chair, CMC Faculty Committee), Dr. Lourdes M. Portus (College Secretary, U.P. CMC), Dr. Rolando B. Tolentino (Acting Director and Professor, U.P. Film Institute), Prof. Eduardo J. Lejano (Assistant Professor, U.P. Film Institute), Prof. Victor C. Avecilla (OIC, Dept. of Broadcast Communication), Mr. Fernando A. Austria (Instructor, Dept. of Broadcast Communication), Prof. Ma. Cristina I. Rara (Assistant Professor and Chair, Dept. of Journalism), Prof. Luis V. Teodoro, Jr. (Professor, Dept, of Journalism), Dr. Aleli A. Quirante (Associate Professor, Dept. of Communication Research), Ms. Alexandra More M. San Joaquin (Instructor, Dept. of Communication Research), Prof. Elizabeth L. Enriquez (Assistant Professor, Dept. of Graduate Studies).
After deliberating on the credentials of the three finalists, the committee chose Ms. Rosa Vilma Santos as the recipient of the U.P. Gawad Plaridel for 2005. She is scheduled to receive the U.P. Gawad Plaridel trophy and deliver the Second Plaridel Lecture on July 4, 2005 at the Cine Adarna of the U.P. Film Institute. – Eric A. Nadurata, 31 May 2005 (READ MORE)
National Artist – “…“Like all the characters he portrayed, from being ‘Ang Probinsyano’ to his becoming ‘Eseng ng Tondo’; from his struggles in ‘Alamat ng Lawin’ to being a defender in ‘Ang Panday,’ he is a hero to the Filipino masses,” he said. “With this award,’’ Mr. Aquino said, “we hope that thousands more like him will rise and use their talents to lift up the lives of their fellow Filipinos.’’ “Whoever in the coming generations will ask who is FPJ, we will answer them with one voice: He’s the king of Philippine cinema, a national artist who will continue to be part of the lights, camera, action in the life of the whole country…” – TJ Burgonio, Philippine Daily Inquirer, August 17, 2012 (READ MORE)
Beyond Politics – “…Oh my God! It’s true what [the special’s] script says: He was the quiet type. Very sensitive and the most generous man I ever met in the entire industry. Please allow me to generalize. Among all my leading men, no one’s like him. It’s true that if you were his leading lady, he’d treat you like a queen. He’d give you everything you needed and wanted, just to make you feel comfortable. However, he extended the same respect and care to the staff. One time, I craved balut. He bought balut not only for me, but for the entire crew. The mambabalut ran out of balut so Ron asked him to call his vendor friends. Ron treated everyone on the set equally. That’s why he’s the most respected actor in the industry, along with Dolphy. It’s a well-earned respect. You cannot buy that respect. You have to work for it. He was not an overnight success. He started as a stuntman, as an extra. He started from scratch…That was something you shared? Yah! And we both joined politics. When I first ran as mayor [of Lipa in 1998], Ron was among the few people I sought, for advice. He told me one thing: “You can do it. You have the character for politics. But can you give up your earnings as an actress?” (Laughs.) The next time we saw each other was at the wedding of Aga Muhlach and Charlene Gonzalez in Baguio two years later. I was then running for a second term, so he teased me: “I thought you didn’t want to run?” Then, two years later, we saw each other again at the Metro Manila Film Fest parade, we both had entries then (hers, “Dekada ‘70;” his, “Ang Alamat ng Lawin”). It was my turn to tease him: “I heard you’re running?” I asked if he was really considering it and he told me that he’d rather not, but that he couldn’t ignore the public clamor. Unfortunately, we ended up in different political parties when he ran for president in 2004 (she’s with the administration; he was an oppositionist). We were even pitted against each other. There was a rumor that I didn’t allow him to campaign in Lipa. But our friendship went beyond politics….” – Bayani San Diego Jr., Inquirer, 12 02 2007 (READ MORE)
