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Vilma…Born Winner

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And the winner is…Vilma Santos.  The U.P. College of Mass Communication announces the choice of Ms. Vilma Santos as the recipient of Gawad Plaridel 2005.  Born winner ngang matatawag ang QueenStar na si Vilma Santos dahil halos lahat ng larangan ng kanyang pinasukan ay naging matagumpay,hindi nga lang siguro siya Star for All Seasons and Reasons sa punto ng pagiging aktres.  Laging kinikilala sa kanyang kahusayan sa magkakaibang panahon ng pamamayagpag, making her an actress for all seasons, indeed!  Like the fabled Midas Touch, Vilma Santos seemingly has that power to transform into gold, whatever her petite hands can touch.  In the movies and on television, she is the undisputed Star for All Seasons.On the domestic front, she is victorious mom to Luis and Ryan Christian.

Huling pinasok at sinubukan ni Ate Vi ang magulong daigdig ng pulitika.  Sa kanyang huling termino bilang Ina ng Lipa City, pinatunayan niya kung gaano siya kaseryoso bilang aktres ay mas lalong pursigido na mapagbuti ang kalagayan ng kanyang kababayan at nasasakupan.  Wala na ngang dapat patunayan pa si Ate Vi, tunay ngang siya’y na namumukod-tangi bilang bituin.  Katangi-tangi siya bilang artista at lingkod-bayan.  Sa malao’t madali, magbubunga ng maganda ang kanyang pagpupunyagi.  Ipinapalagay na kundi man gobernador ng Batangas, nakatakdang tumuntong si Ate Vi sa Senado. 

But all things considered, isa lang ang vision nais ni Mayor Vilma in 10 years from now, a place in Malacanang.  Ang maging First Lady na hindi malayong mangyari.  If ever na matupad, the Vilmanians will rejoice at sasabihing “Heaven.” And “You’re such a victorious lady.”  As a star, Vilma Santos, is the last of the great movie queen.  As an actress, well, she has nothing to prove anymore.  Unarguably, Ate Vi has etched her mark in the local showbiz industry and maintain that status.  Already being considered a pillar in the celluloid world, Vilma has claimed not only to great results of her movies, but to the critical acclaim that her movies enjoy.

Even the most rabid Noranians will have to concede to Vilma’s enduring popularity and spell-binding mass appeal.  Bluntly and simply stated, Vilma is the country’s reigning movie queen, Sharon Cunetas’ presence notwithstanding.  Vilma Santos is undeniably the country’s uncontested Star for All Seasons and QueenStar.  Without a modicum of an exaggeration, her lofty achievements in the industry still have to be duplicated nor equalled by anyone.  She is definitely one of the highest paid star, darling of the press and without scintilla of a doubt, showbusiness personified.  She is the quintessential image of a real movie star-beautiful and glamorous, well-mannered and a seasoned actress.  It is easy to be awed by Vilma Santos.  The name warrants all caps in the Philippine entertainment: charisma that goes beyond unquestioned talent. – Written by Willie Fernandez V Mag  2005

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Repost: Woman For All Seasons

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Star for All Seasons Vilma Santos proved that every woman could conquer whatever field she wants to pursue as long as she gives her heart and soul to it.

She’s so petite and yet so tall in all her accomplishments in life: as a loving and dedicated wife, a devoted mother to her two sons, a multi-awarded actress, a dedicated public servant and most especially a woman worth emulating. Indeed, Vilma Santos-Recto is also a woman for all seasons. She was able to cross the border of many boundaries in life, in her chosen profession as an actress and now as a public servant. “Gusto ko ang mga challenges sa buhay. Pag sinabi nila na hindi ko kaya, pinatutunayan kong mali sila (I love challenges in life. Whenever they underestimate my ability, I’ll prove to them that I can), ‘Vilma says when asked by Cito Beltran during the launching of Ponstan SF where she was launched as its official model endorser.

BEGINNINGS – Maria Rosa Vilma Tuazon Santos started as a child actress at the age of nine in Tudis Liit in 1963, the same movie that gave her first FAMAS best child actress award. The daughter of Milagros and the late Amado Santos, Vilma was seen by her mother as a real trooper. Mrs. Milagros recalls, “When she was still a little girl, I saw her ability to make it big someday.” Her mother, who was also present during the launching, was acknowledged by Vilma to have introduced her to Ponstan when she was just 21 years old. From Trudis Liit, Vilma transformed to be a lovely teen icon in the late ’60s until the ’70s with blockbuster movies like Lipad, Darna, Lipad, Dyesebel at ang Mahiwagang Kabibi, Kampanerang Kuba, among others.

