Vilma Santos-Recto is a popular multi-awarded actress and politician in the Republic of the Philippines. *** She is known as "Queen of Philippine Movies," "Queenstar," "Grand Slam Queen," "Box Office Queen," and "Star for All Seasons." *** This website is mostly about her iconic film career.
Basic Information: Directed: Tito Sanchez; Story: Maria Theresa; Screenplay: Jose Flores Sibal; Cast: Vilma Santos, George Estregan, Alona Alegre, Nick Romano, Marissa Delgado, Rudy Fernandez, Arnold Mendoza, Daria Ramirez, Joe Sison, Franco Guerrero, Lucita Soriano; Original Music: Danny Subido; Cinematography: Ricardo Herrera
Plot Description: Vilma witnessed the traumatic death of her mother that made her crazy until she met the murderer again.
Film Achievement: No Available Data
Film Review: “…Estregan won critical acclaim for many of his performances. In 1972, he was named FAMAS Best Actor for Sukdulan, and would win two other FAMAS Awards for Best Supporting actor for Kid Kaliwete (1978) and Lumakad Kang Hubad sa Mundong Ibabaw (1980). He was nominated for the FAMAS Award three other times, as Best Actor for Lumapit, Lumayo ang Umaga (1975) and Lalake Ako (1982), and for Best Supporting Actor in Magkayakap sa Magdamag (1986). He also received a nomination from the Gawad Urian as Best Actor for Hostage: Hanapin si Batuigas (1977)…” – Wikipedia (READ MORE)
“…1975 was another productive year for Vilma Santos as she did nine films mostly title roles like Vilma Viente Nueve, Darna Vs the Planet Women, and Ibong Lukaret. It was the “prep” stage for the years to come as she was given more mature roles like the local festival entry, “Karugtong ang Kahapon” and Celso Ad Castillo’s “Tag-ulan sa Tag-araw.” Tagulan was the first film of Vilma and Christopher De Leon. While Vilma was testing the water for more serious mature projects, Ishmael Bernal decided to return to his original forte, drama, after years of doing light comedies and television work. He came up with “Mister Mo, Lover boy Ko” and “Lumapit, Lumayo Ang Umaga.” Both films featured sexy star, Elizabeth Oropeza…” – RV (READ MORE)
“…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…” – The 28th (READ MORE)
Basic Information: Directed: Luciano B. Carlos; Story, screenplay: Bert R. Mendoza; Cast: Chiquito, Vilma Santos, Walter Navarro, Caridad Sanchez, Lorlie Villanueva, Roderick Paulate, Tony Carrion, Robert Miller, Jesse O’Neil, James O’Neil, Raquel Montesa, Nympha Bonifacio, Joe Garcia, SOS Daredevils; Executive producer: Emilia Blass; Original Emie Munji; Cinematography: Ricardo Periodica
Plot Description: Teribol Dobol is a classic comedy movie. Maritess (Vilma Santos) asked for help from Frankie (Chiquito) a private investigator to investigate her father, who’s foolishly in love with a young lady. This lady & her family only wanted the wealth and fortune of her father. They will plan to poison Don Cosme (father of Maritess) and accuse Maritess for the caused of his death. Will they succeed to bring Maritess to jail? – Kabayan Central (READ MORE)
Film Achievement: No Available Data
Film Review: “If one is not enough, two can’t be too much!…..” Teribol Dobol (June 27, 1975) ng Lea Productions na pinangunahan nina Vi, Chiquito, Walter Navarro, Caridad Sanchez, Lorli Villanueva, Roderick Paulate, Tony Carrion, Robert Miller, Racquel Montesa at Nympha Bonifacio sa panulat at iskrip ni Bert R. Mendoza at sa direksiyon ni Luciano B. Carlos. – Alfonso Valencia (READ MORE)
“Lights…camera…action…yan ang sigaw ng mga film director kapag nagsushooting ng pelikula. Masasabing ang film director ang tumatayong “captain of the ship” dahil sila ang responsable sa camera angles, lens effects, lighting at set design. Sila din ang nagsisilbing story teller. Malaki din ang role ng film director sa post-production ng pelikula. Ngayong buwan ng Agosto…..sa ating ALAM NYO BA? Part 74 ay bigyang daan naman natin ang mga naging director ng Star for All Seasons na si Ms. Vilma Santos sa kanyang mga naging pelikula. Sa mahigit sa apat na dekadang pamamalagi sa larangan ng pelikula…..humigit kumulang sa dalawang daang pelikula din ang nagawa ni Vi sa mahigit na pitumpong direktor na nagdirek sa kanya…Nakagawa din si Vi ng pelikula na si Luciano B. Carlos ang direktor at ito ay sa mga pelikulang Pag-ibig Masdan Ang Ginawa Mo (1969), Teribol Dobol (1975) at Let’s Do The Salsa (1976)…” – Alfonso Valencia (READ MORE)
Basic Information: Directed: Fely Crisostomo; Story: Nerissa Cabral; Screenplay: Mike Relon Makiling; Cast: Vilma Santos, Edgar Mortiz, Gloria Romero, Celia Rodriguez, Eddie Garcia, Jay Ilagan, Romy Mallari, Joseph Sytangco, Patria Plata, Ronald Ruiz; Original Music: Danny Subido; Cinematography: Ricardo Herrera; Film Editing: Gervacio Santos
Plot Description: “…When the happy, well-adjusted daughter of a middle-class couple discovers her father’s infidelity to her mother, her hysterical and overblown response to the discovery leads one to wonder how well-adjusted she could have been..” – Clarke Fountain, Rovi, Blockbuster (READ MORE)
Film Review: “…May pagsisikap ang Karugtong Ang Kahapon na lumikha ng naiibang larawan ng babae. Sekretarya lamang ni Rafael si Norma ngunit tila wala siyang pakialam sa tradisyunal na huwarang pambabae na dapat lamang makipag-seks sa ilalim ng institusyon ng kasal. Nagdedesisyon siya ayon sa pinaniniwalaan niyang tama. Kahit may pananagutan na si Rafael, malaya niyang sinunod ang nais ng kanyang isip at katawan. Pero kailangan pa rin niyang itago ang katotohanan sa harap ni Raquel nang bigla siyang komprontahin nito ukol sa pakikipagrelasyon ng kanyang ama kay Beatrice. Sa kabila ng liberal na asta at asal na ipinakita sa pelikula, nakakapagtaka na pinairal pa rin ang anakronista at makalumang pagtuturing sa babae bilang martir. Mapapansin ito sa papel na ginampanan ni Gloria Romero. Ipinakita ni Beatrice ang hindi pasibong pagtanggap nito sa suliraning kinasasangkutan ng asawa, na tumututol naman siya kahit paano, hindi rin naman ipinakita na gumagawa siya ng hakbang na tumutungo, kahit bahagya, sa isang progresibong pagkamulat sa kanyang kalagayan. Ayon sa pagkakaganap, isinabalikat ni Vilma Santos sa papel ni Raquel ang buong bigat ng pasaning nakapaloob sa pelikula sa pamamagitan ng isang uri ng pagganap na kumikilos, nag-iisip at malalim na umuunawa sa karanasan. Sinubok ng Karugtong Ang Kahapon na hatakin ang manonood sa landas tungo sa matalinong pagsasalarawan at pag-unawa sa kababaihan. Sa maraming pagkakataon, pinilit nitong kumawala sa etiketang kinakabit sa babae pero naroon pa rin ang etiketang nakabatay sa patriyarkal na ayos ng mga bagay…” – Jojo Devera, Sari-saring Sineng Pinoy (READ MORE)
“…Starring Vilma, daughter of a “happy” couple Eddie Garcia and Gloria Romero. Throw in the other woman of Eddie, Celia Rodriguez and as expected, another morality play was born. Shown at the first MMFF…” – Mario O. Garces (READ MORE)
“…Nora Aunor’s entry, NV Productions’ Batu-Bato sa Langit (directed by Luciano B. Carlos), was a hit and won as 3rd Best Picture. Vilma Santos, on the other hand, gave a notable performance in Roma Films’ Karugtong ang Kahapon. That time, Nora and Vilma were in their peak, their career and the movies they made were being followed closely, compared, watched, praised, scrutinized both by fans and critics. Their storied and fierce rivalry dominated our movie industry for years. In fact, one could argue that even to this day, a Filipino movie fan is either a Noranian or a Vilmanian…” – Wikipedia (READ MORE)
“Dahil Father’s Day ngayon, nais nating bigyan ng magandang tribute ang nakilala nang ama ng maraming artista ng iba’t ibang henerasyon na si Eddie Garcia. Hindi lang mahusay na bida at kontrabida si Eddie kundi mahusay rin siya bilang isang film director. Taong 1961 nang idirek ni Eddie ang kanyang unang pelikula titled “Karugtong Ng Kahapon” kunsaan bida sina Mario Montenegro, Rita Gomez, Ric Rodrigo at Marlene Dauden. Higit na 36 movies pa ang dinirek ni Eddie na iba-iba ang tema…” – Ruel Mendoza, Abante, 15 June 2019 (READ MORE)
Basic Information: Directed: Ishmael Bernal; Cast: Vilma Santos, Edgar Mortiz, Tommy Abuel, Mercy Pantamaria, Lorli Villanueva, Ernie Zarate, Buth Josue, Jaime Asensio, Ed Villapol, Tony Carrion, Carmen Jiongco, Chito Guerero, Chanda Romero, Elizabeth Vaughn, Randy Robledo; Executive producer: Espiridion Laxa; Cinematography: Benjamin Lobo
Plot Description: No Available Data
Film Achievement: Total Number of Bernal directed films = 8 (Broken Marriage, Dalawang Pugad Isang Ibon, Good Morning Sunshine, Ikaw ay Akin, Inspiration, Now and Forever, Pahiram ng Isang Umaga, Relasyon)
Film Review: “…By late 1969, movie producers had been tapping a Vilma Santos-Edgar Mortiz love team. Edgar was a Tawag ng Tanghalan winner. They started to be together in the movies, My Darling Eddie (1969) and The Jukebox King (1969)…In 1970, the love team of Vilma Santos and Edgar “Bobot” Mortiz was officially launched in the movie Young Love, together with the another popular love team during that time, Nora Aunor and Tirso Cruz III. The Vi and Bot love team went on to do 14 more movies in 1970—The Young Idols, Songs and Lovers, Sweethearts, Sixteen, Love Letters, Love is for the Two of Us, Mga Batang Bangketa, My Pledge of Love, Renee Rose, Baby Vi, Because You Are Mine, Edgar Loves Vilma, From the Bottom of My Heart, and I Love You Honey. All did well at the box-office…” – Rommel R. Llanes (READ MORE)
“…Noong Dekada ’70, ang mga young stars ay kailangang marunong kumanta dahil yun ang uso kaya naman nagtayo ng sariling recording company ang nasirang manager ni Vi na si William Leary dahil ayaw niyang pahuhuli sa uso ang kanyang alaga. Ilan sa mga naging recording artists ng WILEARS RECORDS bukod kay Vi ay sina Edgar Mortiz, Ed Finlan, Sahlee Quizon, Hilda Koronel at Esperanza Fabon. According to Vi, kapag nagrerecord siya ng kanta ay nakatalikod siya sa dingding ng recording company at si Bobot ang umaalalay sa kanya. Ang SIXTEEN, na sinulat ni Danny Subido ang unang recording na ginawa ni Vi at ito ay flipsided by It’s So Wonderful To Be In Love. Ang SIXTEEN ay agad naging gold record at dahil dito ay gumawa ng pelikula ang Tagalog Ilang Ilang Productions, ang home studio ni Vi at ito ay ginawa nilang pamagat katambal si Edgar Mortiz. Hindi nyo naitatanong, muntik nang manalo si Vi bilang most promising singer sa AWIT AWARDS noong early ’70s…” – Alfons. Valencia (READ MORE)
“…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…” – RV (READ MORE)
“…The following year, Santos made fourteen films, mostly forgettable musicals. It was also a year where her benefactor started to positioned her as more of a film actress than a singing film star. The results was successful experiments that showcased her comedic ability (Ang Kundoktora), screaming action stunts (Takbo Vilma Dali) and dramatic capability (Dama De Noche). Her followers was delighted when she earned her first acting recognition the next year receiving the FAMAS best actress via Dama De Noche. Most of her films in 1972 were directed by Emmanuel Borlaza however, she was able to do one film with Ishmael Bernal, “Inspiration” with the late Jay Ilagan, one of her regular film partner. According to Bernal, the film wasn’t as successful as what he expected, as the film flopped. Aside from Inspiration, Bernal did two other films, El Vibora (starring Vic Vargas and Boots Anson Roa) and Till Death Do Us Part (starring the young Hilda Koronel and Victor Laurel). 1973 turned out to be a banner year for Vilma Santos as she emerged on top with box office hits one film after another. Nine films altogether that featured her in different genres (comedy – “Tsismosang Tindera;” fantasy – “Maria Cinderella,” “Dyesebel at ang Mahiwagang Kabibe” and ”Ophelia at Paris;” action/fantasy – “Wonder Vi,” “Lipad, Darna, Lipad,” and “Darna and the Giants;” horror – “Anak ng Aswang” and teenybopper – “Carinosa” and “Now and Forever”). While Vilma was productive Bernal, like the past two years did only two films, one was the comedy fantasy starring television host and comedian Ariel Ureta in a spin off of Superman, “Zoom, Zoom, Superman!” and “Now and Forever” the film that reunited him with Jay Ilagan and Vilma…” – RV (READ MORE)
Basic Information: Produced by Doming Bravo; Musical Director Tito Arevalo; Directors of Photography Loreto Isleta, Ricardo Remias, Sergio Lobo, Freddie Conde, Fermin Pagsisihan, Ben Lobo; Production Company: Bravo Film Productions; Release Date June 12, 1975
Episode 1: Direction Johnny C. Pangilinan; Cast: Dante Rivero, Vic Vargas, Eddie del Mar, Eddie Garcia, Cesar Ramirez, Rosemarie Gil, Barbara Perez, Ruben Rustia, Teody Belarmino, Eddie Arenas, Perry Baltazar, Carlos Salazar, Johnny Monteiro, Celia Fuentes, Mario Escudero, Eddie Nicart, Tony Blade, Mario Montalban, Jerry Bravo, Baby Lalaine
Episode 2: Direction Ding de Jesus; Cast: Ramon Revilla, Liza Lorena, Dante Varona, Ramon Zamora, Lito Legaspi, Desiree Destreza, Max Alvarado, Nello nayo, Anita Linda, Willy Milan, Sancho Tesalona, Virginia Montes, Ric Bustamante, Venchito Galvez, Pat Salvador, Totoy Torrente
Episode 3: Direction Armando Herrera; Cast: Fernando Poe, Jr., Gina Alajar, Zernan Manahan, Mary Walter, Vic Varrion, Danny Rojo
Episode 4: Direction Cesar Gallardo; Cast: Joseph Estrada, Helen Gamboa, George Estregan, Paquito Diaz, Paraluman, Vic Silayan, Leopoldo Salcedo, Jun Mariano, Liza Villa
Episode 5: Direction Romy Suzara; Cast: Nora AUnor, Vilma Santos, Tirso Cruz III, Jay Ilagan, Alona Alegre, Rudy Fernandez, Hilda Koronel, Elizabeth Oropesa, Walter Navarro, Patria Plata, Jose Romulo, Angelo Ventura, Renato Robles, Bomber Moran, Joaquin Fajardo, Tino de Lara – Video48
Plot Description: Dugo at Pagibig sa Kapirasong Lupa is 1975 Epic Film with Star-stunted cast like Fernando Poe Jr, Ramon Revilla, Joseph Estrada, Nora Aunor, Dante Rivero, Eddie Garcia, Vic Vargas, George Estregan, Mary Walter, Gina Alajar and the other all time favorite artist…Filipino People fight against colonialism Spain, Japan and even their fellow Filipinos abusing the power in the government…” – Wikipilipinas (READ MORE)
A Must for the Filipino History Students and for everyone who wants to awaken the innate nationalism in them. These series of stories depicting the fight of the Filipinos against colonialism of Spain, Japan and even their fellow Filipinos abusing the power in the government. A seemingly serious film but spiced with the star-studded cast like Fernando Poe Jr., Ramon Revilla, Joseph Estrada, Nora Aunor, Dante Rivero, Eddie Garcia, Vic Vargas, Goerge Estregan and the other all time favorite artists. This movie even highlighted the comparison between the love of country and the other kind of love we offer to our family and to our beloved as the story featured love stories in the midst of tragic and bloody war happening in our society. – Kabayan Central (READ MORE)
Film Achievement: No Available Data
Film Review: “…Hindi dito natapos ang Nora-Vilma rivalry. Pero ang pagsasama ng dalawang aktres sa isang pelikula was not repeated after Danny Zialcita’s T-Bird at Ako (released in 1982). Their initial appearance together was in 1970’s Young Love; naulit in 1978, sa Ikaw Ay Akin ni Bernal; at mayroon silang tig-isang episode sa Dugo at Pag-Ibig sa Kapirasong Lupa in 1975 at Pinagbuklod ng Pag-Ibig, also released in early 1978. At the height of the Nora-Vilma rivalry for acting supremacy, ang kanilang mga pelikula, magkahiwalay man sila o magkasama, ang may malaking kinikita for their producers. In 1982 and 1983, Vilma was Box-Office Queen and Urian Best Actress; while Nora did several blockbusters (like Beloved and Till We Meet Again). There was social unrest, following the Ninoy Aquino assassination on Aug. 21, 1983, pero masigla ang daigdig ng TV at pelikula. Sikat pa rin sina Nora at Vilma…” – William Reyes (READ MORE)
“…Sa taong 1975 ay nakagawa si Vi ng siyam na pelikula…..Basta’t Isipin Mong Mahal Kita (Enero 24, 1975) kasama sina Eugene Torre at Coney Reyes…..Nakakahiya? (Pebrero 28, 1975) kasama sina Eddie Rodriguez, Gloria Romero at Barbara Perez…..Ibong Lukaret (Abril 25, 1975) kasama sina George Estregan, Alona Alegre, Nick Romano at Rudy Fernandez…..ang all star-cast na Dugo at Pagibig sa Kapirasong Lupa (Hunyo 12, 1975)…..Teribol Dobol (Hunyo 27, 1975) kasama si Chiquito at Walter Navarro…..Vilma 29 (Agosto 29, 1975) kasama si Jun Aristorenas…..Karugtong Ang Kahapon (Setyembre 21, 1975) kasma sina Bobot, Gloria Romero, Celia Rodriguez, Eddie Garcia, Jay Ilagan at Joseph Sytangco…..Tag-ulan Sa Tag-araw (Oktubre 17, 1975) kasama si Christopher de Leon…..at ang pang-Christmas presentation ng TIIP na Darna Vs. The Planetwomen (Disyembre 25, 1975) kasama sina Rossana Marquez at Zandro Zamora. Sa pelikulang Nakakahiya?, si Vi ang nanalong best actress ng Bacolod City Film Festival…” – Alfonso Valencia (READ MORE)
Film Achievement: One of Vilma Santos and Gloria Romero 13 films – (Anak ang Iyong Ina, Iginuhit ng Tadhana, De Colores, Pinagbuklod ng Langit, Anak ng Aswang, Lipad Darna Lipad, Happy Days are Here Again, Karugtong ang Kahapon, Nakakahiya?, Hindi Nakakahiya, Makahiya at Talahib, Saan Nagtatago Ang Pag-ibig?, Kapag Langit Ang Humatol) – RV (READ MORE)
Film Review: “…featuring the Vilma/Gloria mother and daughter team had to be made. Gloria reprised her role as the vampire minus Darna. Vilma was her “doomed” daughter. Gloria was so identified as Impakta that when the second Darna flick cameabout she have to do do a cameo appearance!…” – Mario Garces (READ MORE)
“…Noong 1973 ay naglitawan sa mga tabloids ang allegedly nakitang aswang o bampira. Yun pala ay ipapalabas ang Anak Ng Aswang ni Vilma Santos. Kasama sa nasabing pelikula sina Gloria Romero, Daisy Romualdez, Rosanna Marquez at Edgar Mortiz…” – Tess Clarin, FAP, Nov 27, 2009 (READ MORE)
“Impakta” or an “Asuwang” Roles – “…Eric C: Vilma, You have done every role already except playing “Impakta” or an “Asuwang”. Would you consider playing a Darna villainess like what Gloria Romero did? Vilma: Yikes! Do I already look like a Vampire? (Laughs out loud) Actually I starred in a Vampire movie already “Anak ng Aswang” (Vampire’s Child) but I was not the Vampire. Gloria Romero played the Vampire. Actually I think that’s an interesting role and I don’t mind playing a Villainess as long as it’s a good story…” – Eric Cueto (READ MORE)
Nang ginagawa ni Vilma ang Lipad, Darna, Lipad sinasabi niyang marahil iyon na ang pinakamahirap at challenging pic niyang nagawa. Kasi, dito’y nabilad siya ng husto sa init ng araw. Nalubog pa sa putik. Alam naman ninyo ang balat ng top superstar…manipis, maputi at sensitive. Tinubuan siya tuloy ng skin rashes. Sa Lipad, muntik na rin magkaroon ng nervous collapse si Vi. Dahil sa pakikipaglaban niya sa maliit na sawa. Heaven knows na gaano na lang ang takot ni Vi sa tulad nito and other slimy, crawling things. And so, akala nga ni Vi ay ang Lipad na ang pinakamahirap niyang pic na nagawa. But she was wrong. Pagkat, sa Dyesebel ay lalong hirap ang inabot niya. Nabilad siya rito sa init ng araw, nababad pa siya nang todo sa tubig. Ang God! ang difficulties niya sa paglipat-lipat sa sets. Paano siya makakakilos e, naka-buntot siya? At matatandaan pa ba ninyo na ilang ulit na naospital ang top superstar pagka’t nanganib na mapulmonya? Kaya minsan pa’y nasabi ni Vi na ang Dyesebel na ang pinakamahirap na pic niyang nagawa. Nguni’t sa paggawa niya ng Anak ng Asuwang para sa Roma Films, tambak na hirap na naman ang inabot niya. Masasabi ninyong hindi naman gaano marahil. Pagka’t dito’y hindi naman naka-costume ang superstar di tulad sa Lipad at Dyesebel. – Cleo Cruz, Bulaklak Magazine, 1973
Basic Information: Director: Emmanuel H. Borlaza; Screenplay: Nestor Torre; Cast: Vilma Santos, Edgar Mortiz, Jay Ilagan, Florence Aguilar, Lillian Laing, Karlo Vero, Beth Manlongat, Ruben Tizon, Angelito, The Family Birth Control, Julius Obregon, Romeo Miranda, Rene Baraza, Lito Ladores, Eric Domingo, Caloy Distrito, Raffy Engle, Geoffrey Beltran, Catalino Almario Jr., Tacio Tangkad, Bayani Casimiro, Lito Calzado, Daisy Romualdez, Manny Paner; Original Music: Danny Subido; Cinematography: Ben Lobo; Film Editing: Segundo Ramos; Art Direction: Alfonso Socito; Sound: Luis Reyes
Plot Description: Leron Leron Sinta stars Vilma Santos, Edgar Mortiz, Jay Ilagan, Florence Aguilar, Lillian Laing, Karlo Vero in this film that fuses music and film perfectly. Witness their characters explore the world of love and the beauty and madness that come with it. Watch them as they perform certain scenes with song numbers bringing pleasure and entertainment to the next level. – Kabayan Central (READ MORE)
Film Achievement: No Available Data
Film Review: Leron-Leron Sinta reminded us of Glee, with Florence Aguilar auditioning to a school choir and with several cover songs like Lennon’s “Imagine.” It also featured a funny scene where Edgar Mortiz did a duet with Florence, he, singing in his window while she answered back, singing in their house balcony. Feeling irritated, both Vilma and Jay sarcastically screamed, “wow! ala-Romeo and Juliet!” Leron is watchable but has some noticeable flaws. On the first part, suddenly, we see both Jay and Edgar cross-dressing and we realized that this was a continuity scene of the later part of the film, where Gigi and Beth decided to entertain other suitors (as both got fed up with Jay and Edgar’s courting antics). Like most musical films in the 70s, there’s the typical travelogue scenes. The film showcased the city of Antipolo while the four main characters did some sight-seeing, like tourists. As part of the story, the film showcase Edgar and Florence’s singing talents which were justifiable as both were member of their school’s choir unlike other musical films where the singing scenes were just added with no connections to the film’s story. This can be attributed to a much equipped team of writer, Nestor Torre Jr. and director, Emmanuel Borlaza, who also came up with Vilma’s first significant drama, Dama de Noche. But like so many film in this era, Leron-leron Sinta, also ended with a musical production number, this time, it’s a Christmas medley. Child star Beth Manlongat and Angelito provided some funny moments. And Lilian Laing too. But the one star who stole the film from the four main characters was veteran comedian, Bayani Casimiro who was very funny as the forgetful judge and who tried to marry the four undecided teens. – RV (READ MORE)
“…By late 1969, movie producers had been tapping a Vilma Santos-Edgar Mortiz love team. Edgar was a Tawag ng Tanghalan winner. They started to be together in the movies, My Darling Eddie (1969) and The Jukebox King (1969)…In 1970, the love team of Vilma Santos and Edgar “Bobot” Mortiz was officially launched in the movie Young Love, together with the another popular love team during that time, Nora Aunor and Tirso Cruz III. The Vi and Bot love team went on to do 14 more movies in 1970—The Young Idols, Songs and Lovers, Sweethearts, Sixteen, Love Letters, Love is for the Two of Us, Mga Batang Bangketa, My Pledge of Love, Renee Rose, Baby Vi, Because You Are Mine, Edgar Loves Vilma, From the Bottom of My Heart, and I Love You Honey. All did well at the box-office…” – Rommel R. Llanes (READ MORE)
“…Noong Dekada ’70, ang mga young stars ay kailangang marunong kumanta dahil yun ang uso kaya naman nagtayo ng sariling recording company ang nasirang manager ni Vi na si William Leary dahil ayaw niyang pahuhuli sa uso ang kanyang alaga. Ilan sa mga naging recording artists ng WILEARS RECORDS bukod kay Vi ay sina Edgar Mortiz, Ed Finlan, Sahlee Quizon, Hilda Koronel at Esperanza Fabon. According to Vi, kapag nagrerecord siya ng kanta ay nakatalikod siya sa dingding ng recording company at si Bobot ang umaalalay sa kanya. Ang SIXTEEN, na sinulat ni Danny Subido ang unang recording na ginawa ni Vi at ito ay flipsided by It’s So Wonderful To Be In Love. Ang SIXTEEN ay agad naging gold record at dahil dito ay gumawa ng pelikula ang Tagalog Ilang Ilang Productions, ang home studio ni Vi at ito ay ginawa nilang pamagat katambal si Edgar Mortiz. Hindi nyo naitatanong, muntik nang manalo si Vi bilang most promising singer sa AWIT AWARDS noong early ’70s…” – Alfons. Valencia (READ MORE)
“…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…” – RV (READ MORE)
“…Si Edgar Mortiz ang unang nakapareha ni Vilma Santos as a teen star. Nakilala sila as the “Subok na Matibay, Subok na Matatag” loveteam called Vi and Bot at naging magka-steady sila sa tunay na buhay. Marami silang ginawang pelikula as teen stars in the early 70s…” – Showbiz Portal (READ MORE)
Basic Information: Directed: Armando De Guzman; Story: Quentin De Guia; Screenplay: Natalie De Guzman; Cast: Vilma Santos, Edgar Mortiz, Snooky Serna, Arnold Gamboa, Beth Manlongat, Tweeny, Von Serna, Armando De Guzman Jr., Tony Ferrer, Boots Anson-Roa, Lourdes Medel; Original Music: Danny Subido; Cinematography: Fortunato Bernardo; Film Poster: Video 48
Plot Description: No Available Data
Film Achievement: Best Musical Picture – 1971 The Manila Film Festival; One of three films Vilma Santos and Tony Ferrer did together, one was Wonderful World of Music and the other one was Darna and The Giants where Vilma played Darna and Tony as Tony Falcon, Agent X-44 (ala-James Bond). Sapagka’t is also one of Vilma films with Boots Anson Roa, the others, “The Wonderful World of Music” and “Mano Po III: My Love.”
Film Review: “…She continued her singing stints with an album most Vilmanians seems to forget, All I See Is You carried the folk song, Ati Cu Pung Sing-sing and Wonderful world of Music. The later song became a title of a musical film that paired Vilma with Edgar and co-starred with Snooky, Tony Ferrer, and Boots Anson Roa. The demand for Vi & Bot’s recordings increased and Willears produced Sweetheart, perhaps a confirmation album of the real score between the two young teen stars. Out of 25 films Vilma and Edgar made in 1970, both Sweethearts and Sixteen stands out as two of their certified hits both as films and recorded albums…” – RV (READ MORE)
“…Songwriter George Canseco won the Manila Film Festival best movie theme category for his work in the movie “Kapantay ay Langit,” produced by Virgo…”The Wonderful World of Music,” produced by Tagalog Ilang-Ilang, was judged best musical in the Manila Film Festival. The picture stars, Vilma Santos and Edgar Mortiz, both artist of Wilear’s…” – Oskar Salazar, Billboard Magazine, 24 July 1971 (READ MORE)
Basic Information: Director: Emmanuel H. Borlaza; Story: Pierre Salas; Screenplay: Emmanuel H. Borlaza; Cast: Vilma Santos, Edgar Mortiz, Josephine Estrada, Dave Curtis, Ike Lozada; Original Music: Danny Subido; Cinematography: Benjamin L. Lobo; Film poster: Video48
Plot Description: “…A love story shot in the land God created for lovers…the land where people never say I love you, instead they say…..” Aloha My Love (March 3, 1972) ng Tagalog Ilang-Ilang Productions na pinangunahan nina Vi, Edgar Mortiz, Josephine Estrada at Dave Curtis na sinulat in Pierre Salas at sa iskrip at direksiyon ni Emmanuel H. Borlaza…” – Alfonso Valencia (READ MORE)
Film Achievement:Aloha My Love is also a music album of Edgar Mortiz and Vilma Santos.
“…Borlaza gave Vilma Santos her very first best actress, winning the 1972 FAMAS for via Dama De Noche. He is also credited in narrowing the popularity gap between her and the musical era’s darling of the 70s, Nora Aunor. Total Number of Films in our list of VSR’s Top 50 films = 4 (#10 Lipad Darna Lipad 1973, #32 Dyesebel at ang Mahiwagang Kabibe 1973, #48 Darna and the Giants 1973, #49 Dama De Noche 1972)…” – RV (READ MORE)
Film Reviews: “…By late 1969, movie producers had been tapping a Vilma Santos-Edgar Mortiz love team. Edgar was a Tawag ng Tanghalan winner. They started to be together in the movies, My Darling Eddie (1969) and The Jukebox King (1969)…In 1970, the love team of Vilma Santos and Edgar “Bobot” Mortiz was officially launched in the movie Young Love, together with the another popular love team during that time, Nora Aunor and Tirso Cruz III. The Vi and Bot love team went on to do 14 more movies in 1970—The Young Idols, Songs and Lovers, Sweethearts, Sixteen, Love Letters, Love is for the Two of Us, Mga Batang Bangketa, My Pledge of Love, Renee Rose, Baby Vi, Because You Are Mine, Edgar Loves Vilma, From the Bottom of My Heart, and I Love You Honey. All did well at the box-office…” – Rommel R. Llanes (READ MORE)
“…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…” – RV (READ MORE)
“…Si Edgar Mortiz ang unang nakapareha ni Vilma Santos as a teen star. Nakilala sila as the “Subok na Matibay, Subok na Matatag” loveteam called Vi and Bot at naging magka-steady sila sa tunay na buhay. Marami silang ginawang pelikula as teen stars in the early 70s…” – Showbiz Portal (READ MORE)
“…Sa tuwing sumasapit ang Christmas at valentine’s Day ay nagtatapatan ang mga pelikula nila. Nang ginawa nina Guy at Pip sa Hawai ang pelikulang Blue Hawai, hindi nagpatalo ang Vilma at Edgar. Nagtungo rin sila sa Hawai at ginawa nila ang pelikulang Aloha, My Love bilang pantapat sa pelikula nina Nora at Tirso. Ganyan talaga kainit ang labanan noon ng dalawang parehang ito. Pagkatapos ipalabasa ang mga pelikulang Blue Hawai at Aloha My Love na parehong kumita sa takilya, nagtungo rin ang dalawang pangkat sa USa para gawin naman nila ang pang-Valentine’s Day offering nila. Don’t Ever Say Goodbye ang kina Vilma at Edgar, samantalang ang kina Guy at Pip naman ay ang Gift of Love. Hindi lang iyan. Tuwing sasapit naman ang Metro Manila Film Festival ay nagkakaroon din sila ng kanya-kanyang entry under their respective production companies – ang Tagalog Ilang Ilang for Vi and Bot at Sampaguita Pictures kina Guy at Pip. Halos sila na lang ang siyang pinapanood at iniidolo ng fans…” – Ely S. Sablan (READ MORE)
“…Ang pangatlong long playing album nina Vi at Bot ay ang All I See Is You na ini-release noong August 30, 1971 (kaarawan ni Edgar Mortiz) na binubuo ng medley of songs na atin Cu Pung Singsing at Leron Leron Sinta, Baby Cakes, Little Brown Gal, Grown Up Like Me, Nine Little Teardrops, Jealous Heart, The Wonderful World of Music, El Condor Pasa, Hawaiian Wedding Song, I Understand, My Special Angel at Just Say You’ll Be Mine. Ang awiting Butsiki ni Yoyoy Villame ay hinango sa awiting Baby Cakes. Ang THE Wonderful World of Music ay ginawang titulo ng pelikula nina Vi at Bot na inilahok sa 1971 Manila Film Festival kung saan ito ang nakakuha ng Best Musical Film. Kasama nina Vi at Bot sa pelikulang ito ang noo’y batang bata pang si Snooky (Serna). Ang pang-apat na long playing album nina Vi at Bot ay pinamagatang Aloha My Love na ini-release noong February 1972 at naglalaman ng mga awiting Hawaiian Medley, Beyond The Reef, All Alone Am I, Why Don’t You Believe Me, Eternally, My World Is My World, Aloha Oe, Seven Lonely Days, Mandolins In The Moonlight, Daddy, Seventeen at Two People In Love. Ang Aloha My Love ay titulo din ng pelikulang ginawa nina Vi at Bot sa Hawaii. Ang Eternally ay isinapelikula din ng Tagalog Ilang Ilang Productions na tinampukan pa rin nina Vi at Bot. Napakasuwerte ni Vi dahil nagkaroon ulit siya ng pangatlong solo long playing album na may pamagat na Sing Vilma Sing. Ito ay binubuo ng mga awiting Da Doo Run Run, Abadaba Honeymoon, Tweedle Dee, Bo Weebel, A Kookie Little Paradise, Bobby Bobby Bobby, A Rick-Tick Song, It’s Been A Long Long Time, Breaking Up Is Hard To Do, You Made Me Love You, The Birds & The Bees at He’s So Near (Yet So Far Away). Ang A Rick-Tick Song ang ginawang theme song ng radio program ni Ric Radam sa DZRH noong early ’70s… ” – Alfonso Valencia (READ MORE)
Basic Information: Directed: Leonardo L. Garcia; Screenplay: Rico Bello; Cast: Edgar Mortiz, Vilma Santos, Ven Medina, Tita De Villa, Pedro Faustino, Precila Ramirez, Jingle; Original Music: Danny Subido; Film poster: Video48
Plot Description: No Available Data
Film Achievement: No Available Data
Film Reviews; “…By late 1969, movie producers had been tapping a Vilma Santos-Edgar Mortiz love team. Edgar was a Tawag ng Tanghalan winner. They started to be together in the movies, My Darling Eddie (1969) and The Jukebox King (1969)…In 1970, the love team of Vilma Santos and Edgar “Bobot” Mortiz was officially launched in the movie Young Love, together with the another popular love team during that time, Nora Aunor and Tirso Cruz III. The Vi and Bot love team went on to do 14 more movies in 1970—The Young Idols, Songs and Lovers, Sweethearts, Sixteen, Love Letters, Love is for the Two of Us, Mga Batang Bangketa, My Pledge of Love, Renee Rose, Baby Vi, Because You Are Mine, Edgar Loves Vilma, From the Bottom of My Heart, and I Love You Honey. All did well at the box-office…” – Rommel R. Llanes (READ MORE)
“…Noong Dekada ’70, ang mga young stars ay kailangang marunong kumanta dahil yun ang uso kaya naman nagtayo ng sariling recording company ang nasirang manager ni Vi na si William Leary dahil ayaw niyang pahuhuli sa uso ang kanyang alaga. Ilan sa mga naging recording artists ng WILEARS RECORDS bukod kay Vi ay sina Edgar Mortiz, Ed Finlan, Sahlee Quizon, Hilda Koronel at Esperanza Fabon. According to Vi, kapag nagrerecord siya ng kanta ay nakatalikod siya sa dingding ng recording company at si Bobot ang umaalalay sa kanya. Ang SIXTEEN, na sinulat ni Danny Subido ang unang recording na ginawa ni Vi at ito ay flipsided by It’s So Wonderful To Be In Love. Ang SIXTEEN ay agad naging gold record at dahil dito ay gumawa ng pelikula ang Tagalog Ilang Ilang Productions, ang home studio ni Vi at ito ay ginawa nilang pamagat katambal si Edgar Mortiz. Hindi nyo naitatanong, muntik nang manalo si Vi bilang most promising singer sa AWIT AWARDS noong early ’70s…” – Alfonso Valencia (READ MORE)
“…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…” – RV (READ MORE)
“…Si Edgar Mortiz ang unang nakapareha ni Vilma Santos as a teen star. Nakilala sila as the “Subok na Matibay, Subok na Matatag” loveteam called Vi and Bot at naging magka-steady sila sa tunay na buhay. Marami silang ginawang pelikula as teen stars in the early 70s…” – Showbiz Portal (READ MORE)
Star For All Seasons 
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