Queen Vi

Posted on July 24, 2010 by @ffv Standard

Scene: struggling with her emotion, she kneels beside the bed where her father lies dead. The crippled old man couldn ’t accept the fact that his daughter was dancing for a living. Earlier, they had a quarrel and when she left the house, the old man had killed himself. “Bakit naman hindi n’yo ako hinintay?” she’s now whispering to him in remorse, “hindi naman talaga ako galit sa ‘yo, a. Di ba kayo rin kung minsan nakapagsasalita kayo ng masakit sa akin pero naintindihan kita dahil alam ko galit ka at hindi mo sinasadya. Dapat naman sana naintindihan mo rin ako,” she continues, breaking into sobs, “dadalawa na nga lang tayo sa buhay iniwanan mo pa ako. Hindi naman tama ‘yon!” And with the camera fixed on her in a semi-closeup shot, she weeps through her kilometric dialogues with startling spontaneity, the scene lasting all of ten minutes.

The scene is one of Vilma Santos’ high moments in Burlesk Queen, Celso Ad. Castillo’s magnum opus which earned for Vilma the Best Actress award in the Metro Manila Film Festival concluded last week. It’s a difficult scene and an actress of lesser skill could have buckled along the way and wasted rolls of precious film, but not Vilma who acquitted herself beautifully well in just one take. “Halos wala kaming rehearsal,” Vilma recalls, “kasi si Direk ayaw ng masyadong rehearsal dahil nagiging mechanical daw ang labas. Gusto niya after one rehearsal, take na kaagad because he believes that the first take is always the best.” Then she adds as an afterthought: “Nakakapagod ang eksenang ‘yon. Emotionally, that is.” Had she done the role of a burlesque dancer three years ago, Vilma would have stirred a big hornet’s nest among her loyal diehards… she would have been burned in effigies in indignant rallies all over the country… but no such untoward reaction happened, thank heavens. “My fans have grown up with me,” Vilma says, “they have matured. Besides, I’m already 24 and I’m not getting any younger. Ayoko naman nang palagi na lang akong naka-ribbon sa buhok at nalo-lollipop. Hindi na ako ang dating sweet-sweet. Come to think of it, mas mahirap mag-maintain ng sweet image dahil kaunting mali mo lang nama-magnify na kaagad, pinalalaki kaagad.”

Her metamorphosis began in late 1976 when she agreed to be kissed by Rudy Fernandez in Makahiya at Talahib. It was a “feeler” of sort and when the public clacked its tongue in obvious approval, Vilma shelved her lollipops-and-roses image and proved that she, too, could be a woman – a wise move indeed because at that time her career was on a downswing and her movies were not making money. Then she did Mga Rosas sa Putikan for her own VS Films where she played a country girl forced into prostitution in the big city. The movie did fairly well at the tills. Good sign. And came her romance with Romeo Vasquez, boosting both their stocks at the box office (thier two starrers, Nag-aapoy na Damdamin and Pulot-Gata where Vilma did her own wet style, were big moneymakers). The tandem, although it did help Vilma, actually helped Vasquez more in re-establishing himself at the box office (without Vilma, his movies with other leading ladies hardly create any ripple). In Susan Kelly, Edad 20, Vilma played a notorious-woman role that required her to wear skimpy bikini briefs in some scenes, following it up with two giant sizzlers (Dalawang Pugad, Isang Ibon and Masarap, Masakit ang Umibig) that catapulted her as the newest Bold Queen. Then came Burlesk Queen.

Scene: she comes home one night to find the mother of her week-old husband packing his clothes. He has eloped with her but he’s a Mama’s boy, a backbone-less guy when face-to-face with his mother, and he has now agreed to go home with Mama. She couldn’t persuade him to stay. As mother and son descend the long flight of stairs, the burlesk queen is left all alone in her room, in tears, with nothing and no one to clutch on to. At first she pleads with him but realizing the futility of it all, she proceeds to mock him and humiliate him, “Sige, she yells at him, “magsama na kayong dalawa, magsiping pa kayong dalawa, wala na akong pakialam. Ikaw, Jessie, wala ka namang paninindigan. Sige, magsama na kayo ng mama mo. Sige, gawin mong babae si Jessie, gawin mo siyang bakla!” Vilma’s change of image is part of her newly-found “liberation.” Liberation from what? “From many things,” Vilma answers. “From fear of being criticized, from fear of what people would say about me, from certain restrictions and inhibitions, from everything that was slowly choking me.” That exactly was how she felt early last year: all choked up.

So she slipped into a private hole after a quarrel with her Mama, refusing to be seen in public and thus setting off speculations that she was in hiding because she was on the family way. “No such thing,” says Vilma who had posed in a pair of bikinis to disprove the rumor. “Na-rumor pa na nagpa- abort daw ako at kung anu-ano pa, na nagwawala na raw ako. Pero ako naman hindi ko na iniintindi ang mga tsismis, bale wala na sa akin. Basta ako, I tell the truth and if people don’t believe me, okay lang. Dati-rati, nagri-react kaagad ako, pero ngayon, sanay na ako.” She was so confused and depressed at that time, “so filled up to my neck with problems and the pressure of too much work,” that Vilma was all set to kiss the movies goodbye. “Nakahanda na akong mamuhay ng tahimik noon, as an ordinary person.”

And how was he able to overcome that blue period? “Well, when they let me alone, nang payagan akong magsarili, that’s when everything seemed to loosen up. That’s the time I really felt free. Now, I have all the privacy I want, sa bahay ko, that is.” Although she now lives by herself in a single-girl’s pad, Vilma still runs home to Mama and Papa when she has to make important decisions. When Burlesk Queen was offered to her, Vilma bided her time until she talked with her parents. “Okay,” her Mama agreed, “as long as the sexy scenes would be treated well.” Says Vilma: “I am liberated in the sense that I have moved out of the family residence. Why did I do it? Because I feel I am old enough to take care of myself, gusto ko namang masubukan ang independence. I feel that I am old enough to know what I want. “Ngayon,” she adds, “anu’t-ano pa man ang mangyari, buhay ko na ito. Kung madapa man ako, sisikapin ko nang bumangon ng sarili ko.” Her kind of liberation includes freedom to choose her dates and to go out unchaperoned. To criticisms about her going out with a married man, Vilma snorts: “Ako naman, I don’t care whether a man is a sinner or a saint. Basta niri-respeto niya ako at ang pamilya ko, niri-respeto ko rin siya.”

Scene: She emerges on stage in a lace gown and, gradually, as the music gets hotter and hotter and the audience’s applause louder and louder, she unwraps herself and starts the greatest performance of her life. She has lost her father and her lover Jessie and she has nothing more to live for. The baby in her womb has to go, there shouldn’t be any memory of Jessie. And she dances on and on and on until she collapses in a bloody heap. The dance lasts for 17 minutes. It is her dance of death. Vilma almost backed out of the tree-fourths finished movie when she learned about the finale sequence. No, she wouldn’t do it, she couldn’t do it. She ignored call slips and went into hiding. Poor Celso, he was drowning in his own tears of desperation and banging his head against the wall.

