A Very Long Rivalry – 2004

Posted on December 28, 2012 by @ffv Standard

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Pre-2004 – After 1989, Vilma and Nora continue to fight for acting supremacy. In 1989, Vilma was elevated to the FAMAS Hall of Fame making her ineligible to compete with Nora. With this, Nora won her fifth trophies which also made her elegible for the Hall of Fame. Also this year, there’s “First” in both Vi and Guy. Vilma’s Star Award best actress was her first from the PMPC while Nora’s Luna Award best actress was her first academy award. At the URIAN, they tied as their best actress. When the award seasons ends, Nora and Vilma completed and releases three films, Nora Aunor released the much loved, “Andrea, Paano ba ang Maging Isang Ina” while Vilma tapped A-1 list directors, Lino Brocka for “Hahamakin Lahat” and Laurice Guillen for “Kapag Langit Ang Humatol.” It was a repeat in 1991, Vilma and Nora remained prominent in the acting contest, with Nora taking a landslide advantage for “Andrea…,” winning nine nods while Vilma recieved only four nominations. Then the next year, it was almost an even outcome for both, Nora’s “Ang Totoong Buhay ni Pacita M.” earned her seven recognitions, six wins and a nomination from URIAN. The Urian award went to Vilma for “Ipagpatawad Mo.” She also received several nominations. The following year, Nora did not complete any film while Vilma releases “Sinungaling Mong Puso,” an acting triumph for Aga Muhlach. She also appeared in cameo role in fantasy festival film “Engkanto.” In 1993, both Nora and Vilma releases two films each. Nora did the forgettable “Inay” and the tired “Ligaw-ligawan, Kasal-kasalan, Bahay-bahayan.” Vilma was more successful with the socially relevant AIDS film, “Dahil Mahal Kita, The Dolzura Cortez Story” and her first Chito Rono film and the smash hit, “Ikaw Lang.”

The next year, Vilma Santos earned more trophies (seven best actress awards and two nominations) while Nora received a lifettime achievement at FAP and her sole acting trophy for “Inay” from the Young Critics Circle. Then in 1994 Vilma followed the massacre trend with “Lipa: Arandia Massacre,” a big hit and the forgettables, “Nag-iisang Bituin” and “Relaks ka Lang, Sagot Kita.” Theres no Nora movie in 1994. Her big screen absence were a blessing because the following year, she released two hit films, “Muling Umawit ang Puso” and “The Flor Contemplacion Story.” Theres No Vilma movie in 1995. As Nora Aunor reaped the rewards of the previous year, she won eight trophies plus international recognition, she released the critically acclaimed “Bakit May Kahapon Pa?” while Vilma teamed up for the last time with FPJ as her comeback movie after her absence in the forgettable and flop movie, “Ikaw Ang Mahal Ko.” The next year, Nora Aunor releases two film. She teamed up with Judy Ann Santos in the dissapointing film, “Babae” and much more dissapointing, “Mama Dito sa Aking Puso.” If 1997 was a big dissapointment for Nora, Vilma also has a film slump, her only film, “Hanggang Ngayon Ika’y Minamahal” with perennial love-team, Christopher de Leon was a big dissappointment too. There is no Nora movie the following year, while Vilma finally came-up with a more serious project, Lualhati Bautista’s “Bata, Bata…Paano Ka Ginawa?” and gamely appeared in a cameo role in “Ang erpat kong Astig.”

The following year, Vilma reaped more acting trophies plus international recognition for “Bata, bata…” and at the same time, becoming more like a seasoned politician as she entered politics during the last few years of this decade. For Nora, 1999 started her becoming the darling of indie films, she released “Sidhi” co-starring with Albert Martinez. While there is no Vilma movie in 1999, the coming of new millenium turned out to be a lucky year for her. She did “Anak” with Claudine Barretto, a record-breaking film of year. It was clear by this time that Nora Aunor’s film career is on decline, there is no film for her in the next three years. If Nora’s film career is on decline, it seems like Vilma’s film career is experiencing the same but her camp explained, due to her tight schedule as politician, her tight schedule doesn’t allowed her to do film projects. On occassion she find time to do special one, in 2002, she entered the local festival via Chito Rono’s in “Dekada 70,” in another Lualhati Bautista novel. Her rare film excursion were fruitful as she earned nine acting trophies and another international recognition in 2003. Despite this, theres no more new film for her and also for Nora. The following year, their fans rejoice as both came up with a respectable projects, an indie film for Nora and a commercial mainstream film for Vilma. Perhaps a final showdown is brewing?

