The Revenge Films of Vilma Santos

As compiled and written by Rendt Viray

She beat the hell up and tied Richard Gomez in a chair in unforgettable tele-movie back in late 1980s. The graphic violence in this tele-movie was heightened by the violent tropical storm the night it was broadcasted. You felt like it was happening that night because the movie was also happened during a stormy night.

She threw red wine to the face of a frightened Gloria Romero. At the same time, you’ll hear her crisp laughter. It reverberated the whole veranda while poor Gloria, have to slowly guarded her exit while shouting her litany of fighting words. Too late, her laughter is more powerful, as Gloria accept her humiliating defeat.

She pointed a gun into the head of kneeling Cesar Montano, asking for her forgiveness, pleading for her pity. She abruptly stop him and said “ULOL! Gutom lang yan!” which basically means, “Crazy! That’s just your hungry stomach!,” basically saying, I’m not going to fall for that! Funny how simple lines like this can be very satisfying! These are some of memorable scenes from the revenge films of Vilma Santos. Long before Hollywood discovered this genre, it was the local Filipino films who forever instigated this kind of stories in our films and into our memories. Vilma Santos’ filmography has been a rainbow of genre, drama, action, fantasy, you name it, she have it. Including revenge films.

Long before Eva Candelaria in Uninvited, Vilma Santos played several roles that define her versatility in acting. She is not afraid to portray anti-heroin, Villainesque roles. She is not boxed into those “api-apihan” or martyr roles like her rival. She always find something different in every roles and always giving her own flavouring, resulting with something savoury. Here, I listed down her most memorable and iconic revenge films, enjoy!

Biktima (1974)

Revenge Plot: The innocent looking girl (Vilma Santos) who went into a killing spree and avenging the murder of her mother. All the righteous preacher will be satisfied as the films ends, showing a bald Vilma Santos as she was sentenced to death.

Rubia Servios (1978)

Revenge Plot: A medical intern (Vilma Santos) was abducted and raped by her persistent suitor (Phillip Salvador). He sued the bastard and won. He was jailed but when he got out, he kidnapped their child, so that he can be reunited with her. This obsessed rapist met his demise when Vilma finally had her chance of revenge, she hit him with a boat paddle and then shoot him. Rubia Servios was perhaps, one of the most underrated films, of both Lino Brocka and Vilma Santos.

Ang Galing-galing Mo, Mrs. Jones (1980)

Revenge Plot: A showgirl (Vilma Santos) who was raped by a powerful politician (Vic Silayan), avenged her suffering by exposing his tormentor and killing him at an event attended by big crowd, very similar to Uninvited.

Tagos Ng Dugo (1987)

Revenge Plot: A young girl was traumatized when her family was murdered while she had her first menstruation. She was then incarcerated in mental institution and abused. When she came out of this institution she started her murder spree by enticing the men and while in sexual act, killing them. Hailed in 1987 as a feminist movie, Tagos ng Dugo was also considered avant-garde, unusual for a Filipino film during that time. One scene I will never forget was, while sitting in a toilet bowl, peeing, Vilma took one of her slippers, and using this, slowly and taking her time, started smashing the crawling cockroaches on the ground. Does this means she see men as cockroaches?

Lamat Sa Kristal (1988)

Revenge Plot: A photographer (Vilma Santos) avenged her sufferings by torturing back the rapist (Richard Gomerz) who abused her.

Kapag Langit Ang Humatol (1990)

Revenge Plot: An oppressed housemaid (Vilma Santos) has transformed herself into a wealthy and powerful business woman. She came back to the town where she was tormented and abuse, now the woman (Gloria Romero) who was the mastermind of all her sufferings came to see her asking for an extension to their overdue debt, she threw red wine to her face. Vilma then started to laugh, her crisp laughter reverberated the whole veranda while poor Gloria have to slowly guarded her exit while shouting her litany of fighting words.

Sinungaling Mong Puso (1992)

Revenge Plot: A wife (Vilma Santos) of a murderous-sadistic politician (Gabby Concepcion), who falls for a younger married man (Aga Muhlach). The politician sadistically killed the poor lover boy. She then avenge his death by by shooting her husband saying the iconic lines: “hayup! Hayup!…Baboy! Mamatay kang kasama ng mga baboy mo!” which literally translates to: “Animal! Animal! Pig! Died together with your Pigs!” She killed him in his hog/swine farm. What a satisfying scene!

Ikaw Lang (1993)

Revenge Plot: She was abused, murdered, and dumped in a river by her coward, brainwashed husband (Cesar Montano), who is controlled a domineering mother (Zeny Zabala). She was found by a fisherman (Ronnie Rickets) and by God’s miracle survived the cruel ordeal. She went back to reclaimed her child and pointed the gun to Godless mother and son! The spineless ashole then begged for his life, kneeling asking for forgiveness. She then screamed at him, “ULOL! Gutom Lang Yan!” which literally translates to “Crazy! That’s just your hungry stomach!,” basically saying, I’m not going to fall for that! I swear, that leaves a lasting smile on me!

Don’t forget to watch her latest Revenge film, #Uninvited, still showing!

Revenge Plot: A grieving mother (Vilma Santos) who gatecrashed into the birthday of a powerful, rich and evil man (Aga Muhlach). Her sole purpose was to avenged the death of her daughter who was raped and murdered. The ending was bloody satisfying! If all other women avengers will witness her revenge, they would probably applause in agreement, Killing is such Godless but satisfying sight!