Burlesk Queen was his “last card”, he wanted to retrieve his dwindling popularity, he wanted to save face and if he didn’t get what he wanted now, he would be finished. Finally one day, he received a basketful of fruits – “Peace offering,” Celso calls it, “from Vilma.” “It took us almost seven nights, shooting straight, to finish that sequence. I learned the dance from an expert real-life burlesque dancer. During shootings, palaging close-door. My God, I couldn’t have done it with so many people around.” She had to take several shots of brandy before the shooting. “Otherwise, I could have died from nervousness. ”According to Romy Ching, producer of Burlesk Queen, he didn’t really have the Metro Filmfest in mind because he had a November 25 playdate. But when he saw the rushes, he changed plans. “Hindi ka magsisisi na tinanggap mo ito,” he told Vilma, “it will be worth it.” Says Vilma: “I didn’t expect to win, although marami ang nagsasabi sa akin na malaki ang pag-asa ko. Ako naman, I don’t believe anything unless talagang nangyayari. Kasi noon, I expected to win, sa film festival din sa Quezon City, but somebody else did. I was very disappointed. Noong awards night nga, I wasn’t convinced I would win hanggang hindi ko pa hawak ‘yong trophy.”

After the award, Vilma has understandably upped her asking price. She’s now worth only P300,000, may kaunting tawad pa if the role is good and the director is good. That business-and pleasure trip to Europe with Vasquez shall have to wait while Vilma is fulfilling her previous commitments. The morning after the awards night, tempting offers swamped Vilma, P300,000 and all, but she is not about to grab them all. She wants first to resume the shooting of her own outfit’s much delayed project, Pagputi ng Uwak, Pag-itim ng Tagak, where she co-stars with Bembol Roco and has for director, yes, Celso Ad. Castillo. “We want to make it as good as, if not better than, Burlesk Queen,” Vilma and Celso promise. It better be. – Ricardo F. Lo, Queen Vi (or Or, how Vilma Santtoss came out of the doldrums and reasserted herself at the Box Ofice) Expressweek Magazine January 19, 1978

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The Classic Vilma Santos Movies

Posted on July 24, 2010 by @ffv Standard

1. RELASYON (1982) – “Vilma Santos represents womanhood in the film…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… Vilma Santos’ acting is adequate and extraordinary…” – Isagani Cruz, Parade 01 July 1982.

“Vilma Santos confidently showed she felt the character she was portraying. Her depiction of feelings and emotions easily involve the viewers to share in her conflicts and joys. In this film, she has peeled-off apprehensions in her acting. Christopher de Leon has also been supportive in emphasizing the characterization of Marilou. He suitably complements Vilma’s acting.” – Lawrence delos Trinos, Star Monthly 10 July 1982

”VILMA SANTOS holds the first ace on acting this year with her terrific performance in Relasyon – the range is wide, the insight deep, hardly a false note in the entire performance – she was always in control, even when she seemed totally lost in her role…basta magaling si Vilma, tapos!“ – Ador Cs Tariman

FACTS: Vilma Santos’s first best actress grand slam win.
FICTION: Vilma Santos’ wins can be attributed to her connection to Imelda Marcos. (That’s absurd.)

2. BURLESK QUEEN (1977) – “…naiiba ang Burlesk Queen, kahit ikumpara sa mga naunang trabaho ni Celso at sa iba pang direktor na nagtangkang tumalakay sa paksang ito. Matagal-tagal na rin namang nauso ang kaputahan sa pelikula, pero walang nakapagbigay ng katarungan sa lahi ni Eba bilang Pilipina at bilang puta… para kay Celso…ang tao ay hindi basta maghuhubad at magtatalik. Maraming pangyayari sa buhay ang dapat munang linawin at unawain, at iyon ang basehan ng kasaysayan.” – Jun Cruz Reyes, MPP, Manila magazine Dec 1977

“(about the hospital scense with Vilma and Leopoldo Salcedo) Tuloy-tuloy ‘yun. nag-experiment ako noong una, kumuha ako ng second take, pero di ko na rin tinapos. Perfect na iyong una. Alam mo bang nang gawin namin ang eksenang iyon tatlo kaming umiiyak sa set? Ako, si Vilma, at si Leopoldo? Dalang-dala si Leopoldo sa pagsasalita ni Vilma, lumuha siya kahit patay siya dapat doon. Buti na lang di siya nakuha ng kamera…(Kung Nahirapan ka ba kay Vilma?) …Oo, hindi sa acting dahil mahusay talaga siya kundi sa scheduling. Alam mo kasi it takes time before I can really get into the mood of a picture, mga two weeks, tapos kapag nandiyan na, that’s the stage when I’m ready to give my life to the project. Tapos biglang walang shooting ng two weeks dahil busy siya sa ibang pelikula…” – Ricardo Lee, Manila magazine Dec. 1977

FACTS: The film won 10 out of 13 Awards at the 1977 Metro Manila film festival including Best Actress for Vilma Santos.
FICTION: All of the awards that’s been given to the film has been given back due to the investigation that the verdict were rigged. (Up to this date, Vilma still has her medal and award.)

3. RUBIA SERVIOS (1978) – “The second rape scene in “Rubia Servios” which stars Vilma Santos, is reminiscent of the rape scene in “Santiago”, shown in 1970. Instead of Caridad Sanchez as the wife who is assaulted in full view of husband Mario O’Hara, it has Vilma Santos and Mat Ranillo III. This coincidence is not surprising since Brocka also directed Santiago, and O’Hara, who has since graduated from supporting roles, is the scriptwriter for “Rubia Servios”. Vilma does not expose much skin and Philip Salvador (as the attacker) has his pants on, but the scene could well be one of the most realistic rape scenes on screen in a long, long time. The anguish in Vilma’s face and the lust in philip’s eyes blended so well the effect was dramatic rather than sensual. The real climax of the film, however, is the killing of Philip by Vilma with a paddle aboard a motorboat at sea. Lino Brocka, who directs Vilma for the first time, succeeded in muffling her sobs even in the most hysterical moments. To our mind, “Rubia Servios” is geared towards mature audiences. It is engrossing despite the lack of fancy camera shots and an almost chronological presentation.” – Ricky Lo

FACTS: Vilma Santos lost The Best Performer Award in this 1978 Metro Manila Film Festival to rival Nora Aunor. Admittedly, this was the most painful lost she experienced in her whole career. With its “For Adults Only rating” in consideration, the film still managed to end up as one of the Festival’s top grosser.
FICTION: Vilma committed suicide after her lost, luckily Manay Ichu, her Rubia Servios producer came and rescued her. (Both Manay Ichu and Vilma managed to get drunk but Vilma did not commit suicide.)

4. DOLZURA CORTEZ (1993) – Dahil Mahal Kita (Because I Love You): The Dolzura Cortez Story 1994, This Philippine drama chronicles the colorful life of Dolzura Cortez, the first publicly recognized AIDS patient in the Philippines. The film begins with a brief examination of Cortez’s pre-AIDS life. Initially she lived in a small village with her cruel husband and three kids. The spunky woman leaves them and moves to the big city where she engages in several affairs. Her second marriage to a rich foreigner does not last long. To support her children, Dolly begins an all woman “contract worker” agency. This also serves to facilitate her love of night-life. Tragedy comes to Dolzura after she collapses on a dance floor one night and learns that she has full-blown AIDS. At a Manila hospital she meets ex-lover Paulo, an AIDS researcher who encourages to tell her story publicly. The courageous woman does and she becomes instrumental in spreading AIDS awareness to the islands. – Sandra Brennan, The New York Times

“Still bearing activist weight is Vilma’s effort in Laurice Guillen’s Dahil Mahal Kita: The Dolzura Cortez Story in which she fleshes out a body and a mind for a person with AIDS. This initiative constitutes an advocacy not only for people afflicted with the dreaded pandemic, but also for women who have to overcome strata of ostracism in the process of survival and resist their being reduced to an aberration, in this case, a pathology.” – Patrick Flores, Manila Standard Today Jan 11, 2003