Resurgence Rivalry – “…Vilma Santos’ triumph as Best Actress – for Mano Po 3 (My Love) at the Metro Manila Film Festival in December 2004 parallels her greatest rival Nora Aunor’s similar feat at the Manila Film Festival last June, where Nora won for Naglalayag. So it goes without saying Nora and Vilma will once again be major contenders for the top acting honors in this year’s awards season. Nora, for the Maryo J. delos Reyes opus in which she portrayed a lady judge who fell in love with a man half her age; while Vilma, for Joel Lamangan’s romance-drama about a Chinese anti-crime crusader torn between her family and a past love. Nora versus Vilma. Their acting duel is never ending. All these years, their fight for the Best Actress plum in practically all the local award-giving bodies has been much anticipated since…Kung susumahin, mahirap nang dagliang mabilang ang mga award nina Nora at Vilma, through the years, para sa mga pelikulang tinampukan nila. Ito rin ang puntong hindi ang pag-quantify sa mga natamong parangal ang mahalaga, kundi ang pagpapatunay na walang mintis sa kanya-kanyang laban, sa kahusayan, ang dalawang pinakamahigpit na magkaribal sa larangan ng pagganap pampelikula…” – William Reyes (READ MORE)

Nora Aunor’s 2004 acting recognition (9) – Naglalayag – Best Actress from Brussels Independent Film Festival (Belgium); BALATCA (Batangas-Laguna Association of Teachers of Culture and Arts); Gawad Tanglaw Awards; Manila Film Festival; PASADO (Pampelikulang Samahan ng mga Dalubguro); S Magazine People’s Choice; YHC (Young Heart’s Club); 1st Cape Tip Festival; and a nomination from URIAN

Vilma Santos’ 2004 acting recognition (6) – Mano Po 3: My Love – Best Actress from MMFF; Gawad Suri Awards; Star Awards; Gawad Tanglaw Awards and nominations from FAP; URIAN

Pain and Courage – “…Nora Aunor delivers a remarkably competent and mature performance, exhibiting not only skill and talent but fine dramatic sensibility as well. Aunor envinces an acting style that is sure, keen and affecting. Her fortitude and daring to star in this type of film, manifests rare artistic insight into the problematics of social change. In the much talked about funeral scene, Aunor saturates the screen with the pain and courage of a woman on the brink of the darkest despair. Yul Servo’s smoldering passion and repressed aspirations lift the film to its heights, his performance in fact maps out the film’s journey from the thickets of conflict to a most soulful destination. Servo avoids the well trodden path of facile tearjerker techniques and cogently reiterates the tenderness, helplessness, violation and rage that consume his character. The writing merits of Naglalayag offers solid characterization that sustains momentum and surges into a tour de force conclusion. The screenplay’s achievement rests on its skillful appropriation of the conventions of a commercial feature in its earnest effort to come up with a truly artistic, purposive and serious motion picture. The film moreover exposes the complex processes by which people are lured into, weakened and trapped in a web of crime and poverty, from which death becomes the only possible escape…” – Jojo Devera (READ MORE)

Strange Casting – “…Without the Chinese trappings, Mano Po 3: My Love is a typical Vilma Santos movie designed to highlight all the wonderful elements that make her a star for all seasons. Again, she sobs, laughs and acts pensive in that distinctive fashion Santos is famous for in one sudsy scene after another. Yet even as an emblematic Vilma Santos movie, Mano Po 3 is below par. The Star was better in other films that had better material. In this movie, screenwriter Roy Iglesias and director Joel Lamangan shamelessly force the star to imitate Meryl Streep in a scene stolen from Clint Eastwood’s Bridges of Madison County (1995). And like the two first installments, Mano Po 3 features some strange casting. Jay Manalo is supposed to be a contemporary of de Leon and Santos but when you see them together, Manalo looks more like their son than a classmate. Lamangan’s storytelling is fluid and deliberate but being deliberate can be deadly when almost every scene is all talk. Talk is fine if the words are inspiring but when the lines are pallid and of the telenovela variety, we’s just rather stick to the Korean soap they show on TV. While actors deliver modulated performances, this writer feels that Christopher de Leon’s role is too small to warrant a best actor nomination and award. I think he should have listed in the supporting category but I’m opening a can of worms here. Let’s just be thankful that this is the last Mano Po movie to be ever made…” – Dennis Ladaw, The Manila Times, Feb 28, 2005 (READ MORE)