WOMAN’S ROLES – With almost 200 films under her belt, Vilma is regarded as the longest reigning Box-Office Queen of Philippine Cinema. And among these films are critically acclaimed for tackling roles on various women’s issues. Burlesk Queen was one of the turning points in Vilma’s life and career. From being a sweet teen icon, she proved to be a mature actress in this movie. It was followed by other award-winning movies like Rubia Servious, Relasyon, Sister Stella L, Dolzura Cortez, Dekada ’70, Bata, Bata, Paano Ka Ginawa?, and Anak. A versatile and intense actress, Vilma honed her craft through the various top caliber directors, writers and actors she worked with.

MUSICAL SHOWS – Though Vilma admitted that only her fans would love to hear her singing prowess, Vilma’s musical variety TV shows emerged on top for many years – The Sensations, VIP and the long-running multi-awarded Vilma. Again, Vilma proved that she can make wonders whatever it takes. “It’s really blood, sweat and tears. But when you love your work, it will love you back,” she says recalling her struggles to stay on top of the entertainment industry.

THE BIG LEAP – Marrying Ralph Recto was one of the happiest changes in Vilma’s life and it turned to be the road to another career in her life. “I never thought that I will be a public servant, not in my wildest imagination,” Vilma admitted while talking to a lot of eager reporters and writers she obviously missed for a long time. “But this is the life I have now and I believe it was given to me because He (referring to GOD) wants me to make a difference in other people’s lives,” Vilma enthuses. The first woman mayor of Lipa and now the first woman governor of Batangas, Vilma considers herself lucky for having earned the trust of Batangueños. “Their faith in me is priceless,” says Vilma in another interview.

WOMAN STRATEGY – A real woman in all her endeavors, Vilma considers herself the mother of all her constituents in Batangas. She looks upon them as children who need her care and attention. “At first, I did the housekeeping of the province. We had the poverty diagnostic approach to know the concerns of all the constituents of Batangas, then when we got the budget we allocated to my HEARTS priorities,’ Vilma shares when asked about her priority projects for Batangas. HEARTS means health, education, agriculture, road (infrastructure), tourism and security. “I believe in teamwork and family approach. I consider them my family, that’s why last Valentine, I gave chocolates to all the departments of the governor’s office to let them know that we can make HEARTS work if we are team,'” Vilma recalls.

ACTING AGAIN – For this year, Vilma has two wishes: to start implementing her projects and to make movie. “There are three movies I committed to finish – one with John Lloyd, one with my son Luis and one with Sharon Cuneta but because I became the governor of Batangas, I have to ask for extension because I have to see to it that I implement my projects in Batangas first,” Vilma explains begging her fans to wait for her. But she quickly adds, “Whatever I have now is because I am a showbiz personality. I owe it to my first profession but my role is real life. Isang pagkakamali ko lang at pumalpak, masisira ako at ang mga constituent ko. Ayaw kong sumugal (One mistake and it will ruin not only my name but also the lives of my constituents, and I don’t gamble).

FIRST PRIORITY – But above all these priorities, Vilma admits that being a wife to Ralph and mother to her two sons Luis and Ryan are still her number one priority. Still a woman devoted to her husband, Vilma always acknowledge Ralph’s help and inspiration in her career as a public servant. “Public service is Ralph’s life and I learned to embrace it through him. Though we have differences in ideas, sometimes we clash, at hindi naman ako magpapatalo (I will not give in without a fight), I listen to Ralph. After all, whatever I achieve as a public servant, I owe it to my husband who has been my mentor up to now,” Vilma enthuses. With Luis, Vilma is a doting mother who just listens to his son’s escapades and love life. “I don’t want to meddle with my son’s life. I just advice him to enjoy life and to do what is right so that he will not commit mistakes that he might eventually regret.” She also finds time to help Ryan in his studies. “I help him in doing his projects especially when there are art works and proud ako na honor student ang anak ko,” Vilma says.

