Tag Archives: ARTICLES

It’s a Bird! It’s a Plane! It’s a Vilma!

Posted on by Standard

ARTICLES - Lipad Darna 2

Thanks to the Internet, I was able to do a cursory analysis of the real score between the Vilma Santos & Nora Aunor rivalry, based on the data base from their respective web sites. This piece zeroes in on their battle for the Horror/Fantasy Genre Queenship, which is the theme of the current Vilma! Newsletter.

Nora Aunor was an early ’70’s phenomenon. She broke the mestiza, statuesque screen diva mould and eclipsed the likes of Susan Roces, Amalia Fuentes, Helen Gamboa, Pilita Corrales, Vilma Valera, Rosemary Sonora, Gina Pareno and Hilda Koronel. The gripo dramatic princess Vilma Santos who is as petite as Nora is really her nemesis.

The ’masa’ went gaga over Nora’s golden voice, records, magazines and movies. The competitor cum warrior in Vilma Santos did not stop her to join in the fray of juvenile escapist fare of inane musicals about boy meets girl under a mango tree. We saw other ’small’ musical stars in Esperanza Fabon, Eddie Peregrina and Co. ad infinitum. Tall is out, petite is in. The Nora-Vilma battle was a lopsided affair at least for a while. The serious acting era will come later. And that is another challenge for any serious Vilma-Nora watcher to do a thesis on.

The ’bomba’ craze put a damp on the Nora-Vilma rivalry. As fans grew tired of Nora overall, her dalliance with Tirso Cruz and those silly ’pito-pito’ movies directed by Artemio Marquez, Vilma Santos saw an opening. Enterprising and creative directors Joey Gosiengfiao and Elwood Perez saw a goldmine in Vilma Santos.

The middle class teeny bopper fans who had purchasing power and discretionary income to plunk on movies and fan mags were bored of the repetitive musical genre. They were looking for something new. It also helped that martial law was declared and the New Society put an end to the ’ef-ef’ mania. Goodbye, ’bomba’, hello Vilma! Vilma Santos filled the moviegoers’ void and after the release of Takbo, Vilma, Dali! and Hatinggabi Na, Vilma in 1972, Vilma was on her merry way to the box-office queenship. Nora’s handlers couldn’t believe that a non-singer rival with a thin voice but a gutsy performer stole the crown from the superstar while she wasn’t looking as she continued to sing under a mango tree. The emancipation from Nora Aunor was really made official when Lipad, Darna, Lipad shattered box-office records and gave Erap is My Guy and an FPJ flick stiff competition at the tills, in 1973.

1973 was really Vilma’s banner year. She won her first FAMAS for Dama De Noche and kept Nora edgy and on her toes with the successful box-office results of her fantasy flicks in succession: Dyesebel, Anak ng Asuwang, Maria Cinderella, Wonder Vi and Darna and the Giants.

In 1974, Vilma ruled the box-office with FPJ (Batya’t Palu-palo) and escapist flicks such as Phantom lady, Kampanerang Kuba and Kamay na Gumagapang. Mathematically speaking, no one contested when Vilma and FPJ were declared 1974’s Box office Queen and King. Actually, there was no turning back for Vilma as she holds the specter and crown as the longest reigning box-office and movie queen (refer to published data base at the Internet).

In 1973, Nora’s spin doctors concocted Super Gee as her ’answer’ to Vilma’s Darna but sadly, it did not ignite the boxoffice the way Darna and Erap Is My Guy did. Vilma Santos went on to make a total of four Darna movies (Lipad, Darna, Lipad!, Darna and the Giants, Darna and the Planetwomen and Darna at Ding), the most successful Darna franchise. Yes, there was Edna Luna as the original Dyesebel; Rosa Del Rosario as the first Darna; and Nida Blanca as Babaing Sputnik. And then there was Nora Aunor as Super Gee. But no other actress has been as popular as the fantasy characters she created than Vilma.

From Darna to Dyesebel, to Kampanerang Kuba. Vilma is the veritable Fantasy/Horror Movie Queen. Generation after generation, she is the Heroine for all Seasons and Reasons. As a bird, Vilma is like an eagle, who soars the skies with majestic flights and easy landings, like her brilliant career. As a plane, she is the supersonic jet whose trajectory is decisive, and travels at almost the speed of light, like her winning streak from all frontiers. Like Darna, she has a golden heart but a nerve of steel, like the competitor and warrior that she is. Don’t mess with Vilma Santos. It’s a bird, it’s a plane, it’s Darna! Zoom, zoom, Vilma Santos! – Mar O. Garces, V Magazine, 2009 No. 5 (READ MORE)

Ricky Lo’s 2004 VSR’s Birthday Article

Posted on by Standard

FILMS - Mano Po 3Vilma Santos, Star For All Seasons (and, if I may add, Reasons) is turning 51 today. She doesn’t look it, does she (although she’s “pure gold” any way you look at her)? She looks, hmmmmm, 25, doesn’t she? As a nod to Vilma (who will forever be Ate Vi to her fans no matter how old she may be) on this her red-letter day, Funfare is paying her a tribute with the following piece by Funfare’s Toronto-based “international correspondent” Ferdinand Lapuz who made a list of Ate Vi’s films in a span of four decades (beginning 1963):

  • Did you know that Ate Vi made around 197 films from 1963 to 2002? This includes cameo appearances in Dugo at Pagibig sa Kapirasong Lupa, Mga Mata ni Angelita, Huwag Hamakin Hostess (with Nora Aunor and Alma Moreno with Vilma getting Orestes Ojeda in the end), Candy, No Other Love, Charot, Rizal Alih and Engkanto.
  • Did you know that the only years Vilma did not make any film were in 1995, 1999 and 2003?
  • Did you know that she co-starred with her two favorite actresses in her two films? Lolita Rodriguez in Trudis Liit which opened on Feb. 21, 1963 and Gloria Romero in Anak, Ang Iyong Ina which opened on April 7, 1963 both at Life Theater?
  • Did you know that Eddie Garcia also appeared in Anak, Ang Iyong Ina? He later directed her in films like Sinasamba Kita (1982) and Imortal (1989) and will appear together in Mano Po 3.
  • Did you know that the late Rita Gomez was also in Anak, Ang Iyong Ina? She later appeared with Vilma in Takbo, Vilma, Dali in 1972 directed by Joey Gosiengfiao.
  • Did you know that her busiest year was 1970 when she made 25 films? That is having two Vilma Santos movies shown every month. These were Young Love, Mardy, I Do Love You, Song and Lovers, My Pledge of Love, Love is for the Two of Us, From the Bottom of My Heart, Bulaklak at Paru-Paro, Mother Song, The Young Idols, Sixteen, Because You’re Mine, Love Letters, Ding Dong, Sweethearts, Give Me Your Love, Mga Batang Bangketa, I Love You Honey, Edgar Loves Vilma, Sapagka’t Sila’y Aming Mga Anak, Vilma My Darling, Nobody’s Child, May Hangganan ang Pag-ibig, Baby Vi and Renee Rose.
  • Did you know that Vilma or Vi was used in some of her earlier films? Edgar Loves Vilma, Vilma, My Darling and Baby Vi in 1970; Takbo Vilma Dali , Hatinggabi na Vilma and Tatlong Mukha ni Rosa Vilma in 1972; Wonder Vi in 1973; Vilma and the Beep, Beep Minica in 1974 and Vilma Veinte Nueve in 1975.
  • Did you know that she is the only actress to portray Mars Ravelo’s Darna four times with different child actors as Ding? These were Angelito in Lipad Darna Lipad, a trilogy directed by Emmanuel H. Borlaza; Joey Gosiengfiao and Elwood Perez, Dondon Nakar in Darna and the Giants (1973) directed by Borlaza; Bentot Jr. in Darna vs. the Planet Women (1975) directed by Armando Garces and Niño Muhlach in Darna at Ding (1980) directed by Erastheo Navoa Jr. and Cloyd Robinson.
  • Did you know that Vilma and arch rival Nora Aunor shared topbilling in four films? The first was Young Love in 1970 (with Tirso Cruz III and Edgar Mortiz) followed by Pinagbuklod ng Pag-ibig (Nora was paired with Tirso while Vilma with Romeo Vasquez), Ikaw Ay Akin (with Christopher de Leon) and T-Bird at Ako in 1982.
  • Did you know that after working together in Mga Tigre ng Sierra Cruz (1974) and Modelong Tanso (1979), Vilma and the late Charito Solis were co-stars in Ipagpatawad Mo (1991) and Dolzura Cortez Story (1993) both directed by Laurice Guillen?
  • Did you know that Vilma was only paired twice with ex-husband Edu Manzano as compared to Christopher de Leon’s 22 times? These were Romansa in 1980 and Palimos ng Pag-ibig in 1986?
  • Did you know that prior to co-starring with Snooky Serna in Yesterday, Today & Tomorrow (1986) and Hahamakin Lahat (1990), Vilma and Snooky were in Sweethearts in 1970? Co-starring with them aside from Edgar Mortiz and former child actor Arnold Gamboa were Snooky’s parents Von Serna and Mila Ocampo.
  • Did you know that the late Ishmael Bernal’s first film with Vilma was Now and Forever (1973) with Edgar Mortiz?
  • Did you know that before he was Vilma’s leading man in Makahiya at Talahib, Rudy Fernandez played a supporting role in Ibong Lukaret? Both films were released in 1975.
  • Did you know that former movie queen Amalia Fuentes did not only co-star with Vilma in Mga Reynang Walang Trono (1976) but co-directed it as well with Fely Crisostomo? They were co-stars in Asawa Ko, Huwag Mong Agawin in 1986.
  • Did you know that before she shared equal billing with Vilma and Boyet in Magkaribal (1979), just like ex-boyfriend Rudy Fernandez, Alma Moreno played a supporting role in Tag-ulan sa Tag-araw (1975)?
  • Did you know that before she played the ghost role in Haplos (1982) with Vilma and Boyet, Rio Locsin had a below the title billing in Simula ng Walang Katapusan directed by Luis Enriquez (aka Eddie Rodriguez) and Disco Fever in 1978?
  • Did you know that Sheryl Cruz has appeared with Vilma before in Candy (Vilma in a cameo role) and Good Morning Sunshine (1980) directed by Ishmael Bernal? Mano Po 3 is their third film together.
  • Did you know that Vilma was directed by Lino Brocka in three movies but did not win any award? These were Rubia Servios (1978), Adultery: Aida Macaraeg (1984) and Hahamakin Lahat (1990). However, she won multiple Best Actress awards in three films directed by the late Ishmael Bernal considered as the rival of Brocka. These were Relasyon (1982), Broken Marriage (1983) and Pahiram ng Isang Umaga (1989).
  • Did you know that Vilma co-starred with Anthony Castelo in Pakawalan Mo Ako (1981) directed by Elwood Perez and Nonoy Zuñiga in Never Ever Say Goodbye (1982) directed by Gil M. Portes?
  • Did you know that director Emmanuel H. Borlaza, who used to direct Vilma in the ’70s, last worked with her in Ibigay Mo sa Akin ang Bukas in 1987?
  • Did you know that Vilma is the only actress who has worked with the following award-winning Filipino directors? Aside from Lino Brocka and Ishmael Bernal, Vilma was directed by Celso Ad Castillo (Burlesk Queen, Pagputi ng Uwak, Pagitim ng Tagak), Gil M. Portes (Miss X, Never Ever Say Goodbye), Danny Zialcita (Langis at Tubig, Karma, Gaano Kadalas ang Minsan, T-bird at Ako), Mike de Leon (Sister Stella L), Marilou Diaz Abaya (Alyas Baby Tsina, Minsan Pa Nating Hagkan ang Nakaraan), Laurice Guillen (Kapag Langit ang Humatol, Ipagpatawad Mo, Dolzura Cortez Story), Maryo J. de los Reyes (Tagos ng Dugo, Sinungaling Mong Puso), Chito Roño (Ikaw Lamang, Bata, Bata Paano Ka Ginawa?, Dekada 70), Jose Javier Reyes (Nagiisang Bituin), Rory Quintos (Anak) and now by Joel Lamangan in Mano Po 3.
  • Did you know that Vilma has won the following awards? Urian, eight; Famas, five; Star Awards, five; Film Academy, four; Movie Magazine Awards, four; Metro Manila Film Festival, three; Catholic Mass Media Awards, two; Young Critics Circle, two; Pasado Awards, two; Fame Magazine Awards, two; Cinema Rave, two and one each from Manila Film Festival, SIASI Jolo Critics Awards, Gawad Tanglaw, Let’s Talk Movies Awards, Cinemascoop Awards, Bacolod Film Festival and Channel 2 Viewers Choice. She has two international awards from the Brussels Independent Film Festival for Bata, Bata Paano Ka Ginawa? and Cinemanila International Film Festival for Dekada 70 both directed by Chito Roño. She is the youngest actress to be elevated to the Famas Hall of Fame in 1989 at the age of 36. She won for Dama de Noche (1972), Pakawalan Mo Ako (1981), Relasyon (1982), Tagos ng Dugo (1987) and Ibulong Mo sa Diyos (1988). She has two Famas Circle of Excellence awards (1992 and 1993), Film Academy (1997) and Famas (1998) Lifetime Achievement awards and two Urian Best Actress ng Dekada for the ’80s and the ’90s.