#RevengeFilmsofVilmaSantos #VilmaSantos

SFAS2012 · Vilma! Soundtrack - Sangandaan - P Castillo

Quotes From The Stars 1/2

Angel Locsin: “Ang aking future mother-in-law, ike-claim ko na po siya...Nakakatuwa na naisipan ng Star Cinema na kami ‘yung opening salvo. Hindi basta-bastang posisyon ‘yun, so maraming salamat sa tiwala. Of course happy na ma-share ‘tong experience na ‘to, of course kay Tita Vilma. Ilang artista lang ba ang makakapagsabi na nakatrabaho na nila si Vilma Santos...” (Ador V. Saluta, Balita, 04 Nov 2015)

Angel Locsin: "...Iba yung ano, para sa akin kaseh, hindi makukumpleto ang iyong career kung hindi mo makaka-trabaho yung mga Greats...Kasi, Tita Vi, hay naku si Tita Vi, parang Greatest of Greats, parang iba talaga siya, professionalism, ang galing...ganda actually, iba yung...saka yung charisma niya...meron palang ganung tao, yung bang nagglo-glow kahit sa malayo...sobrang loveable, charismatic, iba talaga siya, iba yung precense niya." (Jeepney TV, You Tube, 11 August 2019)

Ai-Ai de las Alas: "As a kid in Tondo, Ate Vi was already my idol. My cousins, aunt and I would wake up early to watch the first screening of her movies on the opening day. My mom used to be protective of me. She didn’t want my legs to get bruised. But one day when I went to the store to buy pictures of Ate Vi, I fell down so my legs got wounded. My mom scolded and spanked me but I didn’t mind her. What was important was that I had new pictures to add to my Ate Vi scrapbook. When I was working as a secretary in Bulwagang Gantimpala, I finally saw Ate Vi in person. I was starstruck. She was very accommodating when I asked to have a picture with her. Even now that I’m already in show biz, I am still in awe of her. I found more reasons to admire her as an actress, public servant and friend. There are only two people whose advice I follow—Tito Boy Abunda and Ate Vi." (Dolly Anne Carvajal, Philippine Daily Inquirer, 04 Nov 2015)

Michael de Mesa: "What really struck me was Vi’s humility. She’s down-to-earth. I remember during our acting workshop, I asked her to come alone instead of arriving with her usual entourage. And she did. I saw a true artist who was very open to learning and her being a gigantic star didn’t hinder it. Even to this day when we work together, she still asks me: “Did I say it right?” She has not changed. Such a genuine and sweet human being. That’s why she is sincerely loved by many." (Dolly Anne Carvajal, Philippine Daily Inquirer, 04 Nov 2015)

Jose Mari Chan: "If there’s a Peter Pan, then Vilma Santos is Tinker Bell. She has this endearing quality that elicits joy in others. From when she was a child star, Vi could play practically any role on screen. As a public servant, she has maintained an impeccably clean reputation. I have not heard anyone who has said an unkind word about Vilma." (Dolly Anne Carvajal, Philippine Daily Inquirer, 04 Nov 2015)

Aiko Melendez: "When we were shooting “Sinungaling Mong Puso,” Ate Vi was late for five minutes. That was the first time I saw an actor apologize so humbly to the crew. We had a scene where I had to humiliate her. I was hesitant at first, but she told me not to be intimidated and just do what I had to do. She even gave me tips on how to deliver my lines. Luckily, I got nominated in that movie for best supporting actress. I did well mainly because of Ate Vi’s pointers. She has no hang-ups in life that’s why I am a certified Vilmanian." (Dolly Anne Carvajal, Philippine Daily Inquirer, 04 Nov 2015)

Joel Lamangan: "What I can’t forget about working with Vilma Santos is her remarkable professionalism. She comes to the set prepared. The moment she hears the director say “Action!” she spontaneously becomes the character needed in the scene. She is not “gimmicky.” She avoids fuss when preparing for a serious scene. She does not need extra attention to be able to do what is required of her. She is an actress par excellence."(Dolly Anne Carvajal, Philippine Daily Inquirer, 04 Nov 2015)

Tommy Abuel: "Vi and I portrayed husband and wife in Danny Zialcita’s “Karma.” In one scene, I had to beat her up. It was difficult emotionally and physically but because Vi was cooperative and uncomplaining, the shoot went without a hitch. I won best supporting actor in Famas for that film. I would not have won if my leading lady was not as brilliant as Vi."(Dolly Anne Carvajal, Philippine Daily Inquirer, 04 Nov 2015)

Lloyd Samartino: "Early in my career, Vi and I worked together in “Good Morning Sunshine” under Direk Ishmael Bernal. She was a delight to work with. The movie was very campy and we used to laugh at the dance routines we had to do… I would love to work with her again. I have admired her greatly from afar as to how she has transformed her career from show biz to politics." (Dolly Anne Carvajal, Philippine Daily Inquirer, 04 Nov 2015)

Vice Mayor Ina Alegre: “I’ve been idolizing her since I was a kid...Actually, I am taking the same path that she did.” (Ricky Lo, The Philippine Star, 06 Jan 2018)

Yul Servo: "...Magaling siyang magpaliwanag at maglatag ng solusyon sa mga problema...Mas nae-enjoy ko ang mga gawain ko sa kongreso dahil gaya sa TV at pelikula na may script o direktor, may mga tulad ni Ate Vi at iba pang kaibigan kong nasa House na very open at willing mag-share ng mga karanasan nila sa governance at suportahan ang mga advocacy namin para sa mga tao..." (Ambet Nabus, Bandera, 11 Dec 2017)

Roderick Paulate: : "...Hindi naman sa movies lang nagstart, di ba, ang pagkakaibigan ng Paulate at Santos, kasi kaibigan na nila ang sister ko at si Ate Emily, Loida, si Mommy, magkakaibigan na sila, iyon bale parang lumalabas, second batch na lang ako, di ba?...tapos nagsama kami nuon, naging magkapatid kami sa Kasalanan Kaya...kami ni Vi, two years din di nagkita pero I think si Vi yatam di sa pambobola, parang magkadikit na talaga 'yung dugo, parang hindi kailangang magkita, parang na-prove na namin sa isa't isa 'yung friendship...there was a time nagalit si Vi, perfectionist pa 'yan ha, nakikialam sa production, nakikialam sa set niya, kasi gusto niya, ayaw niya yung dinadaya yung fans niya eh, di ba? Nahihiya 'yun sa mga Vilmanians kapag nagperform ng half-baked, hindi puwede, hindi puwede basta na lang, kung mag-rehearse, tatlo-apat na araw para duon sa number na 'yon, nagbibigay siya ng time for that, nagbibigay siya ng time for that...there was a time, parang mainit ang ulo niya, tinawagan ako ni Chit Guerrero, alam mo kahit anong itsura ko, tumakbo ako mula sa kama, tumakbo talaga ako naka-short, purontong, nakunan pa ako ng TV, ngiti-ngiti, kasi talagang, o sige kaseh ganito ang mukha niya...but after awhile alam mo makikita mo talaga ang pagmamahal galing sa Vilma Santos, mahal niya ang trabaho niya, mahal niya ang mga fans niya, hindi niya dinadaya ang mga fans niya...kaya kita mo naman, hindi ka magtataka, Vilmanians mula nuon, hanggang ngayon nandidiyan pa rin sila, nakikita ko pa sila..." (ABS-CBN Entertainment, 26 Oct 2017)