FACTS: Vilma Santos’ earned her 2nd Best Actress grand slam wins.
FICTION: Dolzura Cortez wanted Nora Aunor to play herself in this film. Aunor declined. (No. No. No. That’s the most ridiculous thing I have ever heard – Simon Cowell from AI)

5. PAHIRAM NG ISANG UMAGA (1989) – “…a striking part of the movie (was when), Juliet watching intently as morticians work on her father’s remains, as everyone weeps when the coffin is lowered to its final resting place, and during the ritualistic pasiyam, the nine-day novena for the dead. It’s as though Juliet can see herself in her father’s lifeless body while mourners mill around it. The attempts to raise the level of the melodrama and present insights on life and death provide the movie its greatest strength – and wide appeal. How strangely ironic that a movie dealing with death could have so much life.” – Mario Hernando, Malaya 05 March 1989

“…Vi goes to the kitchen to prepare breakfast at habang nagbabati siya ng itlog, doon pa lang ipinakitang una siyang nag-breakdown. And this is shown nang nakatalikod siya sa camera. No overly ornate kind of emoting na akting na akting ang dating. Pero damang-dama mo pa rin…she becomes the part (lalo na sa eksena nila ni Gabby Concepcion sa simbahan na binalikan nila kung paano sila nagkasira), and if you notice that she is good, well, salamat po…Sa second viewing ng movie namin lalong napansin ang subtle nuances ng performance ni Vi, up to her death scene which confirms our supposition that the movie is not really so much about death than a celebration of life..’yan ang opinion namin…” – Mario Bautista

FACTS: Vilma Santos won her first PMPC Star Awards Best Actress.
FICTION: Mario Bautista fought hard to make sure Nora Aunor won the Star Awards. (It was actually the opposite!)

6. LIPAD, DARNA, LIPAD (1973) – “the quintessential actionfantasy Pinoy flick that appeals to all ages, from generation to generation. This movie is a major milestone for Vilma because it proved that she could really carry a solo movie and bring in the dough (up to now of course!). Vilma’s Darna franchise is the most memorable and successful of all Pinoy fantasy-action genre. Imitated but never equalled, Vilma’s Darna lives on. Unforgettable. Memorable. It grows on you. No Pinoy kid ever grows up without being a part of the Darna magic. Vilma, practically flew at the top of the box office in Sine Pilipino’s trend setting trilogy “Lipad, Darna, Lipad!” Many fans consider Lipad, Darna, Lipad, as one of the most entertaining Darna movies ever. After all, who could forget that climactic aerial battle scene between Darna and the Impakta (Gloria Romero)? That shot of Romero impaled in a giant crucifix ensconced on top of a church tops any gory scene in The Omen. The enormous success of Lipad, Darna, Lipad led to three more Darna movies with Vilma Santos. As a result, the star for all seasons became the star for all Darnas—Santos played her four times, more than any other actress in the superheroine’s history. “Lipad, Darna, Lipad!” were divided into three separate segments, directed by three different directors. In Darna’s case, the three directors were Maning Borlaza, Joey Goesiengfao, and Elwood Perez—three names that promised an adventure that could do Andy Warhol proud.” – Eric Cueto

FACTS: Lipad Darna Lipad broke all box office records and made Vilma as the most successful Darna to date.
FICTION: Vilma was immediately wanted to wear the two-piece sexy Darna cutomes. (Vilma wore skin coloured suit on top of the Darna custom but after some people who works for TIIP and her entourage convinced her that it looks tacky, she agreed to wear the custom without it.)

7. ANAK (2000) – “Living complex emotions with subtlety and humor, pic resists melodrama until the dam abruptly burst after 90 minutes; ill judged pileup of crying scenes, plot crises and more crying ensues…That’s too bad, since early reels observe parent-child relationships with considerable delicacy… veteran local star Santos is in fine form, while barretto lends impressive shading to what might have been a stock sexy “bad girl” role…” -Dennis Harvey, Variety Magazine 19 March 2001

“The slick production is turned into art by its star Vilma Santos. Her magnetic star quality makes her look so wrong for the part and yet she makes it all her own. She’s a natural comedianne and a great tragedienne-her look of resignation is heartbreaking. Vilma discards the glittering clothes and make-up for Anak, but she still looks youthful. It wouldn’t come as a surprise if the sensitive young actor playing her son would go on to play her leading man a few years from now.” – Dennis Ladaw

FACTS: Official Philippine Entry to the 73rd Academy Awards Best Foreign Film. Anak grosses 14 Million Pesos, a record breaking for a Filipino film!
FICTION: Vilma can’t portray a poverty stricken maid or “atsay” role, that role only suited Nora! (Tell that to the marines!)

8. SISTER STELLA L. (1984) – “…For a heart-warming film, the entire cast deserves congratulations, particularly Vilma Santos who reveals another aspect of her multi-faceted talent. From her usual soft and sweet romantic roles, she can be transformed into a strong and militant woman without losing any of her charm and beauty. Jay Ilagan, Tony Santos, Anita Linda and Liza Lorena are also in their best form. Mike de Leon as director, Jose F. Lacaba as scriptwriter are likewise to be congratulated for making a truly human film and for contributing to the cause of workers for justice and of the religious for the recognition of their social role. Not to be overlooked is the producer Lily Monteverde of Regal Films who has this time shifted from puerile erotic dramas to make a courageous film for which she will always be well remembered.” – Alice G. Guillermo, Who Magazine 30 May 1984

“…De Leon’s film was to have had special screenings, on the unanimous request of the Cannes’ board of critics. Sister Stella L., however, suffered from the rush of subtitling work that descended upon Cannes’ select group of translators and De Leon opted not to show the film without subtitles. He nevertheless had the distinct honor of holding a retrospective under the sponsorship of the French Cinematheque right after the festival. The film eventually competed at the Venice Film Festival. Under its original title Sangandaan (Crossroads), Sister Stella L. was invited to the Venice Film Festival in 1984, the second Filipino film (after Genghis Khan in 1951) to be honored with such recognition.” – Agustin L. Sotto, Pet Cleto, Philippine Panorama 02 December 1984

FACTS: Vilma Santos admittedly confessed SSL was a flop at the box office.
FICTION: Vilma was overshadowed by the supporting cast of this film. (The Urian critics disagreed! They gave Vilma, her third consecutive best actress! Hah! Beat that!)

9. DEKADA 70 (2002) – “Santos’ Amanda effortlessly and movingly chronicles the changed consciousness of the family and the country, with understatement her most reliable tool. Pic begins and ends with images of Santos at the forefront of a political demonstration, and nothing, from first image to last, for 128 minutes, is allowed to spontaneously or slyly deviate from the logic of her consciousness-raising.” – Ronnie Scheib, Variety Magazine “Last seen in ANAK (SFIAAFF ‘01), Vilma Santos delivers an understated, profoundly moving performance as the matriarch whose awakening redefines the traditional mother and wife role she donned for years. This is the story of an incredible character that survived an unforgettable decade.” – Michael Magnaye, The 22nd San Fransisco Asian-American Film Festival 2004

“As Amanda, Vilma Santos shows again why Brocka, before he died, had likened her to water. “She can register anything,” he said. In “Dekada”, its the same Santos of vigor and transparency. The only difference is the depth, the resonance, and the greater confidence. Can she ever go wrong?” – Lito B. Zulueta, Philippine Daily Inquirer 30 December 2002

FACTS: Vilma Santos’ 4th Grand Slam wins for Best Actresses. The film was exhibited in last year’s “Cinema of the world” section at Cannes. Philippines’ Official Entry at the 76th Academy Awards Best Foreign Language Film. Vilma’s 4th Grandslam Best Actress wins.
FICTION: Dekasa 70 was written by Lualhati Bautista for Nora Aunor.