For more information on Ate Vi, check out the Vilma Santos website http://www.vilmasantos.net managed by Vilmanian Eric A. Nadurata. It contains her filmography with layouts (I love the layouts of Tagulan sa Tagaraw and 1979 Urian and Famas Best Picture Pagputi ng Uwak, Pagitim ng Tagak) and reviews of some of her films, her acting awards, old articles and magazine covers. This website is truly impressive! – Ricardo F. Lo, The Philippine Star 11/03/2004

Ricky Lo’s 57 VIPs in Vi’s Life (Repost)

Posted on by Standard

VILMA 1

Fifty-seven looking Sweet Sixteen (to borrow the title of her hit song way back when she was, uhm, fresh as a daisy and thought that she could sing. Well, she could carry a tune but she eventually turned out to be not a singer but a great actress who has dozens of awards that have left no more space to display in. Name it, she has won it. Looking at her, it seems unthinkable that Batangas Gov. Vilma Santos, still called simply and fondly Vi for short, is seven years and half a century old on Wednesday, Nov. 3. How does she manage to look so young?“Positive attitude,” she said. And exercise and a healthy diet.

Did you know that Gov. Vi works out every day in one of the rooms of her houses (one in Corinthian Garden and another in Lipa City where she served as mayor for three terms)? She would close all the windows, turn the aircon off and sweat it out. Some detractors may refute it but Vi insists that every part of her body is original, untampered by needle and scalpel. A member of the household staff gives her a massage after a hard day’s work, whether at the Provincial Capitol or on a movie set. “I eat anything,” she said, “but in moderation.” Asked what her priority is, Vi replied, “Family, Batangas and showbiz.” She and her husband, Sen. Ralph Recto, are partners at home and at work. Her son Luis “Lucky” Manzano (from a previous relationship) is like a friend to her. Ryan Christian, her son by Ralph, is growing up to be the sum total of his parents’ best traits.

Successful as a woman and as an artist, what more can Vi ask for? “Maybe a good sleep,” laughed the former insomniac. The journey from Trudis Liit (which she did for Sampaguita Pictures when she was that little, recently adapted as a teledrama by GMA) to, uhm, Governor Liit was fraught with high drama both on the personal level and the professional level, and all sorts of tests and trials which she survived very beautifully. She’s her own glowing trophy.

To mark the 57th milestone in her life, Conversations asked Vi to do a list of the 57 VIPs in her life. Forever Vilmanian Alan Trambulo, who works at the front desk of Radisson Hotel in Manhattan, helped conceptualized this piece. (As of this writing, Vi and Ralph, with son Ryan Christian and close friends and relatives, are vacationing in Seoul. They came back Friday night.)