Leading Ladies – “…Walang itinatangi si Ronnie Poe sa kanyang leading ladies. Pare-pareho ang kanyang pagturing dito. Pag tinatanong mo sina Chat Silayan, Dang Cecilio, Baby Delgado, Coney Reyes, Marianne de la Riva at iba pang mga nakapareha niyang aktres ng ’80s. iisa lang ang kanilang sasabihin, “I feel like a queen on the set sa pag-aasikasong ginagawa sa akin ni ronnie Poe.” Palagay namin, kahit hindi namin naabutan ang mga naging leading lady ni FPJ sa nagdaang mga dekada, ganoon din ang kanilang pagpapalagay sa kanya. Sa ’50s siyempre, ang mga naging kilalang pangalan na nakapareha ni FPJ ay sina Edna Luna, Leonor Vergara, Lani Oteyza, Merle Tuazon, Teresa Mendez, Edita Clomera, Lily Marquez, Aura Aurea, Rosemarie Gil, at iba pa. Sa ’60s, nakapareha niya ang tulad nina Cecilia Lopez, Mina Aragon, Susan Roces, Amalia Fuentez, Helen Gamboa, Divina Valencia, at iba pa. Sa ’70s, pumasok na ang mga pangalan nina Tina Revilla, Elizabeth Oropeza, Charo Santos, Boots Anson-Roa, Marianne de la Riva. Isang nakakatuwang bagay ang naganap kung minsan sa mga pelikula ni Ronnie Poe: nagiging ina niya ang naging leading ladies niya sa nagdaang panahon. Readon: ang mga babaeng kanyang nakakatambal ay napag-iiwanan niya sa panahon. Halimbawa, naging “mopther” ni Ronnie Poe sa ilang pelikula si Rosemarie Gil at si Amalia Fuentes na nakatambal niya noong araw. Walang imposible pagdating sa papel sa isang pelikula. Sa kaso lang ni Amalia sa pelikulang Aguila, sabi niya, “Wag n’yo akong patandain sa pelikula, ang problema niyo kung paano n’yo pababatain si Ronnie Poe!” Of course, kahit naman hindi make-up-an si Ronnie lagi naman siyang mukhang bata, di ba? In fact nagtatagka nga ang marami kung bakit at paano napapanatili ni Da King ang kyang youthful charm. This charm, of course, is what he uses to keep in touch with any of his leading ladies. “Friendship is foremost for my leading ladies,” sabi nga ni FPJ, “Kailangan kasi ang friendship to kep her cool on the set, make her feel relaxed para mas maganda ang chemistry the moment we have some scenes together…” – Arthur Quinto, Jingle Extra Hot Magazine, May 31, 1985 (READ MORE)
Susan Roces bares what saved her marriage with Ronnie Poe – “Despite the usual showbiz intrigues that have come their way, the marriage of Fernando Poe Jr. and Susan Roces remains among the more durable relationship in showbiz. What could be their secret. “We’re friends! That’s very, very important in a relationship,” said Susan Roces. “Kasi, if you’re just lovers, it wears off easily. I love you, heart and soul. One hundred percent. Dapat ikaw din. Ako lang ang mahal mo, Ganoon. That’s when a person becomes so possessive na nakakasakal ba. If you’re friends, mas maganda. You can tell your wife or your husband certain things at puedeng magkaroon ng certain freedom. Hindi ‘yung sa kanya lang nakatutok ang mata mo that you see all the wrong things he has done and you start imagining what he can do when you’re not beside him.” According to her she and Ronnie agreed from the start to talk things over. “Let me explain,” Ronnie told her, “If there is something I should explain. Hindi ‘yung you’ve already made a conclusion based on what you read or heard na minsan naman eh hindi totoo.” She said there were times when a woman should be at home for her husband. Pero sa klase ng ating trabaho, this cannot always be so,” explained Susan. “Ako naman, whenever Ronnie shoots a film at alam kong medyo mahihirapan siya, I make it a point to be home para asikasuhin ko siya. I mean, you cannot let the maids take over. Tapos when he is settled at nakapahingana ang I have some other commitments I should attend to, that’s when I go. Wala namang problema doon. I guess it’s just a matter of understanding each other’s needs and the element of trust should always be there. Pag walang trust, malabo talaga.” – Lulubelle Lam Ramos, Manila Standard, May 10, 1991 (READ MORE)