TIME FOR MYSELF – With all her roles in life, Vilma sees to it that she finds time for herself. “Ah, yan ang hindi mawawala. Every weekend, I do the treadmill, tae boxing, and yes, even swimming,” she proudly says. I also eat anything but always in moderation. Medyo conscious na ako kasi 38 na ako eh,” she jokingly says. Vilma will turn 55 this year and is not scared to age gracefully. “I think when you’re happy, you’re comfortable, you find time for yourself, you exercise, you eat good food in moderation and you love what you’re doing, then it’s the secret.” As a parting word Vilma says, “When I was able to make a difference in other people’s lives, then it adds to my positive outlook in life and it inspire me to do more.”

UNSTOPPABLE PARTNERSHIP – For more than four decades, Ponstan has been relieving body aches, pains, making it a household name when it comes to reliable fast relief. Just about the same time when Ponstan was strongly gaining the trust of consumers, the public witnessed the emergence of a talented and eye-catching young performer who will later become the country’s multi-awarded actress and eventually the first woman governor of the province of Batangas. “We are very excited and honored to have Gov. Vilma Santos-Recto as our celebrity endorser. We could not have chosen anyone else to effectively communicate the brand’s message to the public,” says Laiza Filart, Ponstan SF product manager. Filart further states that the choice to have Gov. Vi as the latest face behind Ponstan is the striking parallelism between the brand and the hardworking public official. “They are really fit to be unstoppable partners,” she adds. Gov. Vi has been known to pull all the stops whenever she sets her eye on her goals. As a show business personality, she aimed only for the best, which made her the most awarded actress in the country. As a politician, she willingly took the challenge posed by her constituents and run for the gubernatorial seat in the province of Batangas in 2007, earning her the title Ina ng Batangas. And as a family woman, she is never short in filling their home with love, respect and happiness. As Gov. Vi juggles her schedule as a politician, an actress, a wife and a mom, she sometimes finds herself in pain – whether in the form of a headache or backache. Whenever such pains strike, Gov. Vi relies on Ponstan to help her get through the day. “My work is physically, mentally and emotionally demanding. So when I get a headache, I immediately take Ponstan to relieve the pain.” states Gov. Vi.

Source: “Woman For All Seasons” by Lea Manto-Beltran, HEALTH NEWS magazine, Mar 2008, Vol. 12 No. 4, Transcribed by Alfonso Valencia and posted at the three Vilma Santos Yahoo e-groups, March 2008.

Ang Sarap ng Buhay Kapag May Isang Vilma Santos

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Yan po ay katagang namutawi sa labi ng isa nating magaling na taga-panulat at kasama sa Editorial staff ng VS Newsletter, ang VILMA!

Ang tinutukoy ko po ay ang kasama nating Vilmanian na si Mr. Mario Garces na ngayo’y naka-base sa New Jersey, U.S.A.  Hihiramin ko po panandalian ang katagang yan ni kuya Mar as I fondly called him with his kind permission upang maibahagi at maipadama sa inyo ang nararamdaman ng milyun-milyong Vilmanians all over the GLOBE sa patuloy na tagumpay na ipinagkakaloob ng Maykapal sa Nag-iisang Bituin at Reyna ng Pelikulang Pilipino, Ms. Vilma Santos-Recto.   Tunay na maipagmamalaki ng kahit sinumang Vilmanians (at maging ng mga di Vilmanians) ang isang Vilma Santos.

Patunay niyan ay ang bagong karangalang iginawad sa tinaguriang Star for All Seasons, ang 2005 Plaridel Award for Film na kamakailan ay iginawad ng U.P. College of Mass Communications sa seremonyang ginanap sa Cine Adarna (formerly U.P. Film Center) nung nakaraang ika-apat ng Hulyo ng taong kasalukuyan.  Ito ang ikalawang taon ng pagkakaloob ng U.P. College of MassCom ng karangalan sa mga alagad ng sining na nakapag-ambag ng malaking kontribusyon sa larangang kanilang ginagalawan, tulad ng film or cinema.  Nung nakaraang taon ang recipient ng prestihiyosong award na ito ay si Gng. Eugenia Apostol, ang founding chair ng Philippine Daily Inquirer.  Ito’y sa larangan naman ng print media.  At sa taon ngang ito ang butihing Mayor ng Lipa at kilalang “Ate Vi” sa karamihang Pilipino mula Appari hanggang Jolo ang ginawaran ng Plaridel Award sa larangan ng film.

