Tag Archives: Vilma Santos

Woman For All Seasons (Repost)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

UNSTOPPABLE PARTNERSHIP – For more than four decades, Ponstan has been relieving body aches, pains, making it a household name when it comes to reliable fast relief. Just about the same time when Ponstan was strongly gaining the trust of consumers, the public witnessed the emergence of a talented and eye-catching young performer who will later become the country’s multi-awarded actress and eventually the first woman governor of the province of Batangas. “We are very excited and honored to have Gov. Vilma Santos-Recto as our celebrity endorser. We could not have chosen anyone else to effectively communicate the brand’s message to the public,” says Laiza Filart, Ponstan SF product manager. Filart further states that the choice to have Gov. Vi as the latest face behind Ponstan is the striking parallelism between the brand and the hardworking public official. “They are really fit to be unstoppable partners,” she adds. Gov. Vi has been known to pull all the stops whenever she sets her eye on her goals. As a show business personality, she aimed only for the best, which made her the most awarded actress in the country. As a politician, she willingly took the challenge posed by her constituents and run for the gubernatorial seat in the province of Batangas in 2007, earning her the title Ina ng Batangas. And as a family woman, she is never short in filling their home with love, respect and happiness. As Gov. Vi juggles her schedule as a politician, an actress, a wife and a mom, she sometimes finds herself in pain – whether in the form of a headache or backache. Whenever such pains strike, Gov. Vi relies on Ponstan to help her get through the day. “My work is physically, mentally and emotionally demanding. So when I get a headache, I immediately take Ponstan to relieve the pain.” states Gov. Vi. – Lea Manto-Beltran, HEALTH NEWS magazine, Mar 2008 Global Vilmanians

Vilma Santos’ Urban Legends and Trivias (Repost)

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Vilma’s Top 9 – Noong 70’s ay merong grupo ng mga tagahanga si Vi na tinawag nilang Top 9. Ayon kay Zeny Gelacio(aka Pitimini na Sec. ni Ike Lozada), lahat silang 9 ay mga babae. Kasama niya sina Manila, Mrs.Untalan na Canada base na, Chayong, Rita, Mrs.Panganiban, Linda na nasa U.S. na, Flor, and Nadia. Ayon kay Zeny na member din ngayon ng VSSI, Inc., madalas ay kasama ang Top 9 ni Vi sa mga showbiz happenings nito at sila ang nagaasikaso kay Vi. Naalala nya na kasama sila noon sa pagiikot nila Vi & Bot sa mga key cities ng Pilipinas sa pagpapaunlak sa iba’t ibang chapters ng Vi & Bot Fans clubs. Lagi na ay dinudumog sila saan man mapunta, dahil na rin sa kasikatan ng T.V. musical program na The Sensations.

Ang The Sensations ay produce ng ABS CBN at dinerek ni Tony Santos Sr. Consistent No. 1 Top rater ang show at kasama ni Vi & Bot sina Perla Adea, Romy Mallari, Rhodora Silva, Darius Razon, Baby de Jesus, Tony Santos Jr., Janine Frias, atbpa. Dahil sa kasikatan nila Vi & Bot ginawang movie ang The Sensations noong April, 1971, big boxoffice hit ito kaya sinundan agad ni direk tony ng ” Young Lovers ” noong August, 1971, big hit din ito. Ginawan din ng L.P. Album nila Vi & Bot ang The Sensations at muling tinangkilik ng masang pilipino. Pagkagaling nila Vi & Bot sa Amerika para sa shooting ng “Don’t Ever Say Goodbye”, ay sinayaw ni Vi sa The Sensations ang The Shaft na usong sayaw noon sa U.S., agad nagustuhan ng mga tao ang dancing skills ni Vi at nauso lagi ang mga sayaw ni Vi at mula noon ay kinilala ang charisma, grace, at natural dancing prowess ni Vi na later on ay pinakita niya at tampok lagi at inaabangan ng mga tao sa kanyang top rated musical variety shows na ang pinakahuli ay ang “Vilma !”.

Sa kasikatan ng loveteam nila Vi & Bot ay tinagurian silang “Subok na Matibay Subok na Matatag” at dahil dito ay ginawang slogan noon ng Banco Pilipino ang Bancong Subok na Matibay Subok na Matatag ! Mga 20 plus hit movies ang nagawa nila Vi & Bot bilang loveteam. Ayon pa kay Zeny ng Top 9 sa bahay noon nila Vi and Bobot sa Arfel Homes sa project 6 quezon city, kung saan magkapitbahay sina Vi & Bot, ay parang Fiesta araw araw sa Arfel, buses, jeepneys, na puno ng fans ang walang sawang nagaabang upang makita at makausap sila Vi & Bot. Sumusunod sila sa syuting at kahit saan sila pumunta. Kahit hindi singer si Vi ay naenganyo siya nila Bobot at William Leary ng Wilears record na gumawa ng Sweet Sixteen Album, ito ay naging Gold Record, at Ang Kantang Sweet Sixteen ang naging signature song ni Vi, ito ay nirevive ni Jolina Magdangal. Nakagawa si Vi ng 11 na albums, 3 dito ang Mini L.P.’s, 3 dito solo ni Vi at ang iba ay kasama si Edgar ‘bobot’ Mortiz at ibang artists, ang mga ito ay Sixteen, Sweet Sweet Vilma, Aloha My Love, All I see is You, Sweethearts, The Sensations, Christmas Tidings, Baby Vi, Mabuhay, Christmas Carols, and Sing Vilma Sing.