Natatanging Gawad – “…Fernado Poe Jr. will receive the Natatanging Gawad Urian (Lifetime Achievement Award) during the 25th Gawad Urian on May 11 at the Araneta Coliseum…In recognizing Poe (Ronald Allan Kelley Poe in real life), the Manunuri pays tribute to his nearly 50-year career as an actor, director, and producer. Starting as a teenage star and a stuntman in the 1950s, Poe rose to become a defining presense in Philippine movies. In 1956, he starred in “Low Waist Gang,” signalling a shift from the fantasy movies that had become the main fare in local cinema to a gritty realism in action movies. In his next movies such as “Tough Guy” (1957) and “Kamay ni Cain” (1957) and, much later, “Mga Alabok sa Lupa” (1967), “Assedillo” (1971) and “Durugin si Totoy Bato” (1979), Poe perfected the Filipino paragon of the action hero -a peace-loving, sensitive man who is pushed to the wall by oppressive forces and thereby fights back in the defense of the poor and the abused. Today Poe is known as the King of Philippine action movies and one of the stalwarts of the local film industry. The Manunuri is also giving the award in recognition of Poe’s achievements as producer and director. A visionary businessman and an artist in his own right, Poe invested his earning from acting and built his own movie company, FPJ Productions, which has since established a steady record of well-mounted productions that have reaped commercial success. As “Ronwaldo Reyes,” his non de guerre as director, Poe has shown a nearly unerring film sense, trasnforming mass-based but sometimes crude materials like the komiks and popular legends to movies with their own sense of logic and breataking spectacle. Poe as director is a master of locale, color and magic. He chooses his settings carefully and trains a nearly perfect cinematographic eye on everything he frames. His “Panday” series, based on the tawdy Carlo J. Caparas komiks novel, is an awesome orchestration of spectacle, setting and special effects. His more recent movies such as the comedy “Isusumbong Kita sa Tatay Ko” and the action drama “Ang Dalubhasa” show Poe hasn’t lost his touch, retaining an uncanny feeling for the popular taste…” – Philippine Daily Inquirer, Apr 22, 2002 (READ MORE)
Role Model – “…Industry workers have access to information not readily available to ordinary fans. I learned that Ronald Allan Poe was born in 1939, and has five siblings. To be an actor, he dropped out of high school. He started in the movies as a stuntman. He read Hery Miller (“Tropic of Capricorn,” “Black Spring”). And unlike his role in the movies, he enjoys a drink. His name came from the original Pou, a Spanish name, and he is nor in any way related to Edgar Allan. A few years ago, I saw a video of “Shane,” and saw where the FPJ movie formula came from. (:Shane! Sane! Come back, Shane!) I understood why there had to be the young Jay Ilagan character, and why it was important for the boy to witness FPJ being beaten up. Shane never was shown in our sawaliwalled moviehouse, so none of my barkada ever saw it. And I dared reveal my discovery. they would have hated me for breaking their life-long suspension of disbelief. Perfect was the FPJ of our childhood, when characters could be neatly clasified as bida (hero), kontrabida (villain), or “extra.” I joined a concert tour in Mindanao in the early ’80s by the group They Call It Guns, composed of Michael de Mesa, Tirso Cruz III, Bembol Roco, Rez Cortez, and Ruel Vernal. As we prepared to go on a motorcade around Cagayan de Oro City, the organizers warned us not to take Rez, Bembol and Ruel. They were sure that FPJ fans would throw stones at the three kontrabidas in their hero’s life. FPJ was the only role model of my generation. This is why his stature has lingered beyond his prime. The next generations of bida -from Rudy Fernandez to Robin Padilla to Bong Revilla -experimented with the roles of the tarantado, the reformed convict, the womanizer, the man with dark past, the hero with hidden guilt, the coward. These roles played by Erap. While Erap shared the limelifht with FPJ, they seemed to have made an arrangement: FPJ would play the good boys and Erap the bad boys. Whenever they played together, Erap would be the one who got into troubles and FPJ the one who was decent and cautious. It was an excellent arrangement. It ended when Erap entered politics…” – Uro Q. Dela Cruz, Philippine Daily Inquirer, Sep 27, 2003 (READ MORE)