  • 1. Amado Constantino Santos (deceased), my father
  • 2. Milagros Tuazon Santos, my mother
  • 3. Luis Philippe S. Manzano, my son
  • 4. Ryan Christian S. Recto, my son
  • 5. Ralph Gonzalez Recto, my husband
  • 6. Emelyn Tuazon Santos, my sister
  • 7. Ma. Theresa Santos, my sister
  • 8. Conrad Lopez, my brother-in-law (Ma. Theresa’s husband)
  • 9. Ana Norwina “Winnie” Santos, my sister
  • 10. Willie Herber, my brother-in-law (Winnie’s husband)
  • 11. Joel Tuazon Santos, my only brother (the youngest)
  • 12. Rafael R. Recto (deceased), my father-in-law
  • 13. Carmen Gonzalez Recto, my mother-in-law
  • 14. Dr. Edwin Argonza (my cousin who assisted and attended to me when I gave birth to Luis and Ryan)
  • 15. Dr. Connie Argonza (same reason as above)
  • 16. Eduardo “Doods” Barrios Manzano
  • 17. Adrian Manzano (deceased), Dood’s father
  • 18. Rosario B. Manzano (deceased), Dood’s mother
  • 19. Amaury Agra (my uncle who introduced me to Starmaker Dr. Jose R. Perez of Sampaguita Pictures where he was a cameraman)
  • 20. Dr. Jose “Doc” Perez (deceased), my discoverer
  • 21. William Leary (deceased), my one and only business & appointments manager
  • 22. Cardinal Gaudencio M. Rosales (the first church personnel who gave me trust to be a public servant)
  • 23. Bishop Salvador Quizon (who officiated at my wedding to Ralph)
  • 24. Monsignor Alfredo Madlangbayan (who also officiated at my wedding to Ralph)
  • 25. Boss Vic del Rosario Jr. (producer of my Viva films…and thanks to his late better half, Ate Mina del Rosario)
  • 26. Fr. Lito Malibiran (my adviser, critic and friend)
  • 27. Atty. Espiridion D. Laxa (deceased), my legal adviser and one of my producers.
  • 28. (Regal Matriarch) Mother Lily Monteverde (who produced most of my acclaimed films including Relasyon, Broken Marriage and Sister Stella L)
  • 29. Father Remy Monteverde (Mother Lily’s husband who has also been supportive)
  • 30. Ishmael Bernal (deceased), who was responsible for my winning my first Best Actress grand slam (for Relasyon)
  • 31. Lino Brocka (deceased), who directed me in some of my most memorable films including Rubia Servios, Adultery and Hahamakin ang Lahat
  • 32. Douglas Quijano (deceased), whose well-meaning pieces of advice have paid off
  • 33. Mina Aragon del Rosario (deceased), my dear Ate Mina who carefully and lovingly chose the scripts and stories for the films that I did for Viva Films
  • 34. Helen Vela (deceased), my gangmate
  • 35. Coney Reyes, my gangmate
  • 36. Tina Revilla, my gangmate
  • 37. Roderick Paulate, my BFF (Best Friend Forever)
  • 38. Marichu Vera Perez Maceda, my ever-loving and ever-thoughtful Manay Ichu
  • 39. Marie Babacui, my companion during my younger years, in my escapades, disappearances and rebellious days
  • 40. Viring Morada (deceased), another kasama sa lahat ng lakad starting from my younger years
  • 41. Federico M. Garcia (FMG), who negotiated for my contract with Channel 7 for my TV show VIP right before he transferred to Channel 2
  • 42. Chit A. Guerrero, my EP (Executive Producer) for 15 years in VIP of Channel 7 and 2
  • 43. Cory Valenzuela Vidanes, the PA (Production Assistant) at that time who almost caused my rift with Ricky Lo (Note: During her show, Vi made a joke about the sartorial taste of Cory V who was a Valenzuela and not yet a Vidanes at that time; she’s married to TV director Bobit Vidanes. That was in 1986 when Cory Aquino was only a few months into her presidency. I mistook Cory Vidanes for Cory Aquino because Vi didn’t mention Cory V’s surname. Vi lashed back at me on camera, very angry and very hurt. Hehehehe!)
  • 44. Maribeth Bichara, who honed my dancing prowess
  • 45. Super Morales, who patiently guarded my diction and my grammar in reading spiels for my variety shows
  • 46. Christopher de Leon, my perennial leading man with whom I made more than two dozen movies; he’s now OIC governor of Batangas while I am in Korea and Vice Gov. Mark Leviste is in UK
  • 47. Edgar Mortiz, my first love interest on and off the screen
  • 48. Jose Mari Chan, one person and gentleman whom I truly admire
  • 49. Ricardo F. Lo, the very first movie writer who interviewed me when I was 12 pa lang yata and who even paid the fare for the taxi that he, my mom and I took to the Manila Times building on Florentino Torres St. in Sta. Cruz, Manila, where we did the cover pictorial for Variety, one of the paper’s Sunday magazines
  • 50. Malou N. Santos, whom I thank for believing so much in me
  • 51. The Star Cinema Team
  • 52. The Regal Family
  • 53. Batangueños, my constituents
  • 54. Movie/Showbiz world — the producers, directors, leading men, co-stars, production staff and crew
  • 55. The media guys who helped package my career
  • 56. The Vilmanians whom I thank for their unwavering faithfulness and admiration
  • 57. And all my friends whose names slip my mind at the moment I’m doing this list and from whom I ask forgiveness even as I thank them because they, too, played a very important part in my life. – Ricky Lo, The Philippine Star, Oct 31, 2010 (READ MORE)

With her Success & Happiness All –Aglow!

Posted on by Standard

ARTICLES - With her success and happiness all aglow 1The line is lifted from a Christmas song with a little alteration. But the message and the spirit of the season is still there. Intact. And that is Vilma Santos these days: glowing and with high spirits radiating. Who wouldn’t be, anyway? At thirty, she has still maintained that youthful look every woman is trying to hold on to as she goes celebrating from one birthday to the next. The actress is at peak of her career, and no matter what others say about the phenomenal legend and her unmatchable niche in local cinema, Vilma is slowly creating a legend all her own. At ito ang magiging pagkakaiba niya sa lahat. Kadalasan, ang mga movie queen ng local movies ay unti-unting nawawala sa eksena the moment they get to near thirty or that. Maging si Nora Aunor ay hindi nakaligtas sa “aging syndrome” na ito sa ating pelikula. Ilang taon na ba nang magsimulang manghina ang movie career ng brown phenomenon? Ganito rin halos ang mga nangyari sa ating past movie queens like Gloria Romero, Amalia Fuentes and Susan Roces: by the time they got to be thirty, unti-unti nang nawala ang kanilang charisma sa publiko, at hindi na kagaya ng dati.

ARTICLES - With her success and happiness all aglow 2

Happiness All Aglow

Pero hindi ito nangyari kay Vilma. It is a fact na kung kailan pa siya nagkakaedad ay saka pa siya lalong tumatatag, lumalakas. And by almost all indications, it seems like magtatagal pa ito. Take a look at her harvest this year: “Ayak Kong Maging Querida,” “Paano Ba Ang Mangarap?,” “Broken Marriage,” “Obsession (Separasyon Legal),” “Minsan Pa Nating Hagkan Ang Nakaraan” and “Sor Stella L.” Although it appears na tila dalawang pelikula ang maaaring hindi na maipalabas sa taong ito (Obsession and Sor Stella L), hindi na rin maikakaila from the list above that Vilma Santos is still the biggest star of the season and the busiest among her contemporaries. At mayroon pa siyang mga nakatakdang gagawin sa pagpasok ng bagong taon. At the time when most stars are already collecting memoirs and reminiscing fond memories of past glories, Vilma is still soaring into newer heights as she goes from one competent film director to another and manages to become the highest paid actress in the country today. From Ishmael Bernal (Broken Marriage) to Lino Brocka (Obsession) to Marilou Diaz-Abaya (Misan Pa Nating Hagkan Ang Nakaraan) to Mike de Leon (Sor Stella L), the reigning movie queen is getting most of the choicest assignment these days and with the accompanying royal treatment.

Sabi pa niya: “Wala na yata akong mahihiling pa at this stage in my life. Maligaya ako sa aking pamilya, lumalaking listo si Lucky at nalutas ko na rin ang mga problema ko. I think it would be too much kung maghahanap pa ako ng kung anu-ano pa. Kuntento na ako sa buhay ko ngayon at siguro, ang dapat ko na lang gawin ay pagbutihin ang aking ginagawa.” With husband Edu around and some of her loved ones with her, Vilma can’t help but be contended with all the things coming her way. That glow in her eyes is unmistakable kahit na madalas siyang magpuyat and at one time or some other ay nagkakasakit. Katulad na lang nang matapos ang kanyang VIP birthday celebration sa Celebrity Sports Plaza noong November 5. Nagkasakit kinabukasan ang aktress at may dalawang araw ring naratay sa higaan. Maybe because of fatigue. Pero maligaya pa rin siya dahil nasa piling niya si Edu at si Lucky. In fact, she even made some effort to set an appointment the moment she gets well. But she didn’t have to, I thought. The next time I called up, nasa set na naman siya ng Minsan Pa Nating Hagkan… at kailangan niya itong matapos bago mag-November 15 dahil sisimulan na nila ang Sor Stella L sa Regal with Mike de Leon.

ARTICLES - With her success and happiness all aglow 3

Happiness All Aglow

Halos mapang-abot na ang dalawang pelikula dahil the day na natapos ang dubbing niya sa Minsan…, kinabukasan, nag-umpisa na kaagad siya sa Sor Stell L. It was a good thing na hindi nagtuloy-tuloy ang shooting ng pelikula ni Mike de Leon. Ang yet, maligaya pa rin si Vilma. Iba na nga naman ang nagagawa ng pag-ibig. Sana wala ng tanong kung hanggang kailna ang lahat. Pero, dapat pa rin nating harapin ang katotohanan. As she has always said time and again, “Parang natatakot pa rin ako kung ano nga ang magiging kasunod nito. With all the good things happening to me now, there’s always that fear at the back of my mind na baka kung ano nga ang sumusonod nito. Sana wala naman.” Most people can’t really help thingking about it. And it’s good thing Vilma isa aware of that. But why worry of things that are based on unfounded fears? Right now, the world of Vilma Santos is all aglow and it is what should matter. So why spoil the good times and think otherewise? The world will not stop because one day you’ll be sad, Vilma. Keep going. Life is made of such stuff. – Julio Cinko N., Movie Flash Magazine, December 8 1983 (READ MORE)

Para sa nalalapit na kaarawan ni Vi

Posted on by Standard

MEMORABILIA - Vi @ Vilma! (3)Noong later part ng 1962, nagkaroon sila ng family reunion sa nilipatan nilang apartment sa La Loma at ang isa sa mga naging bisita nila ay si Amaury Agra na isang cameraman sa Sampaguita Pictures. Si Amaury ay isang malayong tiyuhin ni Rosa Vilma, na ang asawa ay pinsan ni Papa Amado. Noong makita ni Amaury si Rosa Vilma ay agad niya itong tinanong kung gusto niyang mag-artista dahil ang Sampaguita Pictures ay naghahanap ng isang batang lalabas sa kanilang susunod na pelikula, ang Trudis Liit na sinulat ni Mars Ravelo at natutunghayan sa Liwayway Magazine. Noong una ay ayaw ng mag-asawang Amado at Milagros na pumasok sa pag-aartista ang batang si Rosa Vilma dahil pareho silang abala sa trabaho, bukod pa sa gusto nila na pag-aaral muna ang asikasuhin ng batang si Rosa Vilma, subali’t isang araw ay nakatanggap sila ng sulat mula kay Amaury at sinabing ipinalista niya ang pangalan ni Rosa Vilma para mag-audition sa Sampaguita Pictures kung saan si Dr. Jose R. Perez ang isa sa mga screening committees. Dahil hindi nila mapahindian si Amaury kaya’t nag-day off muna si Mama Milagros sa Aguinaldo’s para samahan si Rosa Vilma sa Sampaguita studio. “Diyos ko po,” ang nasambit ni Mama Milagros dahil mahigit yata sa tatlong daan ang mga batang nag-a-apply, lima lamang ang magiging finalists at sa limang finalists ay dalawa lamang ang kukunin, isang batang babae at isang batang lalaki na gaganap na kapatid ni Trudis Liit. Ang suwerte naman, dahil ni-reveal ni Dr. Perez na bago pa sila nagpa-audition nang araw na yun ay meron na silang napiling limang finalists noong previous screening at inisip ni Mama Milagros na lahat ng nag-audition nang araw na yun ay wala ng pag-asa pero sinabi ni Amaury na gusto lang niyang mag-try out si Rosa Vilma para sa susunod nilang pelikulang pang-mahal na araw ng 1963 na pinamagatang Anak Ang Iyong Ina.