No Fear – “…In seeing both films, Vilma gave a far more superior performance than Nora Aunor’s “Naglalayag.” Again, how can anyone not noticed? I mean, it could probably be blamed to their directors. Lamangan able to come up with a far more superior script and direction than De Los Reyes. Vilma’s role composed of so many highlights that are so hard to pick which one is the best compare to one from Nora’s film. Funny both Vilma and Nora’s film has some similarities. Both have a scene were they both accepted an award and they have to do speeches in front of adoring audiences. Another similarities, the two characters have to dealt with the gossiping and the bad publicity that their personal lives creates affecting their respective communities. Although in Naglalayag, Nora’s character wasn’t fully established as how’s her overall standing/status in the community. Now the difference, Vilma’s crisped delivery of lines came as natural, even when she talks in Tagalog, English or Cantonese/ Mandarin but Nora’s delivery of lines were as awkward as a kid trying to learn how to speak English for the first time. Her tendency to make “SSSS” sound in every English word she has on her lines were very distracting to audience and at times laughable. Her clothes are dated too, for a rich judge, one may wonder if she’s just a thrifty judge or just don’t know how to dress up, the opposite can be said with Vilma, her pink/orangey gown on the death scene was elegant. Admittedly, both Vilma and Nora have no fear of showing their age. There was a scene in both movies where they didn’t wear any make up and their faces showed their real ages. Overall, Nora’s performance lacks control and finesse while Vilma’s performance excels in restraints and effectiveness. Nora’s not credible as Dorinda, the judge while Vilma became Lilia Chiong Yang, the anti-crime crusade activist and businesswoman …” – RV (READ MORE)

Post-2004 – After a successful 2004 where she seem to reclaim the top spot by winning another international award, Nora Aunor released two indie film in 2006, Ingrata and Care Home both 2006. Unfortunately both films failed commercially. Meanwhile Vilma did “In My Life” in 2009 where she won six best actress (STAR, GMMSF, MTRCB, GTA, GSA, Gawad Genio) and two nominations (URIAN; EGSA).

2012 – “…The following year, 2005, both Nora and Vilma competed in every acting award contests. In the mix were Claudine Barretto for “Milan” and Judy Ann Santos for “Sabel.” Nora won a commanding lead with six wins and one international recognition over Vilma’s only four, plus Judy Ann and Claudine’s entry to the contest took some trophies out of the two veterans. There is no films for both veterans the following year. More so for Vilma who will not do another full length film until 2009, she appeared in a guest role as herself in 2006’s “D’Lucky Ones.” For Nora, she came up with two respectable indie films in 2006, “Care Home” and “Ingrata” both were ignored by many critics and failed commercially. She will not do another film until 2012, some considered her big comeback, a special role in period movie, “El Presidente” and the much praised, Brilliante Mendoza’s “Thy Womb.” Like Nora, Vilma is also absent on big screen for so long until her big mainstream film with son, Luis Manzano and John Lyod Cruz, Star Cinema’s “In My Life.” The film received a mix reviews but was a commercial success. Vilma again will not do another film until 2012, the horror film, “The Healing.” Both “The Healing” and “Thy Womb” made history. Nora won two international awards in Australia and Italy and a Manila Film Festival trophy, her historical eight best actress. While Vilma’s movie did not earned her any acting trophy, the film was a commercial success ranking among top ten films that earned more than 100 Million Pesos in its exhibition and reviving the horror trend.

Related Reading:

Very Long Rivalry
Naglalayag Trailer (Video)
Winner, 2008 Gintong Aklat Award (Literature in Filipino)
Theme Song from movie “Mano Po 3” (Video)
A Very Long Rivalry 2012 (Video)

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Anggulo (Videos)

Posted on December 26, 2012 by @ffv Standard

Anggulo (Angle) is an investigative news program hosted by Luchi Cruz-Valdes. Airs Wednesdays at 7:30-8:30 p.m. on AksyonTV and 10:15-10:45 p.m. on TV5 (Wikepedia).