Worshipped Idol – “…Unlike other folks, Ronnie has the heart for the underdogs so that it is often said that he is their champion and savior. Yet, this is one aspect of his public life that is least known. He does things without fanfare. The least known, he said, the better especially his acts of charity. And this spells a great difference between Ronnie and his colleagues. Yet, like any individual, Ronnie has also his faults. He acts on teh spur of the moment which sometimes proves unfortunate. Several times, he has been victimized by opportunists. Ronnie is a sucker for sob stories. Endowed as he is with feet – and feats – of clay, Ronnie is as human as you and I. He has his temper, yes, his idiosyncracies, his lifestyle and manner of dressing, but all told he is one guy who stands ten feet tall in tight and compromising situations. he is at his best when the going is rough, when things seem to go against his favor and this, indeed, proves once more that Ronnie is the idol that he is. A person worth emulating and worshipping for…” – Ross F. Celino, Expressweek, July 13, 1978 (READ MORE)
Fernando Poe Jr. and Vilma Santos
Ikaw Ang Mahal Ko (1996) – ”…In 1996 Vilma Santos did “Ikaw Ang Mahal Ko” with the late FPJ. The film did not do well, both critically and commercially. This year also was a bad year for the local entertainment industry as Ishmael Bernal died on June 2nd. It was reported that he was scheduled to direct a film about the life story of Lola Rosa Henson, the comfort woman during the Japanese invasion of the Philippines. The project was also reportedly offered to Vilma Santos. From 1997 to 2009, Vilma Santos completed 6 full featured films, two were considered record breaking films and almost all gave her acting recognitions including two international best actress recognitions…” – 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, Video 48 (READ MORE)
Bato sa Buhangin (1976) – “…I really felt very sad as he’s one of the kindest men I ever met. We’ve done 3 films together. The first one was when I was only 19-yrs-old, Batya’t Palo-Palo, a big hit. He was the one who taught me how to swim while we were shooting that movie. Before that, I did Dyesebel where I played a mermaid but I didn’t even know how to swim. This was followed by Bato sa Buhangin. Our last film together was Ikaw ang Mahal Ko, which I did after I gave birth to Ryan Christian. Kuya Ronnie is a gentleman in the strictest sense of the word. Talagang maasikaso siya sa lahat ng kasama niya sa shooting and he feeds everyone with great food all the time. He’s fun to work with kasi palabiro siya at masaya talaga kasama. The whole industry will miss him…” – Mario E. Bautista (READ MORE)
Dugo at Pagibig sa Kapirasong Lupa (1975) – “…A Must for the Filipino History Students and for everyone who wants to awaken the innate nationalism in them. These series of stories depicting the fight of the Filipinos against colonialism of Spain, Japan and even their fellow Filipinos abusing the power in the government. A seemingly serious film but spiced with the star-studded cast like Fernando Poe Jr., Ramon Revilla, Joseph Estrada, Nora Aunor, Dante Rivero, Eddie Garcia, Vic Vargas, Goerge Estregan and the other all time favorite artists. This movie even highlighted the comparison between the love of country and the other kind of love we offer to our family and to our beloved as the story featured love stories in the midst of tragic and bloody war happening in our society…” – Kabayan Central (READ MORE)