MEMORABILIA - Child StarSi Amaury ay nasa location shooting noong araw na yun. Samantala, nang si Rosa Vilma na ang nag-audition, sa harap ni Dr. Perez at ni Direktor Jose de Villa at nang ipinagyugyugan na si Rosa Vilma ni Bella Flores ay parang gripong tumutulo ang kanyang mga luha. Nakita ni Mama Milagros sina Dr. Perez at Direktor de Villa na nagtitinginan at pagkatapos ng screening ay sinamahan ni Direk De Villa ang mag-ina sa opisina ni Dr. Perez na nag-extend ng congratulations kay Rosa Vilma na siyang gaganap na Trudis Liit at yung limang finalists ay gagawin na lang supporting sa mga forthcoming na pelikula ng Sampaguita Pictures. Suot ng isang magarang damit, pumunta na ang mag-ina para sa isang screen test subali’t ang magandang damit ay pinalitan ng gula-gulanit, parang basahan. Inumpisahan nang lagyan ng make-up ni Jesse Lopez, ang make-up artist ng studio sapol pa noong era nina Carmen Rosales hanggang sa era ni Amalia Fuentes si Rosa Vilma. Nagtanong pa ang batang si Rosa Vilma kung bakit pa siya kailangang lagyan ng make-up at ang gusto lang daw niya ay huwag masyadong makapal at kung pwede ay pulbos lang. Gumiling ang camera, sumigaw ang direktor ng” Action!” Nag-umpisang mandilat ang mata ni Bella at cry to death naman ang Rosa Vilma. “Cut!” sabi ng direktor. “Very good!”. Si Bella ay niyakap ang batang si Rosa Vilma at sinabing…Aba, first take lang nakuha mo kaagad. Ang galing. Congratulations, Trudis Liit. The whole set was no screen test, but an actual take. Si Maria Rosa Vilma Tuazon Santos ay isa ng ganap na bituin sa edad na siyam na taon. May mga tanong noon kung ano ang itatawag nila kay Rosa Vilma onscreen. Ang mag-asawang Amado at Milagros ay gustong i-retain na lang ang pangalang Rosa Vilma subali’t si Dr. Perez ay nag-object dahil marami na daw Rosa sa pelikulang Tagalog, merong Rosa Mia, Rosa Rosal, Rosa Aguirre. Nag-suggest na lang si Dr. Perez na alisin ang Rosa at tawagin na lang na Vilma Santos.

Sa Trudis Liit, ang batang si Vilma ay binayaran ng Php 1,000 sa isang kondisyon na sa susunod na pelikula ay lalabas ulit siya at ito nga ay yung Anak Ang Iyong Ina. Dito sa Anak Ang Iyong Ina ay Php 700 ang kanyang take-home pay. Bukod kay Bella Flores, kasama rin ni Vilma sina Lolita Rodriguez, Luis Gonzales at Connie Angeles sa Trudis Liit, “The Motion Picture That Will Tear Your Heart To Pieces” (as proclaimed by the film’s ad). Ito ay sa screenpaly ni Chito Tapawan. Nagkamit ng FAMAS Best Child Actress si Vilma dito sa Trudis Liit. Impressed na impressed si Direk De Villa sa batang si Vilma dahil sa isang explanation lang eh nakukuha na kaagad nito ang mga instructions. Sabi ng mga co-workers ni Vilma, si Vilma ay merong fantastic memory and can easily dish out even a kilometric dialogue. Pagkatapos ng Trudis Liit at Anak Ang Iyong Ina, sunod sunod na ang ginawa niyang pelikula katulad ng King and Queen For A Day, Aninong Bakal, Morena Martir, Iginuhit Ng Tadhana at Pinagbuklod Ng Langit. Samantala, gumawa rin ang batang si Vilma ng isang weekly tv series sa ABS (the former KBS in Roxas Boulevard) sa direksiyon ni Jose Miranda Cruz na may pamagat na Larawan Ng Pag-ibig kasama sina Willie Sotelo at Zeny Zabala at tumagal ito ng dalawang taon sa ere. In between tapings of Larawan Ng Pag-ibig and schoolwork, siya ay gumawa rin ng mga pelikula sa iba’t ibang outfits katulad ng Ging, Naligaw Na Anghel at Sa Bawa’t Pintig Ng Puso. Later on, ginawa ring pelikula ang Larawan Ng Pag-ibig. Gumawa rin siya sa Larry Santiago Productions ng mga pelikulang Maria Cecilia, Kay Tagal Ng Umaga at Hindi Nahahati Ang Langit. Sa mga sumunod na taon ay ginawa rin niya ang mga pelikulang Ito Ang Dahilan, De Colores, Kasalanan Kaya?, Sino Ang May Karapatan? at Sa Baril Magtuos. Dito sa Sa Baril Magtuos ay kasama niya sina Ronald Remy at Romeo Vasquez.

MEMORABILIA - Dyesebel 1973Noong 1967 ay ginawa ni Vilma ang The Longest Hundred Miles, isang war movie for international release sa pangunguna ng Hollywood actor na si Ricardo Montalban, Doug McLure at Katherine Ross. Noong nagsisimula pa lang si Vilma sa Sampaguita Pictures, isa sa mga pelikulang pinanood niya kasama ang buong pamilya ay ang award-winning na The Miracle Worker. Ang role ni Patty Duke as the young Helen Keller ang kanyang pinakapaborito at ninais niya hanggang sa ngayon na makagawa siya ng pelikulang katulad nito. Sabi ni Papa Amado, si Vilma ay hindi “spoiled” dahil kahit artista na siya, pinapalo pa rin daw niya ito kung sa palagay niya ay may nagawang kasalanan. Sabi naman ni Mama Milagros si Vilma pag may isang bagay ng gustong gawin, ito ay kanyang itinutuloy. Sabi naman ng movie scribe na si Ched Gonzales, si Vilma daw ay katulad din ng isang ordinaryong tao na mahilig sa manggang hilaw na may bagoong at sa sitsirya katulad ng popcorn, pretzel, chicharon at butong pakwan. Gustong gusto daw nito na may kinukukut-kukut. Noong 1968, si Vilma ay nominado ng FAMAS para sa best supporting actress category, kasama sina Lolita Rodriguez at Eddie Rodriguez sa pelikulang Kasalanan Kaya? Siya ang pinakabatang aktres an nominado sa kategoryang ito. Hindi man siya pinalad na manalo sa FAMAS subali’t ang San Beda College ay binigyan siya ng Best Supporting Actress award. Sa pagsasara ng dekada 60, si Vilma ay naging popular sa mga television shows kagaya ng Tinno Lapus’ Eskwelahang Munti sa Channel 7. Dito ay itinambal siya sa undefeated Tawag Ng Tanghalan champion for twelve weeks na si Edgar Mortiz.

Ang unang pelikulang pinagtambalan ni Vilma at Edgar ay ang JBC Productions’ My Darling Eddie topbilled by the late Eddie Peregrina. Noong 1970, ginawa in Vilma at Edgar ang pelikulang Love Is For The Two Of Us kasama sina Helen Gamboa at Ricky Belmonte. Sa telebisyon, si Vilma at Edgar ay may regular shows na Oh My Love at The Sensations sa Channel 2. Ang kanilang tambalan ay tinawag na “subok na matibay, subok na matatag.” Noong Enero 1, 1970, ipinalabas ang superhit na pelikula ng VP Pictures na Young Love kasama ang loveteam nina Nora Aunor at Tirso Cruz III. Dito na nagsimula ang rivalry ng Vilma-Edgar loveteam at Nora-Tirso loveteam. Noong 1971, ang tv show na The Sensations ay ginawa ring pelikula ng Tagalog Ilang Ilang Productions sa direksiyon ni Tony Santos, Sr. Noong Nobyembre 1971, ang popular lovebirds ay pumunta ng Hawaii at Estados Unidos para gawin ang mga pelikulang Aloha My Love at Don’t Ever Say Goodbye. Marami pa ding mga pelikulang ginawa sina Vilma at Edgar at kabilang na dito ay ang mga pelikulang I Do Love You, From The Bottom of My Heart, Because You’re Mine, Eternally, Edgar Loves Vilma, Vilma My Darling, My Love At First Sight, The Wonderful World of Music, Remembrance, Renee Rose, Angelica, I Love You Honey, Our Love Affair, Mga Batang Bangketa, Baby Vi, Dulce Corazon, Anak Ng Aswang at ang inilahok sa 1972 Quezon City Film Festival na Dama de Noche kung saan hindi man siya ang naging best actress dito subali’t sa FAMAS nang sumunod na taon ay siya ang naging Best Actress ka-tie si Boots Anson Roa. Samantala, Abril 28, 1974 nang maghiwalay ng landas sina Vilma at Edgar.