Raymond Isaac: "...My friend, Ate Vi ang Darna ng buhay ko!...whenever, wherever you are, we Love you, I love you, mahal ka naming lahat, and my only wish is huwag kang titigil uminom ng bato ni Darna, para maganda ka pa rin at malakas ka pa rin at thank you rin sa lahat ng tinulong mo sa mga tao, out in the open and I'm talking to, I personally, would like to thank you for all the people that you'd help..." (ABS-CBN Entertainment, 26 Oct 2017)

Kim Chiu: "...Thank you for being an inspiration, idol na idol talaga kita, nagartista, sing and dance, acting and now politics, and the good family, masayang buhay, so gusto ko ring maging ganyan, pangarap ko rin yung life mo, but I just want to say thank you sa pagiging mabait mo sa akin during nang nagka-work tayo sa The Healing and I hope to work with you sa mga future projects..." (ABS-CBN Entertainment, 26 Oct 2017)

Kim Chiu: "...Sobra siyang empowered woman and ang galing niya sa mga tao. Hindi mo siya makikitaan na napagod na siya kahit ang dami na niyang kinausap na mga tao..." (Brooke Villanueva, Metro, 14 December 2019)

Maja Salvador: "...Ako ang iyong baby, si Baby April, nagsama po tayo sa MMK, at hinding-hindi ko po iyon makakalimutan, dahil mas na-inspire pa po ako sa trabaho ko nang dahil po sa inyo, iyong mga pag-uusap po natin sa set ng MMK dahil sobra-sobra dami ko pong natutunan, maraming-maraming salamat po, kung anuman po ang mga na-achieve ko ngayon ay isa po kayo sa mga dahilan n'yon at sana po ay makatrabaho ko kayo, I love you mommy..." (ABS-CBN Entertainment, 26 Oct 2017)

Xian Lim: "...We had a talk sa room lang...nagusap kami, kami-kami lang...sabi niya sa akin, I've been so long in the industry for so long, so long, hanggang ngayon hindi ko pa rin alam ang ginagawa ko, don't feel pressure in whatever you are doing kasi ang kailangan mo lang isipin ay ang mahalin mo ang lahat ng taong nasa paligid mo, 'yung lang and everything will fall into places...last na lang konti, kasi lang opportunity na ganito, to actually tell you mom, na ang laking bagay talaga nung nagkasama tayo, it was actually during the press conference po talaga na hindi ko na nakayanan, napigilan ang sarili ko talagang ang sakit po kasi talaga na magkaroon ng mga negative comments na sinasabi po talaga na sinasabi po talaga ng mga tao tungkol sa akin, and yet nandiyan po si mom Vi na to tell everyone na...iba po yung nakita niya sa akin, I was in the point na dina-doubt ko na talaga ang sarili ko na napakasama ko bang tao, kasi yun ang point na ganuon ang tingin ng lahat and yung nagsalita na si Mama, ng press com na it make me question, and made me drop everything na maybe merong, theres is light, and there is that hope, and so thank you mama, malaking bagay talaga iyon..." (ABS-CBN Entertainment, 26 Oct 2017)

San Jose del Monte Bulacan House Representative Rida Robles: "...Idol na idol ko si Ate Vi. Very passionate siya sa kanyang position at dahil artista muna siya bago naging politician marami na siyang experience sa pakikitungo sa tao and very humble pa rin siya..." (Jun Nardo, Bandera, 31 March 2019)

Hon. Rep. Alfred Vargas: "... Ate Vi is my ninang sa kasal...she is a model for all of us...I wouldn’t be where I am today if it were not for the opportunities and breaks given to me in showbiz. I owe a lot to this industry and I will forever be grateful. And this is my own small way of trying to give back, by advocating sustainable policies for the general welfare of our beloved industry..." (Ronald Constantino, Tempo, 02 May 2018)

Quezon City (5th District) Rep. Alfred Vargas: "..One movie is fine with me. You know, Ate Vi is my idol. She has proven that actors can be good public officials, from being mayor of Lipa to governor of Batangas and now congresswoman. Masipag siya. We hold office close to each other in what is known as the Showbiz Wing. That’s also where Congressmen Christopher de Venecia, Yul Servo, Lucy Torres, Edward Maceda and Dan Fernandez have their offices. Someday, I hope to do a movie with Ate Vi..." (Ricky Lo, The Philippine Star, 01 September 2019)

Thank you, Simon

The online blog of this legendary video rental/store started with it's firt post on July 1, 2007 with links of what's the blogger favourite films, etc...since then Video48 became arguably, the number one source of materials for atleast Filipino film buffs, including yours truly. This post is a way of thanking the blogger, Simon Santos (not related to my favourite artist, Vilma Santos) for his kindness of allowing hundreds of his followers to feast with hard-to-find materials on favourite local artists! As what the initial quote from the blog said, "Have you missed something or feeling nostalgic? Feel free to browse and navigate the site. Go to search or press or click the Archive/Vault, Categories or other thumbnails found at the right side of the page. Thank you for coming over!" No, Simon...THANK YOU.

About the Blogger and the blog - Video 48 opened it's door on October 19, 1988 (making it 30 years old!) and it's still located at 48 West Avenue Quezon City, Philippines (Phone: 373-2936), that explained the number "48." According to his profile, Simon loves FPJ, that is the late Fernando Poe Jr. which explained the banner to his blog featuring "da King." Also, a movie enthusiast and photo hobbyist, which also revealed the reason of so much collection of film memorabilias!