Maituturing ito na pinakamataas at prestihiyosong karangalang natanggap ng iginagalang na aktres simula ng pasukin niya ang mundo ng pelikula sa edad ng siyam sa pelikulang “Trudis Liit” kung saan siya ang title role.  Sa pelikulang ito natanggap niya ang kauna-unahang karangalan, ang FAMAS Best Child Actress nung 1963.  Makalipas ang apatnapung-taon, ang dating “Trudis Liit” ay isa ng nirerespetong haligi ng sining ng pelikula, ang Gawad Plaridel awardee for film.

Ang Gawad Plaridel na kanyang natanggap ay patunay sa angking galing at respeto na ibinibigay sa nangungunang aktres ng bansa at sa kanyang naiambag sa industriya ng Pelikulang Pilipino.   She prevailed over her co-nominees for this award, namely, the 2003 National Artist awardee for cinema, Mr. Eddie Romero, and the highly-rated and A-1 Director, Mr. Mike de Leon, whose body of works include the now classic and De Leon’s most awarded film “Sister Stella L” that stars Ms. Vilma Santos herself.

Kung kaya’t napakasarap ng pakiramdam sa isang Vilmanian na tulad ko.  If I may borrow the now famous line of Ate Vi, “Heaven” ang feeling.  Lalo na’t kung maririnig mo ang mga papuri na ibinibigay ng iba’t ibang tao sa iba’t ibang antas ng lipunan.  Tulad na lamang ng mga pananalitang ito na binitawan ng mga nakasaksi sa seremonyang ginanap sa Cine Adarna.

“Ms. Santos’ speech, for me, was very profound and candid. I always had great respect and admiration for her as a person, public servant, and actress. After the lecture, that respect and admiration hot-air-ballooned. It became clear to me that even if this person is now worthy of having a constellation named after her, she is still as human and feet-on-the-ground as possible.”  (written by Ringhithion at 07:16 pm, posted in VS-R egroup on 13 July 2005).

“Natatawa ako habang kumukuha ng pictures, dahil dumadaloy pa rin pala kay mama ang dugong Vilmanian kahit ang tagal-tagal na.  Umuwi kaming parang nasa langit si mama dahil nakamayan pa nya si Vilma Santos” (shared by Jeannie Wong in Vilma’s eGroups, as taken from http://www.livejournal.com/users/armidoodles).  “She gambles her popularity to widen her scope as an actress,” proclaims Dr. Nicanor Tiongson, Dean of the College of Mass Communication of the University of the Philippines (UP). He adds, “She proves popularity and ratings need not degrade the craft.” (taken from an article by Rome Jorge)

“Star power is real power. It is the power to move people to tears, to make them cry and laugh and urge them to by with endorsements. It is to make them think what you want them to think, to make them feel what you feel. They should use it wisely, make people do good and aspire for better lives.”  (Dr. Sergio Cao, chancellor of UP Diliman who confessed being a star-struck fan, “I had to nebulize before coming here; I couldn’t breath.”)

“Because of her dedication to her craft and her portrayal of roles important to women and society, Ms. Santos deserves recognition not only from the viewing public, but also from the academic community.” (UP President Emerlinda Roman)

Producer Atty. Espiridion Laxa says Vilma “has reached this incomparable height of success because of several good traits: her discipline, her determination to excel in her acting profession and her knack for choosing the right roles.” (takern from Sights and Sounds by Gigi Javier-Alfonso)

Producer/ actress Charo Santos-Concio speaks of her as a “passionate thespian, her filmography boasts of a list films that are audacious, artistic, classic and socially relevant. Inevitably, she has brought to the limelight ordinary people with extraordinary lives and has created awareness of various socio-political issues.” (also from Sights and Sounds).