MEMORABILIA - All I See Is You 1970Maraming Vilma-Edgar Fans ang nalungkot at inisip nila na magkakabalikan din ang dalawa subali’t hindi na ito nangyari hanggang sa si Vilma ay itinambal sa iba’t ibang leading men. Pero bago pa sila naghiwalay ay itinambal na din si Vilma kina Paolo Romero sa pelikula ng Virgo Productions na Ikaw Lamang kung saan nagkamit ito ng Best Picture sa 1973 Quezon City Film Festival, Manny de Leon sa mga pelikulang Teen-age Señorita at Cariñosa, Walter Navarro sa Sweet Sweet Love at Dalagang Nayon, Jay Ilagan sa Tsismosang Tindera, Ang Konduktora at Inspiration, Tirso Cruz III sa Ding Dong, Nobody’s Child at Give Me Your Love, Victor Wood sa My Little Darling, Victor Laurel sa Ophelia At Paris, Prinsipe Paris Walang Kaparis, Jojit Paredes sa Tok Tok Palatok, Ronnie Henares sa Let’s Do The Salsa at nitong huli ay kay Christopher de Leon sa Tag-ulan sa Tag-araw. Talagang poor second lang noon si Vilma kay Nora Aunor, subali’t nang gawin niya ang trilogy film ng Sine Pilipino na Lipad Darna Lipad ay talagang lumipad ng husto ang kanyang box office appeal. Sinundan pa ito ng mga pelikulang Takbo Vilma Dali at Hatinggabi Na Vilma. Anupa’t itinambal din si Vilma sa mga matured leading man na katulad nina Eddie Rodriguez sa mga pelikulang Nakakahiya, Hindi Nakakahiya Part 2 kung saan nagkamit siya ng Best Actress Award sa 1st Bacolod City Film Festival at Simula Ng Walang Katapusan, Dante Rivero sa Susan Kelly Edad 20, Chiquito sa Teribol Dobol, Dolphy sa Buhay Artista Ngayon, Joseph Estrada sa King Khayan & I, Fernando Poe Jr. sa Batya’t Palu Palo at Bato Sa Buhangin, Jun Aristorenas sa Mapagbigay Ang Mister Ko, Dindo Fernando sa Langis at Tubig at Muling Buksan Ang Puso at Romeo Vasquez sa Nag-aapoy Na Damdamin, Dalawang Pugad Isang Ibon, Pulot Gata Pwede Kaya at Pag-ibig Ko Sa ‘Yo Lang Ibibigay.

Nagkasunod sunod na ang kanyang box office hit movie, hanggang sa inoperan siya ng Ian Films ng pelikulang Burlesk Queen kasama si Rollie Quizon kung saan hinakot nito ang halos lahat ng award including the Best Actress Award sa 1977 Metro Manila Film Festival. Hindi lang awards ang nakopo ng pelikulang ito dahil ang Burlesk Queen pa rin ang itinanghal na Top Grosser sa nasabing pestibal. Gumawa rin siya ng mga pelikulang siya mismo ang prodyuser katulad ng 1978 FAMAS and Urian Best Picture na Pagputi ng Uwak Pag-itim ng Tagak katambal si Bembol Roco, Halik Sa Paa Halik Sa Kamay kasama si Ronald Corveau at Eddie Rodriguez, Coed kasama si Jay Ilagan at iba pa. Noong taong 1978, ginawa ni Vilma ang isang pelikula kung saan lumabas siyang isang rape victim kasama sina Philip Salvador at Matt Ranillo III ng Sampaguita VP Pictures na pinamagatang Rubia Servios. Hindi siya pinalad na maging Best Actress sa pelikulang ito, si Nora Aunor ang nanalo sa pelikulang Atsay, bagama’t marami ang humuhula na siya ang tatanghaling Best Actress dahil kahit ang direktor ng pelikulang Atsay na si Eddie Garcia ay si Vilma ang hinalikan at binati subali’t kinabukasan ay lalong lumakas sa takilya ang Rubia Servios at tinalo nito ang Atsay. Talagang iniyakan ni Vilma ang kanyang pagkatalo. Taong 1978 din nang lumabas ang iskandalo sa kanila ni Romeo Vasquez subali’t sa halip na kumulimlim ang kanyang pagkabituin ay lalo pa siyang pumaimbulog paitaas at sa bandang huli ay hindi naman napatunayan ang balitang ito.

MEMORABILIA - See True 1980Noong July 19, 1980 ay nagpakasal si Vilma kay Edu Manzano sa Las Vegas, Nevada habang ginagawa nila ang pelikulang Romansa at April 21, 1981 nang isilang ni Vilma si Luis Manzano. Gusto ni Edu na maging plain housewife lang si Vilma subali’t hindi ito nangyari dahil sa natuklasan ni Vilma na baon na pala siya sa utang kaya gumawa siya ng mga pelikula. Talagang puro good karma ang dumating sa buhay ni Vilma dahil after niyang makapanganak ay gumawa siya ng sunod-sunod na mga box-office hit na pelikula katulad ng Ex-Wife, Hiwalay, Sinasamba Kita, Gaano Kadalas Ang Minsan?, Paano Ba Ang Mangarap?, Relasyon, Tagos Ng Dugo, Saan Nagtatago Ang Pag-ibig?, Yesterday Today & Tomorrow at iba pa. Sunod-sunod rin ang kanyang Best Actress award katulad ng kanyang grand slam sa mga pelikulang Relasyon, Dahil Mahal Kita: Dolzura Cortez Story, Bata Bata Paano Ka Ginawa? at Dekada ’70. Naging best actress din siya sa mga pelikulang Broken Marriage, Mano Po 3: My Love, Sister Stella L, Tagos Ng Dugo, Pakawalan Mo Ako, Ibulong Mo Sa Diyos, Pahiram Ng Isang Umaga, Sinungaling Mong Puso at Anak. Sunod-sunod rin naman ang kanyang Box Office Queen award. Hindi lang best actress at box office queen award ana kanyang natanggap kundi nagwagi din siya ng 2005 Gawad Plaridel. Samantala, sa pagsasara ng ABS CBN dahil sa martial law, ay nagsara din ang tv show ni Vilma na The Sensations datapwa’t may mga humalili din dito katulad ng Santos, Mortiz & Associates, Ayan Eh, Vilma Santos Very Special at Vilma In Person (VIP) sa BBC 2. Ang VIP ay lumipat sa GMA 7 at ito ay ginawa nilang “Vilma!”. Ang Vilma! ay nagtagal ng labinglimang taon at sa loob ng mga taong ito ay consistent top rater ito kaya naman siya ang highest paid tv star nang panahong iyon.

Noong December 12, 1992 ay ikinasal naman si Vilma sa noo’y congressman ng 2nd District ng Batangas na si Ralph Recto. Bumaha ang taong dumalo at nanood ng kanilang kasal sa San Sebastian Church sa Lungsod ng Lipa at noong March 29, 1996 ay ipinanganak si Ryan Christian Recto. Noong 1998, hinikayat siya ng iba’t ibang sektor ng lipunan para kumandidatong punong-bayan ng Lungsod na Lipa at matapos niyang gawin ang pelikulang Bata Bata Paano Ka Ginawa? ay miniting niya ang mga Vilmanians at sinabing humihingi lang siya ng isang “sign” para matuloy siyang kamandidatong mayor ng Lipa at ito ay nangyari. Naging punong-lungsod siya ng Lipa at sa loob ng siyam na taong panunungkulan ay masasabing ang Lungsod ng Lipa ang isa sa mga pinakaprogresibong lungsod sa Pilipinas. Noong May 14, 2007, siya ay nahilingan naman na kumandidato bilang gobernador ng Batangas at dahil sa kanyang magandang nagawa sa Lungsod ng Lipa, siya ay pinalad na manalo sa posisyong ito. Katatapos lang iselebreyt ni Governor Vi ang kanyang 100 araw na panunungkulan bilang gobernador ng lalawigan ng Batangas at nagkaroon siya ng State of Provincial Address nitong nakaraang October 8, 2007. Sabi nga ni Governor Vi, sa nagayon ay prioridad niya ang kanyang pamilya, pangalawa ay ang pagiging gobernador ng Batangas at pangatlo na lamang ay ang kanyang pagiging artista. Maraming movie offers ang kanyang natatanggap katulad ng pagsasamahan nila ni John Lloyd Cruz, meron pang digital film na La Independencia ni Raya Martin na automatic na ilalahok sa Cannes Film Festival kung magagawa niya (sana lang!). Meron ding offer na stage play (pero malabo na ito dahil maraming oras ang kakainin nito lalo na sa rehearsals). Meron ding mga commercials at marami pang iba. Ano pa kaya ang naghihintay sa isang Vilma Santos-Recto? Marami pa, marami pa, di ba Governor Vi? Happy 38th Birthday Governor Vi! – Alfonso Valencia, Oct 31, 2007 (READ MORE)

Why Vilma Santos is the Star for All Seasons

Posted on by Standard

MEMORABILIA - Vilma! (3)

ARTICLES - Glamourous Life White 1After 55 years in the business, 200 films, four Grand Slam Best Actress Awards, and a Hall of Fame recognition from FAMAS, Vilma Santos is still one of the most sought after and effective actresses of our time. No wonder she is called the Star for All Seasons. If you will tell me that I am ‘The Vilma Santos,’ that is because I worked hard for this,” said the actress-turned-Batangas Governor.