Vilma Always a Trendsetter! – Sa Kasaysayan ng Pelikulang Pilipino Tanging si Vilma Santos lang ang siyang Trendsetter. Lagi na siyang nagseset ng trend ng pelikulang kumikita at ginagaya tuloy ng iba. Kaya naman sa dami ng mga Pelikulang kumita ni Vilma at taon taon ay siya ang boxoffice queen ay ginawaran na siya ng Guillermo Mendoza Foundation ng Hall of Fame as The Perrenial Box Office Queen ! Consider the following…

Fantasy Movies – Simula sa Lipad Darna Lipad ni Vilma na pinalabas noong March 23, 1973, ay nauso na ang mga fantasy movies. Nagtala ang Lipad Darna Lipad bilang biggest Boxoffice hit ng 1973. Ilang buwan pinalabas ito sa mga sinehan na kahit ang movie ni FPJ ay napataob. Ito ay produced ng Sine pilipino ng grupo nila Douglas Quijano at ang 3 episodes ay dinirek nila Emmanuel Borlaza, Elwood Perez, and Joey Gosiengfiao. Pangunahing kontrabida ni Vi sina Gloria Romero, Liza Lorena, and Celia Rodriguez. Kinonsulta ni Vi ang RVM Sisters of St. Mary’s Academy Manila kung saan siya nagtapos ng elementary and high school, kung tatangapin nya ang Lipad Darna Lipad dahil that time medyo daring na ang costume na two piece ni Darna. Pumayag ang RVM Sisters provided na magbody stockings si Vi. Sa presscon ng movie ay nagDarna costume si Vi with body stockings, hindi nagustuhan ng press and producers at kinausap at pinaliwanagan si Vi nila Douglas Quijano na tanggalin na ang body stockings. Sa kalaunan ay napapayag din si Vi ganundin ang mama at papa nito. At present ay wala na ang original negatives kahit copy ng Lipad Darna Lipad, sabi ni douglas ay nabili ito ng isang Indonesian producer at matagumpay na pinalabas doon. Naka 4 na Darna movies si Vi : Lipad Darna Lipad, Darna and the Giants, Darna Vs. the Planetwomen, and Darna and Ding. Vilma holds the distinction as the only Actress in Philippine Cinema na gumanap bilang Darna and Dyesebel. Ginawa din ni Vi ang Kampanerang Kuba na niremake sa T.V. ni Anne Curtis at ang Vivian Volta na niremake ni Ai Ai De Las Alas sa movie and sa T.V.

Horror / Suspense Movies – Sinimulan ni Vi ang Horror / suspense Movie na Anak ng Aswang na nauso at naging trend noon., Nasundan ito ng Takbo Vilma Dali !, Kamay na Gumagapang, Hatinggabi na Vilma, atbpa.

Musical Movies – Naunang ginawa ni Vi ang Let’s Do the Salsa na pinalabas noong March 5, 1976, sinundan ito ng mga boxoffice hits na Disco Fever with boyet de leon na nagopen sa mga sinehan na may bagyong signal no.3 subali’t pinilahan pa rin talaga, Swing it Baby, Good Morning Sunshine, and Rock Baby Rock with Junior na nagbreak ng boxoffice record.

Movies based on Komiks Nobelas – Binigay ng Viva Films ni Mina Aragon kay Vi ang mga Komiks Nobelas at ginawang pelikula, nauna ang Sinasamba Kita na sinulat ni gilda olvidado, co stars ni Vi sina boyet, philip salvador, and lorna tolentino. Si Sharon Cuneta ang isa sa kumanta ng theme song nito. Blocbuster Hit ito, kaya nasundan pa ng Paano ba ang Mangarap na mula sa Pilipino Komiks at sinulat ni Nerissa Cabral at Saan Nagtatago ang Pagibig ni Gilda Olvidado na parehong dinirek ni Eddie Garcia. Mula sa Aliwan Komiks ang Palimos ng Pag ibig nila ni Edu Manzano, Muling Buksan ang Puso na dinirek ni Leroy Salvador kapareha ni Vi si Dindo Fernando.Asawa ko wag mong Agawin mula sa Kislap magazine na sinulat ni Pablo gomez.

Pawang mga blockbuster Hits ang mga movies ni Vilma, at noong 1982 ginawaran silang dalawa ni FPJ of the first and only CINEHAN Awards bilang All Time Boxoffice King ang Queen of Philippine Movies. Mula ito sa mga Theater owners, Bookers, and Checkers. Ginanap ito sa Manila Hotel at parehong dumalo sina Vi and FPJ, isang engrandeng show ang inihandog para sa Hari at Reyna ng Takilya. Dahil laging wagi sa takilya ang mga movies ni Vi na mula sa Komiks, ay pinagawa ni Mina Aragon ng Viva Films si Sharon Cuneta nito gaya ng Dapat ka bang Mahalin, Sanay wala ng wakas, atbpa. na siyang nagtaas kay Sharon para maging boxoffice star.

Si Sharon ay self avowed Vilmanian at consistent naman siya sa pagpapatunay nito hanggang ngayon. Sabi nga ng mama Milagros ni Vi, dalaginding pa lang si Sharon noon at kapitbahay nila sa Dasmarinas village ay laging kumakatok sa gate nila at panay tanong kay Vi, minsan naman ay naguusap sila Vi and Sharon habang nasa swimmming pool sila. Ang iba pang mga umiidolo, humahanga, at rumerespeto kay Vilma ay sina Kris Aquino, Claudine Baretto, Dawn Zulueta, Ai Ai de las Alas, Maricel Soriano, Eddie Garcia, Boots Anson Roa, Rosa Rosal, Toni Rose Gayda, Gabby Concepcion, Albert and Liezel Martinez, Amalia Fuentes, Gina Alajar, Jacklyn Jose, Piolo Pascual, Marvin Agustin, John LLoyd Cruz, Tirso and Lyn Cruz, Ruffa Mae Quinto, Anna Capri, Armida Sigeon Reyna, Coney Reyes, Tina Revilla, Imelda Papin, elizabeth Oropesa, Philip Salvador, Maja Salvador, Sandy Andolong, Directors Rory Quintos, Jerry Sineneng, Emmanuel Borlaza, Danny Zialcita, Jeffrey Jeturian, atbpa.