10. BATA BATA PAANO KA GINAWA? (1998) – “Sa tingin ko, sa Bata, Bata… pinakamagaling si Vilma Santos. Sa dami ng kanyang award, may ibubuga pa pala siya. Iba ang akting niya rito…Halatang feel na feel ni Vilma Santos ang kanyang papel dahil, gaya ng karakter ni Lea Bustamante, dalawa ang anak ni Vilma sa magkaibang lalake.” – Marra Pl. Lanot, Diario Uno 16 Sept. 1998

”And Vilma Santosis more than up to the challenge. Gone are the hysterically flapping hands, the melodramatic emoting, all the trademark acting tics. In their place is a heartfelt performance that distills Lea’s essence to an exquisite point-no movements are wasted, no gestures are overwrought. …Vilma rolls them on her tongue like the finest wine; when Lea is on the verge of breaking down, Vilma remains true to the spirit of her character… If the Lipa City mayor decides never to do another movie again, she can retire assured that her last performance-in a career already studded with formidable portrayals-may conceivably have been her best.” – Andrew E. Pardes, Manila Times 13 Sept 1998

FACT: Opening gross was 5.2 million pesos. Another record breaking for Vilma. The film earned her a third grandslam best actress wins and her very first international recognition, winning the Brussel International film festival’s best actress award.
FICTION: The film was offered to Nora Aunor

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I’m home!

Posted on July 24, 2010 by @ffv Standard

“I’m home!” exclaimed Gov. Vilma Santos at the press conference tendered for her and Sen. Ralph Recto by Mother Lily at the Imperial Palace Suites Wednesday night. Home, because she was in the company of her friends from the entertainment press, most of whom saw her start, growth and rise in her showbiz career, and now as a public servant.

Speaking extemporaneously and from the heart, Ate Vi (as she is fondly called in the industry) impressed us all with her passion in her political career but she stressed that up to now she still doesn’t know why she ever got into politics. Well, it must have been because she married a politician in the person of Sen. Ralph Recto. Because one day, she just announced that she was running for mayor of Lipa City.

“Never in my wildest dream did I entertain the idea of going into politics,” Vi said. Director Boots Plata, one of those close to her when she started her acting career at the age of 9, related that when he learned that Vi was running for mayor of Lipa City, he voiced his concern by saying “paano yan eh ang flag ceremony is at 7 a.m.” Vilma is known to be an insomniac and she normally wakes up at noon.

She was elected and became the first lady mayor of Lipa City (she told Boots she was able to attend the flag ceremony after all), and also now the first lady governor of Batangas, a feat indeed for a diminutive and fragile-looking woman who is now known as a no-nonsense leader who has accomplished a lot. Because from the day she became a public servant, she put her heart and soul into it. She was determined to serve her people the best way she could, and her showbiz career took a back seat.

For her success as a public servant, Vi acknowledged the guidance of her husband, who was only congressman when they met at a discotheque more than two decades ago. “He is not only my husband, but my mentor, my senior adviser. He guided me in everything especially in the finer points of contracts that I have to sign. Kaya awa ng Diyos, I’m very proud to say na wala pang kaso na naisampa sa akin…”

It was Senator Ralph who prodded her to take a crash course in Public Administration at UP which equipped her with the necessary know-how on governance. She cited the late Prof. Vicky Bautista (wife of our movie critic Mario Bautista) for guiding her well in her course.

It’s been said that showbiz is just like politics, but Vi said “malaki ang kaibahan. It’s not easy being in politics. Ang showbiz, masaya. Ang politics, malaking responsibility, malaking sakripisyo. Life in politics is no joke.”

Because of her performance, her untainted public image and “winnability,” Vi has been wooed to run for a higher office, like the vice presidency. Although she is flattered by the offer, she said she’s focused on her province. “I am proud of the trust and love that the people of Batangas have given me, I have a responsibility to them, marami pa akong gustong gawin.”

She has been a public servant for many years now (she served three terms as mayor of Lipa) and will be on her second term as Batangas governor if she wins in May 2010 (which is most likely of course) but Vi said “everyday is still a learning process for me. Hindi madali ang buhay ko as public servant.”
In her welcome speech, Mother Lily recalled:

“Twenty-five years ago, Vilma Santos, who is Ate Vi to all of us, met a handsome Batangueño. They came from different worlds. She is the country’s award-winning actress, while he is the grandson of nationalist, statesman and senator Claro M. Recto. But it’s destiny for the two of them.

“In 1992, they walked down the aisle. They were a dream couple. Up to this day, they are being idolized by millions of Filipinos – from the sosyal to the masa.

“Ralph, a third generation public servant, comes from a respected family of politicians. His lolo, Claro M. Recto, was a senator, while his father, Raphael Recto, was an assemblyman. Therefore, it is not surprising that Ralph also decided to embark on a political career, even if it meant going against the wishes of his father.

“Ralph carved his own credentials and showed everyone his distinguished merits. As the youngest congressman for Batangas during his first term, he learned the ropes of lawmaking. He connected with people, going from house to house and playing basketball in the barangays.

“From the congress to the Senate, Ralph displayed his wealth of experience in legislative and executive governance.

“Ate Vi tops the list of best actresses in Philippine cinema – an undisputed box-office queen and award-winning star. She has done memorable and significant films like “Sister Stella L,” which made her more conscious of how to serve the Filipino people.

“Her track record is impressive. Her accomplishments are remarkable. She has truly become a Batangueña by heart.

“Vilma has been doing a great job in Batangas and she deserves another term as governor. Meanwhile, let’s bring back Ralph to the Senate, so he can continue creating government policies that can benefit a greater number of people.

“Sobrang ina-idolize ko ang mag-asawang ito that’s why I am opening the Imperial Palace Resort Hotel in Taal, Batangas. May tiwala ako sa pamamahala nilang dalawa in the province. So now, you can also call me a Batangueña. It’s a dream come true for me.”

Recto to scrap EVAT law? – It was believed that Senator Recto failed to get reelected in the 2007 elections because of the EVAT law which he authored. But now, he vows that if he gets reelected as senator in May, the former economic planning secretary will initiate a proposal to reduce or totally scrap value-added taxes if the new administration will use the collected revenues for which they are intended.

He said that when he authored the law imposing expanded value-added tax (EVAT) on goods and services, he had the best intention in mind. He claimed that the EVAT law is just a bitter medicine imposed by the government to cure fiscal crisis.

“When we pushed for the EVAT in 2004, the country was on the brink of fiscal crisis. We had the best intention in mind. We wanted revenues from EVAT to be used for education and health care services especially for the poor. Unfortunately, this administration (Arroyo’s) did not spend those resources as properly as we wanted them to and that is why I went to the Liberal Party because I know that Senators Noynoy Aquino and Mar Roxas would spend these resources better,” Recto said.

He added that if Aquino and Roxas will take the helm of Malacañang after the national elections in May, reduction or eventual cancelling of EVAT is a possibility since the priority of the Liberal Party standard bearers is to eradicate corruption in the ranks of government.