BORN TO BE A STAR – Maria Rosa Vilma Tuazon Santos was born on November 3, 1953 to Milagros Tuazon, a pharmacist from San Isidro, Nueva Ecija, and Amado Santos, a former movie extra from Bamban, Tarlac. As a child, Vilma loved listening to radio dramas. “Bata pa ako maarte na talaga ako! Kapag fiesta sa lugar namin maraming taong pumupunta sa bahay namin, ang mama at papa ko ‘Sige, Vi, sayaw! Ipakita mo, anak!’ At dahil maarte ako sasayaw naman ako.” At a family reunion when Vi was nine years old, the brother-in-law of her mother’s cousin, G. Amaury Agra who was a cameraman for Sampaguita Pictures, came for a visit. Agra convinced Mrs. Santos to bring Vi to the studio to audition for a part in the movie Anak, Ang Iyong Ina. There they saw a long line of children with actors Bella Flores and Eddie Garcia. “Pumila ako pero sabi ng mama ko hindi daw doon, sa ibang audition ako dapat. Pero nagpumilit akong pumila,”she re-called. With her improvised dialogue and acting, she wowed Doc Jose R. Perez and Azucena Vera of Sampaguita Pictures. Doc Perez then told the young Vilma, “Ikaw si Trudis Liit.”

MEMORABILIA - Vi & Bot 1972MEETING ‘BOT’ – In 1969, the 14-year old Vilma met Edgar ‘Bobot’ Mortiz, a rising recording star and undefeated champion in Tawag ng Tanghalan,” at a teen show entitled “Eskwelahang Munti.” Movie producers thought of establishing a Vi and Bot love team, and in 1970, the two were launched in the film “Young Love.” Thrown together constantly, Bobot and Vilma became a real-life couple in 1971. But Bobot feels shy talking about the details of the teenage relationship with SSM. Nagka-inlaban din naman kami. Ayoko na nga pinag-uusapan e! Pero sandali lang naman. “Nagka-develop-an din kami, dala na rin siguro ng madalas na magkasama kami.” Sadly, the relationship ended three years later, and the love team was eventually disbanded. Vilma and Bobot never did a movie after that but have managed to remain good friends.

MEMORABILIA - Vi @ Vilma! (2)GREAT ACTING, BAD ATTITUDE – Vilma is not ashamed to admit that even she was a “bad girl” in her mid-20s. Typical of her behavior then was her refusal to show up for a film shoot. The call time was 9AM; at 1PM, she got into her car. On the way to the shooting, she told her driver, “Ayoko na mag-shooting. Ihinto mo na lang diyan. Kakain na lang ako. Sabihin mo masakit ang tiyan ko.” Another time, she ran off to Baguio, just for the heck of it, without informing the producers of a TV Christmas special that she wasn’t planning on showing up. Veteran entertainment writer Ronald Constantino believes Vilma’s crazy days were a result of her private struggles, from tax problems to personal heartaches. Siguro din kasi dahil hindi pa siya nagma-mature as a person at baka ‘yun ‘yung time na marami siyang problema, finances and love life. Pinagdaanan niya ‘yun pero nalampasan din niya.” Later, as she matured, Vilma became more serious with her work. Rory Quintos, the director of Vilma’s 2000 Star Cinema film Anak, says Vi’s professionalism made her job much easier. “Dumadating si Ate Vi sa set nang naka-costume at make-up na. Kapag naka-set up na ‘yung mga gamit sa location, pagdating niya start na agad. That was a big help most especially when we shot in Hong Kong. Wala siyang pakialam na siya si Vilma Santos. Natulog siya doon sa maid’s quarters, kumakain ng kung ano ano, umuupo kahit saan. Natulog siya sa sidewalk, nasubsob sa basurahan. Wala siya talagang arte sa katawan.”

MEMORABILIA - Mature Vilma circa 2000s 1FAMILY, POLITICS, CAREER – After her first marriage to Edu Manzano ended, Vi met Ralph Recto, the grandson of the late stateman Claro M. Recto. Vi married Ralph in Decembver of 1992, the year when Ralph was first elected as Congressman of Lipa City, Batangas. Wanted to devote more time as a wife an try to have a child with Ralph (they had Ryan Christian Recto in March 1996), Vi wrapped up her long-running variety show “Vilma” in 1995. From then on, Vilma did only movies and was seldom seen on TV. She also entered politics, first as Mayor of Lipa City, then as Governor of Batangas. Constantino believes that this further elevated Vi’s star status. “Mabuti nga rin siguro na bihira na siya makita ng mga tao kasi nami-miss siya. Masd lumalakas nga ang excitement ng mga tao every time na siya ay gagawa ng pelikula.” Now she is ready for an onscreen comeback. This year, after six years of not making movies, Vilma is starrin g in In My Life, a film produced by Star Cinema with John Lloyd Cruz and her son Luis Manzano. She has as simple formula for career success. “Love your career and it will love you back. Don’t take your career for granted. Also, kailangan ng hard work, smart work, grace of God. Kapag may kulang sa tatlong ‘yan, mahihirapan ang kahit sino. Sa Ano mang larangan o propesyon kailangan ng hard work para magtagumpay.” – Napoleon Quintos, Star Studio, September 2009 (READ MORE)

u can’t cut in line, go at the back, please

Posted on by Standard

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

This, time “Talagang Mali ang Hula nila…” – Would it be different scenarios if Nora Aunor won the Urian? It would probably get one of the eight spot in the 2014 MMFF for “Whistle Blower” and heightened the pressure for the President to include her in the list of this year’s National Artist. Two reasons that I could think off…that some of her supporter would probably would not like. Noranians has been very vocal particularly in social media. I noticed several Facebook comments that were tragically personal even attacking the President. In the social media, the three main reason suggested were, political, drugs, and her citizenship. I guess if you’re National Artist, your loyalty should be with your country and can’t be divide between two nations. Nora have to go back and forth between the Philippines and the Unites States of America to retained her Green Card. Another anti-Nora mentioned her addiction to gambling and substance abuse, which to some needs clarification from Nora. The other nasty comments were about her non-traditional relationship that ended up in a marriage in Las Vegas which also needs clarification from her. Our own personal opinion is that, all of her struggles makes Nora unique and like her kumare, Vilma deserving of the title, National Artist.

Success in Life – Logically, what is the rush? Why does Aunor’s supporter so obsessed for their idol to be proclaim this year? Truth is, she is clearly not at her peak yet or if you don’t agree with that (because of her so much awards), she is still very much active and can amass more career milestones! In fact she has four more indie projects – that can earn her more awards! Why are they in hurry? Even Nora said in an article, “…Wag na nating pag-usapan…Kung darating, pasalamat tayo. Kung hindi, pasalamat din tayo…” She is wise enough not to psych herself up to avoid disappointment and this could be a blessing in disguise for Nora. I don’t believe that she did not get the NA because of her past troubles. In fact her struggles can be seen as success in life. When you overcome and rise above all the test with your personal life it is a milestone in itself. These setbacks will not startle her when the right time comes, no one will hesitate or ignore her day in the sun.

Seniority – As for her rival, Vi believes in conformity. She knows Filipinos believe in ritual, habits and tradition. In fact, when it comes to National Artists, she believes, it is seniority. Gerardo de Leon got his NA a year after his death. Six years after his death, Brocka got his NA while Bernal got his five years after his demise. Manuel Conde’s recognition came in the longest, he have to wait twenty four years while FPJ only have to wait two years, this are after both died. The only film artist who got his bragging rights alive was film director, Eddie Romero in 2003 when he was seventy-nine years old and retired already in directing films (He will direct two more films after his NA recognition and died last year). That’s why Vi did not put herself into a position where everyone will assumed you will be declared the winner and end up the loser (lesson learned, remember Rubia?).