Ang first movie ni Vilma taong 1963 na Trudis Liit sa edad na 9 years old kung saan nagwagi siya ng unang Famas Best Child Actress nya ay serialized mula sa Liwayway magazine at ganon din ang second film nya na Ging taong 1964 with carol varga, ito ay mula sa panulat ni Mars Ravelo na siya ring lumikha ng Darna at Dyesebel. Ang kaunaunahang Teleserye o Telenobela sa Television ng ABS CBN Channel 3 ay pinagbidahan ni Vilma, ito ay ang Larawan ng Pagibig. Dinirek ni Jose Miranda Cruz at mga artista din dito sina Eva Darren, Willie Sotelo, at Rosita Noble. Si Vilma ay 11 years old pa lang dito. Pagkatapos ng taping ng Larawan ng Pagibig, lagare naman si Vi sa kanyang Radio Drama program sa DZRH ang Naligaw na Anghel, kasama nya sina Maggie de la Riva at si Anita Linda na gumanap na ina ni Vilma. Ang T.V. show at Radio drama program ni Vi ay tumagal sa ere ng 3 years. – Jojo V. Lim, President of Vilma Santos Solid International Inc. Global Vilmanians

Inspirasiyon/Inspiration

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Inspirasiyon (1953) – Produced by Sampaguita Pictures; Released on October 27 to November 5, 1953 at Life Theater; Story: Mars Ravelo; Screenplay and Direction: Armando Garces; Cast: Carmen Rosales, Norma Vales, Vam de Leon, Katy de la Cruz, Rosa Mia, Pedro Faustino, Jose de Villa, Rebecca del Rio, Panchito Alba, Aring Bautista, Horacio Morelos, Pablo Raymundo and Introducing Ricardo ‘Ric’ Rodrigo. – Simon Santos, Video 48 (READ MORE)

Januaria Keller (1918–1991) was a noted pre-WWII Filipina actress better known as Carmen Rosales and Mameng and is noted for her skill in acting and sweet voice. A native of Pangasinan born to American father and Ilocana mother, Rosales’ film debut was in the 1938 movie Ang Kiri which she made a double to Atang dela Rama. When her friend brought her to Quisumbing the man rejected Rosales because the young woman did not have an aura of an actress. But she became the most famous Filipina actress of the 1940s and 1950s and rivaled Rosa del Rosario at the box-office. She is famous for her sweet voice and recorded numerous songs. Rosales made her first debut in Ang Kiri aka The Flirt under Diwata Pictures. She starred in her first leading role opposite Jose Padilla Jr in Arimunding-Munding 1939. She became the most bankable star in Sampaguita Pictures and the highest paid actress of the 1940s and 1950s. Her unforgettable roles as a martyr lover of Rogelio dela Rosa in Maalaala Mo Kaya 1954 and a club-singer in Ang Tangi Kong Pag-ibig. She got her first Famas Award in 1954 via Inspirasyon opposite Van de Leon and a strict auntie in 1960 movie Estela Mondragon. She garnered fame in a hacendera role in Pablo Gomez’s version of MN. Her last appearance was in Inday Badiday’s Eye to Eye. Arguably, she was the undisputed and lone reigning Queen of Philippine Movies in the 40s. Her films, topbilled by her, were once vehicles that ushered the emerging popularity of Gloria Romero, Amalia Fuentes and Susan Roces, who all later became movie queens themselves decades after. Her royalty has been immortalized by naming a barrio in Rosales, Pangasinan after her, now currently divided into two barangays, Carmen East and Carmen West. – Wikipedia (READ MORE)

“…Her career spanned five generations of stars and superstars, in this wise: pre-war years – Rosa del Rosario, Rogelio de la Rosa, Leopoldo Salcedo, Jose Padilla, Jr., Fernando Poe, Sr., Angel Esmeralda, Ely Ramos, Corazon Noble, Mona Lisa, Rosario Moreno, Arsenia Francisco, Elsa Oria, Rudy Concepcion, Norma Blancaflor and Paraluman; second generation – Anita Linda, Lilia Dizon, Celia Flor, Lillian Leonardo, Alicia Vergel, Erlinda Cortes, Linda Estrella, Rebecca Gonzales; third generation – Gloria Romero, Nida Blanca, Delia Razon, Nestor de Villa, Tessie Quintana, Charito Solis, Edna Luna, Ric Rodrigo, Rita Gomez, Eddie Rodriguez, Ramon Revilla; fourth generation – Amalia Fuentes, Susan Roces, Marlene Dauden, Barbara Perez, Lita Gutierrez, Mina Aragon, Daisy Romualdez, Romeo Vasquez, Eddie Gutierrez, Jose Mari, Liberty Ilagan, Bernard Bonnin; fifth generation – Josephine Estrada, Rosemarie, Gina Pareño, Blanca Gomez, Loretta Marquez, and others. Carmen’s last movie was Gintong Recuerdo produced in early 1965. She co-starred with the then “Stars ‘66” of SPI. She was still billed above the title, ahead of her co-stars. But Mameng’s most memorable movies, today considered as classics of Philippine movies, in point of prestige and box-office records are Arimunding-munding, Señorita, Probinsiyana, Ang Guerrilyera, Takip-Silim, Debutante, Maalaala Mo Kaya, MN, Kamay Ng Diyos (directed by Eddie Romero), Hindi Kita Malimot, Sandra and Inspirasiyon. The last-mentioned movie won her a FAMAS Best Actress trophy in 1953. Like most artists any where in the world, La Rosales also had a “temper” on the set. “I hate co-stars who arrive late on the set. I arrive early or on time fully made-up,” she said. “I also hate scene-stealers. Kapag frame mo, kahit extra ka lang sa pelikula, e ibibigay ko. Pero kapag frame ko na, you better give what is due me!” But she is a natural scene-stealer. She can steal a scene with just a wink or movement of her eyes – this according to the late Doc Perez…” – Manny B. Fernandez, Pelikula, Atbp. (READ MORE)

“…She quit toward the mid-’60s because she wasn’t getting any younger and had to throw in the towel (she had been on top since the pre-war). However, she kept the public interested in her by being a recluse, a la Greta Garbo and everyone kept speculating about her (did she age gracefully or was she in dire straits?). She refused interviews for both print and television and that all the more added to her mystique. For about a quarter of a century, she kept everyone guessing how she looked by hiding (no photographs, please!) from public view. Oh, she would be seen in Uni-Mart from time to time, but it was only people of her generation who recognized her, or maybe they didn’t anymore. The last image moviegoers had of her was when she was still a glamorous movie queen, and she kept it that way. She agreed to a VTR shoot for the FAMAS in 1983, but on the condition that it was just going to be a silhouette shot. But before she passed away in December 1991, she allowed herself to be interviewed by German Moreno and Inday Badiday in 1987 and the curious finally saw how age had caught up with her (she looked like a glamorous grandmother). But the mystery that she allowed to envelop her lustrous Carmen Rosales: First bona fide local movie queenname worked to her favor for more than 25 years and to this day, she is still regarded as the first bona fide movie queen of the local big screen…” – Butch Francisco, The Star, 09 Oct 2010 (READ MORE)