Renowned actress-politician Vilma Santos-Recto will share different facets of her life this Wednesday in “Anggulo.” Vilma will reminisce her early days in showbizness — from her very first acting award for “Trudis Liit” at the age of nine to her stature as the Star for All Seasons. The show will trace roots of the actress who has starred in nearly 200 movies, bagged almost a hundred acting awards and sustained a high five-decade showbiz career. It will also look at Vilma as a governor, her devotion to the province of Batangas for 13 years now, and being married to congressman-turned-senator Ralph Recto. The actress will also share to viewers her real-life role as a mother to actor/tv host Luis Manzano and teenage son Ryan — how she makes sure they spend time with the family on the weekend and how she’s being a mother to two boys. News5 Chief Luchi Cruz-Valdes and her reporters Jove Francisco, Ina Zara and Maricel Halili look into the different angles in Vilma life on “Anggulo: One Face. Different Views. One Story” this Wednesday after Aksyon JournalisMo on the Kapatid Network. “Anggulo” will also air on Aksyon TV at 8:30 p.m. – Glaiza Jarloc, 04 October 2011 (READ MORE)

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VIEWPOINT (Videos)

Posted on December 20, 2012 by @ffv Standard

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Dong Puno is a Filipino television public affairs host, media executive, newspaper columnist, and lawyer…His program, Viewpoint, won the Catholic Mass Media Awards as Best Public Affairs Programs for three consecutive years (1984, 1985 and 1986) and was elevated to the Hall of Fame. His television shows (Dong Puno Live, Viewpoint & Focus) have also received recognition from the Gawad CCP Para sa Telebisyon and Star Awards for Television – Wikipedia (READ MORE).

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Remembering Eddie Peregrina 2/2 (Videos)

Posted on November 11, 2012 by @ffv Standard

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Eddie Villavicencio Peregrina (11 November 1944 – 30 April 1977), better known as Eddie Peregrina, was a singer and leading matinee idol of the 1970s. Dubbed as “the Original Jukebox King,” he was most famous for hit songs such as What Am I Living For, Together Again, Two Lovely Flowers and Mardy, among others. He died at the age of 32 after a freak car accident in EDSA…eregrina’s popularity was high, particularly among masses. Jukebox, the coin-operated machine which plays selected music, was said to have attained much popularity as well because of continuous requests of Peregrina’s songs. His fame surge even more among the Filipino masses when he became movie star, cast with the leading ladies of the 1970s, including Esperanza Fabon and Nora Aunor, with whom he had a TV show entitled The Eddie-Nora Show on Channel 9 in the 1960s. Among his movies included Mardy, Memories of Our Dreams with Esperanza Fabon. He co-starred with his wife Lyn Salazarin in Batul of Mactan in 1974. He was also the leading man in Dito sa Aking Puso (1970) with Nora Aunor and with Vilma Santos in Mardy. Most of his films were produced by JBC Productions, which invariably paired him with Vilma Santos, Edgar Mortiz, Esperanza Fabon, and directed by Bebong Osorio. When not busy attending show business commitments, he managed his own business, including Edviper Records and the Pervil Photo Studio…Eddie’s Mustang car collided with a trailer truck in EDSA Shaw underpass in 1977. He died a month and a week later (April 30, 1977) at the age of 32 at Polymedic Hospital due to internal hemorrhage. His early and tragic death shocked his millions of fans nationwide. – Wikipedia (READ MORE)

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TV special pays tribute to Vilma Santos (Videos)

Posted on March 11, 2012 by @ffv Standard

ABS-CBN proudly presents a grand five-part TV special for the one and only Star For All Seasons entitled ‘Vilma: A Woman for all Seasons’ airing on all Saturdays of August. Known as the Star for All Seasons, Vilma Santos is no stranger to the entertainment industry. Having been part of show business from the age of nine, Vilma won her very first acting trophy as Best Child Performer from FAMAS for the film Trudis Liit (Little Trudis). Since then, the respected actress has been in over a two hundred films and various TV programs over the years and has pleased the most prestigious award-giving bodies for movies and television such as FAMAS, Gawad Urian, PMPC and Catholic Mass Media awards among others. She was also honored with the Lifetime Achievement Awards by Cinemanila and FAP among others as well as UP Gawad Plaridel Award for her achievements as an actress and a public servant. Aside from bringing entertainment to Filipinos for several decades through her passion for acting, Vilma also has a heart for public service. She is currently in politics as the first woman Governor of Batangas who is appreciated by her constituents for being hands on and was also the first woman Mayor of Lipa City for three fruitful terms. She is also a doting mother to two wonderful sons and a loving wife to fellow public servant Ralph Recto. Presented in a documentary-magazine and reality TV format, fans and viewers alike will be in for a real treat as the revered multi-faceted woman tells all about her life in this five weekend special that will tackle everything on the esteemed actress-turned-Governor , from the start of her career to her term as the first woman Governor of Batangas as well as sneak peeks in her highly awaited and much talked about movie ‘In My Life’ with son Luis Manzano and blockbuster film actor John Lloyd Cruz. – TFC now (READ MORE)