Bookmarked! - "This is no ordinary video rental store. Their clientele include university students, professors, filmmakers, and major broadcast network executives. They have collection of over 10,000 films, all in either Laser, VHS, DVD, or VCD format. They have the compilations Oscar Best Pictures (1928 to 2009), Golden Globe Best Foreign Films (1949 to 2008), and Oscar Foreign Language Films (1948 to 2008). Their standard rate is P30 for a VCD or VHS copy and P40 to P60 for a DVD copy. These rates changes depending on how many titles you borrow. Length of rental is five days. They also sell films such as original copies of The Imagination of Doctor Parnassus and other hard to find film gems. Best of all, Video 48 has copies of great Pinoy films most of us may never have heard of. If you're addicted to Filipino films, you definitely have to bookmark Video 48's blog." - Nicai de Guzman, "Top 10 Spots for Manila's Film Buffs," Spot, 01 June 2010 (READ MORE)

Vintage - "One of the best local blogs we’ve come across recently is the Video 48 blog by film enthusiast Simon Santos. Props to the guy for keeping the flame of classic Filipino movies alive and reintroducing these classic films to both local and foreign cinema buffs. His collection of movie minutiae, from vintage posters (such as those of the Eddie Garcia starrer Batuta ni Drakula) to film historical anecdotes, is both wonderful and entertaining, a trip back in time to when local cinema was at its peak..." - Karlo Samson, Maxim Magazine, February 2009 (READ MORE)

Deserves Recognition - "...Thanks to the Internet and the efforts of obsessive fanboys and girls – many of them outside the Philippines – these films are beginning to get some kind of recognition (“respect” may be too strong a word)...It is on the worldwide web, however, where these movies continue to live a preternatural half-life, as downloadable torrents, or legal online DVD purchases, and enshrined as the content of lovingly constructed websites and blogs, ripe for rediscovery...Thankfully, we have a local counterpart in video48 blog. Maintained by one Simon Santos, the site offers a somewhat more balanced view of Philippine cinema, including as it does more mainstream films and fewer of the more extreme type (although it has its share of Pinoy movie arcana, offering for instance, proof of the existence of a 1987 bold film actually titled “Diligin ng Suka ang Uhaw na Lumpia”). It also covers Tagalog komiks and other aspects of Filipino popular culture, with an equally obsessive attention to detail. With a wealth of archival material including news items, photographs, movie posters and scanned artwork, video48 is a true labor of fanboy love..." - Eric S. Caruncho, 05 July 2009, Sunday Inquirer Magazine (READ MORE)

Art Films - "...So why would the likes of Lino Brocka, Nick Joaquin, Lualhati Bautista, Ricky Lee, Laurice Guillen, Jeffrey Jeturian and other noted storytellers trek all the way to West Avenue just to rent a couple of videos? Geez, maybe because there’s something more to it than housing that, which you may have seen on Philippine silverscreen. Unknown to many is that this rare shop had been standing there for the past 15 years. The soft-spoken owner Simon Santos showed us around this haven. Video 48 (the name is culled from its address—48 West Avenue), a two-story unit where the popular titles in VHS, VCD and DVD are found in the first floor, while the laser disc and betamax copies are kept upstairs...It all began in 1988 when movie home viewing was only made possible by the betamax and then a little later by the Laser Disc. Santos, a film-lover himself, collected his favorite films in these formats. His early collection of 200 titles included the films of Alfred Hitchcock, John Wayne, James Stewart, Gary Cooper, Vittorio de Sica, Federico Fellini, Kurosawa and Almodovar. When his friends began borrowing his copies, an idea fell on his lap and kindled the urge to put up a video-renting business. "My family was then growing and I needed extra jinglers in my pocket," he said. "But is was a risky venture. Back then, in the late eighties, video shops were opening all over the country. Also, cable television networks were being established and film piracy was becoming rampant. I had to be careful of how these might affect the business, but I chose to offer renters an alternative by making my own collection of classics and art films available..." - Iris Ayong, Manila Times, 7 May 2004 (READ MORE)

Disciple of the Cinema - "...Everyone who enters Video 48 is welcomed to a celebrity corner, where the icons of Philippine cinema have etched their musings. Celso Ad Castillo, for instance, declares: “To whom I pin my aesthetic hopes.” Luciano “Chaning” Carlos ushers in the visitor with the statement: “Enter the dazzling world of the past through Video 48. Truly entertaining coupled with warm reception and friendly persuasions.” For his part, Maryo J. de los Reyes pays tribute to the man behind Video 48: “A great disciple of the cinema! See you always at the movies!” Conceived during the betamax craze in 1988, Video 48 sprang from the collection of owner Simon Santos. “Watching movies is my favorite pastime,” he says. “My inventory grew gradually and friends started to rent from me.” Starting with two favorite directors, Alfred Hitchcock and Akira Kurosawa, Simon’s compilation has reached to thousands of movie titles, from classics to new releases, from common to rare ones, from art to foreign language films, from documentaries to Hollywood blockbusters, from Tagalog films to several other genres. Available in VCD and DVD formats, and yes even in VHS, these titles are either for rent or for sale. Among its cult followers are film students, collectors and enthusiasts, including the late National Artists Lino Brocka and Nick Joaquin..." - Ieth Inolino, Sense & Style, September 2009 (READ MORE)

Dawn of Various Formats - "...Almost 21 years after its debut, Video 48 has proven its mettle. While local rental shops have come and gone, the shop has witnessed the dawn of various formats: Betamax, VHS, laser disc, VCD, and DVD. Some have thrust into oblivion, but surprisingly, these formats share a roof in Video 48. Though the influx of cable television and piracy somehow challenged Video 48’s success, Mr. Santos has managed to keep things exciting. “Sometimes I have to add some interesting titles to my existing inventory, like art films, operas, documentaries. I now sell movie posters, magazines, movie memorabilia, movie related toys and action figures to complement my existing business,” he says. Notwithstanding, the minor changes in the shop, it still looks like an old school video shack--- the kind that people flock to for weekend movie marathons. There is recognizable delight in combing the familiar-looking aisles for remarkable titles. Perhaps that’s what kept Video 48 rolling all these years, nostalgia." - Kristy Ann Texon, Sidetrip Tarvel magazine!, July - October 2009 (READ MORE)