Ilan lamang ito sa maraming papuring natanggap, natatanggap at patuloy na tatanggapin pa ng Nag-iisang Bituin.  Tunay ngang “napakasarap ng buhay kapag may isang Vilma Santos.”  May inspirasyon at palaging ngiti ka sa iyong labi.  And what the next stop?  Di malayong ang kasunod nito’y ang “Gawad Pambansang Alagad Ng Sining” na o ang National Artist Award.  Am I dreaming?  Nope, am not.  After all, “Trudis Liit” is not the small lady anymore in the movie screen.  She’s gone a long, long way, dwarfing all pretending to the throne.  Vilma, mabuhay ka! – Written by Charlie Gomez, published in V magazine 2005

The Ultimate Vilma Santos Scrapbook

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There was a time when a fan’s devotion to his or her idol wasn’t measured by how much they’ve spent on all the advertised merchandise made available to the public.  Not every fan was able to afford the style of  clothes sported by the stars, let alone be able to purchase the latest glossy magazine with their idol’s perfect smile on the cover. It was a time when making a scrapbook was enough to call one a devotee.  Chosen photos collected from all sorts of publications were recycled, and carefully pasted on a simple spiral ring notebook.  This would be one of many treasured volumes of personalized scrapbooks that would be shared, traded, and admired by other adoring fans. Here’s a look at an original late 60’s scrapbook made by a Vilma Santos fan.  Many thanks to our good friend Edward De Los Santos for sharing scans of this amazing Vilma Santos scrapbook. For the best source of classic records, vintage magazines, and other amazing vintage collectibles, visit his Ebay stores: philippine.music (Ebay Philippines), and oldbestseller (Ebay USA). – Nostalgia Manila web-site

Komiks Ni Ate Vi

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The following are earlier comic strips of Vilma Santos courtesy of Vision Yahoo E-group moderator, Alan Trambulo of NYC.  This memorabilia are circa 1970s.  

 

beauty secrets

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Vilma Santos is the most highly awarded actress of film and television. Because of this, she earned the title of ‘The Star for All Seasons’ Her Weekly TV variety show ‘VILMA!’ won top awards from the New York Television Festival.  TV Host Nonong Pedero asked Vilma Santos about her beauty secrets 

NP: WHAT’S YOUR BEAUTY SECRET? 

VS: Actually I don’t have beauty secrets at all every time I come home from shooting, I removed my make-up and then I wash my face with warm water to open my pores so that all the make-up in my face ay lumabas. And then the next time pag meron trabaho that I need to put make-up I put ice in my face before putting my make-up so that my pores naman ay magsasara, so every time you put make-up di gaanong bukas ang pores mo.  That’s what I do…

NP: WHAT MAKES A WOMAN BEAUTIFUL? 

VS: A woman is beautiful if she’s real…. Yon totoong tao ba. She may have her head above the clouds, but she should have her feet on the ground. That’s what makes a woman beautiful. – Allan Trambulo, V magazine 2006

v magazine feedbacks

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LOYAL Vilmanians sent us the latest copy of their official organ, “The Vilma Santos Newsletter,” a special one entitled “The Nostalgia-Retro Issue, From Sweet 16 to the Golden Years.” This is a must that all Ate Vi fans should have.  Published once every two months, the editor is Marcus Peter Lee and the staffers are Eric Nadurata, Mar Garces, Franco Gabriel, Charles Gomez, Allan Trambulo, with Eddie Lozano and Fr. Juancho Gutierrez as contributing writers.

It traces Ate Vi’s life and career from the 60’s to the present, complete with photos from her past houses and movies. There are rarely seen posters of films like “Ging,” “Edgar Loves Vilma”, “Vilma Veinte Nueve,” “Lipad Darna Lipad,” “Pakawalan Mo Ako,” “Rubia Servios,” “Batya’t Palo-Palo” (with FPJ), “Burlesk Queen,” “Sinasamba Kita,” and many more.

 Fans can also obtain all sorts of trivia and information about their idol. We’re amazed at all the details about Ate Vi’s career that her fans have gathered through the years, including quotes from our review of her past movies we ourselves don’t remember anymore.

In their next issue, they promise to feature Ate Vi’s winning the Plaridel Award in U.P.  There are several Internet e-groups and sites about Ate Vi. The first was “Vilma Santos Star for All Seasons” Yahoo group on July 26, 2000, followed by the VSR e-groups on March 26, 2004, then the Vision e-group founded by Allan Trambulo in April of 2004, and the VSFanClubCanada that is the youngest among them. For the most comprehensive website dedicated to her, visit Eric Nadurata’s http://www.vilmasantos.net that contains her biography, filmography, latest news about her and other tidbits. – FREEHAND By Mario Bautista, People’s Journal, July 11, 2005

Salamat kay Marcus Peter Lee (aka Rendt) na nagpadala ng kopya sa amin ng Vilma Santos newsletter na galing pa sa Canada. Nagulat nga kami dahil sa isyung ‘yon ng newsletter, nostalgia ang konsepto nito.   Take note na kumpleto sila ng posters ng lumang movies ni Vilma Santos tulad ng Ging, Edgar Loves Vilma, Lipad, Darna, Lipad, Pakawalan Mo Ako, Rubia Servios, Magkaribal, Sister Stella L, Vilma Veinte Nueve, Batya’t Palu-Palo, Nakakahiya, Palimos ng Pag-ibig, Sinasamba Kita at Burlesk Queen.