Don’t Cut in Line – Let’s face it, National Artists are for artists who are: dead, semi-retired and no longer active in their fields particularly in films. It’s stupid but can’t do much about that. We’re fond of rituals, habit and superstitions. Filipinos will say, “una una lang yan (if you’re first in line, you comes first) at bigyan ng “respeto ang mga nakakatanda, (respect the elders).” Which in this case, makes sense. Who will argue that the likes of Dolphy, Charito Solis, Gloria Romero, Lolita Rodriguez, Celso Ad Castillo, Joseph Estrada, Rogelio dela Rosa, Eddie Garcia, Anita Linda, and Carmen Rosales…don’t deserves their day in the sun? Some of these artists already left us but some are still alive. Some are still active and some are already retired. But definitely way senior than Vi and Guy, kunbaga nauna sila sa pila…sabi nga walang singitan sa linya (u can’t cut in line, go at the back, please). – RV

Related Reading:

Remembering Bella Flores

Posted on by Standard

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Hatred (poot) and Jealousy (inggit) – “…In the Joey Reyes short film, Bella gave her audience an idea of how she became a most hated screen villain. On the whole, the film was a funny but down-to-earth crash course on how to achieve immortality as a screen villain. The fool-proof ingredient, according to Bella, was to invest and perfect that art of hatred (poot) and jealousy (inggit) and make use of them to the hilt. Then she added another lesson on the fine art of slapping and hair-pulling and how to produce an equally important wicked laughter as she saw the object of her hatred expire from her equally malevolent stare. Declared Bella in her last film (Kontrabida 101) after dousing wine on the face of the poor waiter: “Bidas (heroines) they come and go. Pero kaming mga kontrabida, we never fade away.” There is a ring of truth in Reyes’s declaration: “There is one and only Bella Flores. She is indeed one of a kind.” Stage director Anton Juan can only agree: “Bella Flores, how many who tried to imitate your art in front of their own mirrors could approximate your wicked eyebrows, flaring nostrils, the sharp-lined lips that formed the word at the edge of gritting teeth, a voice that rasped deep through the breath of smoke. You created the Filipino archetype of the ‘kontrabida’ till your name itself was synonymous with villainy. Rest in peace, Ms. Bella Flores and flowers for you…” – Pablo A. Tariman, The Philippine Star, 20 May 2013 (READ MORE)

Roberta and Trudis – “…Contravida Queen Bella Flores was featured in “Showbiz Central’s” Most Influential segment as she plays a big part in GMA Films’ new movie with Rhian Ramos and Aljur Abrenica, “My Kontrabida Girl.” It’s also a tribute to Bella as she’s celebrating her 60th anniversary in showbiz. The screen name Bella Flores was given to her by the late Sampaguita Pictures’ boss Dr. Jose Perez. “I was so glad when I was told it means beautiful flowers,” she said. Her real name is Remedios Dancel and she was born on Feb. 27, 1936, which means she turned 76 yesterday, Monday (Feb 27/2012). She was only 15 when she did her first villain role maltreating child star Tessie Agana in the blockbuster “Roberta.” She recounted that Vilma Santos auditioned with her for her first movie, “Trudis Liit,” in 1963. “Natakot siya at tumakbo dahil nakita niyang pinahirapan ko ‘yung ibang batang nag-audition,” she said. “Ngayon, governor na siya. Sina Roderick Paulate at Gina Alajar, sa’kin din nagsimula as child stars sa ‘Kaibigan Kong Sto. Nino’…” – Mario Bautista, Malaya (READ MORE)

Female Eddie Garcia – “…There is nothing that I can ask for more,” sambit ni Bella. “I’ve played all kinds of roles. I played the madre roles. Meron akong mga action pictures…plus mga drama. “Even on television, all of my TV shows got the highest ratings. Honest to God! Katulad ngayon, itong Trudis Liit, nakadagdag na naman ako. Nakasama ako sa magandang ratings ng show. “I’m so proud and I’m so happy and so contented that after all those five decades, you know what I mean, I’m still standing up, not sitting down.” Marami nga ang naghahalintulad kay Bella bilang female counterpart ni Eddie Garcia sa patagalan sa showbiz industry. “They compare me always to Eddie Garcia when they interview me. It’s true that we have the most respected names in the world of showbiz. “Kapag sinabi mong Eddie Garcia, sold na lahat. Yari na ang lahat. Wala nang puwedeng ipalit. Ganoon din ang sinasabi nila sa akin,” aniya. Aminado naman si Bella na may mga pagkakataon din na hindi dumarating ang projects sa kanya….” – Paul Mata, PEP, 20 October 2010 (READ MORE)

Miss Bulaklak – “…Acting didn’t run in Bella’s family of eight brothers and seven sisters. Remedios Limson in real life (a mixture of Chinese, Spanish, and German bloods), Bella was a rice vendor on Blumentritt and Antipolo streets in Sta Cruz and eventually became “Miss Bulaklak of 1949” before she invaded the movies. She had her first taste of movies without the knowledge of her parents. “It was only when I arrived home with five stiches on the head I sustained from a freak accident during a shooting that they learned about it. My producer, the late Mommy Dolores H. Vera, took me home. So my parents couldn’t back out anymore!” Bella Flores started out in films as an extra in Ang Lumang Bahay Sa Gulod which was Premiere Productions’ first picture in color and starred Rogelio de la Rosa and Leila Morena. She transferred to Sampaguita Pictures where the late Dr. Jose R. Perez screen named her Bella Flores, which means “magandang bulaklak” in Pilipino. She was to be an extra again in Kilabot Sa Makiling but a sudden twist of fate landed her a longer role as the “other woman.” Bella’s biggest break came when she portrayed the stern and mean aunt to then child stars Tessie Agana and Boy Alano in Roberta, a tearjerker. The sob movie was a smash hit and literally revived Sampaguita Pictures, which was razed by fire in 1951. Bella was then signed up for 13 years and got P500 per picture with a P50 weekly allowance. On top of that, for every picture she made there after, she would be paid P3,000. “During those time, you could already buy a house and lot for only P10,000. Regular taxi fare was P10 and you could go back and forth to studio and home…Age is a state of mind. If you say you’re old, then you’ll look old. Me? I don’t believe I’m old because I always feel young!…” – Manny B. Fernandez, People Magazine, 05 February 1982 (READ MORE)

Bella Flores and Vilma Santos’ Films

  • Ikaw Ang Mahal Ko (1996) – ”…In 1996 Vilma Santos did “Ikaw Ang Mahal Ko” with the late FPJ. The film did not do well, both critically and commercially. This year also was a bad year for the local entertainment industry as Ishmael Bernal died on June 2nd. It was reported that he was scheduled to direct a film about the life story of Lola Rosa Henson, the comfort woman during the Japanese invasion of the Philippines. The project was also reportedly offered to Vilma Santos. From 1997 to 2009, Vilma Santos completed 6 full featured films, two were considered record breaking films and almost all gave her acting recognitions including two international best actress recognitions…” (READ MORE)
  • Pinay, American Style (1979) – “…The film was so forgettable that the critics didn’t even bother to write any reviews. The lack of enthusiasm on the part of the critics was compensated with the box office success of the film. Vilma fits the role as the illegal alien, PX. Her attempt to speak fluent English and pretend that she’s rich when she met the boyish looking Christopher was funny and poignant. She was given enough scenes to shine. One was when she was harassed by her landlady, she promised her the rent money the next day and when she’s gone, she opened her refrigerator and found a staled piece of bread. She took bottled water and ate the staled bread, went to the bedroom and found her mom’s letter. Lying down in bed, she started to break down. A quiet scene without dialogue. A contrast from the earlier scenes where she was talkative as she tried to impress Christopher and telling him she’s rich and from a well-known family. It was obvious in 1979, Elwood Perez wasn’t the kind of director you will expect to produce a serious output. He wasn’t a Bernal or Brocka. He’s a commercial director. It was a better effort though, compared to a much more convoluted Magkaribal or their past successful projects like Nakawin natin ang bawat sandali and masakit masarap ang umibig. In Pinay, Toto Belano’s script wasn’t efficient in ironing out the “love quadrangle” plot twists and establishing the characters of four actors. So the blame can’t be put to solely to Perez’ shoulder. There was a scene were Vilma Santos and Christopher were watching a concert which was obviously not part of the script…” (READ MORE)
  • Huwag hamakin! Hostess (1978) – “…Do you always succeed in packaging a movie? “Often, yes, But, alas, I have failures too.” For instance? “Well, some reasons for failure are due to wrong chemistry of the cast, to the vehicle (story) and/or unsuitability of both elements. Let’s take the movie, Huwag Hamakin: Hostess, which with solid actresses, a move that proved to be contrary to the image of La Aunor. It would have been all right, if Alma Moreno, Nora’s co-star, was paired with another bold actress. But that, we learned only later and too late! I was aware of Guy’s image. But I wasn’t aware that her image wouldn’t go well with the combination. Not even the controversy of including Vilma Santos in the cast helped. It only antagonized both camps of Nora-Vilma fans…” (READ MORE)
  • Big Ike’s Happening (1976) – “…Enrique “Big Ike” Lozada (August 13, 1940-March 8, 1995) was a Filipino comedian, actor and TV host. He was born on August 13, 1940 in Iloilo City. He started acting at the age of 11 on the movie Mga Bituin ng Kinabukasan with the younger Susan Roces. He died on March 10, 1995 in Manila, of heart attack. He was 54. His had lain at Manila Memorial Park in Parañaque City…” (READ MORE)
  • Ding Dong (1970) – “…Ding Dong, adapted into movie from comics written by Pablo S. Gomez; Illustrated by Alfredo P. Alcala for United Komiks, 1970…” (READ MORE)
  • Young Love (1970) – “…The loveteam of Edgar Mortiz and Vilma Santos endured a stiff competition from teeny bopper love team of Nora Aunor and Tirso Cruz III and came up with equal success with string of hit films during the musical era of the 70s. Together they did forgettable but commercial hits and also some hints of the years to come to Vilma Santos’ long career. The most notable one: Dama De Noche. Total Number of films with Vilma Santos – 25 (Young Love, Teenage Jamboree, Songs and Lovers, Renee Rose, My Pledge of Love, Mga Batang Bangketa, Love Is for the Two of Us, I Love You Honey, From the Bottom of My Heart, Baby Vi, Love Letters, The Wonderful World of Music, The Sensations, The Young Idols, Sweethearts, Sixteen, Leron-Leron Sinta, Edgar Love Vilma, Don’t Ever Say Goodbye, Dama de Noche, Anak ng Aswang, Because You Are Mine, Kampanerang Kuba, Kasalanan Kaya, Karugtong ang Kahapon…” (READ MORE)
  • Trudis liit (1963) – “Ang pelikula ni Ate Vi na Trudis Liit ay tandang tanda ng maraming Vilmanians. Nagdulot ito ng unang karangalan para kay Ate Vi at sa murang edad ng siyam. Sa mga Vilmanians ang maraming madramang eksena ni Vilma rito’y natanim sa ating alaala. Ang sabi nga ng isa sa ating Vilmanian na si Henry Llaneza, “the first movie I’ve seen in Black & White TV mula sa bintana ng kapitbahay ay ang “Trudis Liit” na napaiyak ang lahat ng nanonood dito nagsimula ang lahat…” ng kanyang pagiging isang Vilmanian. Katulad ni Henry, dito rin nagsimula ang aking paghanga sa star for all season. Galit na galit ako nuon kay Bella Flores dahil sa pang-aaping ginawa niya kay Trudis. Sa pagkapanalo ni Ate Vi ng FAMAS Best Child Actress sa pelikulang ito, sinundan pa ng Sampaguita Pictures ang tagumpay nito sa pamamagitan ng pelikulang Ging. Dito makikita ang malinaw na talento ni Ate Vi. Hindi lamang sa kanyang hindi pilit na pag-iyak kundi sa pagkanta rin. Dito rin sa pelikulang ito’y nakipagsabayan siya sa pagganap ni Olivia Cenizal at sa pang-aapi ni Carol Varga. Ang dekada ng sisenta ay patuloy na nagbigay ng maraming pelikula kay Ate Vi magmula sa pagiging isang batang artista hanggang sa isang teenager. Umabot ito sa unang karangalan niya bilang isang hindi na batang artista sa pamamagitan ng pagkanominado niya sa Best Supporting Actress muli sa FAMAS at ang kanyang pagkapanalo ng parehong titulo mula naman sa San Beda College…” (READ MORE)