Related to Vi and Chato – “…Si Mameng ay Carmen Keller sa tunay na buhay, bunso sa apat na magkakapatid. “Ang mother ko ay Constantino ang apelyido kaya’t kamag-anak ko sina Charito Solis at Vilma Santos. Constantino ang lola ni Vilma at gan’on din ang lola ni Charito. Kamag-anak ko rin ang direktor na si Felicing Constantino.” Sa ngayon ay masaya na raw siya sa takbo ng kanyang buhay. “Kinatutuwaan ko ngayon ang mag-alaga ng mga manok,” aniya. May mga limang manok nga kaming nakita sa paligid. Parang pets ang pagtingin niya sa mga ito. Ang isang puting tandang ay mabulas ang tindig at pinangalanan niya ng Peter. “Mabagsik ‘yan,” kuwento niya. “’Yan ang watchdog ko rito.” Nang dumating nga kami ay agad itong sumugod at akmang manunuka kundi pinigilan ng katulong. Busy rin si Mameng sa pagtatatag ng bible reading at charismatic movement sa pook nila. “Satisfied ako sa buhay ko at masaya ako sa paggawa ng mga gawaing bahay,” dagdag pa niya. Hindi na ba siya muling magka-comeback sa pelikula? “Last year, may offer sa ‘kin si Atty. Laxa ng Tagalog Ilang-Ilang. Pero tinaasan ko talaga ang presyo ko. Sabi naman niya sa ‘kin, “I cannot blame you, Mameng. You really deserve that much.” Pero ngayon, naisip kong ayoko na talagang bumalik pa sa pelikula. I retired while I was still on top at mataas pa ang rate ko. Gusto kong maging maganda ang alaala kong maiiwan sa publiko. Wala na naman akong dapat pang patunayan kahit kanino…” – Mario E. Bautista, Jingle Extra Hot Magazine (READ MORE)

Inspiration (1972) – Directed: Ishmael Bernal; Story, screenplay: Nestor Torre Jr.; Cast: Vilma Santos, Jay Ilagan, Carlos Salazar, Merle Tuazon, Geena Zabian, Lilian Laing, Richard La Torre, Mercy Sta Maria; Original Music: Danny Subido; Cinematography: Avelino Peralta (READ MORE)

“…In a musical era of 1970s, “Inspiration” was quite an experimental film, with no musical numbers, better screenplay, well-written characters. Nestor and Bernal works well in establishing the character of Jay and Vilma. Their dialouges are not “corny” and very realistic. There is no over the top dramatic scenes inserted between musical numbers here. The parent played wonderfully by Merle Tuazon and Carlos Salazar were convincing. Although both Vilma and Jay played their roles effectively, Lilian Laing steals the film as Lola Jane. She was bubly and funny, a sex-starved, karate black belter, polo game afficianado, who loves life and considering she playing the old grandma who is also the solution to all the complication in life. Bernal was on his element here, a good story teller, pre-”Dalawang Pugad Isang Ibon, Pahiram Ng Isang Umaga and Relasyon.” Although he is directing a light comedy, written by Nestor Torre Jr., he managed to established all the characters without relying on corny dialouges common in this era…” – RV (READ MORE)

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The Star For All Seasons (A Song)

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Music by Louie Ocampo
Lyrics by Edith Gallardo
Sang by Pops Fernandez

No One Can Never Measure
How Much Your Heart Can Cope
The thousand Stories
Of Your Goodness Are Still Untold
You Are A Mother, A Leader,
A Real And True Friend
We Love You
Because You Love Us
Your Concern Has No End

You Are The Greatest Star
The Phenomenal Woman
So Brave To Face Any Challenge
The Woman Who Can
You Are A Lovely Star
The Star For All Reasons
You Are The Greatest Star
The Star For All Seasons

You Put A Dash Of Love
In Everything You Do
You Are The Wishing Star
You Made Our Dreams Come through
You Are A Shinning Star
The Star For All Reasons
You Are The Greatest Star
The Star For All Seasons

Just A Click Of Your Heels
Is Enough To Make Us Smile
How Lovely Woman
You Inspire Us
By The Grace Of Your Star
Your Star
(repeat ll & lll)
Source: Global Vilmanians

ARTICLES - A Star For All Season - Pops Fernandez

Ang Sarap ng Buhay Kapag May Isang Vilma Santos (Repost)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Producer/actress Charo Santos-Concio speaks of her as a “passionate thespian, her filmography boasts of a list films that are audacious, artistic, classic and socially relevant. Inevitably, she has brought to the limelight ordinary people with extraordinary lives and has created awareness of various socio-political issues.” (also from Sights and Sounds). Ilan lamang ito sa maraming papuring natanggap, natatanggap at patuloy na tatanggapin pa ng Nag-iisang Bituin.

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

Bukas Sisikat Din Ang Araw (1988)

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Basic Info: Direction: Mitos Villareal; Cast: Snooky Serna, Gabby Concepcion, Ernie Garcia, Vivian Foz, Vilma Santos, Tita Muñoz, Augusto Victa, Celina Chase, Julio Diaz, Melissa De Leon, Roland Montes; Released date: 17 March 1988

Plot Description: No Available Data

Film Achievement: 1988 FAMAS Best Supporting Actor Nomination – Ernie Garcia

Film Review: Seeing this soporific melodrama is like a long journey into the night. One wishes that it soon ends for a radiant sunrise to follow. But alas this movie only ignites small sparks of interest to keep us from yawning. The film’s bleak cinematography makes it a visual turn-off, the script needs tightening, the cerebral plot is too familiar and that bit of social relevance has not been smoothly integrated into the story. Serna (Estrella) plays a young, pretty and brainy lawyer but who has not been using her mind well in her romance with company manger Concepcion (Gerry). She feels like a whore each time Gerry brings her to his home but is too weak to resist his bedroom charm. Estrella has just passed the bar and since she’s brilliant, her law office forthwith sends her abroad to handle some cases. It must have taken her several years because when she returns home her child sired by Gerry is already a grown-up girl (Celina Chase). Serna with her sweet and fragile looks, does not project the image of a bright lawyer who is making a headway in her career. We never see her in the law firm she works for or even scanning over some paperwork. She is not smart to tackle her problem from the legalistic point of view. She gets pregnant but we don’t see her wih a bulging tummy and she delivers a bay which she gives to her cousing Aida (Vivian Post) and her husband Roel (Ernie Garcia) for adoption. Estrella does not inform Gerry of her pregnancy when she should have. So off he goes to Germany on official business with Carina (Melissa de Leon), daughter of company owner Dona Mercedes (Tita Munoz).