Film is Life - "...Way before YouTube and pirated DVDs, there were video stores that provided the common person’s movie needs. Video 48 was and continues to be one of them. Founded by Simon Santos in 1988, it became home to hundreds of films in different media through the decades--- from betamax and VHS tapes, laser discs (yes, they still exist), VCDs, and DVDs. In the mood for a James Dean’s bad boy marathon or maybe some Kurosawa/Hitchcock/Bergman classics? How about a taste of local films starring FPJ and Dolphy from the 70s? Video 48’s extensive line-up of hard-to-find films has attracted a myriad of excellent directors like the late Lino Brocka and Ishmael Bernal, writers Nick Joaquin and Pete Lacaba. Toys adorn the white walls and wooden shelves as much as posters. A life-sized model of Master Yoda even takes the space at the store’s entrance, as if inviting passers-by to come inside and join the Force. Because as Simon has proven, watching films is more than just a fun activity you do to get away from real life. It is life..." - Nante Santamaria, Status Magazine, March 2010 (READ MORE)

FPJ Fanatic - "...Simon's main reason for putting up Video48 back in October 19, 1988 involved his need to support his family and to end his dependence on his parent's business. Having a strong interest in movies, he decided that a video rental store would hit two birds with one stone; it would fulfill his family's everyday expenses, as well as his own appetite for cinema. "I had a seven year old and a nine year old daughter that time, and Betamaz was all the rave. So I decided to put up Video48," he said. "At the same time, I also like what I do."...I grew up during the 60's, during the time of FPJ (Fernando Poe Jr), Joseph Estrada and Jess Lapid," he said, "Brocka and Bernal also started during the 60's."...Video48's clientele is usually comprised of film enthusiast who, like Simon grew up during the time when the internet was still nonexistent and FPJ, Estrada and Dolphy (Rodolfo Quizon) ruled the cinemas. As proof, Simon (a self-confessed FPJ fanatic) even posted autographs he had collected over the years of his favorite movie actors, the most prominent of which is FPJ's on the door of Video48. "Maraming nagpupunta sa akin, lalo na 'yong mga balikbayan na naghahanap ng lumang pelikula ni FPJ, Joseph Estrada at Dolphy. Added revenue 'yon sa part ko. Nakakatuwa na nakakagenerate siya ng income para sa akin," he said...However, Video48 is not without its struggles: "Nung 1990s nagkaroon ng Cable TV kaya medyo bumagsak iyong video industry noong time na 'yon." The spread of piracy in the country has also taken toll. "Biro mo nagbabayad ka ng license at bumibili ng original 350 person ang isa tapos paparenta mo lang ng 30 pesos. Ilang beses mo ipapa-rent 'yun? 10 times bago ka kumita. Pero kapag pirated, 30 pesos lang para mabili mo 'yong pelikula." Simon said..."Gusto ko talaga ang ginagawa ko dahil worth it naman. Hindi ka naman magsusucceed sa ginagawa mo pag di mo gusto..." - Raydon Reyes, Photo: Katrina Lucano Fudge Magazine, August 2008 (READ MORE)

Related Links

• What They Say About Video 48 
• On Video 48 
• Vilma Santos postings

Si Pete Lacaba, Ang Pelikula, Si Sister Stella L...

Una kong nakapanayam si Pete Lacaba noong isang taon matapos kong mabasa ang kanyang librong antolohiya tungkol sa makulay na dekadang setenta, ang Days of Disquiet, Nights of Rage. Isang panahong nakaukit lalo na sa isipan ng mga anak ng tinatawag na First Quarter Storm, ang libro ay isang mapanuring testamento sa isang di makalimutang bahagi ng ating kasaysayan, sa paningin ng isang peryodista. Kung paano nailimbag ito sa kasalukuyang panahon ng kadiliman ay isang magulong palaisipan. At ngayon naman, ay napag-alaman ko ring si Lacaba ay nasa pelikula na rin, at naitanong ko, bakit? Ang mga paliwanag ay nasa kanyang sarili na rin at hindi na dapat ungkatin. Ngayon taon, si Lacaba ay nasa gitna pa rin ng pangamba at panibagong pakikihamok. Bilang isa sa mga pinuno ng itinatag na Concerned Artists of the Philippines (CAP), siya ay nasa unahan ng mga alagad ng sining na mulat sa mga pangyayaring hindi maiiwasan. At ngayon ay bukambibig ang pangalan niya bilang manunulat ng mga pelikulang kontrobersiyal dahil naglayong ipakita ang katotohanan sa ating lipunan, ang Sister Stella L. ni Mike de Leon at ang Bayan Ko (a.k.a. Kapit sa Patalim) ni Lino Brocka. Sa panayam na ito, ating alamin ang mga nangyari sa pagsulat niya sa Sister Stella L at ang ibang saloobin niya rito. Hindi napag-usapan ang Bayan Ko dahil hindi pa ito naipapalabas sa Pilipinas.

Ang Sister Stella L ay tungkol sa isang madreng nagtratrabaho sa isang guidance couselling center na dahil sa pagsama niya sa kanyang kaibigang madre at siguro dahil na rin sa pansariling suliranin ay namulat sa isang malawakang suliranin ng lipunan. Tunay na nakakapanibago sa kasalukuyang takbo ng pelikula. Paano nag-umpisa itong project na ito? "Nag-umpisa ito noong nag-iisip pa lang kami ng isang istorya para kay Vilma Santos (Magugunitang si Vilma ang pinakamabiling artista noon at hanggang ngayon). Kasama namin si Marichu Perez-Maceda, ang prodyuser na kinakausap ni Mike de Leon. Ini-apply pa nga ito sa Film Fund. Ideya yon ni Mike na gawing kuwento ng isang madre. Sabi ko, wala akong alam diyan. Kaya nag-research kami. 'Una kong script ay tungkol sa isang madre sa probinsiya na nasangkot sa problema ng mga magsasaka. Hindi ito sinangayunan ni Marichu dahil hindi raw tinatanggap ng mga tao si Vilma kung ang karakter niya ay nasa probinsiya. Pinalitan ito ng isang madre sa siyudad na nasangkot sa suliranin ng mga manggagawa. Dahil sa mga sumunod ng mga pangyayari, na nabalita ang mga hulihan sa panig ng mga manggagawa at sa mga religious groups, naipasyang tanggalin ang anumang delikadong bagay sa script at gawin daw love story (Maalala ang ganitong linya sa pelikula na sinabi ni Liza Lorena, bilang editor ng isang magasin kay Jay Ilagan, isang peryodista). Nagkawalan ng rin ng gana, hanggang sa napunta nga ang project sa Regal."