The Kapamilya Network proudly presents the much awaited five-part TV special for the one and only Star For All Seasons aptly entitled ‘Vilma: A Woman for all Seasons’ available on TFCnow’s Premium Edition, starting the first Saturday of August. Presented in a documentary-magazine and reality TV format, fans and viewers alike will be in for a real treat as the respected and veteran actress tells all in this once in a lifetime event. This five episode special will tackle everything on the esteemed actress-turned-Governor – from the start of her career, to her term as a public servant as well as sneak peeks into her highly awaited and much talked about movie ‘In My Life’ with son Luis Manzano and blockbuster film actor John Lloyd Cruz. The first episode (available starting August 1), hosted by Claudine Barretto who has worked with Vilma in the drama film ‘Anak,’ showcases Vilma as an actress/ artist, being the four-time grand slam Best Actress in various award-giving bodies as well as receiving Lifetime Achievement Awards from Cinemanila and FAP among others. This also highlights a special acting workshop by Vilma herself in collaboration with respected director Laurice Guillen for hand-picked Star Magic talents who will imitate scenes from her unforgettable movies.

This exclusive workshop is undeniably a must-see and is participated by the likes of Primetime Princess Kim Chiu (who acted out the scene in the film “Dolzura Cortez” where PDA scholar Bugoy bravely faced Kim’s slapping hand), indie King turned mainstream actor Coco Martin, host and singer Nikki Gil, breakthrough kontravida beauty Megan Young, some of the favorite PDA and Pinoy Fear Factor stars as well as the rest of the Star Magic family. On the following week (available starting August 8), viewers will see Vilma as a TV host, dancer and performer. With funny man Vhong Navarro adding laughter with his comical antics and wacky remarks as the host, the Star for all Seasons shares some of her insights and experiences during tapings and shootings – from unavoidable health concerns and even to romantic problems with her good-looking leading men. We will relive the days of “VIP” show where she used to do her special numbers in her most colorful costume and danced the most complicated dance routines by no less than Maribeth Bichara. Joining the prized actress in the dance workshop are young stars Shaina Magdayao, Angelica Panganiban, Iya Villania, Empress Shuck, Nina Dolino, Princess Ryan and Dianne Medina. Definitely something to look forward to is the much-awaited dance number of Vilma with the said stars!

Next episode (available starting August 15), fans and supporters will have an exclusive preview of Vilma’s private world as one of the young actresses closest to her heart, teleserye Princess Angel Locsin hosts this very personal chapter. Vilma welcomes viewers into her home in Alabang which is the very first time her private quarters will be shown on Philippine television. Featuring the prized actress as a wife, mother, sister and friend, we will see how she spends her free time at home and what a ‘normal’ family day is in the life of Governor Vi. On the fourth installment (available starting August 22), Vilma is shown as an empowered Filipina leader being the hands-on and the first woman Governor of Batangas and a UP Gawad Plaridel Awardee for her achievements as an actress and a public servant. Capping off this five-episode special (available starting August 29) is your very own VIP pass into the making of Vilma’s movie, ‘In My Life’ with eldest son Luis and John Lloyd who will also serve as the hosts. Be the first to peer into some of the movie scenes and events shot at the colorful city of New York, listen in on some selected interviews with the cast and crew as well as trivia on the much-anticipated film and get an exclusive sneak peek into the never before seen behind-the-scenes shots. – TFC now (READ MORE)

How is Vilma as a wife and mother? – The Aug. 15 episode has the answer: For the first time, the actress allows a TV crew to shoot inside her new house in Alabang. The episode will also display the musical talents of hubby Ralph Recto and second son, Ryan Christian. The fourth episode focuses on Vilma as a public servant. And, for the final episode, she will be seen during the shooting of her forthcoming movie with her son, Luis, and John Lloyd Cruz. Parenthetically, she told us that she doesn’t aspire for the country’s vice presidency because all her plans are exclusively for Batangas. – Remy M. Umerez, Philippine Daily Inquirer Aug 07 2009 (READ MORE)

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Fernando Poe Jr. and Vilma Santos (Videos)