Melissa is a novice version of elder sister Pinky de Leon and for a new comer in a dramatic role, her acting is good enough. Munoz is noted for her strong personality on screen but here she delivers a restrained portrayal perhaps because her voice was dubbed by someone else. Dona Mercedes, as written in the script, is a confusing character. She is not an avaricious woman who is content with the profits Gerry brings into the company. Gerry employs fair labor practices but his assistant Atty. Cruz (Augusto Victa) is anti-labor. In a sudden change of heart, Dona Mercedes falls for the scheme of Cruz which triggers a labor strike. Gerry is already home but Cruz calls the shots. And yet, before this, Dona Mercedes has made it clear to her daughter that she needs Gerry. Gerry, by the way, has gotten married to Carina abroad but their relationship turns sours. Once home, Carina immediately seeks her old beau Randy (Julio Diaz) who is now married. Villareal’s treatment is not cinematic. She relies too much on dialogue to make the story move. Estrella’s pregnancy delivery of her baby and developments in her career are simply verbalized. Carina orders Randy to abandon his wife in exchange for a juicy position in her company but we don’t see him working. The illicit lovers vanish from the scene after their poolside dalliance and resurface much later.

The film’s main weakness is in the script. The trips of Estrella and Gerry and Carino go beyond realistic expectations. And to think that Estrella has only been sent by her office to handle a case or some cases and the couple to close a deal with a business associate. It takes years before they return. In one scene, Carina realizes her love for Gerry who is by then packing his bags to leave her for good. Carina pleads for him to stay but he has already made his decision. The next scene shows Carina in a hotel room with Randy and her she tells him that she is calling it quits. But why go to bed with him in the first place? Actually the central plot which has been complicated by too many subplots is about the romance between Estrella and Gerry. We know that they have to be back to each other’s arms to fullfill a happy ending. Villareal and her scenarist contrive a familiar device. Randy kills Carina with a gun in Gerry’s house where she has sought refuge. And for the coup de grace, Randy’s wife (Vilma Santos) suddenly appears on the scene to kill her philandering husbang. So as not to waste the much vaunted acting prowess of Santos, she is made to deliver a passionate monologue after shooting Diaz. Santos appears too late in the story and she should have an ealier scene to motivate her criminal act in the end.

Being an avowed womanizer, Randy’s murder of Carina seems out of character. Unless he has fallen hard for Carina, which is unlikely, Randy can simply hook another rich woman to replace her in case his wife rejects him. The most incredulous scene happens in a hospital where the doctor refuses to give medical aid to labor leader Roel who has been shot by a security guard during the strike. “I don’t think he’s gonna make it,” says the negligent doctor who should be shot too. And yet, Roel is able to tell Gerry that Lilet is his daughter by Estrella. Concepcion shows traces that he is intent on tackling mature roles but he doesn’t strike us as a believable young executive. The most powerful performer in the film is Vivian Fos. Garcia suits the role of a labor leader but the script does not give him much to do. The same applies to Diaz whose debonair look makes him a credible playboy but his character lacks depth. This meadering melodrama shows no promise of a brighter tomorrow for the local cinema. – Luciano E. Soriano, Manila Standard, Mar 28, 1988 (READ MORE)

“…Ate Vi made around 198 films from 1963 to 2002. This includes cameo appearances in Dugo at Pagibig sa Kapirasong Lupa, Mga Mata ni Angelita, Huwag Hamakin Hostess (with Nora Aunor and Alma Moreno with Vilma getting Orestes Ojeda in the end), Candy, No Other Love, Charot, Rizal Alih, Engkanto, and ‘Bukas Sisikat Din Ang Araw’, a Gabby-Snooky starrer, produced by friend Gabby Concepcion…” – The 28th (READ MORE)

“…Ernie won many acting awards. He was Aliw Awards’ Best Actor in 1988 for his portrayal in Rolando Tinio’s Filipino translation of William Shakespeare’s “Hamlet.” He also garnered two Best Supporting Actor trophies from FAMAS and PMPC Star Awards for Movies in 1989, in the late Mitos Villareal’s directorial opus “Bukas Sisikat Din ang Araw” which starred Gabby Concepcion and Snooky Serna and where he played the role of a labor union leader…” – Crispina Martinez-Belen (READ MORE)

“…Ang tatay ni KC Concepcion na si Gabby Concepcion ay isa rin sa mga kaibigan ni Vi. Ilan ding pelikula ang ginawa ni Vi at Gabby katulad ng Pahiram Ng Isan Umaga, Sinungaling Mong Puso, Hahamakin Lahat, Ibigay Mo Sa Akin Ang Bukas at Asawa Ko Huwag Mong Agawin. Sa pelikulang Bukas Sisikat Din Ang Araw, kung saan si Gabby ang prodyuser ay naging special guest si Vi na sa totoo lang ay halos kasinlaki ang billing niya (Vi) sa mga major characters nito. Isa sa mga anak ni Gabby, anak niya kay Grace Ibuna ay inaanak ni Vi katuwang sina Lorna Tolentino, Alma Moreno, Snooky Serna at Maricel Soriano. Noong last episode ng Vilma show sa GMA 7 ay isa si Gabby sa mga special guests ni Vi at nag-compose pa ng tula si Gabby para kay Vi. Noon namang nagkaroon ng problema si Gabby dahil sa kontrobersiya sa Manila Film Festival noong 1994 ay isa si Vi sa mga naging sabihan niya ng kanyang mga problema. Si Gabby ay naging best supporting actor ng Star Awards for Movies noong 1992 para sa pelikulang Sinungaling Mong Puso, best actor ng Urian noong 1992 para sa Narito Ang Puso Ko at best supporting actor ng Urian para sa pelikulang Makiusap Ka Sa Diyos noong 1991…” – Alfonso Valencia (READ MORE)

Filmography: Ang erpat kong Astig (1998)

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Basic Information: Directed: Felix E. Dalay; Cast: Jinggoy Estrada, Carmina Villaroel, Rufa Mae Quinto, Bea Bueno, Melisse Santiago, Efren Reyes Jr., Caridad Sanchez, Dick Israel, Alicia Lane, Veronica Veron, Benedict Aquino, Bernard Fabiosa, Gerald Ejercito, Jam Melendez, Martin Gutierrez, Bebong Osorio, Boy Gomez, Resty Hernandez, Manny Pungay, Falcon Laxa, Pong Pong, Nash Espinosa; Vilma Santos; Producer: Vic del Rosario Jr.