Hotdog: Unang Kagat (1975) – “…Even earlier, in 1974, the first Hotdog album “Unang Kagat” resulted in a movie with the band in 1975 with cameos of FPJ, Erap, Guy, Ate Vi, and Boots Anson Roa. The 4th reunion concert showed the band headed by the unassuming genius of Dennis Garcia as still the leader of the Manila Sound genre that fused Tagalog with Taglish. In the show they paid tribute to contemporaries VST & Company, Boyfriends, and Hagibis. The disco group VST with Vic Sotto, Val Sotto, Joey de Leon, Homer Flores, and Spanky Rigor had made famous the songs “Awitin Mo isasayaw Ko” and “Disco Fever” while the audience rose to their feet when Hotdog interpreted VST’s “Rock Baby Rock.” The Boyfriends’ pop and disco hit “Bakit Labis Kitang Mahal” covered by both Lea Salonga and Dingdong Avanzado in their albums was Hotdog’s next tribute. Then, of course, came the Hagibis with their campy imitations of the Village People in “Katawan,” which to this day is a favorite in dance parties…” – Bibsy Carballo, Journal, Dec 04 2011 (READ MORE)
Batya’t Palu-Palo (1974) – “…Nang magkita sina Ronnie at Vilma sa first shooting day sa Montalban, Rizal, halos hindi mapatid ang batian, katiyawan at biruan. Pareho silang masayang-masaya. Sapagka’t at long last daw, natuloy din ang kanilang pagtatambal pagkalipas ng halos kulang sa isang taong paghihintay na ma-vacant si Vilma sa dami ng pelikulang ginawa. As sa simula ng siyuting, akala mo hindi sila magkakilala. Dibdiban ang acting at dialogue. Sunod-sunod ang take ng iba’t ibang angulo. Kalahating araw silang walang biruan at nang matapos ang maraming eksena ay saka lamang sila muling nagtawanan. “Mahirap na,” sabi ni Vi, “Kailangang makarami ng scenes para naman makabawi sa akin ang FPJ. Biruin naman ninyong ang tagal din ang ipinaghintay nila sa akin. Nagpapasalamat ako sa napakahabang patience nila. Kung tulad ng iba, baka pinalitan na lamang ako ng ibang leading lady. Masyado silang professional sa pakikipag-deal, lalo na si Ronnie kaya nahihiya man ako sa atraso, hindi naman makapag-back out doon sa mga naka-schedule ko na. Dapat na tapusain ko rin para walang magalit na producer sa akin…” – Letty G. Celi (READ MORE)
Happy Days are Here Again (1974) – “…In 1974, the Big 3 studios of the 50s, LVN Pictures, Sampaguita Pictures and Premiere Productions reproduced a full-length movie showcasing a compilation of the musical comedies produced by the three studios. It was a painstaking job for the researchers since most of the best musicals produced by the three studios were either lost or destroyed. At the start of the project, director Lamberto V. Avellana was supposed to direct the film but eventually replaced by Cirio Santiago after so many changes in the project including the script. He ended up as consultant of the movie. The film was HAPPY DAYS ARE HERE AGAIN, with brief narrations by movie stars like Gloria Romero, Nida Blanca, Susan Roces, Leopoldo Salcedo, Jaime de la Rosa, Eddie Gutierrez, Tirso Cruz III, Pugo, German Moreno and Ike Lozada…” – Chris D. Almario, Pelikula Atbp (READ MORE)
Ronald Allan Poe y Kelley (August 20, 1939 – December 14, 2004), better known as Fernando Poe, Jr. and colloquially known as FPJ and Da King, was a Filipino actor and cultural icon. From the 1950s, Poe played steadfast film heroes who fight for the common man, which won him respect and admiration. He did not complete high school but went on to win numerous awards and prizes as an actor and film director. During the latter part of his career, he ran an unsuccessful bid for President of the Philippines in the 2004 presidential election against the former president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. In 2011, witnesses revealed in a Senate inquiry that Poe would have won the 2004 elections had there been no cheating. He was honored on May 24, 2006 as Philippine National Artist through Philippine Proclamation No. 1065. – Wikipedia (READ MORE)