On joining the Aquino-Roxas campaign, Recto explained: “Arriving at the decision to join Liberal Party was a heart-wrenching exercise. Manny (Villar) is a close friend. In his battles and mine, we shared many foxholes. I am going to say on record that Manny is prepared to become CEO of this country.” – Crispina Martinez-Belen, Manila Bulletin, Mar 6, 2010 (READ MORE)

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poems

Posted on July 23, 2010 by @ffv Standard

Nag-iisang Bituin
Ni Charles “Dubai” Gomez

Bituing maningning
sa gabing madilim
liwanag mo’y tanglaw
sa puso ko naninimdim.
Lungkot ko’y napapanaw
Kapag ika’y natatanaw
Ilaw ka sa puso ko’t inspirasyon
at tanglaw…

Bituing maningning,
kislap mo’y walang kasing ningning
Sapagkat ika’y ang Nag-iisang Bituin
sa langit ng Puting Tabing
Nag-iisa kang Reyna,
Inspirasyon at Bituin…
Aming mahal, aming lakas,
aming sigla walang iba kungdi
ang Nag-iisang Vilma…

kilala ng lahat sa tawag na Ate Vi.
Sa lahat ng aspeto, siya’y laging wagi
ma-politika man o sa showbiz career
sa personal o sa family living
tagumpay lagi ang aming Ate Vi.
Kung kaya’t ang sigaw namin
Hail to the Queen!
Vilma Santos-Recto Is the name!

“Yan si Rosa Vilma”
ni Father Juancho Gutierrez
May 25, 2005

May isang nangangalang Rosa Vilma,
ipinanganak sa Tondo, Maynila.
Naging artista kahit noong siya ay bata pa,
galing sa pagganap noon ay pinangaralan 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 syetenta.

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.

“Vilmanians: Fans for all seasons”
ni Father Juancho Gutierrez
July 07, 2005

Vilmanians ang tawag sa kanila,
mula ulo hanggang paa.
Star for All Seasons ang idolo nila,
Fans for All Seasons naman sila.

Vilmanians, mapagpatawad at mapagkumbaba,
mahal ang Diyos at ang kanilang kapwa.
Si Vilma Santos na idolo nila,
ay alam ng bayan na gayundin siya.

Vilmanians sina Charlz, Mar, Allan at Jeannie,
gayundin naman sina Marcus, Ben,
Dream at Josie.
Kasama rin sina Jojo, Eric, Bod at Eddie,
at sina Franco, Noel, Nelvin at Rante.

Vilmanians din sina Cesar, Aries, June at Henry,
at sina Marilen, Alessandra, Lawrence at Susan
Kelly.
Huwag kalimutan ang mga direktor at artista,
mga professionals, manggagawa at mga tindera.

Vilmanians, mapa-Europa o mapa-Amerika,
mapa-Middle East o mapa-Australia,
Nasa Pilipinas man o wala,
mahal si Vilma, ang nag-iisang Reyna.

Vilmanians, paghanga nila kay Vilma,
ay hindi magsasawa o mawawala.
Sapagkat si Vilma na huwarang artista,
ay matagumpay ding mayora at butihing ina.

Vilmanians, maipagmamalaki mong tunay
marurunong sa totoong buhay.
Hangad nila sa bayan ay kapayapaan,
mahalin ang Diyos at kapwa magpakailanman.

VILMA: PUSO AT PAG-ASA NG BATANGAS
Sinulat ni Pedrito ’June’ Dijan
Tinula ni Aljohn Domingo

Noong iyong desisyunang, pasukin ang pulitika,
Marami ang nagsasabing di ka pwede’t artista ka;
Subali’t nang magawa mong mapaunlad itong Lipa,
Lahat ngayon bukambibig, ang VILMA ay kakaiba.

At nito ngang bandang huli lahat sila’y nanghikayat;
Ikaw lang daw ang maaaring sa Batangas magpa-angat;
Iba’t ibang mga sektor, women’s , meyor, lahat-lahat,
Oh, Mayor VI, governor na ng probinsiya’y di magkalat.

At kaya nag bilang tugon, ang Ate VI’y nagdesisyon,
Di ko kayo iiwanan, tanggap ko na itong hamon;
Mahirap man sa simula, kung tayo ay tulong-tulong,
Mga anak tandaan nyo, ang Batangas ay babangon.

Anupa nga’t heto ngayon, ang matapang na si VILMA,
Pumalaot at gumitna, sa ruweda ng pulitika,
Ang dalisay na puso niya, tanging hawak na sandata.
At tapat na paglilingkod, ang kalasag na panangga.

Kaya ako kahit paslit, at musmos pa ang isipan,
At hindi pa maaari, na sumali sa botohan;
Bilang tulong Ate Vi, sa sinuong mong laban,
Sa tula ko dadaanin, kumbinsihin taumbayan.

Kaya kayo mamay, nanay, inay itay, ate, kuya,
Ano ba ang isusulat na pangalan sa balota?
Di ba’t iyong taong tapat, nagmamahal sa balana,
Walang iba kundi siya, ang maganda, Ate VILMA.

Ang boto nyo kay Ate VI, ay boto sa kagaya ko,
At sa mga Batangenyong ang hangad ay pagbabago;
Sa kamay po ni Ate VI, bukas nami’s sigurado,
Pagka’t siya’y makatao, makadiyos at korecto.

Ang gabi po’y lumalamim, at orasa’y naghuhudyat,
Na para bang sinasabi, na tyo ay mapupuyat,
Pero sana ang hiling ko sa inyo pong tan’t lahat,
Pangalan po ni Ate Vi, sa balota ay isulat.

The youngest poet sa campaign sorties ni
Ate Vi is Aljohn Domingo (left) kasama ang
proud mother niya.

SCREEN QUEEN
by Obet Sapin
You’ve been our dearest inspiration
Loving you is our eternal passion
You’re the one and only Star for All Seasons
For you’ve got all the best and immense reasons

Your beauty and talent are immortal
That’s why you’re up there on the pedestal
Your body of work is really world class
Indeed, you’re the country’s premiere lass

Having an untarnished reputation
You’re truly the pride of the nation
Everybody hails you as the lovely Screen Queen
Awards and great admiration you always win

In our hearts and minds you’ll forever be present
You’ll prepetually be the most resplendent
You’re the greatest and ever brightest star
No one can come close or be on par

We will faithfully love a role model like you
For you’ve always been honest and true
All you’ve done is for a noble cause
Since you’re the magnificent Vilma Santos

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What’s Love Got To Do With It – Isang Gabi Tatlong Reyna

Posted on July 23, 2010 by @ffv Standard

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One rainy Friday night in August, 1990, all roads led to the Metropolitan Theater where the top-rating and the most awarded musical-variety TV show VILMA! would air one of its most-watched episodes, ever.

Vilma Santos, who would turn 37 that year, was on cloud nine. She was the toast of the town, in both movies and television. Her Lino Brocka directed movie, “Hahamakin Lahat” was a commercial and critical success. Come hell or high water (there was a tropical storm), fans queued at the SRO theaters and saw her out and out Cruella Deville role as Gabby Concepcion’s paramour. Some like her bad.

Vilma, the versatile actress scored again. Earlier, she won her first of six Star PMPC and her fourth Urian best actress awards for her ’best’ performance in years in Pahiram ng Isang Umaga, which was directed by Ishmael Bernal. She also just finished Kapag Langit ang Humatol with Laurice Guillen at the helm. At the PMPC Star Awards for TV, Vilma’s show harvested the biggest awards. And on that particular rainy night at the jam packed Metropolitan Theater, Vilma Santos was paying tribute to a Movie Queen she loved dearly and who reciprocated that love. Amalia Fuentes was the special guest, who just turned 50. Vilma! was giving her a tribute, with special appearances of former Sampaguita Productions ’stars.’