Plot Description: At a relatively young age, Joe Cuartero (Jinggoy Estrada) is already a widower.

Film Accomplishments: No Available Data

Film Reviews: Watch for the funny opening scene featuring Vilma Santos, Edgar Mortiz and Edu Manzano playing rival lawyers and Vilma as the presiding judge!

“…At a relatively young age Joe Cuartero (JinggoyEstrada) is already a widower. With his wife gone Joe’s life is now centered on his young daughter Tweety (Bea Bueno). But Tweety is under the care of his bothersome in-laws and for Joe to get back his child he must send Tweety to a private school. The devoted father that he is Joe agrees and does everything he can to provide Bea with good education. Bea for her part starts looking for someone who could be her second mother and she takes a special liking on Ms. Celia (Carmina Villaroel) her teacher. Everything seems to be going well for both father and daughter but one day Joe figures in a case of mistaken identity…” – Mav Shack (READ MORE)

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Governor Vilma Santos talks about her family, showbiz, and politics (Repost)

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Mauurong sa isang taon ang shooting sa New York ng Star For All Season at Batangas Governor na si Vilma Santos para sa unang pelikula na pagsasamahan nila ni John Lloyd Cruz under Star Cinema, na supposed to be ay kukunan ngayong Nobyembre. Napabalita kasi na posibleng sa New York na rin magse-celebrate ng kanyang birthday si Governor Vi on November 3. “Hindi,” tanggi ni Governor Vi sa panayam sa kanya ng PEP (Philippine Entertainment Portal). “Dito ako magbe-birthday. Alam ko nga magku-co-host ako sa Wowowee. Tapos nangako si Kris [Aquino] na dadalhin niya sa Batangas ‘yung Deal or No Deal. So, looking forward ako diyan.”

Sobrang nag-enjoy naman si Governor Vi sa naging experience niya as celebrity contestant sa Kapamilya Deal or No Deal last Friday, August 17. Mapapanood ang episode ni Governor Vi ngayong Huwebes, August 23. Mula sa taping niya ng Deal Or No Deal, dumiretso si Governor Vi at ang mga naimbitahan niya for dinner sa Annabel’s restaurant sa Tomas Morato, Quezon City.

EDU MANZANO. Dito nakipagkwentuhan si Governor Vi sa ilang entertainment press na sinamahan siya sa taping. Obviously, na-miss ni Governor Vi ang showbiz kaya ang dami-dami niyang kuwento. Naging biruan at tuksuhan ang paglabas ng ex-husband niya na si Edu Manzano sa guesting niya sa Deal Or No Deal. Nasorpresa si Governor Vi kay Edu dahil akala niya ay si Banker ang bababa at makikipagsayaw sa kanya. Walang choice si Governor Vi kundi ang makisayaw kay Edu sa tugtog ng ‘theme song’ nito sa Pilipinas, Game KNB. Naniniwala ba si Governor Vi sa kasabihang “old flames can be friends”?

“Ay, siguro that’s one perfect example kami ni Eduardo,” sabi ni Vilma. “In spite of everything, we’re still very close friends. We always talk ‘tsaka ano, e, kapag kailangan niya ako, nandun ako. Kapag kailangan ko siya, nandun siya. And yet, meron na kaming sari-sariling buhay. “Nirerespeto niya si Ralph [Recto, her second husband]. Ako naman, nirerespeto ko rin ‘yung partner niya [Edu] at mga anak niya. Si Lucky [Luis Manzano], nandiyan palagi sa kanya. Mahal siya ni Ryan [Christian, her youngest son with former Senator Recto].”

RYAN & LUIS. Nagkasama na noon sina Edu at Ryan sa dating sitcom ng una with Aga Muhlach sa ABS-CBN kaya kahit papaano ay may bonding na silang dalawa. Ngayon, pinayagan na rin ni Governor Vi na mag-artista si Ryan gaya ng kanyang Kuya Luis. “Hindi naman ‘yung talagang mag-aartista na si Ryan. Special guest, uh, permanent special guest ng Goin’ Bulilit siya once a month.”

Bakit hindi pa maging regular member ng show si Ryan? “Huwag, nag-aaral pa, e,” sabi ng actress-governor. “Pinagbibigyan ko lang, gusto kasi ring mag-artista. Mahilig talaga si Ryan. Kaya once a month, ‘Sige, mag-guest ka anak.’ Sabado naman ang taping, e. Si Bobot [Edgar Mortiz] pa ang direktor. I trust Bobot naman. ‘Tsaka maganda naman ang grade niya [Ryan].”

How true na dinagdagan niya ng P100,000 ang talent fee ni Ryan?”Hindi naman!” natatawang sagot ni Governor Vi. “Pinagbibigyan ko lang ‘yung hilig ng bata. At least, kapag maganda naman ang grade niya at saka he has his own money na. Kasi gusto ko ma-experience niya ‘yung tinatrabaho niya, ‘yung pera niya. And then, ina-appreciate niya kasi like, ‘Mommy, can I buy toys?’ ‘Okay,’ sasabihin ko naman sa kanya. Kasi pera niya ‘yon at wala namang problema sa grades niya. “But now, I tell him na, ‘You work hard on it, use your money.’ Iyon ang ginagamit niya. Di ba as early as that, e, natututo siya? E, ganyan din ang training ko kay Lucky.”

Speaking of Luis, hindi ba siya naiinip na mag-asawa na si Luis? “Naku, hindi!” tawa ni Governor Vi. “Bayaan na muna siya kasi natutuwa ako na ganyan lang siya. Nakikita ko na every time na nag-uusap kami, nakikita ko pa ang enjoyment niya.

“Ngayon pa? Ang mga bata ngayon, matatatagal na mag-asawa and not for anything, lalaki pa si Lucky. So, 26 [years old] lang siya, bayaan mo na siya. Kaya lang, kapag may makita lang na kasama ng anak ko, parang girlfriend na niya. “Kapag malapit lang naman siya, malambing lang siya. ‘Tsaka yung ginagawa niya, ganyan talaga siya, di ba? Nagsu-surprise siya ng dinner, nagsosorpresa siya ng bulaklak. He’s really like that.”

Si Mariel Rodriguez daw ang pinakamalapit sa puso ngayon ni Luis. Ano ang masasabi ni Ate Vi rito? – “Okay lang sa akin,” sagot niya. “Walang problema kung sino ang gusto niya. Hindi naman ako ang makikisama Nakikita ko lang si Mariel, pero ‘yung sabihin mo nagkilala na kami ni Mariel, hindi pa.”

What about si Anne Curtis? – Yes, si Anne nakilala ko rin siya,” sabi ni Governor Vi. “Ano naman niya ‘yon, e, parang soulmate niya, di ba? Okay naman ‘yon. “E, si Angel [Locsin] naman…” patuloy niya. “Ano ba itong kay Angel? Ano ba ‘yan? Kilala ko si Angel, e, hindi ba nagkasama kami sa Mano Po 3? Mabait ang batang ‘yan. They’re close.” Masuwerte raw si Governor Vi sa mga anak dahil bukod sa mapagmahal, may malaking interes pa ang mga ito sa pag-aaral. “Kahit anong pagod ko, sila ang nagibibigay ng adrenalin sa akin. I thank God kasi intact ang pamilya ko. Kung ‘yan makakagulo sa pamilya ako, hindi ako tatakbo,” pahayag niya.

RALPH RECTO. – Wala raw political agenda si Governor Vi after her first term as governor of Batangas. Lagi lang daw niyang iniisip ang kapanakanan ng kanyang constituents sa tuwing iniluluklok siya sa public office. “Sa ngayon, we’re still in the process of housekeeping. Siguro by second or third week of September, maluwag na. Kasi ngayon, inaalam ko na lahat. Inaayos ko ‘yung fiscal management, ‘yung financial status ng Batangas. Tinutulungan ako ni Ralph. “Alam mo, laking tulong sa akin ni Ralph kasi pagpasok ko, hindi magulo. Ngayon, itinatama ni Ralph ngayon ang pagsasaayos ng financial status ng Batangas na magiging madali sa akin to understand. Kasi may budget dito, nandidito; may budget dito, nandidito. So, inaayos ngayon ni Ralph sa akin na kung ano ‘yung klase ng pag-aayos ng budget ko sa Lipa. Ganun niya inaayos para mas maging kumportable ako,” lahad ng gobernador.

May naiwang pera naman daw ang dating nakaupo sa Kapitolyo ng lalawigan ng Batangas. “Tama naman,” sabi ni Governor Vi. “Ayun, naka-ready na ako for my one hundred-days project. Naka-ready na ako ng six months. Ginagawa na namin ang 2008 budget. Tinutulungan ako ni Ralph, malaking bagay ‘yon.”

Kumusta naman si Ralph na hindi pinalad nang tumakbo itong muli para senador noong huling halalan. “He’s much better now. Sabi ko nga, e, huwag namang ipahintulot ni Lord…sabi ko nga, blessing din ‘yung ano [pagkatalo]. Kasi I cannot imagine myself, buong Batangas na, tapos hindi ko maayos nang tama ‘yan? Kaya napakalaki ng tulong ni Ralph sa akin ngayon. “Ngayon, isang sabi na lang, alam ko na agad. E, nung una, hindi ko alam kung saan ko kukunin ang budget. Ngayon, inaayos niya para pag magdesisyon ako, alam ko na agad.” Ayon kay Governor Vi, may posisyon daw na inaalok kay Ralph sa gobyerno. Tatanggapin ba ito ng mister niya? “Why not? Pero sabi niya, i-feel muna natin ang panahon kung nararapat kasi tatakbo ulit siya 2010. Definite na ‘yon,” aniya.

KORINA & NORA. – During the May elections, nabalita na nagkatampuhan sila ng news personality ng ABS-CBN na si Korina Sanchez. Okay na ba sila ngayon? “Wala naman,” sabi ni Governor Vi. “Nakausap ko na si Korina. I mean, at this point in time, para ano pang magtatampo ka? Magtatampo ka for a while, pero para itanim mo pa? Tapos nakikita mo kung ano ang nangyayari diyan?” Bilang panghuli, kinuha namin ang pahayag si Ate Vi tungkol sa kanyang archrival at superstar na si Nora Aunor na naninirahan ngayon sa Amerika. Ayaw na raw kasing bumalik ng Pilipinas ni Ate Guy hangga’t hindi bumababa or nagpapalit ng administrasyon ang pamahalaan ng Pilipinas at balita ring nagpakasal ito sa kanyang manager na si Norie Sayo.
Tahimik muna si Governor Vi ng ilang sandali. Hangga’t maaari raw ay ayaw niyang magbigay ng pahayag, lalo na sa ganyang isyu. “Mahirap, e. Kahit ano ang sabihin ko, still, may mga magre-react. Sa akin, let’s just respect her decision,” pagtatapos ni Governor Vi. – Julie Bonifacio, Aug 212007, PEP Global Vilmanians

Apoy Sa Ibabaw, Apoy Sa Ilalim (1977)

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Basic Info: Screenplay, Director: Ben Feleo; Cast: Romeo Vasquez; Chanda Romero; Lorna Tolentino; Barbara Luna; Original Music: Demet Velasquez; Cinematography: Max de la Peña; Release Date: December 9 1977; Production Co: VS Films – IMDB

Plot Description: No information available except that the Vilma Santos’ birthday celebration was added as bonus feature of the film.

Film Achievement: No Available Data

Film Review: “…Ate Vi made around 198 films from 1963 to 2002. This includes cameo appearances in Dugo at Pagibig sa Kapirasong Lupa, Mga Mata ni Angelita, Huwag Hamakin Hostess (with Nora Aunor and Alma Moreno with Vilma getting Orestes Ojeda in the end), Candy, No Other Love, Charot, Rizal Alih, Engkanto, and ‘Bukas Sisikat Din Ang Araw’, a Gabby-Snooky starrer, produced by friend Gabby Concepcion…” – The 28th (READ MORE)

Victoria Lorna Aluquin, better known as Lorna Tolentino, sometimes known as L.T., an abbreviation of her screen name (born December 23, 1961), is a Filipina actress, host, executive producer and widow of actor Rudy Fernandez. Together, they bore two sons named Ralph and Renz. She was born on December 23, 1961 in Concepcion, Tarlac and later moved to Manila. Her dad is from Liliw, Laguna. She is also the stepmother of actor Mark Anthony Fernandez. She is first cousin to actress Amy Austria and a niece of actor Jerry Pons. She was married to Rudy Fernandez from 1983 till his untimely death in 2008. They had two children. She attended the elementary grades at St. Anthony School where she also finished high school She took up a Bachelor of Arts course at St. Paul College in Quezon City, and also at the University of Santo Tomas and Maryknoll College. She started her career as a child actress. Later, she portrayed the young Susan Roces in Divina Gracia and has a total of at least 60 movies. She has won eight film awards and garnered 20 nominations (mostly for Best Actress in FAMAS). She’s also one of the Grandslam actresses in the Philippine Cinema together with Nora Aunor, Vilma Santos and Sharon Cuneta. She won her Grandslam Best Actress for Narito Ang Puso Ko (1993). – Wikipedia (READ MORE)

Huwag Hamakin: Hostess (1978)

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Basic Info: Direction: Joey Gosiengfiao ; Story, Screenplay: Toto Belano, Tito Sanchez; Cast: Nora Aunor, Alma Moreno, Orestes Ojeda, Bella Flores, Vilma Santos; Original Music: Demet Velasquez; Cinematography: Rey de Leon; Film Editing: Segundo Ramos; Release Date: August 25 1978; Production Co: JPM Productions

Plot Description: This is a film directed by Joey Gosiengfiao and features Nora Aunor and Alma Moreno with Orestes Ojeda and Vilma Santos in a controversial guest appearance.

Film Achievement: No Available Data

Film Review: “…Mas dramatiko ring isinakonkreto ito ng mahusay na pagganap ni Nora Aunor bilang katulong na namasukan bilang hostess upang matustusan ang pag-aaral ng lalaking iniibig, pinapanood natin siya habang dumaraan sa proseso ng lumbay, pagkabigo at pagtanggap. Matingkad ang kanyang pagkakaganap dahil hinahatak niya tayong damhin ang kanyang mga dilemma habang nakikibaka siyang matanggap ang pagtataksil ng kasintahan. Katangi-tangi rin ang pagganap ni Alma Moreno at totoong nabawasan ang kanyang hysterical gestures sa pelikulang ito ngunit wala rin naman siyang ipinakitang bagong kakayahan para pangatawanan ang papel ng isang babaeng pilit ibinabangon ang sarili upang di-tuluyang masadlak sa kinagisnang uri ng pamumuhay…” – Jojo De Vera (READ MORE)

“…Si Orestes ay isa sa mga seksing aktor noong kalagitnaan ng dekada 70s kung saan ang dekadang ito ang pinakatugatog ng kanyang katanyagan. Kinahumalinag siya sa pelikula niyang Ang Boyfriend kong Baduy noong 1976 kung saan ipinareha sa kaniya ang limang naggagandahan babae na sina Amalia Fuentes, Barbara Perez, Celia Rodriguez at iba pa. Sa pelikulang Huwag Hamakin: Hostess dalawa sa mga sikat na artista ang itinambal sa kanya na sina Nora Aunor at Alma Moreno na gumanap bilang mga hostess sa kanyang buhay…” – Wikipilipinas (READ MORE)

“…Ate Vi made around 198 films from 1963 to 2002. This includes cameo appearances in Dugo at Pagibig sa Kapirasong Lupa, Mga Mata ni Angelita, Huwag Hamakin Hostess (with Nora Aunor and Alma Moreno with Vilma getting Orestes Ojeda in the end), Candy, No Other Love, Charot, Rizal Alih, Engkanto, and ‘Bukas Sisikat Din Ang Araw’, a Gabby-Snooky starrer, produced by friend Gabby Concepcion…” – The 28th (READ MORE)

“…Do you always succeed in packaging a movie? “Often, yes, But, alas, I have failures too.” For instance? “Well, some reasons for failure are due to wrong chemistry of the cast, to the vehicle (story) and/or unsuitability of both elements. Let’s take the movie, Huwag Hamakin: Hostess, which with solid actresses, a move that proved to be contrary to the image of La Aunor. It would have been all right, if Alma Moreno, Nora’s co-star, was paired with another bold actress. But that, we learned only later and too late! I was aware of Guy’s image. But I wasn’t aware that her image wouldn’t go well with the combination. Not even the controversy of including Vilma Santos in the cast helped. It only antagonized both camps of Nora-Vilma fans…” – Manny B. Fernandez, Expressweek, March 1, 1979 (READ MORE)

“…In the 15 movies he had appeared in since 1972, Orestes feels that he has not done roles that would demand from him the maturity of outlook as an actor…”I like to be known as an actor and not just a bold star. But cinema is a tremendous image-making machine. I realize that I cannot totally turn my back on my bold image,” Orestes lamented…he is back again in his bold role in “Huwag Hamakin: Hostess.” But Orestes is happy about this role. He is paired with Nora Aunor and Alma Moreno. The picture is a tragic-comedy. “I play a bastard-gigolo who lives off two women portrayed by Nora and Vilma. The role offers me romantic and comedy situations. It also calls for some understanding of a misdirected and amoral character and I certainly find it a challenge,” stresses Orestes when we talked in a downtown hotel which was the setting of one of his love trysts with co-star Alma. ” I am centainly very lucky to have Joey Gosiengfial as a director. He has guided me in my interpretation of my roles. And of course, it’s a rare opportunity to be pitted against two real actresses like Nora and Alma and a veteran performer like Bella Flores (who plays Orestes’ sugar mommy in the flick)”, he adds…Observers in the local movie world believe that Orestes can be a good actor. The guy has looks and intelligence…” – Beth U. Castillo, Expressweek Magazine, 29 June 1978 (READ MORE)