Basic Info:Release Date: 19 August 1982; Director: Eddie Garcia; Writers: Gilda Olvidado (story), Orlando Nadres (screenplay); Cast: Vilma Santos (Divina), Christopher De Leon (Jerry), Phillip Salvador (Oscar). Lorna Tolentino (Nora), Ramil Rodriguez (Alex), Irene Celebre (Ivy), Luz Fernandez, Moody Diaz, Loleta Abesamis, Danny De Cordova, Norma Blancaflor, Kristina Paner (young Nora), Fanny Serrano, Larry Leviste, Yvonne; Executive producer: Vic del Rosario Jr.; Sinasamba Kita Theme Song Arrange by Armando Triviño, Sung by: Sharon Cuneta; Sinasamba Kita Theme Song Arrange by Danny Favis, Sung by Rey Valera; Words and Music: George Canseco; Cinematography: Romeo Vitug; Production Design: Manny Morfe; Art Direction: Donnie Gonzales, Arthur Santamaria; Sound: Rolly Ruta; Original story serialized in Tagalog Klasiks comics published Atlas Publication. – IMDB (READ MORE)
The Plot: – Strong-willed and sophisticated, Divina (Vilma Santos) takes over the business of her late father Don Ferrer (Eddie Garcia) who had requested Divina to ensure that his daughter Nora (Lorna Tolentino) with his mistress is cared for. But Nora wins the love of Jerry (Christopher De Leon), the only man who has captivated Divina’s discriminating heart. From the start. Jerry is attracted to Nora whose steadfast suitor Oscar (Phillip Salvador) respects and honors her chastity, only to find out that she has fallen in love and has given herself to Jerry. But Will Divina ever give up fighting for Jerry’s love? – TFC Now (READ MORE)
31 Years has passed since Vilma Santos did Relasyon. As we all know, this film gave her first grand slam best actress, winning four best actress from URIAN, FAP, FAMAS and CMMA (the four major award giving bodies that time). It is worth noting that the film has been successfully transferred into DVD and VCD and everyone can buy a copy (see REGAL.com). Relasyon has been exhibited in many international film festival. Sub-titled, “The Affair” is scheduled to be screen New York Filipino Film Festival. With its rival film, Himala, Relasyon has been tested by times. All award giving bodies agreed. Vilma’s performance outscored the intricate and overrated performance of her rival, Nora Aunor. To commemorate this triumphant feat, here are the comments made by critics, see if these comments are still valid.
“Sinasabi ng mga drumbeater ni Vi na ang kanyang role sa pelikulang ito ay pang-award, pang-FAMAS, pang-URIAN o pang-Film Academy Award kung matutuloy ito. Hindi kami tumututol sa kanilang palagay laluna’t napanood namin ang pelikulang ito. Masuwerte si Vi at sa ganitong maselang role ay dinirek siya ng isang katulad ni Bernal. Napakadramatiko ang pagkompronta ni Vi kay Chris sa direksyon ng kanilang relasyon. Higit sa lahat, sa pamamagitan ng huling eksena, ang pagsasara ni Vi sa pinto ng kanilang bahay, ang pugad ng kanilang “Rrelasyon,” inihayag ni Bernal na ang ganitong relasyon ay may hindi maiiwasang magwakas tulad ng sa tunay na buhay…” – Mando Plaridel, Star Monthly Magazine Vol. 1 No. 10 July 1982
“Vilma Santos represents womanhood in the film…commonly thought of as a martir or long-suffering masochist. Santos portrays a mistress who is an outand-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. Santos’ acting is adequate and extraordinary…” – Isagani Cruz, Parade magazine – 21 July 1982
“Napakahusay ni Vilma Santos sa papel ng pangunahing tauhan, isang dalagang umibig sa isang may asawa. Its 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)…” – Mario Bautista, People’s Journal, July 1982 (READ MORE)
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
Star For All Seasons 
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