Farewell to Ate Guy - "Emotions ran high as celebrities Vilma Santos, Gina Alajar and Melissa Mendez, among others, attended the first day of the wake of the late superstar Nora Aunor. Santos, who was among the first to offer her condolences in person, was seen wiping her tears as she exited the building at the Heritage Park in Taguig City on Thursday, April 17. Despite the media-fueled rivalry and fan wars between their respective fanbases, the “Noranians” and “Vilmanians,” Aunor and Santos were long-term friends and had repeatedly expressed admiration for each other. The two women worked together in the films “T-Bird at Ako” (1982) and “Ikaw ay Akin” (1978), both critically acclaimed...Aunor died on Wednesday after undergoing a medical procedure. She was 71. In a press conference, her son Ian de Leon clarified that his mother did not die during the medical operation but only afterward..." - Jessica Ann Evangelista, Philippine Daily Inquirer, 18 April 2025
CHR Statement - "...The Commission sternly reminds the public that freedom of religion is a fundamental right enshrined in the Philippine Constitution. Any attempt to vilify a religious or cultural group for political gain is not only disrespectful but also threatens long-standing efforts to promote peace, understanding, and inclusivity in the region. Such fear-mongering tactics not only inflame prejudice but also endanger the fragile culture of peace nurtured in Mindanao over decades of dialogue and cooperation. It is alarming that women continue to be the subject of discriminatory and demeaning remarks—especially by public officials who are expected to lead by example and advocate for inclusive, safe spaces. Resorting to misogynistic rhetoric in an attempt to gain political traction not only undermines women’s dignity but also normalizes sexism in public discourse. The recent incident involving a Batangas gubernatorial candidate, who made ageist and sexist comments against fellow candidate and former Governor Vilma Santos-Recto—saying she is already “laos” or past her prime—further reflects the continuing pattern of gender-based attacks during the campaign season. The Commission acknowledges the swift action taken by the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) in addressing both incidents. Show-cause orders were issued to the involved candidates for possible violations of election laws and fair election conduct. CHR welcomes these measures and continues to support actions that hold candidates accountable for discriminatory speech and behavior..." - The Commission on Human Rights (CHR), 10 April 2025
Iconic Book - "...The book is a collection of 19 essays by academics and scholars from top universities. “It’s an intensive study of Ate Vi’s work,” said Aguila. “Only articles by authors with master’s and doctorate degrees were included. It is hoped that these essays by leading academics would provide not only a guidepost to navigate through Santos’ extraordinary body of work across six decades, but also define more fully her legacy as an actress, artist, and cultural icon,” Zulueta added. His own contribution to the book analyzes Santos’ roles in “Burlesk Queen,” “Rubia Servios,” and “Tagos ng Dugo” through the lens of abjection, a concept by Bulgarian-French philosopher Julia Kristeva. The idea is that society often rejects what it finds unclean or threatening, and women have been unfairly cast into this marginalized space. But abjection, Zulueta argued, can also be a source of power. “Vilma’s portrayals show how strength can emerge from struggle,” he explained. “Her daring performances exemplify what Kristeva calls the ‘singularity of genius’—the blending of life and thought, the ability to renew oneself. It’s a quality found in icons like political thinker Hannah Arendt and writer Colette. It applies to Santos, too..." - Marinel Cruz, Philippine Daily Inquirer, 15 March 2025
Laos Issue ni Ilagan - "...Kung ang aking kalaban ay si Kathryn Bernardo, pero ang aking kalaban ay isang Vilma Santos lang na laos na. Hindi ako takot. Kung si Kathryn Bernardo at si Andrea Brillantes ay takot ako. (If my opponent is Kathryn Bernardo [I’d be scared], but my opponent is just a Vilma Santos who is already outdated. I'm not scared. If it were Kathryn Bernardo and Andrea Brillantes, I’d be scared.) Pero Vilma Santos, marami naman sa mga fans niyan ay namamahinga na rin. Ang iba naman ay hindi naman, syempre nasa edad ‘yan (But Vilma Santos, many of her fans are already “resting.” Others, of course, are already old)..." - Jay Manalo Ilagan, Vice mayor of the municipality Mataas na Kahoy, Batangas, as reported by Dominique Nicole Flores, Philstar, 07 April 2025
Working with Vi - "...Si Vilma, kumbaga ang shooting will only take about four months, it took us about eight to nine months. Kasi nga ang gugulo ng schedule, so naging close 'yung kaibiganan, pupunta sa set, matutuloy ba or hindi, may pack up, may kwentuhan masaya..." - Ronnie Rickets, from Lutong Bahay TV show, GMA Integrated News, 05 March 2025
Vi is Barako - "..Even if I’m a woman, I have a ‘barako’ side. I have palabra de honor so when I deal with someone who does not keep his word, that ticks me off. I turn into a barako. I’m a confrontational person. You won’t like me when I’m mad. Ralph, Luis and Ryan are all barako in their own way. Ralph would not be where he is now if he wasn’t tough. Luis managed to step out of my shadow and his dad’s shadow. Even if Ryan is living a comfy life, he does not shield himself from reality...” - Vilma Santos-Recto, as reported by Dolly Anne Cavajal, The Philippine Star, 20 Feb 2025
On Political Dynasty Issue - "“I think my brother said it perfectly naman. We are here to serve the people, and the choice will always be theirs.” - Ryan Christian Recto, reported by Jan Milo Severo, Philstar, 17 February 2025