Everybody knew that despite the infamous Romeo Vasquez/Vilma Santos le-affair Amalia and Vilma remained the best of friends. With a sincere, charismatic and humble La Vilma, who could resist her charm? Yes, the original Taray Queen, forceful and outspoken former queen of Philippine movies, she with a strong personality but with the most beautiful face in Philippine cinema, acquiesced to her friend’s request to grace the most watched TV show. Love begets love. Respect begets respect. The retired and reclusive Amalia Fuentes could not say no to the current darling of Philippine movies.

To recall, the senior and junior movie queens appeared in these movies: Bulaklak at Paru-paro (1970), Mga Reynang Walang Trono(1976) and Asawa Ko, Huwag Mong Agawin (1986). Amalia directed Vilma’s episode in Mga Reyna and agreed to second billing to Vilma in Asawa Ko. No doubt about it, Amalia Muhlach Sumilang Fuentes, is a Vilmanian. To seal their sisterhood and camaraderie, Vilma is Ninang to Liezl Martinez and to the latter’s son Alfonso. Why, Liezl even sang a song ’’Wind Beneath My Wings’ to her surprised mother that night which drove the strong-willed and still beautiful Amalia to tears. A Kodak moment, indeed. Priceless! While interviewing the three Muhlach generations, Fuentes, Liezl and young daughter Aliyanna, Amalia revealed to Vilma that she is protective of her ’unica hija’ Liezl. “Ay naku, I think I also have become like my Mom, I’m also very protective of my children,” Liezl remarks.

Ex-Sampaguita stars Luis Gonzales and German Moreno served as Vilma’s co-hosts who provided comic relief as they recalled their Sampaguita days with Amalia Fuentes. Debonair Eddie Gutierrez also came to greet Amalia a Happy Birthday. Then Daisy Romualdez, Amalia’s contemporary and best friend danced the mambo/cha-cha with dancing queen Vilma, along with Kuya Germs and Luis Gonzalez. “I messed up that dance number,” Daisy gamely confesses, “wala kasing practice.” On her friend Nena (Amalia), Daisy admires her colleague for being frank and outspoken like her. “Nagkasundo kami kaagad dahil pareho kaming prangka ni Nena, hindi kami plastik,” she bemuses.

The highlight of the evening was when Vilma introduced another special guest, the other Queen of Philippine movies, Amalia’s rival, Ms. Susan Roces. Radiant and regal in her Susan Roces hairdo and dark, glossy gown, Ms. Roces was polite and generous with her comments on her kumare-rival. Vilma, obviously starstruck, throws a question to Susan: “What can you say about Ate Nena as being mataray and you Ate Susan as soft-spoken?” Susan: “I’d like to make a correction Vi, Amalia is not mataray, she is just outspoken, pero nasa lugar, so there’s a difference there.” Applause from the audience. “Alam mo ba Vi na my mother dotes on Amalia dahil pareho silang prangka? Sabi ng Mommy ko, iyang si Susan hindi pumaris kay Amalia, prangka at di iyakin.”

Amalia on Susan: “I want to be like Susan dahil she is so sweet and soft-spoken. Doon nga sa weekly sessions namin, sabi ni Doctor Perez, why don’t you be like Susan, matiyaga sa fans, ikaw, sumakit lang ang ulo mo, ayaw mo nang harapin ang fans.” Guffaws and chuckles. The conversation turns serious. Vilma: “How did you handle the competition? Did the intrigues get in your way, affected you?” Susan, smiling sweetly, with a politically correct comment: “Hindi naman. We were in the same movie company and we were treated fairly. We’re like one big family. In your case with Nora, and Gloria Romero and Nida Blanca, it’s different. Magka-iba kayo ng movie companies.” Vilma: “Ay ang sarap, sana, one of these days magksama rin kami ni Nora Aunor like this one, Ate Susan and Ate Nena, together.”

Amalia Fuentes, Susan Roces and Vilma Santos. Isang Gabi, Tatlong Reyna. – Susan, a movie queen, honoring a rival-friend movie queen Amalia on her 50th. birthday. Amalia confessed on the show and thanked Susan for throwing a surprise birthday party for her days before the Vilma show. What’s love got to do with it? In the case of Susan and Amalia, it’s love. In the case of Vilma and Amalia, it’s also love. Diva to diva. Competitors can be friends. May it also happen to Vilma Santos and Nora Aunor. Rivals on the silver screen, friends for life. A fter all, love conquers all. It is more permanent than fleeting fame and fortune. What’s Love Got To Do With It? Isang Gabi Tatlong Reyna – Mario O. Garces, V Magazine

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Gov. Vi for vice president?

Posted on July 23, 2010 by @ffv Standard

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There’s an offer, yes, for her to be the runningmate of Vice Pres. Noli de Castro in 2010 and she’s flattered but Vilma Santos said she’d rather focus on her job as governor of Batangas than give it a thought at the moment. She said this and more during the launch of her partnership with Pfizer as celebrity endorser of the pain reliever Ponstan. The well-attended event was held at the Isla Ballroom of Edsa Shangri-La Hotel in Ortigas the other day.

Governor Vi, looking dainty and fresh in a red suit, was her usual candid and articulate self when she answered questions from columnist Cito Beltran who hosted the launch. As to how she handles responsibility, she said “hindi madali but I always give my best, binibigay ko buong-buo serbisyo na kapalit ng pagtitiwala ng mga tao sa akin…” If she said it’s not easy for her to do this, it’s because she’s also a wife (to former Sen. Ralph Recto who’s her mentor and senior adviser she said) and mother to Luis who’s now making a name for himself as actor, TV host and as celebrity product endorser too, and Ryan who she described as very intelligent, “laging nasa honor list.”

“But it’s really inspiring to be given trust and confidence,” she stressed. Though diminutive in size, Vi has always been feisty and strong, as she proved her mettle in everything she does, first as a no- nonsense actress who amassed accolades and awards and later as a politician. At the start of her political career, many expressed misgivings and doubts. But the challenges only made Vi stronger, and more determined, to prove her detractors wrong. She stressed: “Lalo akong tumitibay sa mga challenges, kaya kong salungatin ang mga paghamak,” and Cito likened her to the famed Batangas knife, “tumatalim kapag hinahasa.”

She never thought she’d be a politician “but I finished three terms as mayor of Lipa, and I should say, with flying colors,” she proudly stated. It was a gargantuan task becoming mother to more than 200,000 Lipeños. “On my first year, I did housekeeping for Lipa, and I succeeded naman. Maraming problema at hindi sabay-sabay nagagawan ng solusyon ang mga ito but nagawan ko naman ng paraan ang lahat.”

Now, as governor of her province, Vi is mother to more than two million Batangueños. Her biggest concerns as governor are embodied in the acronym HEARTS – Health, Education/Environment, Agriculture, Roads or infrastructure, Tourism and Security. The biggest bulk of the province’s budget “sa HEARTS napupunta,” the lady governor said. Kung may enough time, comfortable na ang province, kung okay nang projects ko, pag-racket naman sa pelikula, duon ako kikita naman.

Her job is physically, emotionally and mentally draining, she admited but she isn’t complaining. She finds it amusing that sometimes in the middle of an important meeting, she would be called out of it because a group or even a busload of visitors wanted to see her in person even if only for a minute. “Entertaining people, tapos picture-taking pa na walang katapusan, talagang nakakapagod, nakakastress but it’s all part of the job ika nga. At pag nakaramdam na ako ng sakit, sakit ng ulo, sakit ng katawan at ano pang sakit, that’s when I take Ponstan. My mother taught me to take pain reliever when needed, at usually she recommended Ponstan, at hindi lang pala sakit ng ipin ang nagagamot nito. Para sa akin, if you don’t feel well, huwag ka na humarap sa constituents mo, kasi your condition will reflect in your person.”