Bella Flores (February 27, 1929 – May 19, 2013), was a FAMAS award-winning Filipino film actress. She was best known for her “iconic” portrayals of film villains. Flores was born in Manila. She was a college sophomore at the Far Eastern University when she appeared in her first film, Tatlong Balaraw (1950), at age 14. Flores was signed by Sampaguita Pictures. She was cast in Roberta as the cruel stepmother of Tessie Agana’s titular character, despite being 15 years old. The film was a box-office success, credited with saving Sampaguita Pictures from bankruptcy after a fire had destroyed its studio. The film’s success also elevated Flores into the upper tier of stars, and typecast her in villainous roles. The film critic Nestor Torre remarked that Flores had “been making life miserable for many generations of hapless stars—all the way back to little Tessie Agana and Boy Alano in ‘Roberta’ in the early 1950s, to her fresh batch of victims in the New Millennium… doing it without skipping a beat—and without aging (much) to boot.” She received the 1967 FAMAS Best Supporting Actress award for her role in Ang Kaibigan Kong Santo Niño. Flores died on May 19, 2013, in Quezon City General Hospital. Her death was a result due to complications from a recent hip surgery. – Wikipedia (READ MORE)

Related Reading:

Remembering Chichay

Posted on by Standard

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

The “Queen” – “…This movie was in tribute of the staff and crew behind the movies produced by Sampaguita Pictures. They were played by Dolphy, Panchito, Chichay and other actors and actresses of the said film outfit. The title was about a popularity contest in the studio where some of the said staff and crew were the candidates. Here, the King of Comedy played a janitor named “Julio Antukin” who became involved in most of the hilarious situations in the movie studio premises like throwing the pin of the grenade instead of the grenade, when he replaced a bit player, at the site where a movie director, played by Ading Fernando, was standing giving instructions about a scene. Another one was when he was assigned in the sound room where his clumsiness in the operation of its equipment caused the switching of the male and the female voices of its contract stars, played by Jose Mari Gonzales and Liberty Ilagan, in a musical number scene. In the end, he redeemed himself, when he was able to help the studio from being robbed by a gang of criminals which made him the “King” while Chichay was the “Queen”. Vilma Santos appeared in this movie as Dolphy’s younger kid sister…” – Melcore’s CinePlex Blog (READ MORE)

Pamosong Komedyante – “…Samantala sa entablado naman ng mga eskuwelahan at sa mga syudad, ipinalabas din ang dulang New Yorker in Tondo, isang komedya tungkol sa isang balikbayan na mas Amerikano pa kaysa Amerikano pero kayumanggi naman. Nauso rin sa radyo ang komedya tulad ng Sebya Mahal Kita na pinalabasan nina Sylvia Guerrero at Eddie San Jose. Ang iba pang pamosong mga komedyante ay sina Oscar Obligacion, Chichay at Aruray atbp…Sa larangan ng pelikula, si Ai-Ai pa rin ang bida sa mga komedya, na marahil ay namana ang kanyang pagiging komedyante sa mga “greats” tulad ni Chichay at Aruray na sumikat noong mga 50′s at hanggang 60′s. Bandang 70′s o 80′s ginawang katatawanan ang isang artista na sobra ang dunong daw…” – Wilhelmina S. Orozco (READ MORE)

Patsy vs Chichay – “…Her best episode in Wanted: Boarders in the old ABS-CBN Channel 4 was when Chichay guested in the show. Chichay had a daughter, singer Geraldine, and Patsy could never pronounce the girl’s name correctly (she kept saying Gungadine). From the start, there was already animosity between Patsy and Chichay. It turned out that Chichay was the ex-girlfriend of Patsy’s husband, Pugo, and it was a riot in the show. That episode was a landmark on Philippine TV because there supposedly was a feud between Chichay and Patsy off-screen. Nobody ever knew if this was true or just a joke between them and no one knew the exact reason why they were feuding in the first place. The public waited for the answer when Patsy was featured as guest in the Joy Virata-Robert Jaworski talk show Celebrity in 1978 on Channel 4 (then already a government studio). Unfortunately, when Ms. Virata asked that question, Patsy evaded it by merely answering: “It’s a military secret.” The year after, Patsy died and buried along with her mortal remains was the mystery about her supposed feud with Chichay. But at the funeral, there was only one celebrity who went, Chichay….” – Butch Francisco, The greatest comedians of all time (Third of a series), Philstar, Aug 19 2006 (READ MORE)

Toothless Miss – “…During her absence, something “that I couldn’t figure out till now” occurred. When she returned, a new Chichay was born: the toothless Miss. By conservative estimate, Chichay has to date 120 photoplays to her credit, the most decisive and memorable of which is Buhay Pilipino, a movie she made with Pancho Magalona and Tita Duran in 1951 because it gave birth to the masungit and tsismosa aunt-image that Chichay is now well-known for. She has a CAT Award (for Best TV Actress of 1967) to attest to her acting ability. Chichay the person is a far cry from Chichay the jester. whenever she is free from commitments (which is very seldom), she stays at home and reads her favorite fun magazines: 1001 Jokes, Mad and Taurus. She is fond of cats. She has not seen any movie for the past five years, even her own films. Her favorite comedienne is Lucille Ball. Fifty years old last January 21, Chichay professes she has a deep-seated devotion to show business: “I want to laugh away the rest of my life…” – Ricardo F. Lo, Sunday Times Variety, April 27 1969 (READ MORE)

Chichay (born Amparo R. Custodio; January 21, 1918 – May 31, 1993) was a Filipino comedienne. Her short and stocky stature, scratchy voice and prematurely aged appearance allowed her to portray grandmothers while only in her thirties. She was born in Tondo, Manila, the daughter of a ship steward, Jose Pacifico Custodio and Maria Robles of Bulacan. In 1945, she married Hercules Saenz Moya of Iloilo. She entered showbusiness as a teen, joining the “Samahang Antonieta” as a singer with her sister Iluminada. She also appeared as a chorus line dancer at the bodabil shows of Katy de la Cruz. Soon a regular at the bodabil circuit, she received her stage name “Chichay” from Atang de la Rama. The name was a corruption of the Japanese word “Chiisai”, meaning “short”, in reference to Chichay’s own short height and she got famous for her toothless appearance but in reality she still got 2 molars left…Chichay remained a contract star with Sampaguita Pictures for almost two decades. After her stint with Sampaguita, she remained in demand as a character actress, often in comic roles. In 1972, she was nominated for a FAMAS Best Supporting Actress award for her role in Bilanguang Puso. She was active in film until her death in 1993. Among her last roles was as Lola Basyang in the 1986 Regal Films fantasy movie, Mga Kuwento ni Lola Basyang. – Wikipedia (READ MORE)

Chichay and Vilma Santos

  • 1980 – Yakapin Mo ‘ko, Lalaking Matapang – Chichay played the grandmother to Vilma Santos, Lito Lapid is Vi’s leading man.
  • 1974 – Happy Days Are Here Again – A collection of film segments of the big three – LVN Films, Premiere Productions and Sampaguita Pictures, Chichay was in Fred Montilla’s segment playing the titular role, “Bondying” while Vilma Santos, now a teen idol, was in the musical segments with her fellow teenstars, Edgar Mortiz, Nora Aunor and Tirso Cruz III.
  • 1963 – King and Queen for a Day – Still a child actor, Vilma Santos played supporting to lead stars, Dolphy and Chichay.

Related Reading: