Vilma Santos is a popular multi-awarded actress and politician in the Philippines. She's known as the "Queen of Philippine Movies," "Queenstar" and "Star for All Seasons." She is currently the Congresswoman of District of Lipa, Batangas (Philippines). This site is mostly about her film career.
Plot Description: Al (Christopher De Leon) is a balikbayan who returns to his former hometown where his mother is buried. There he meets his childhood friend Cristy (Vilma Santos) who works as a counselor for family planning. Eventually they develop a romantic relationship and end up as a couple. However, a mysterious lady appears one day while Al tends to his mother’s grave. Al falls in love with the stranger and is now torn between her and Cristy. Haplos is another cinematic masterpiece by famed screenwriter Ricardo Lee. It is the official entry to the 1982 Metro Manila Film Festival. With Vilma Santos and Christopher De Leon in the lead roles and supported by Rio Locsin, Haplos is a brilliant movie with a mind-boggling twist in the story. It’s a must-see for all Pinoy film buffs. – neTVision
City After Dark, originally titled Manila by Night, is a 1980 drama film directed by Ishmael Bernal. Released at the height of the Marcos regime, the film uncovers the other face of Manila by depicting the ugly aspects of life in the city – unemployment, prostitution, drug addiction, and lack of decent housing. Considered as one of Bernal’s masterpieces, it is an epic multi-narrative of people who have shady pasts and are trying to exist in an unforgiving world. The film’s events take place in the course of one night, involving various protagonists and the city itself. William Martinez plays a folk singer from a rich family who becomes addicted to heroin through the influence of lesbian pusher and pimp, Cherie Gil. Martinez’s mother in the movie, played by Charito Solis, is herself a reformed prostitute who, like Lady Macbeth, is obsessed with cleaning her hands to remove the dirt of her past. She does her best to be respectable after marrying an ex-cop played by Johnny Wilson. Meanwhile, Cherie Gil’s character is in love with a blind masseuse, played by Rio Locsin, with two illegitimate children. Locsin lives with Jojo Santiago, whose character fantasizes of earning American dollars while working in Saudi Arabia. Another character, portrayed by Alma Moreno, is a nurse who, in reality, is a call girl. Her live-in taxi-driver lover, played by Orestes Ojeda, is fooling around with a waitress played by Lorna Tolentino, who is the presumed girlfriend of a gay couterier played by Bernardo Bernardo. As dawn breaks over the city, the bizarre lives of the characters of Manila’s nightlife seem like an alter-ego of the respectable, busy daytime world. – Wikipilipinas (READ MORE)
Ishmael Bernal (1938–1996) (30 September 1938 – 2 June 1996) was an acclaimed Filipino film, stage and television director. He was also an actor and screenwriter. Noted for his melodramas particularly with feminist and moral issues, his 1982 film Himala (Miracle) is often cited as one of the greatest Filipino films of all time. He is a National Artist of the Philippines. – Wikipedia (READ MORE)
The Early Years – “…Nagsimula ako mag-build up ng stars more than ten years ago,” Rey goes down memory lane, “si Zandro Zamora ang una kong na-discover…” And then came somebody named Tessa Locsin, followed by Leila Hermosa, Susan Henson, Olivia O’Hara and Mitos del Mundo, Rio Locsin is his seventh discovery, Lucky 7th, you might say. “I discovered Rio in 1974,” Rey is now recalling the long and winding road that eventually led Rio Locsin to Stardom, “she was only 12 years old at that time, I saw her at the victory party given by her auntie, Juliet Garcia, who was chosen Miss Quiapo noong taong ‘yon. When I knocked on the door sa bahay nina Juliet sa Baesa Queezon City, a little girl came to meet me:maganda naka-ponytail, malaki ang mata, hindi mahiyain at vivong-vivo. Shrap pa mandin, kapag tinatanong, hindi pa natatapos ang tanong, sumasagot na kaagad. Smart na bata…Three months later, Rey brought Rio to Celso Ad. Castilo but one look at her and Celso Kid said, “Ne, magpalaki ka pa ng kaunti, She’s too young,” Celso Kid told Rey…
…In February 1976, Rio and her mama showed up unexpected at Rey’s clinic. When he saw how she had suddenly grown, he exclaimed, “Ay pude ka na! So pinagmake-apan ko, pinalagyan ko ng pula-pula sa pisngi, pinagbistida ko, pinaayusan ko ng tudo, I wrapped her properly, so to speak.”…At this point, towards the end of 1976, Celso Kid who was vacationing in USA wrote to Rey (Celso is Rey’s kumpare), telling him that he was making a movie called Burlesk Queen as soon as he came back and he was looking for a new face, Rey sent Rio’s photo and bio-data posthaste but the letter got lost in the mail. When Celso came back in early 1977, Rey brought Rio to him. By this time, tinuruan ko na siya ng mga seductive look, ‘yung pagpapapungay ng mata. Sabi ko, kapag nagusap kayo ni Celso at Ininglis-Inglis ka, Tagalog ang isagot mo, Si Celso kasi noong galing sa States, English nang English, Huwag kang kakabahan sa bi ko kay Rio, Whe he asked you if you wanted to go bold, tell him no, I want drama and musical…he didn’t remember having met Rio before.
Celso cast Rio as one of the burlesque dancers in Burlesk Queen, paying her P1,000. “Binago ko ngayon ang screen name ni Rio. Ayoko ng Leah Moran, dahil ‘yung Leah parang Lea Productions. Wala pa si Leah Navarro noon. Ayoko rin ng Moran dahil and dami ng Moran noon, may Margie Moran may Sofia Moran. At that time, kapapanalo lang ni Rio Diaz sa Mutya Ng Pilipinas of 1977 kaya Rio ang nagustuhan ko. “yung Locsin, ‘yan ang surname noong bini-build-up ko, si Tessa Locsin, I like the sound of Locsin, parang aristocratic, parang Aguilar, nice to the ears…During the kick-off parade for the film festival in December, 1977, Rio rode on the same float with Vilma Santos, the Burlesk Queen. “Maluha-luha ang beauty ko, Mahal,” Rey still sounds ecstatic up to now, “biro mo, katabi siya ni Vilma sa float at wave din siya ng wave sa mga fans bakit hindi pa siya kilala. Naka-white gown siya. The next day, nalagay din ang picture niya sa front page, wala nga lang pangalan, pero happy na kami. Umiyak uli ako, sa tuawa.” While Celso was shooting Pagputi ng Uwak, with Vilma Santos, and idea for a black and white movie came to his mind. He would call it Dalagang Pinagtaksilan ng Panahon and he would cast in the title role a fresh new face and he would make her into a big star like what he did with Rizza in 1970. So while budget and big stars were delaying the shooting of Pagputi ng Uwak, Celso decided to start work on Dalaga since he was not doing anything anyway on the set of Pagputi in the mountains of Majayjay, Laguna. Then bang, came the controversy, Vilma accused Celso of using her time and facilities to make his won movie and so on and so forth, in the process the name Rio Locsin kept cropping up in the headline and people became curious; who’s Rio Locsin and why is she in the middle of the battle between the screen giants? …” – Ricardo F. Lo (READ MORE)
Her Voice – “…Isa pang tsismis, nagpa-injection daw ako ng bust. Diyos ko, bakit ko pa gagastahin ‘yong pera para diyna? Di ipunin ko na lang, may savings pa ako. Pero in our family, ganoon talaga kami, my sister, she’s only 12 at mayroon na siya. Sa Mommy ko, ganoon din. Malaki. ‘Yong controversy between me and Lorna (Tolentino), that’s nothing. I never quarreled with her. There’s nothing for us to quarrel about. Hindi rin dapat i-compare kay Lorna. Unang-una, sabi ni Lorna, hindi daw siya bold star. Ako inaamin ko bold star ako. Bakit ko ipagkakaila? Everybody knows it. Besides, and sexy ni Lorna, di ba? Ako, deretsong-deretso…’Yong kaso namin ni Mommy, magulo. Up to now, hindi ko malaman kung saan napunta ang perang kinita ko. We did an accounting at lumabas that I earned some P1.7M in 15 months, payment for 33 films since August 1978 up to December 1979…That’s why we have a case. Hindi lang pera ang dahilan. May iba pa. But I rather not talk about them dahil masyadong personal. My point however, is that I want to decide for myself…Ngayon, I feel like I am starting anew. Masayang-malungkot. Mas gusto ko ang buhay ko noong hindi pa ako artista, Tahimik. Walang gulo. Ako, I never liked to be in the movies. Si Mommy lang ang may gusto. But now that I am her, I might as well make the most out of it. I want to save, I want to buy a house and lot. Papano ako kung wala na akong offers, ayoko namang magmukhang kawawa. Sayang naman, di ba, naghubad na ako pagkatapos wala pa ring mangyayari. I am now using my head.” – Ricardo F. Lo (READ MORE)
The Ghost – “…Medyo mabagal ang unand bahagi ng pelikula, lalo na kung isa kang viewer na alam nang tungkol sa multo ang istorya dahil sa sunod-sunod na press releases na isinasaad ng buod nito. Sa simula pa lang ng istorya ay inaabang-abangan mo na agad ang multo na kay tagal bago unang lumitaw. Medyo nagda-drag na nga at bigla na lamang na-revive ang aming atensiyon nang lumabas na si Rio Locsin sa eksena. Biglang nabuhay ang pelikula and from thereon ay naging absorbing na. Isang malaking dahilan kung bakit nagtagumpay ang pelikula ay ang pagka-casting kay Rio sa papel na Auring. Ibang-iba ang aura ni Rio sa pelikulang ito. She looks so ethereal, out of this world, ibang-iba kaysa sa mga taong cast din ng pelikula. Terrific ang screen presence ni Rio at talagang she is oozing with sex. Na-eclipse niyang talaga si Vi at Boyet. Kung iisipin mo’y maikli lamang ang role but her memory lingers kahit wala na siya sa eksena. ‘Yung mga pangiti-ngiti niya at patakip-takip ng bibig, very effective talaga. Magaling din sina Vi at Boyet in their respective roles, pero talagang getting attention ang role ng multo at perfect pa ang casting ni Rio rito…Somebody from the ECP script’s screening committee told us na mas maganda raw ang orihinal na script ni Ricardo Lee sa naisapelikula. Isang istudyanteng nagbabakasyon sa lalawigan si Cristy at naging takilyera sa isang sinehan. Pero ipinabago raw ito ni Vilma kaya’t nagmukhang propaganda para sa family planning ang papel niya. Ang orihinal na Cristy ay mahilig mag-fashion model kaya’t hindi katakataka nang isuot niya ang damit ni Auring na nakita niya sa kama nito. May nag-aakalang sa ending ng pelikula ay na-possess si Cristy ng kaluluwa ni Auring but the writer never intended it to be like this…” – Mario E. Bautista, Jingle Extra Hot Magazine, 1982 (READ MORE)
Important Actress – “…Matapos ang panimulang pag-buildup sa kanya bilang sexy star, nang lumaon ay agad na siyang itinuring bilang important actress, na idinidirek ng mga batikan sa larangan—the likes of Lino Brocka (Ina, Kapatid, Anak and Init), Ishmael Bernal (Manila By Night, Working Girls, Salawahan), Laurice Guillen (Kapag Puso’y Sinugatan). And, of course, ang isa ring multi-awarded director, Elwood Perez, na hanggang ngayo’y itinuturing ni Rio as her “launching director” at may likha ng Disgrasyada, na kanyang launching picture, shown on January 1979. Of Direk Elwood, Rio has a few good words to say. Simple, pero meaningful at kapani-paniwalang galing naman sa puso. Sa interview niya with PEP, walang pagbanggit o pahaging man lang, na regretful siya sa pagsisimula ng kanyang career, doing all those sexy roles na kinailangan upang siya’y pasikatin ng Regal Films. Nabanggit din namin ang magagandang pananalita ni Elwood sa isa sa mga aktres na sumikat sa idinirek niyang pelikula. “Wala kaming bad blood,” Rio now says about her former “launching director.” “Hindi ko makakalimutan si Direk Elwood… ‘Feel beautiful!'” lagi raw nitong bukambibig sa set. “O, wet your lips!” At sa simpleng pagbabalik-tanaw na yun, hindi makakalimutan ng aktres ang mga mabuting nagawa sa kanya ng nakatrabahong direktor. “Ang importante naman sa industriyang ito talaga, yung pakikipagrelasyon mo [sa mga katrabaho]. Kasi ‘yan naman talaga ang magiging legacy mo, ang iiwanan mo. Kung paano ka makipagkapwa-tao, kung paano ka makihalubilo sa mga tao. At least, may maiiwan ka.”…” – William R. Reyes (READ MORE)
Working with Charito and Lolita – “…The scene shows Rio intruding into the bedroom of Lolita, her balikbayan aunt, to gawk at the stateside dresses and beauty kit. It’s their first scene together and Brocka’s eager to know how Rio will fare. Rio fares very well. Lolit, as expected, delivers her lines flawlessly, Rio does the same. Lolit is pleased. So is Brocka. Rio giggles…An enthusiastic but respectful crowd meet the three stars as they walk down the stairs of the mansion for the pictorial in the spacious yard. The older women keep muttering they’ll be waiting for the showing of Ina… The younger fans call Rio Disgrasyada, referring to her blockbuster flick…” – Ronald K. Constantino, Expressweek Magazine, April 19, 1979 (READ MORE)
Rio Locsin is the daughter of the movie actress Charito Garcia. Locsin appeared in sexy movies with Lorna Tolentino as her rival. She married Al Tantay, but they separated after a few years. Now she’s married to a former basketball player, Padim Israel. She had 3 daughters, Paula & Jabba (daughters of Al Tantay), and youngest daughter Joses (for Ptr. Padim Israel). She played Darna in 1979. – Wikipedia (READ MORE)
Rio Locsin and Vilma Santos
Haplos (1982) – “…The only good thing about the film is its sound, which imaginatively uses various background noises for thematic effect. The reason Haplos fails is due largely to its direction. Well-written scenes come off stale because they are not dramatized. In one scene, Cristy decides to scare Al by putting on a furniture sheet while acting like a ghost. The camera was positioned in such a way that we can see both Cristy, masquerading as a ghost and the unwary Al. The scene failed to elicit a scare and neither is Al whose face is hidden by Auring’s movement. Or take the first shot of Auring as she paddles behind Al who is on a boat. She becomes a mere speck in the background. Instead of focusing on Auring in some way, all we got is a straight, simple shot of two boats crossing. Because the director does not know how to direct his actors, they end up delivering uninspired performances. Rio Locsin is the best of the leads, with Christopher de Leon a poor second. Vilma Santos apparently cannot decide how to approach her role. Haplos, simply put is a bad horror film…” – Jojo Devera (READ MORE)
Disco Fever (1978) – “…I’d rather be known as Victor Laurel. But really, this Travolta is a sensation. I met him in Studio 54 and how the crowd loves him. He’s a wonderful actor, singer, and dancer.” Cocoy, too is a seasoned dancer even before the Travolta fever. He has a catlike grace that gives the impression of strenght and his dancing ability has helped tremendously in his career. “The Travolta dance is typical of hero worship even in San Francisco, Los Angeles and other big cities. Mondays, everyone who has caught the fever, even 30 year olds shop and prepare for the disco on Fridays and Saturday and stay up till the wee hours of the morning…We were about to ask another question about Vi, his leading lady in Lea’s Disco Fever but Ate Josie came in to remind Cocoy that the Sampaguita people were waiting with sketches of his costume for Dyesebel, the movie he was going to make for the Gilmore Studio. But didn’t. As a parting shot, Cocoy revealed that he’d soon put a disco. The Third Kind or something in Makati…” – Nena Z. Villanueva, Expressweek, November 16, 1978 (READ MORE)
Simula ng Walang Katapusan (1978) – “…Luis Enriquez aka Eddie Rodriguez first directed a young Vilma Santos in 1968 Kasalanan Kaya, another love triangle genre starring the dramatic trio of Marlene Dauden, Eddie Rodriguez and Lolita Rodriguez. Vilma received an early acting recognitions from this film by receiving a FAMAS Nomination for Best Supporting Actress. When Enriquez directed Vilma again, it was a calculated risk that allowed a still young Vilma into a bikini-clad lead role opposite his director himself, Eddie Rodriguez. The film, Nakakahiya, a may-december affair between an older man and a young woman was an entry to 1975 Bacolod City Film Festival. Aside from making the the film a smash hit, Vilma received the festival’s Best Actress. Enriquez will direct Vilma in five more films, the last one was ExWife in 1981 where surprisingly Luis used in film credits his screen name, Eddie Rodriguez. Theri total number of colloborations were seven (Ex-Wife 1981, Halik sa Kamay Halik sa Paa 1979, Hindi Nakakahiya 1976, Ikaw Lamang 1971, Kasalanan Kaya? 1968, Nakakahiya? 1975, Simula ng Walang Katapusan)…” – RV (READ MORE)
Burlesk Queen (1977) – “…Furor is really an understatement. “Burlesk” swept the awards in that year’s MMFF, resulting in a controversy that led to the wholesale return of trophies. In spite of the scandal, “Burlesk” is still regarded by critics as the “quintessential” Filipino film. “Hinamon ni Brocka si Tinio ng suntukan (Lino Brocka dared Rolando Tinio to a fight),” Celso remembers. “Tinio, who was the head of the jury, heralded “Burlesk as the most beautiful Filipino film” past, present and future.” Vi’s turnaround: Adding fuel to the fire, ?Burlesk? had stunned moviegoers because it unveiled a new Vilma Santos?from ingénue to wanton woman. Vilma says of “Burlesk?” – “It marked a transition in my career. Working with Celso Kid is a privilege. He’s a genius.” With good humor, Vilma recalls a “quarrel” on the set of “Pagputi ng Uwak, Pag-itim ng Tagak,” which she produced in 1978. “It took so long to finish. I lost money on that. But we’re still friends.” Burlesk and Pagputi brought a lot of honor to me…” – Bayani San Diego Jr. (READ MORE)
Nangangatog ako ng una kong ma-meet si Vilma Santos in person. Ganoon pala talaga ang feeling kapag naka face to face mo ang idol mo. – Ana Capri
Hindi complete at walang katuturan ang pagiging producer ko kung hindi ako makagawa ng pelikula na bida ang hinahangaan kong si Vilma Santos – Donna Villa
Kahit one-fourth lang ng tagumpay ni Ate Vi. Ang marating ko masayang masaya na ako. Talagang idol ko siya. Idol siya ng buong pamilya ko – Kristine Garcia
I first worked with Vilma when she was just a child star. From then, alam kong malayo ang mararating niya as an actor dahil bata pa mahusay na. Hindi ako nagkamali. Hindi lang siya basta naging artista, kundi naging isa sa pinakamahusay at pinakasikat. – Gloria Romero
Simula ng mapanood ko si Vilma sa Trudis Liit naging Vilmanian na ako. Nobody comes close to her. – Armida Siguion Reyna
Naging Huwaran ko si Ate Vi hindi lang sa career ko kundi maging sa personal kong buhay. I am very proud to be a Vilmanian. – Snooky Serna
Bata pa ako hindi pa ako artista talagang idol ko na si ate Vi. Pinupuntahan ko pa yan sa bahay niya para lang makita at maka-usap kahit ako lang mag-isa.- Sharon Cuneta
Vilma is the most versatile actress in our time. Kahit anong role kaya niyang gampanan ng buong husay. Ang sarap makatrabaho ang isang Vilma Santos – Celia Rodriguez
Kung alam lang ni ate Vi kung ilang beses akong nadapa sa paghahabol na makita siya. Siya ang naging inspirasyon ko sa pagpasok ko sa showbiz. – Ai-Ai Delas Alas
Simula noon hanggang ngayon pagbalibaligtarin man ang mundo Vilmanian pa rin ako. – Korina Sanchez
Once you encounter and know ate Vi, you will realized how nice and thoughtful she is. She is always been an inspiration to me. Masarap siyang maging kaibigan. – Kris Aquino
Si Vilma Santos ang idol ko. Maganda na, magaling pa. – Amy Austria
Mahusay talaga si Vilma kahit saang aspeto. Napakagaan niyang katrabaho. Isa sa mga dream ko ang mai-direct si Vi. – Gina Alajar
Vilma Santos can compete with the top caliber actresses in Hollywood. She is an epitome of a real queen of Philippine Cinema. I really look up to her. – Lea Salonga
Makasama ko lang si ate Vi sa pelikula gagawin ko kahit libre. – Dawn Zulueta
Ng makasama ko si Mama Vilma sa pelikula feeling ko puwede na akong mamatay. – Carlos Agassi
Ang isa sa pinakamagandang nangyari sa buhay ko sa pagpasok ko sa showbiz ay ang makasama ang pinakamahusay na aktres na hinahangaan at nirerespeto ng lahat. Marami akong natutuhan kay Mama Vilma – Piolo Pascual
It would be a great fullfilment if I make a movie with my favorite actress Vilma Santos – Alvin Patrimonio
Actually, mag-cousin pa kami ni Ate Vi. Walang hindi Vilmanian sa pamilya namin – Raymart Santiago
Vilma is my favorite actress. She is the only actress I love to watch on local screen. She’s Great. – Martin Nievera
Bago ako naging artista, die hard Vilmanian na ako. Nakikipag-away pa nga ako dahil kay Vilma. – Rosanna Roces
Bata pa ako ginagaya ko na ang mga acting ni Ate Vi. Idol siya ng Nanay ko kaya naging idol namin siya – Glydel Mercado
I am very flattered when Lino Brocka said that I am the next Vilma Santos. But Vilma Santos is Vilma Santos, she is incomparable. – Ruffa Gutierez
Vilma Santos is the Greatest Actress of all times. Walang Katapat – Eric Quizon
Si Vilma ang isa sa madalas magpadala ng tulong kapag may mga pangangailangan o project kami sa Red Cross at Damayan. Iilan lang ang katulad niya na kusang tumutulong na hindi na kailangan pang ipaalam sa publiko. – Ms. Rosa Rosal
I am a closet Vilmanian before, pero ngayon nagladlad na ako. Maraming katangian si Vilma na talagang hahangaan mo – Boots Anson Roa
Bago ako pumasok sa showbiz, die hard Vilmanian na ako. Nakikipag-away pa nga ako dahil kay Vilma. – Jaclyn Jose
For me Vilma Santos is the Greatest Actress of all times. – Gabby Concepcion
Somebody would come from the Philippines and they’d bring in Vilma Santos films, and I just remember, ‘Oh, this woman is making me so emotional, I think I’m a Vilmanian. That’s what they call it, I think. – Mig Macario
She crosses over from politics to showbiz and back. She can say one thing and it can be about motherhood, or love, or stardom, or politics….ang taong for all seasons – award season, holiday season, election season, even back-to-school season. Over time I’ve had the chance to meet her, and nabigyan niya ako ng acting tips. She has validated my work and given me her friendship. – Jon Santos
Basic Information: Directed: Al Quinn; Story, screenplay: Maryo De Los Reyes; Cast: Vilma Santos, Christopher De Leon, Victor Laurel, Rio Locsin, Romeo Enriquez, Sandy Garcia, Freddie Aguilar, Sampaguita, Anak Bayan Band; Executive producer: Emilia Blass; Cinematography: Al Quinn, Joe Batac; Film Editing: Nonoy Santillan
Plot Description: Love Triangle (Christopher De Leon-Vilma Santos-Cocoy Laurel) and lots of dancing!
Film Achievement: One of 23 Film collaborations of Christopher and Vilma Santos.
Film Review: “…I was Vilma’s choreographer for her movies (Disco Fever, Good Morning Sunshine, etc.) and at the same time I was also choreographing for Nora on her show Superstar. When Vilma had her own TV show, she got me as choreographer but I stayed with her for only one month. The network bosses told me that I shouldn’t be handling two superstars at the same time. Nora was on Channel 9 and Vilma was on Channel 13. Because of loyalty, I chose to stay with Nora kasi mas nauna naman ako sa kanya. I was with her for four years na at that time. But first, I talked to Vilma who is a ninang of my son Miggy. I left Vilma with a heavy heart…(Asked if she was a Noranian, Geleen thought for a while and smiled), “Noon ‘yon!”…“It’s hard to tell. Nora is good in memorizing dance steps and Vilma is good in the execution.” Other stars Geleen choreographed for included Alma Moreno (for her TV show Loveli-NESS), Maricel Soriano (for Maricel Live! on Channel 13 and Maria, Maria on Channel 4)), Kuh Ledesma and Manilyn Reynes (Manilyn Live!). It was Maribeth Bichara who replaced Geleen as Vilma’s choreographer. Perhaps as an offshoot of their star-mistresses’ rivalry, Geleen (for Nora) and Maribeth (for Vilma) were also pitted against each other and the two dancers tried to ride on the wave of the faked rivalry between them when actually, claimed Geleen, “Maribeth and I were good friends…” – Geleen Eugenio (READ MORE)
“…I’d rather be known as Victor Laurel. But really, this Travolta is a sensation. I met him in Studio 54 and how the crowd loves him. He’s a wonderful actor, singer, and dancer.” Cocoy, too is a seasoned dancer even before the Travolta fever. He has a catlike grace that gives the impression of strenght and his dancing ability has helped tremendously in his career. “The Travolta dance is typical of hero worship even in San Francisco, Los Angeles and other big cities. Mondays, everyone who has caught the fever, even 30 year olds shop and prepare for the disco on Fridays and Saturday and stay up till the wee hours of the morning…We were about to ask another question about Vi, his leading lady in Lea’s Disco Fever but Ate Josie came in to remind Cocoy that the Sampaguita people were waiting with sketches of his costume for Dyesebel, the movie he was going to make for the Gilmore Studio. But didn’t. As a parting shot, Cocoy revealed that he’d soon put a disco. The Third Kind or something in Makati…” – Nena Z. Villanueva, Expressweek, November 16, 1978 (READ MORE)
Basic Information: Directed: Eddie Rodriguez (Luis Enriquez); Story and Screenplay: Diego Cagahastian, Beybs Pizarro Gulfin; Cast: Vilma Santos, Eddie Rodriguez, Carmen Soriano, Lito Anzures, Renato Robles, Nello Nayo, Patria Plata, Ingrid Salas, Rio Locsin, Ruben Rustria; Original Music: Rudy Arevalo; Cinematography: Ricardo Remias
Plot Description: A love triangle film of Vilma Santos with real life lovers Eddie Rodriguez and Carmen Soriano.
Film Achievement: One of film projects Rodriguez and Santos collaborated. (Ex-Wife 1981 (director), Halik sa Kamay Halik sa Paa 1979, Hindi Nakakahiya 1976 (director), Ikaw Lamang 1971, Kasalanan Kaya? 1968, Nakakahiya? 1975 (director), Simula ng Walang Katapusan (director) 1978) – RV (READ MORE)
Film Review: “…She had the likes of Eddie Mesa, Tony Ferrer and, of course, real-life love Eddie Rodriguez, as leading men on the big screen. With Eddie, two movies stand out in Carmen’s memory: “Malayo Man, Malapit Din” and “Simula ng Walang Katapusan” (the latter co-starred Vilma Santos). The way Carmen remembers it, her own love story with Eddie could rival the best silver screen romances. “We first got together when I was 16. It was just puppy love. My mom adored him, but I thought he was boring, stiff and too formal.” Two decades after that initial encounter, their paths crossed again. “We starred in a film on the life of Gen. Jose Rancudo. We were both separated [from our spouses] then.” That time around, it was a relationship of equals, she says. “We were both successful in our careers and both mature.” Eventually, they also separated…” – Bayani San Diego Jr., Philippine Daily Inquirer 10/09/2008 (READ MORE)
“…Bernal, testing the tensions of triangular love (for geometry books, one of his characters wittily says) for some time now, plunges deeper into character analysis and metaphorizing….Walang Katapusang Tag-araw was a strange reverse of characters for two women and an unusual development of love into hatred and hatred into love, where therefore the triangle was essentially illusions…” – Petronila Cleto, Pelikula, Atbp (READ MORE)
Luis Enriquez aka Eddie Rodriguez first directed a young Vilma Santos in 1968 Kasalanan Kaya, another love triangle genre starring the dramatic trio of Marlene Dauden, Eddie Rodriguez and Lolita Rodriguez. Vilma received an early acting recognitions from this film by receiving a FAMAS Nomination for Best Supporting Actress. When Enriquez directed Vilma again, it was a calculated risk that allowed a still young Vilma into a bikini-clad lead role opposite his director himself, Eddie Rodriguez. The film, Nakakahiya, a may-december affair between an older man and a young woman was an entry to 1975 Bacolod City Film Festival. Aside from making the the film a smash hit, Vilma received the festival’s Best Actress. Enriquez will direct Vilma in five more films, the last one was ExWife in 1981 where surprisingly Luis used in film credits his screen name, Eddie Rodriguez. Theri total number of colloborations were seven (Ex-Wife 1981, Halik sa Kamay Halik sa Paa 1979, Hindi Nakakahiya 1976, Ikaw Lamang 1971, Kasalanan Kaya? 1968, Nakakahiya? 1975, Simula ng Walang Katapusan) – RV (READ MORE)
“…Al! Natatako ako, umalis na tayo rito!…Kapag sumama ka sa kanya mamatay ka…” – Cristy
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Basic Information: Directed: Antonio Jose Perez; Story, screenplay: Ricardo Lee; Cast: Vilma Santos, Christopher De Leon, Rio Locsin, Delia Razon, Eddie Infante, Rez Cortez, Juan Rodrigo, Jaime Fabregas; Original Music: Jun Latonio; Cinematography: Romeo Vitug; Film Editing: Edgardo Jarlego, George Jarlego, Ike Jarlego Jr.; Production Design: Laida Lim-Perez; Sound: Rolly Ruta; Theme Song: “Haplos” performed by Eva Eugenio
Plot Description: Al (Christopher De Leon) is a balikbayan who returns to his former hometown where his mother is buried. There he meets his childhood friend Cristy (Vilma Santos) who works as a counselor for family planning. Eventually they develop a romantic relationship and end up as a couple. However, a mysterious lady appears one day while Al tends to his mother’s grave. Al falls in love with the stranger and is now torn between her and Cristy. Haplos is another cinematic masterpiece by famed screenwriter Ricardo Lee. It is the official entry to the 1982 Metro Manila Film Festival. With Vilma Santos and Christopher De Leon in the lead roles and supported by Rio Locsin, Haplos is a brilliant movie with a mind-boggling twist in the story. It’s a must-see for all Pinoy film buffs. – neTVision
Film Achievement: 1982 Metro Manila Film Festival 3rd Best Picture; 1982 FAMAS Nomination Best Supporting Actress – Rio Locsin
Film Review: “…The movie’s first major flaw is the relationship between Cristy and Al. Virginal Cristy has her first taste at the hands of Al. In one scene, Cristy says that she views the event as isolated, but in another scene, she says she has fallen in love with Al. Between the two scenes, however, she never sees Al. Does perception change with time? In general, yes but only if there is cause to change. Al, for all intents and purposes has disappeared from Cristy’s life after the isolated bed scene. The second major flaw involves the time frame of Auring, the ghost. She was supposed to have been raped and killed during the Japanese occupation. She reappears to select men, in this case Al, in order to seduce them. That was the only logical explanation for the fact that she allows herself to be kissed so quickly. Since she is dead, she should not die again. When the house burns down in the end, therefore, her house should reappear as it does and Auring should reappear but she doesn’t. Where’s the logic?…Because the director does not know how to direct his actors, they end up delivering uninspired performances. Rio Locsin is the best of the leads, with Christopher de Leon a poor second. Vilma Santos apparently cannot decide how to approach her role. Haplos, simply put is a bad horror film.” – Jojo Devera, Sari-saring Sineng Pinoy (READ MORE)
“…Medyo mabagal ang unand bahagi ng pelikula, lalo na kung isa kang viewer na alam nang tungkol sa multo ang istorya dahil sa sunod-sunod na press releases na isinasaad ng buod nito. Sa simula pa lang ng istorya ay inaabang-abangan mo na agad ang multo na kay tagal bago unang lumitaw. Medyo nagda-drag na nga at bigla na lamang na-revive ang aming atensiyon nang lumabas na si Rio Locsin sa eksena. Biglang nabuhay ang pelikula and from thereon ay naging absorbing na. Isang malaking dahilan kung bakit nagtagumpay ang pelikula ay ang pagka-casting kay Rio sa papel na Auring. Ibang-iba ang aura ni Rio sa pelikulang ito. She looks so ethereal, out of this world, ibang-iba kaysa sa mga taong cast din ng pelikula. Terrific ang screen presence ni Rio at talagang she is oozing with sex. Na-eclipse niyang talaga si Vi at Boyet. Kung iisipin mo’y maikli lamang ang role but her memory lingers kahit wala na siya sa eksena. ‘Yung mga pangiti-ngiti niya at patakip-takip ng bibig, very effective talaga. Magaling din sina Vi at Boyet in their respective roles, pero talagang getting attention ang role ng multo at perfect pa ang casting ni Rio rito…Somebody from the ECP script’s screening committee told us na mas maganda raw ang orihinal na script ni Ricardo Lee sa naisapelikula. Isang istudyanteng nagbabakasyon sa lalawigan si Cristy at naging takilyera sa isang sinehan. Pero ipinabago raw ito ni Vilma kaya’t nagmukhang propaganda para sa family planning ang papel niya. Ang orihinal na Cristy ay mahilig mag-fashion model kaya’t hindi katakataka nang isuot niya ang damit ni Auring na nakita niya sa kama nito. May nag-aakalang sa ending ng pelikula ay na-possess si Cristy ng kaluluwa ni Auring but the writer never intended it to be like this…” – Mario E. Bautista, Jingle Extra Hot Magazine, 1982 (READ MORE)
“…Halloween may not be that big of a deal on our tropical shores, but Philippine cinema has had its wealth of scary features in the last 50 years or so. Sure, we have our unique superstitions, supernatural mythology and homegrown ghost stories; yet it is safe to presume that local moviegoers go for cinematic chills due to this universal fact: horror/suspense movies are downright entertaining, if in often perverse ways. The alphabetical list below gathers just 10 of the more memorable Filipino films that are scary in varying degrees — some straight-up gory, others disturbing or creepy; some tacky, others funny; all generally reflecting a sense of moviemaking adventurism that has been lacking in Pinoy filmdom of the last decade or so…Likewise an MMFF entry in its year of release, this Ricky Lee-scripted, Antonio Jose Perez-helmed drama is topbilled by Vilma Santos and Christopher de Leon, a tandem whose prolific body of work together is, in the view of former Philippine Free Press contributing editor-writer Ricky Torre, “akin to the wealth of collaborations between Miles Davis and John Coltrane. The Vi-Boyet oeuvre ably tackled the nuances of human relationships.” Haplos’ key players essentially form a love triangle (Rio Locsin plays the 3rd wheel) but, in the story’s traversing between its present time and the era of the Japanese occupation, it is also, as Torre muses, “a far-out take on the time-space continuum.” The horror element in Haplos is also its twist, one best realized by the uninitiated by scoring it on video CD…” – Bert B. Sulat Jr., Rappler, 10 Oct 2012 (READ MORE)
“Nasa ikatlong araw na ngayon (Monday, Dec 27) ang 1982 Metro Manila Film Festival na nagsimula noong Dec 25, Saturday, at ngayon pa lamang ay nadarama na ng mga producer ang kanilang kapalaran sa takilya. Nakangiti na ‘yong mga nangunguna at lulugo-lugo naman ‘yong kulelat. Subalit hindi pa tapos ang festival. Ngayong gabi, Dec. 27, Monday, ay ang Gabi ng Parangal sa Cultural Center (Main Theater) at dito’y tiyak na lalabas na naman ang dalawang mukha na simbolo ng show business. Isang nakatawa at isang umiiyak. Makikita ngayong gabi ang simbulong ito sa paggagawad ng karangalan sapagkat tiyak na ang mga magwawagi ng mga pangunahing karangalan ay nangakangiti at ‘yong mamalasan ay tutunganga na lang. Sa gabing ito ibabatay ang tunay na kalalabasan ng festival sa susunod pang pitong araw. Dikasi ang magaganap ngayong gabi ang siyang magdudulot ng pagbabago sa takbo ng labanan sa takilya….Sa sampung pelikulang naglalaban-laban, di lang sa takilya kundi sa karangalan, ang unang paboritong magta-top gross ay ang Santa Claus is Coming to Town ng Regal, Panday Ikatlong Yugto ng FPJ, Himala ng ECP, Moral ng Seven Star Films at Haplos ng Mirick Films. Ang mga paborito namang magwawagi ng awards: sa Best Actor, mahigpit ang labanan nina Robert Arevalo sa Santa Claus at Christopher de Leon sa Haplos. Sa Best Actress, labanang umaatikabo rin sina Vilma Santos sa Haplos, Lorna Tolentino sa Moral at Nora Aunor sa Himala…” – Movie Flash Magazine, 1982 (READ MORE)
Star For All Seasons 
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