She related that when Pfizer approached her for a possible endorsement of a product, they didn’t tell her what product it would be. But when Vi learned that it would be for Ponstan, she accepted without second thoughts, having used the product almost all her life and having proven for herself its effectivity as a pain reliever. “Hindi na kami nahirapan nag-negotiate,” Vi said. “We are very excited and honored to have Governor Vi as our celebrity endorser. We could not have chosen anyone else to effectively communicate the brand’s message to the public,” said Laiza Filart, product manager of Ponstan SF. She added that the choice to have Gov. Vi as the latest face behind Ponstan is the striking parallelism between the highly-effective brand and the hardworking public official. “They are really fit to be unstoppable partners. – Written by Crispina Martinez-Belen, Manila Bulletin 2/22/08

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Products Endorsements

Posted on July 23, 2010 by @ffv Standard

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Eskinol, Lux, M.Y. San Biscuit, Coke, Bear Brand, Glad, Globe, All Asia Mutual Funds, Smart Phone Cards

Other products: Ponstan SF (pain ointment) and Ariel (laudry detergent)

ARTICLES - Product Endorsement The Generic Pharmacy

ARTICLES - product endorsement Lux 1974 1

ARTICLES - product endorsement Lux 1974 2

ARTICLES - product endorsement Lux 1974 3

ARTICLES - Product Endorsement - Luisa and Sons 1

ARTICLES - Product Endorsement - Luisa and Sons 3

ARTICLES - Product Endorsement - Luisa and Sons 2

ARTICLES - product endorsement eskinol contract

ARTICLES - product endorsement eskinol 1990s

ARTICLES - product endorsement eskinol 1980s

ARTICLES - product endorsement Breeze 1994

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No saint but not the devil

Posted on July 23, 2010 by @ffv Standard

At the launch of her latest product endorsement— the pain reliever Ponstan—actress and Batangas Gov. Vilma Santos, consummate pro that she was, fielded questions about huge national headaches, tossed by host Cito Beltran. In a phone interview with Inquirer Entertainment shortly after, she admitted that the ticklish queries had caught her by surprise. At the launch, she said she was “honored” to have been asked, but that she wasn’t keen on being the running mate of possible presidential candidate Noli de Castro in 2010. She was concentrating on being governor at the moment, she said.

She was sad that intrigues were derailing “good programs,” she added. “Corruption is everywhere, even in the private sector.” Santos told Inquirer that the only way to stop corruption was for “everyone to change.” She said she was intently following political goings-on, particularly the current Senate hearings. The state of the nation was “frustrating,” she said, “[but] I refuse to lose hope.” She said her husband, former Sen. Ralph Recto, often quizzed her on current events. Also, “I listen to the radio on my way to work.” In times of confusion such as these, she asserted, it’s best to “first study all the sides of a story and not to react recklessly.”

Plus factor – She conceded that celebrity is a “plus factor” in politics. “When my [constituents] say I inspire them, that is the best compliment. Being an artist, I know that’s what I give to people.” Trust is one more thing she has earned, she said, “through hard work and honesty. If I cannot deliver something, I say it. I don’t like people waiting in vain.” She pointed out, “No one is perfect. I am no saint, but definitely I am not the devil.” Her husband guides her every step of the way, she said. “He’s my political adviser. He checks all the documents to make sure I wouldn’t get in trouble with the Ombudsman.” Definitely, she said, she isn’t one to be swiftly lured by easy money. “Sanay akong kumita ng pera (I’m used to earning my keep). I’ve been working since I was 9,” she quipped. “I tell my constituents: Please allow me to do movies and commercials. You know how well show business pays.”

In fact, she is one of the highest paid stars in the industry. Apart from Ponstan, she is also the endorser of Bear Brand milk and Ariel detergent. There are three movie offers from Star Cinema—with John Lloyd Cruz, son Luis Manzano and Sharon Cuneta. Plus, she is raring to take the indie route. She looks forward to start work on Raya Martin’s “Independencia” in September or October. “It’s something new for me. We will shoot for just 10 days, everything inside a studio.” – Bayani San Diego Jr., Philippine Daily Inquirer 02/21/2008 (READ MORE)

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collection of brief articles

Posted on July 23, 2010 by @ffv Standard

Vilmanians, diehard fans of Vilma Santos, 45, the renowned actress-politician and the longest-reigning box-office queen in the Philippines. Last year, hundreds of screaming Vilmanians jammed the Quezon City tax office as Santos showed up to pay delinquent taxes. Many of them had come to seek her authograph. Santos, whose full name is Rosa Vilma Tuazon Santos-Recto, began her career as an award-winning child actress and singer in 1963. In 1992, she married Ralph Gonzalez Recto, scion of a famous political clan in Batangas province, just south of Manila. Recto, then only 28, parlayed his wife’s name to win a congressional seat in Batangas. He ran as “Mr. Vilma Santos.” Last year, Santos herself contested and won the elections for mayor of Lipa City in Batangas. She has denied accusations that her family is trying to build a political dynasty. People vote for the Recto clan, she said in a television interview before the elections, because “they had done a good job in the province.” Vilmanians would unhesitatingly agree. – June 25, 1999 Asiaweek

Vilma Santos ranked 86th in BizNewsAsia Magazines’ 100 Most Powerful Filipinos – Education: Crash course on local governance, primary health care, human resource development and fiscal administration, UP. The Star for all season has proved cynics wrong that movie people have little between their ears, aside from a beautiful face or a handsome profile. As mayor of burgeoning Lipa, she has been chosen “most outstanding city mayor” in 2000 by the Civil Service Commission. Her popularity helped her husband Ralph Recto win a senate seat in 2001, and she can easily win a senate seat for herself if she gets tired of running Lipa city. The mayor with an ageless face received the Ten Young Achievers award in 1992. – BizNewsAsia Magazine, June 2004

Charito Solis: “Vilma is a better actress than Nora” – OOPS! Keep your cool, dear Noranians, and listen to Charito Solis’ explanation before you accuse her of being, uh, “maka-Vilma.” “Vilma has a wider range as an actress while Nora is limited and typecast in certain roles,” Charito said in a tone devoid of intrigue, answering our question in a straightforward, matter-of-fact manner. “Si Vilma, puede kahit anong role, kahit bold. You can’t imagine Nora doing a bold role, can you?” But, and that’s the big but, “Nora has more depth than Vilma,” Charito added, “and it’s because of her expressive eyes. Nora is very effective in scenes where she doesn’t say anything, just act with her eyes, at ‘yan ang kulang ni Vilma. Vilma has to say something to be effective.” Charito has worked with Vilma twice (in “Mga Tigre ng SierraCruz” and “Modelong Tanso”) and with Nora once (“Minsan May Isang Ina”). Speaking in general now, said Charito, “Vilma is the better actress.” We asked Charito that ticklish question during the lunch presscon for her latest movie, the star-studded Mother’s Day offering of Regal Films titled “Dear Mama”, which also stars Gloria Romero, Laurice Guillen, Snooky, Janice de Belen, Julie Vega, Manilyn Reynes, Jaypee de Guzman, Rey “PJ” Abellana and Alicia Alonzo in the title role. Our own personal opinion somehow jibes with that of Charito whose “throne”, I suppose, will be inherited by Vilma (while Nora will inherit the “throne” of the other drama queen, Lolita Rodriguez). – Funfare by Ricardo F. Lo, The Phil. Star – 03 April 1984

Vilma is the first Filipino actress to be featured in Time Magaziine. – The Philippines: Let Them See Films. When politics became pretty much a one-man show in the Philippines, the people lost a prime source of entetainment. Part of the gap has been filled by a burhome-grown film industry, which displayed nine of its new productions at the Manila Film Festival last month. Some 2 million moviegoers saw the films. Some of the movies were historical dramas pointing up the search for a Filipino identity during the long years of Spanish rule. But the most acclaimed were contemporary stories with a heavy populist touch. The festival’s smash hit was Burlesk Queen, starring Filipino Superstar Vilma Santos. It tells the syrupy tale of a poor girl who turns to burlesque dancing to support a crippled father. She falls in love with the son of a politician, elopes with him, and then tragically loses him back to his possessive mother. The treacle is supplemented with some gritty argument about the rights and wrongs of burlesque, with a lefthanded dig at censors. Huffs the burlesque impresario at one point: “Who are they to dictate wha the people should see?” – Time Magazine Feb. 13, 1978 Vol. 111 No. 7

Actress-politician Vilma Santos Recto receives a picture frame containing her image and that of the gumamela named after her, Hibiscus-Rosasinensis, from plant breeder Reynold Pimentel.

Manila – TV artist Mari-Len Martinez’ single debut on Villar is “If You Could Read My Mind.” her signing fee is one fo the highest here….Jean Young, another TV artist whose national breakout years ago was “Nikki Hoeki,” also was signed by Villar. Formerly, she was recording artist of Jonal, now in the verge of closing up…The new male contractees of Villar are the Two of Us (Jojit Paredes and Ronnie Henares) and balladeer Jun Polistico. Single debut of the Two of Us is “Snow Queen of Texas” while Polistico’s is “Theme from “Godfather.” Alice Mendez, grand national champion of the institurional “Tawag ng Tanghalan” radio-TV amateur program, debuted in the release of a “A House is Not a Home” on Pioneer, a label of Vicor Music. The song was her winning piece last year…Vicor is preparing the album debut on Badjaoof TV host and columnist Justo C. Justo. The LP will be in the Visayas-Mindanao region of the Philippines. 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…the film musical “Winter Holiday,” which stars Nora Aunor (Alpha) and Tirso Cruz III (Vicor) was second top grosser in the recently concluded Manila Film Festival. The team’s movie musical “Guy and Pip” was the top grosser last year…”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…Vicor artist Victor Laurel will do a film with Lea Productions opposite Hilda Koronel. – Oskar Salazar, Billboard July 29 1972

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If Vilma comes, can Edgar be far behind?

Posted on July 22, 2010 by @ffv Standard

I saw this book of Lorna Kalaw Tirol titled “Above the crowd.” It caught my attention when I saw the drawing of Vilma’s face which was the most beautiful one compared to other caricatures. This book contained interviews of Kris, Kuh, Nora, Lino Brocka and others. The pictures was illustrated by Nonoy Marcelo. Let me share you the article about Vi (Vilma Santos) and Bot (Edgar Mortiz).

“If Vilma comes, can Edgar be far behind? In the colorful world of the Filipino movie fan, circa 1971, the ideological lines (with all due respect to the radicals and the moderators in the movement) are sharply drawn. One is either for Nora Aunor or for Vilma Santos. One cannot like both and be worthy of the name “movie fan.” In fact, there are no fans in the case of Nora and Vilma; they are only fanatics. Nora, her loyal subjects maintain, has a far better singing voice than Vilma. That, counters the Santos camp, is because Vilma is primarily an actress and only incidentally a singer. And Vilma of the doll-like face is definitely the prettier of the two, her fanatics boast.

There, we think, the debate should end. The assignment was to interview Vilma Santos for a cover story. We were told that we could catch her one Saturday morning at an Antipolo resort where she was shooting Wonderful World of Music for Tagalog Ilang Ilang. Her director was there, all right, and so was Snooky (child star), too self conscious and too small for her age. But Vilma was still in Cabanatuan, and so was Edgar. The following Wednesday she was scheduled to start filming for another Tagalog Ilang Ilang picture, Young Lovers. With a title like that, we thought, the movie couldn’t be anything but a further buildup of the Edgar-Vilma love team. But who wants a story when you can have your fill of Vilma and Edgar exchanging sweet words and glances? We were at this house in Quezon City, site of the first day of shooting, at nine in the morning. The entire cast and crew were there, except for the leading lady and her leading man. When they arrived an hour and a half later, the place seemed to come alive.

The young lovers were chaperoned by Mrs. Santos, pretty and amply proportioned. We were relieved to see none of the burly tomboys who smothered Nora. It was Edgar Mortiz, with his height and size, who looked more like Vilma’s bodyguard. If he were slim and shorter, he could pass for her shadow. Yet it is difficult to imagine him in the role of bodyguard, he is what older folk would describe as mukhang musmos pa. Edgar Mortiz is, in fact, younger than Vilma Santos who, at 17, is no giggly teenager. She is a woman and she knows it. “A LOT of people tell me that I am very mature for my age” she says at the start of the interview. “I feel it myself. I like to think that I have the mind of 23-yearold woman.” She speaks with unusual poise and selfconfidence, a self-assurance which must explain why she strikes some people as suplada.

Vilma had little time to be a child. When she was nine and a student at St. Mary’s Academy in Manila, an uncle who was a cameraman at Sampaguita introduced her to Dr. Jose Perez. Not long afterward, Rosa Vilma Santos made her first film, Trudis Liit, where she played the title role. Shooting schedules were arranged so as not to conflict with her studies: she attended school in the morning, reported to the set in the afternoon. More pictures for Sampaguita followed, including two on the life of Ferdinand Marcos, in which she was cast as Imee. When the time came for Vilma to choose between school and a film career, she readily chose the latter. “We study so we can get a job later, di ba? Well, I have a job already.”

When she does decide to resume her studies (she was in fourth year high school when she quit), she wants to go into fine arts. Right now however, her thoughts are on her career and, if we are to believe her studio’s drumbeaters, Edgar. Is he or isn’t he? That is as intriguing a question to their fanatics as Imelda Marcos’s political ambition is to newspaper columnists. The love team of Vilma and Edgar has been going strong for two years now. Whether on TV’s Sensations and Edgar Loves Vilma or on radio’s “Hot line 1250 with Edgar and Vilma” or in advertising gimmicks, the latest of which is birthday party with Vilma and Edgar, the team-up has proved to be a hit. They are, in addition, neighbors somewhere in Quezon City. Doesn’t she get tired of being paired with him? “Of course not,” she says petulantly. Whether their apparent fondness for each other is the real thing or just plain acting is hard to tell. When not holding hands, which is most of the time, they have their arms around each other. “I’m not really a singer,” Vilma admits, “but Edgar is teaching me how to sing.” Love team come and go, but that is the least of Vilma’s worries. Show business is her world. She wants to stay in it for as long as she can. “Sana magtagal ako”, she says. Even without Edgar? – Asia-Philippines Leader July 9, 1971

Today, Vilma Santos is still the most bankable star of Philippine cinema. Her movies continued to be boxoffice hits. She is the most awarded actress in the country and a respected public servant. Edgar on the other hand is now a TV director. He now a happy family man. He’s now part of the Teleserye “Kampanerang Kuba” which happened to be the remake of a Vi & Bot hit during the 70’s. Recently, Vilma was one of the sponsors of Edgar’s daughter’s wedding The former love team are now Kumpares Kumares. – Franco Gabriel, V Magazine 2007 (READ MORE)