Posted on February 23, 2012 by @ffv Standard

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On the set of “Alay kay Da King,” a new TV special on the life and times of Action King Fernando Poe Jr., segment host and “Star for All Seasons” Vilma Santos reminisces about her favorite leading man. But, in the middle of a heartfelt spiel, she’s interrupted by a passing ambulance, an airplane … and a tricycle. Since the production is using live sound, such incidental noises can grate on some people’s nerves. Not Ate Vi’s. The Batangas governor jests: “Maybe Ron (FPJ’s nickname) is toying with us.” That’s a seldom-seen side of Da King, she later tells Inquirer Entertainment in an exclusive interview. “He’s a jester.” Paired in three movies (1974’s “Batya’t Palo-Palo,” 1976’s “Bato sa Buhangin” and 1996’s “Ikaw ang Mahal Ko”), they shared an uncommon friendship that withstood the test of time … and, she recalls candidly, political intrigues. Although she’s recovering from an illness, she turned up at the studio in Parañaque, a day after the Manila Peninsula debacle, to tape the TV special, to be aired Dec. 9 on ABS-CBN. The TV special was put together by the Kapamilya network, Asian Eye Productions and the Poe family to premiere a 38-minute music video that was edited by Da King shortly before his passing three years ago. The music video is composed of choice scenes from his 200 or so movies—including those with favorite leading ladies, from Charito Solis to Sharon Cuneta, and favorite co-actors, from Van de Leon to Lito Anzures. Da King’s pet cause, Mowelfund, is the project’s main beneficiary. Highlight of the music video is a scene from “Batya’t Palo-Palo”—which Ate Vi considers “unforgettable.”

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

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

What did you call him again? Ron.

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

What was the real Ronnie Poe like? Oh my God! It’s true what [the special’s] script says: He was the quiet type. Very sensitive and the most generous man I ever met in the entire industry. Please allow me to generalize. Among all my leading men, no one’s like him. It’s true that if you were his leading lady, he’d treat you like a queen. He’d give you everything you needed and wanted, just to make you feel comfortable. However, he extended the same respect and care to the staff. One time, I craved balut. He bought balut not only for me, but for the entire crew. The mambabalut ran out of balut so Ron asked him to call his vendor friends. Ron treated everyone on the set equally. That’s why he’s the most respected actor in the industry, along with Dolphy. It’s a well-earned respect. You cannot buy that respect. You have to work for it. He was not an overnight success. He started as a stuntman, as an extra. He started from scratch.

That was something you shared? Yah! And we both joined politics. When I first ran as mayor [of Lipa in 1998], Ron was among the few people I sought, for advice. He told me one thing: “You can do it. You have the character for politics. But can you give up your earnings as an actress?” (Laughs.) The next time we saw each other was at the wedding of Aga Muhlach and Charlene Gonzalez in Baguio two years later. I was then running for a second term, so he teased me: “I thought you didn’t want to run?” Then, two years later, we saw each other again at the Metro Manila Film Fest parade, we both had entries then (hers, “Dekada ‘70;” his, “Ang Alamat ng Lawin”). It was my turn to tease him: “I heard you’re running?” I asked if he was really considering it and he told me that he’d rather not, but that he couldn’t ignore the public clamor. Unfortunately, we ended up in different political parties when he ran for president in 2004 (she’s with the administration; he was an oppositionist). We were even pitted against each other. There was a rumor that I didn’t allow him to campaign in Lipa. But our friendship went beyond politics.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Total Number of films with Vilma Santos: 5 – Batya’t Palu-Palo, Bato sa Buhangin, Ikaw ang Mahal Ko, Dugo At Pag-ibig sa Kapirasong Lupa, Mga Mata ni Angelita

Ronald Allan Poe y Kelley (August 20, 1939 – December 14, 2004), better known as Fernando Poe, Jr. and colloquially known as FPJ and Da King, was a Filipino actor and cultural icon. From the 1950s, Poe played steadfast film heroes who fight for the common man, which won him respect and admiration. He did not complete high school but went on to win numerous awards and prizes as an actor and film director. During the latter part of his career, he ran an unsuccessful bid for President of the Philippines in the 2004 presidential election against the former president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. In 2011, witnesses revealed in a Senate inquiry that Poe would have won the 2004 elections had there been no cheating. He was honored on May 24, 2006 as Philippine National Artist through Philippine Proclamation No. 1065 (Wikepedia).

Action King Fernando Poe, Jr. and Vilma Santos were awarded the Box-Office King and Queen in 1974. That year, both stars starred and appeared in the movie, “Batya’t Palu-Palo,” a sensational hit. – FPJ Da King (READ MORE)