Maging ang lumang photos ni Ate Vi na malusog pa ang mga pisngi, makikita sa newsletter. Lalo na ‘yung fans day nito sa bahay sa Magallanes.  Trip down memory lane talaga ito and worth keeping! Maging ang sinulat na review ni Butch Francisco sa Ging na ipinalabas sa Channel 9, naitago ng followers niya! To think na lumabas ‘yon nu’ng March 4, 1999 sa People’s Journal.

Truly, very commending ang ginawang ito ng mga followers ni Ate Vi lalo na ang editorial staff ng babasahin. At this point, aba, mahirap nang makuha ang mga kopya ng mga bagay na ‘yon na may kinalaman kay Vilma Santos.  Salamat, salamat, salamat! O, ‘yung next isyu, huwag kaming kalimutang padalhan, huh! – Talaga? Sige Na Nga by June Nardo Abante, July 10, 2005

the star for many more reasons

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MANILA, Philippines — Last month, we discussed leading female stars’ “career arcs” with some show biz colleagues and most of us agreed that Vilma Santos has had the most interesting and instructive career to date — and her future prospects could be even more remarkable! We have other outstanding female stars who’ve won all sorts of awards, essayed a great variety of roles with distinction, and enjoyed a nationwide influence beyond their show biz context.

Major crises – But, Vilma has done more, gone further and weathered major crises besides, so she’s in a category all her own. See if you agree: Vilma started her career as a child star, and this made her grow up in a hurry. Unlike many other child talents who stop getting offers at the onset of adolescence, Vilma kept right on working in front of the TV-movie cameras, all the way to pang-kilig teenybopper roles, her precocious love team with Edgar Mortiz, and young-adult roles.

Financial reverses pulled her down momentarily, but Vilma fought back and paid her debts, eliciting the admiration of entertainment industry leaders, who were surprised and gratified to see that the “cute” star had true grit going for her, as well.

Then came another challenge that threatened her career’s continuing upward trajectory: Vilma had been acting her heart out in her starrers, but she always seemed to end up second-best to Nora Aunor when it came to awards. As a result, Vilma took a hard look at her options, and decided to concentrate on relatively daring roles that Nora felt incapable of doing full justice to.

Challenging roles – This meant that Vilma would go for challenging roles like the tragic stripper in “Burlesk Queen,” the demented lead in “Dama de Noche,” and the modern, conflicted wife in “Relasyon!” Happily, Vilma’s daring gamble worked: Viewers didn’t feel that she had “cheapened” herself. Many awards came her way, and the industry finally saw Nora and Vilma as co-equal queens, not only of the box office, but also of movie awards competitions.

Later, Vilma’s thespic stock went up even further when she played an activist nun in “Sister Stella L.” Not only did the difficult role stretch Vilma’s limits, but it also made her “relevant” in terms of social issues, as “Minsa’y Isang Gamu-Gamo” had earlier done for Nora.

This new sensitivity to extra-show biz concerns peaked when Vilma married rising politician, Ralph Recto. Soon, she herself ran for office, and served Lipa City well as its mayor for nine formative and affirmative years. Her constituents’ approval of her tenure invited her to dream bigger in political terms, and she ended up in a hard-fought campaign that made her the governor of Batangas province.

Sure, Vilma’s focus on politics for the past decades has limited her show biz involvement, but her colleagues have supported her in her new endeavor, because she has proven that some stars can do more than entertain.

Female TV-movie luminary – Yes, male stars like Fernando Poe Jr. and Joseph Estrada have done the same, but it’s gratifying to see that a female TV-movie luminary like Vilma can also serve the nation. 

To date, Vilma’s political posts have been local and provincial in nature, but her recent triumph at the polls has made some “queenmakers” dream of next pointing her toward running for a national position — as senator, or even higher!

At the moment, this sounds like a fantasy, but stranger things have been known to happen in this country, where show biz and politics are — very comfortable bedfellows!

Tandem – It’s interesting to note that, some years ago, we saw the Ralph-Vilma tandem eventually contesting the top post in the land with Kiko-Sharon, Mar-Korina, or other, yet-unheralded politics-and-show biz pairings. — And now? Will it be Vilma-Ralph, instead?

In any case, Vilma has been scrupulously learning her political lessons, so she could decide to take the “big step” without waiting for another decade to elapse.

Adding to her confidence is the fact that, although she’s rarely seen on the big and small screen these days, she remains a popular star and her movies have continued to hit it big at the box office — evincing a popularity that she can make full use of in a national election.

So, will she, or won’t she? Whatever the future holds, Vilma is our leading female TV-movie luminary to date — and the Star for All Seasons is now also the Star for Many More Reasons! – Inquirer Last updated 00:21am (Mla time) 08/18/2007

Da King and Ate Vi

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MANILA, Philippines – On the set of “Alay kay Da King,” a new TV special on the life and times of Action King Fernando Poe Jr., segment host and “Star for All Seasons” Vilma Santos reminisces about her favorite leading man.  But, in the middle of a heartfelt spiel, she’s interrupted by a passing ambulance, an airplane … and a tricycle.  Since the production is using live sound, such incidental noises can grate on some people’s nerves.  Not Ate Vi’s.  The Batangas governor jests: “Maybe Ron (FPJ’s nickname) is toying with us.”

That’s a seldom-seen side of Da King, she later tells Inquirer Entertainment in an exclusive interview. “He’s a jester.”  Paired in three movies (1974’s “Batya’t Palo-Palo,” 1976’s “Bato sa Buhangin” and 1996’s “Ikaw ang Mahal Ko”), they shared an uncommon friendship that withstood the test of time … and, she recalls candidly, political intrigues.

Although she’s recovering from an illness, she turned up at the studio in Parañaque, a day after the Manila Peninsula debacle, to tape the TV special, to be aired Dec. 9 on ABS-CBN.  The TV special was put together by the Kapamilya network, Asian Eye Productions and the Poe family to premiere a 38-minute music video that was edited by Da King shortly before his passing three years ago.  The music video is composed of choice scenes from his 200 or so movies—including those with favorite leading ladies, from Charito Solis to Sharon Cuneta, and favorite co-actors, from Van de Leon to Lito Anzures.  Da King’s pet cause, Mowelfund, is the project’s main beneficiary.  Highlight of the music video is a scene from “Batya’t Palo-Palo”—which Ate Vi considers “unforgettable.”

What’s it like shooting this TV special? I miss Ron. I really miss Ron. When I saw his pictures on the set, I told everyone: It’s as if he never left us. He’s still here; we just don’t see him.

How did it feel when you saw the wedding scene from your first movie together?  Memories! I started reminiscing instantly.  I want to ask Ate Susan (Roces, FPJ’s wife) nga for DVD copies of our three movies.  I was only 21 when we made “Batya.”  Ninety percent of the movie was shot in Hacienda Luisita (Tarlac) where we stayed for two months.  He taught me how to swim in the hacienda’s swimming pool.  We were with (co-star) Lorna Tolentino then.  I admit that I didn’t know how to swim when I did “Dyesebel.”  But the most memorable scene [from “Batya”] was the ending, where I ran after him, while he was aboard a train.

What did you call him again? Ron.

What did he call you? Vi!  But I call Ate Susan, Ate Susan.

What was the real Ronnie Poe like? 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.

Did you get to talk to him after that?  Yah. But we only talked about our friendship. The only time politics was mentioned was when he congratulated me on my work as mayor.  He never mentioned the controversies. But that’s Ron. He was a class act. That’s why I have such high respect for him.

What’s the secret of the FPJ charm?  It was in his character. He was very malambing (affectionate). When in the mood, he was also a comedian. Very caring.

Why does the masa love him so?  That’s the magic of Ronnie Poe.  I’m also an actor; my life is the masa, but that’s something I can’t explain.

Was it because he was makatao (pro-people), matulungin (helpful) and mapagkumbaba (humble)?  Was it because he made movies that told the stories of the masses?  He also gave importance to the principles and struggles of our Muslim brothers. That’s why he’s still well-loved in Mindanao.  There’s this famous story. His movie (“Eseng ng Tondo”) was playing in a [Quiapo] moviehouse. In the scene, he was about to be shot by his enemy (played by Chuck Perez). An audience member shouted: “Duck!” Then, someone shot at his enemy on the movie screen!

What were the lessons you picked up from him?  That, in spite of your fame and achievements, you should keep your feet on the ground and continue to help those who have less in life.

After doing this special, how did your perception of FPJ change?  It just confirmed what I already knew. I really meant every word I said in the spiels.  Even if the world turned upside down, no one can replace him.  Like I said at the end of my spiel “Long live Ron!”  – Bayani San Diego Jr., Inquirer, 12 02 2007

People Asia article: Brings Together Old Friends, New Foes

Posted on by Standard

It was a megawatt affair that brought together old friends and new foes, and stars from every firmament.  The annual “People of the Year” awards Thursday night at the InterContinental in Makati City honored the best and the brightest of 2007, and those whose achievements inspired excellence in others.  It was also a gathering of presidentiables and their running mates, with both likely and unlikely tandems being conceived as they rubbed elbows with each other.  Aside from the awardees, also present were former President Joseph Estrada, Vice President Noli de Castro, Sen. Manuel “Mar” Roxas II, Sen. Jinggoy Estrada and Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim.

The awardees were led by Sen. Loren Legarda, Batangas Gov. Vilma Santos-Recto, self-made billionaire Andrew Tan, Taguig City Mayor Freddie Tinga, Dolphy, Fr. James Reuter S.J., consumer advocate Pinky Pe Tobiano, entrepreneur Vivienne Tan, businessman Ted Haresco, civic leader Gina de Venecia and the Mt. Everest Women’s Team composed of Janet Belarmino, Carina Dayondon and Noelle Wenceslao – the first Filipino women to scale Mt. Everest and the first Southeast Asian women to reach the summit.

Former colleagues Estrada and Dolphy embraced, and De Castro kissed Legarda, perhaps the first-time ever that the political foes greeted each other warmly in public.  “I was happy to be there. It was good to see everybody, including Noli,” said Legarda, a two-time Senate topnotcher who lost to De Castro in the 2004 polls. “But my Supreme Court protest stays and speaks for itself.”

Estrada, who is said to be ready to run for president anew in 2010 if the opposition is unable to field a single bet, sought out Fr. James Reuter S.J. and was overheard telling him, “Father, I am a free man now.”The former president spent some years at the Ateneo de Manila.

The evening was also a reunion of sorts for Estrada and “the King of Comedy,” as Dolphy is more popularly known. The two embraced warmly. Dolphy has been wooed in the past to run for public office, and made popular the quote, “Madaling tumakbo, pero paano kung manalo (It is easy to run for office, but what if I win?)”   “Concert King” Martin Nievera, balladeer Christian Bautista, the Angelos and jazz artist Olivia dazzled the A-List audience that filled the ballroom of the InterContinental during the awards program, which was emceed by Johnny Litton and Phoemela Baranda.

People Asia was founded in 2000 by the late STAR publisher Max Soliven. It is published by the Stargate Media Corp with Babe Romualdez as publisher, Kevin Belmonte as president and Ramon Cojuangco Jr. as chairman of the board.  STAR editor-in-chief Isaac Belmonte, Soliven’s daughter Sara de Guzman, HSBC’s Suresh Nanoo and Chris Rourke, Universal Motor Corp.’s Elizabeth Lee, Qatar Airways’ Rohan Seneviratne, Dockers’ Bobbet Romualdo and the STAR’s Entertainment editor Ricky Lo also presented the awards to the winners.

The “People of the Year” awards night was co-presented by HSBC, Dockers San Francisco, Nissan Patrol Super Safari, Air 21, Qatar Airways, the Aboitiz Group of Companies, ICTSI and Chaikofi in cooperation with The Philippine STAR and philstar.com.  Except for Gina de Venecia, who was abroad, all the awardees were present to personally accept their glass trophies, bringing together a stellar group under one roof.  People Asia magazine’s “People of the Year” awards cuts across class, gender, age, race and affiliation – a memorable event that celebrates life and honors extraordinary people whose lives make a positive difference in the lives of others. – Joanne Rae Ramirez, Philippine Star on line, 01  13 2008