May mga pagbabago ba sa orihinal mong iskrip na ginawa sa pelikula bukod sa mga sinabi mo na? "Hindi naman gaanong itegral ang mga changes doon. Unahin sa mga karakter. Yung orihinal na karakter ni Jay ay isang doktor, ngunit dahil sa naging siyudad ang setting, binago namin sa isang peryodista. Sa tauhang mismong ito ay nagkaroon ng pagbabago. Tulad nang nagkaroon ng problema sa pagkuha namin kay Jay (dahil may contract sa Viva), pumalit si Joel Torre, so dapat mas bata kay Vilma. Kaya lang, noong tumagal, ipinasya ni Mike na ibalik kay Jay. Sa karakter ni Jay may mga eksenang ipinakita ang kanyang kapatid na radikal at ang kanyang asawa at anak at sa pamilya naman ni Vilma, may mga dalawang eksena, pero ito'y tinanggal. Ang ending ay nabago rin. Originally, nagkaroon ng gulo sa strike area at napatay si Jay. Eh, gustong-gusto ni Mike sa karakter na yon, ayaw niyang mamatay yon. May eksena ring nakunan na tinanggal sa final print dahil sa kahabaan, tulad ng mga counselling scenes sa Caritas. Sa pelikula ba, gaano ang totoo at ang hindi sa tunay na buhay? "Ang halos lahat ng nangyari roon ay hango sa istorya ng mga madreng aming nakapanayam. Masasabing si Sister Stella ay ang kabuuan ng iba't ibang madreng aming nakausap. May isang madreng nagkaroon ng boyfriend at totoo yung sinabing binalak siyang kidnapin, isa ring madreng nagsawa sa counselling kaya lang lumabas siya sa kumbento, at siyempre, alam din nating may mga madreng nakikisangkot sa mga manggagawa.

'Yong mga torture scenes nga ay totoong nangyari sa akin at masahol pa roon. May nagsabi rin sa akin, Niñez Cacho-Olivares, na walang reporter na ganoon magsalita sa kanyang editor. Ewan ko lang, pero kung naintindihan nating ang karakter ni Jay ay ganoong assertive at meron siyang naipahiwatig na background na may pagka-moderate activist, maari niyang gawin iyon. Tsaka may close working relationship sila ng editor." Nasabi minsan sa isang interview ni Mike de Leon na ikaw raw ay instrumental sa kanyang politicizing. Ano ang masasabi mo rito? "Siguro naman hindi. Kasi bago man lang kami nagkakilala, nalaman kong ginagawa na niya yong mga short films about rallies noong mga early '70s. When he began working sa LVN, ginusto niyang mag-umpisa sa pinakamababang posisyon sa kompanya, eh kanila yon. Doon pa lang, makikilala mo na kung anong klaseng tao si Mike. Siguro, mapapansin mo na rin na bago pa lamang nga kami nagtrabahong dalawa, ginagawa na niya yong Kakabakaba Ka Ba?, Kisapmata at ang Batch '81, na aminin nating may mga temang sosyal o politikal. Siguro, masasabi kong lumalim lang ang kanyang pananaw o pang-unawa sa mga paksang ito. Nandoon na yon sa kanya." Paano Kayo nagkasamang magtrabaho? "Nag-umpisa ito noong nilapitan niya akong gumawa kami ng isang pelikula. At ibinigay ko sa kanya ang natapos ko nang Kapit sa Patalim. Originally, it was intended for Lino (Brocka), pero sabi niya, hindi pa raw panahon. Kaya noong si Mike na ang nagtanong sa akin, ini-offer ko yon which was intended for Rudy Fernandez. Marami na ring nangyari sa project na yon, at hanggang naibalik nga kay Lino (at naipalabas sa Cannes ngayong taon)."

Ano ang mga kontribusyon ni Mike sa iskrip? "Sa kanya yong mga talumpati nina Vilma at Anita (Linda) sa katapusan ng pelikula. Suhestyon din niya ang paglaki ng papel ng editor, at ang pag-breakdown ng mga ekesena ni Gina (Alajar) bilang Gigi. The role of Gigi was meant to conunterpoint the labor problem. Other scenes could have been included which would highlight that Vilma had some success with her counselling job." May mga puna sa pelikula, tulad ng mga may pagka-talky raw ito? "Yeah, napansin din ng iba ito. I was worried that the film was becoming more talky as we went on, pero sabi ni Mike, talk is as important as the visuals." May pagka-claustrophobic daw ang effect ng pelikula? "I think it was deliberate. I can remember Mike telling our production designer, Cesar Hernando, to give a claustrophobic effect to the sets, particularly the interiors. With regard to the criticism na ang mga workers ay malilinis, ang masasabi ko, ang mga trabahador sa isang factory ng cooking oil ay malilinis naman." Pagkapanood mo ng pelikla, anong bahagi ang nais mo pang baguhin? "Maaari kong dagdagan ang mga eksena sa Caritas na ipinapakita ang ibang alaga roon, at gusto ko ring ipakita ang relasyon ni Vilma sa kanyang pamilya. Kung tatanungin ako, na kung dapat inabuso pa si Vilma sa kamay ng mga goons, hindi yon totoo, wala pa naman akong nalalaman na ginagawa yon sa mga madre, sa aking pagkakaalam." Anong mga reaksiyon ng mga nanood na sa pelikula? "Generally positive. That is as far as the selected audiences where the pricture was shown. Generally, sabi nila, masakit daw, nakakakonsyensiya daw, nakakagalit. May kanyang pala-palagay sa mga detalye." Personally, what is the merit of the film? "I hope it can change the perceptions of people with regard to certain realities, open their eyes probably. Well, the censors felt it was not subversive, not anti-government. Sana hindi mangyari sa pelikula ang ginawa nila sa pelikulang Sakada." Sana..." - Mike Feria, Jingle Extra Hot Magazine, 06 July 1984, Posted by James DR, 21 July 2016 (READ MORE)

News Clippings Collection is Back!

When it Rains, It Pours - "...Ate Vi to fans and friends, the enduring actress was born in 1953. She turns 64 on her birthday counting more years of contribution to society both as a public servant and as movie queen...Incidentally, Caveat was one of the few friends from the press made to sit with the audience during the taping, giving ample time to exchange pleasantries with the actress while she was in the holding area. The conversation meandered to her recent tour de force performance in “Everything About Her” which earned her Best Actress Award from the 1st Eddys Award given to her by the Society of Philippine Entertainment Editors or SPEED. This was followed by another Best Actress Award for the same film bestowed on her by the Philippine Movie Press Club (PMPC) Star Awards for Movies...It is also worth mentioning that the Star for All Seasons was also bestowed Best Actress Award for the same film by Tony Awards Philippines from its founder and fearless film critic Tony Aguilar. The critic, who also comes out annually in his entertainment column with a list of worst films and worst performers, even thinks “Everything About Her” would have stood a bigger chance at the Oscars than the “Birdshot” of Mikhael Red. Other Best Actress Awards that Vilma Santos earned for “Everything About Her” included the 1st Guild of Educators & Mentors (GEM) Awards, Gawad Tanglaw, Pasado Award, and Philippine Entertainment Portal ( PEP’s) List of Awardees. Indeed, in a manner of speaking, when it rains awards it pours as well..." - George Vail Kabristante, Manila Times, 27 October 2017 (READ MORE)

Gigi - "...The role of Gigi was meant to conunterpoint the labor problem. Other scenes could have been included which would highlight that Vilma had some success with her counselling job." May mga puna sa pelikula, tulad ng mga may pagka-talky raw ito? "Yeah, napansin din ng iba ito. I was worried that the film was becoming more talky as we went on, pero sabi ni Mike, talk is as important as the visuals." May pagka-claustrophobic daw ang effect ng pelikula? "I think it was deliberate. I can remember Mike telling our production designer, Cesar Hernando, to give a claustrophobic effect to the sets, particularly the interiors. With regard to the criticism na ang mga workers ay malilinis, ang masasabi ko, ang mga trabahador sa isang factory ng cooking oil ay malilinis naman." Pagkapanood mo ng pelikla, anong bahagi ang nais mo pang baguhin? "Maaari kong dagdagan ang mga eksena sa Caritas na ipinapakita ang ibang alaga roon, at gusto ko ring ipakita ang relasyon ni Vilma sa kanyang pamilya. Kung tatanungin ako, na kung dapat inabuso pa si Vilma sa kamay ng mga goons, hindi yon totoo, wala pa naman akong nalalaman na ginagawa yon sa mga madre, sa aking pagkakaalam." Anong mga reaksiyon ng mga nanood na sa pelikula? "Generally positive. That is as far as the selected audiences where the pricture was shown. Generally, sabi nila, masakit daw, nakakakonsyensiya daw, nakakagalit. May kanyang pala-palagay sa mga detalye." Personally, what is the merit of the film? "I hope it can change the perceptions of people with regard to certain realities, open their eyes probably. Well, the censors felt it was not subversive, not anti-government. Sana hindi mangyari sa pelikula ang ginawa nila sa pelikulang Sakada..." - Mike Feria, Jingle Extra Hot Magazine, 06 July 1984, Posted by James DR, 21 July 2016 (READ MORE)

Vilma's "Katuparan" on GMA-7 Tonight - Vilma Santos'second venture into television production, the tele-movie "Katuparan" is scheduled for telecast tonight on Channel 7, 8 to 10. "Katuparan" teams up Vilma for the first time with action star Ronnie Ricketts (with Vilma above). Together, they pit acting talents with veteran actor Dante Rivero. Ronnie plays Vilma's ex-boyfriend and Dante plays Ronnie's older brother who married Vilma. Adapted from the foreign telemovie "The Fulfillment of Mary Gray," "Katuparan" is directed by Marilou Diaz Abaya and written by Raquel Villavicencio. - Mike Herrera, from Facebook.

Superb Child Star - " Vilma Santos started her movie career in 1963 at a young age of 9 in a movie, "Trudis Liit," which she topbilled along with veteran stars Lolita Rodriguez and Luis Gonzales. She won the FAMAS Best Child Actress for her superb performance in that movie...At the age of 9, Vilma was tapped to star opposite Gloria Romero; Rita Gomez in the movie “Anak, ang Iyong Ina.” She was discovered by her uncle Mr. Amaury Agra, who was a cameraman at the Sampaguita Studios. When she, together with her mother went to the Sampaguita compound to report, an audition was going on. Seeing the more than a hundred kids auditioning, Vi went and watched. Dr. Jose Perez, producer of Sampaguita, saw the little Vi and asked her to join the audition. Vi was hesitant because she know that she’s there for a different movie, but she was prodded to join. When her turn came, she acted with veteran Bella Flores. All the people were impressed, much more Dr. Perez! Vilma got the title role for the movie “Trudis Liit.” So, that at age 9, she was making two movies at the same time! She continued doing movies as daughter of big stars Gloria Romero, Lolita Rodriguez, Rita Gomez, Marlene Dauden, Eddie Rodriguez and a lot more. In 1968, at the age of 15, she got the Best Supporting Actress award from the San Beda College awards for the movie “Kasalanan Kaya?” She was also nominated for a FAMAS award..." - Eric Nadurata, Reposted by Simon Santos, Video48, 04 November 2007 (READ MORE)

Guaranteed Immortality - "The year was 1982, exactly two decades ago, and we well remember being enthralled by the sheer force of its powerful images and quietly devastating performances. We are one of the blessed few who own a video tape copy of the film that has remained, through the years, Nora Aunor's signature film. The pint-sized superstar delivered a miracle of a performance as Elsa, the false visionary. Perhaps, the finest performance by a Filipino actor ever recorded on celluloid. If the diminutive multimedia luminary ever decides to leave the movies for good, Himala is enough reason to guarantee her of immortality...we believe that Nora Aunor should have swept all the best actress awards for that particular year. She was pitted against Vilma Santos' heartfelt portrayal of the mistress in Relasyon and the latter scored a grandslam. This is not to belittle Santos' portrayal but if one were to be objective, it would be easy to see that Aunor had the more complex role and only an actress of her caliber can pull off the part with much persuasion. It calls for a restrained, self-effacing acting style. And Aunor, the consummate actress that she was (take note that we used the past tense because the more recent film outings of the actress are far from her best. She has become very florid, like a bad version of a hysterical Charito Solis), strikes not a false note in her performance. It is, in one word, mesmerizing. And Himala is without a scintilla of a doubt the pinnacle of her cinematic achievements..." - Arnel Resma Ramos, reposted by Simon Santos, Video48, 29 December 2007 (READ MORE)

Fernado Poe Jr. and Vilma Santos: 1974 Box Office King and Queen - "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." - Simon Santos, FPJ-daking, 26 March 2009, Photo credit: Eric Nadurata (READ MORE)

For Miss X: Off to Amsterdam With Vilma Santos and Party - "Miss Vilma Santos and her entourage which includes her mommy and daddy flew off to Amsterdam one Sunday afternoon para sa pelikulang Miss X ng Sining Silangan which will be shot ther in entirety. The group who saw them off at the airport was headed by Jesse Ejercito and some Sining Silangan bigwigs, fans of Vilma at ilang close friends from the press. Nauna rito ay nagkaroon ng ilang tenaw moments ang mga tao sa likod ng proyektong ito nang kung ilang ulit na mabalam ang pagalis ni Vi. We understand from some sources that the company was about to make a sudden change of decision kaugnay ng roles ni Vi nang biglang makahulagpos ang superstar sa kanyang mga commitments dito at ipasiyang lumipad na nga patungong Amsterdam. Ayon sa aming balita, matapos ang shooting doon ay tutuloy sa Los Angeles si Vi together with her parents upang duon idaos ang kanyang birthday, Nov. 3. This decision of hers of course saddened many of fans here pero parang higit diumano ang axiety ngayon ng Bancom, Regal at Lea dahil umano'y slated si Vi na gumawa ng pelikula sa kanila. Bancom for one is pinning their hopes on the early return of Vi dahil ang pelikulang ito si Charito Solis at siyang isasagupa sa tambalang Nora-Lolita Rodriguez naman ng para rin sa festival." - Jingle Extra Hot Magazine, October 29, 1979, Posted by James DR, 28 October 2017 (READ MORE)

Vilma Santos: From Trudis Liit to Aida Macaraeg

From Trudis Liit to Aida Macaraeg spans 21 long years and that covers the film career of top actress Vilma Santos until now. Trudis Liit has already become synonymous with the famous actress' name in the same manner that Darna (which she starred with Rosa del Rosario, Liza Moreno, Evan Montes, Gina Pareño, Lorna Tolentino -on TV- Rio Locsin, and would you believe, even Dolphy in Darna Kuno?), Dyesebel (which she aldo shared with Edna Luna, Eva Montes - did she or didn't she - and Alma Moreno), Wonder Vi, Maria Sinderela, (in Ang Mahiwagang Daigdig ni Maria Sinderela), Susan Kelly (in Susan Kelly, Edad 20), Rubia Servios and Miss X have been identified with her. And now Aida Macaraeg. Aida Macaraeg: Adultery Case No. 3690 is the new and hopefully the final title of Vilma's latest Regal film which is directed by Lino Brocka. Ilang beses ding nagpalit-palit ng titulo ang pelikulang ito ni Vilma starting out with Obsession as its working title, then it was changed to Separasyon Legal, and still to Paano Kita Mamahalin? before finally setting for Aida Macaraeg: Adultery Case No. 3690. Maganda na sana ang unang titulo nito, ang Obsession. Bagay na bagay ito sa tema ng kuwento about an obsessed lover kaya lang medyo apprehensive ang pamunuan ng Regal na baka hindi ito bumenta sa mga probinsiya dahil masyadong high sounding ang tilulong Obsession at hindi ito maintindihan. The most likely thing to happen ay maipagkakamali itong isang foreign film with the same title shown several years ago. That film was directed by Brian de Palma and it starred Genevieve Bujold.

The change from Obsession to Separasyon Legal did not satisfy the Regal boss, Lily Monteverde, because the new title sounded like a take-off from two of Vilma's most successful films, Relasyon and Broken Marriage. So they thought of another title and conisdered Paano Kita Mamahalin. Pero and Paano Kita Mamahalin? ay parang kapareho ng titulo ng pinakamalaking hit na pelikula ng Viva Films na major competitor ng Regal. Ito iyong Paano Ba Ang Mangarap? na pinangunahan din ni Vilma Santos. Matagal nang tapos ang pelikula at umalis at dumating na mula sa abroad ang direktor nitong si Lino Brocka ay hindi pa mapagpasiyahan ang talagang ipapamagat dito. So, nag-meeting uli ang mga taga-Regal and after a thorough brainstorming session may nag-suggest ng pangalang Aida Macaraeg (according to reports ay si Ronald Carballo raw ang nagbigay ng pangalang iyon) at dinagdagan na lang iyon ng Adultery Case No. 3690 dahil nga tungkol sa isang true-to-life adultery case ang pelikula na hango sa files ng manunulat na si Aida Sevilla-Mendoza. Finally, napagkasunduan na rin ang huling titulo at ito'y iri-release na tentatively in January 1984. The new title reminds one of the film Rubia Servios which was also a true-to-life account of a celebrated case (this time rape) and featured the successful triumvirate fo Vilma Santos, Philip Salvador and Lino Brocka. Maalala na sa pelikulang Rubia Servios nakaranas at natamo ng aktres ang pinaka-heartbreaking na kabiguan sa kanyang entire career during the 1978 Metro Manila Film Festival.

Sa nasabing festival, matunog na matunog ang pangalan ni Vilma - with the moviegoing audience, the film enthusiasts and the film critics - at hinulaan pa ngang siya ang mananalo pero nang dumating ang awards night ay si Nora Aunor ang nagwagi para sa pelikulang Atsay. Sabi pa nga noon ni Vilma: "Talagang doon ako sa pelikulang iyon umasa nang malaki at nabigo. Pagkatapos noon, parang nagkaroon na ako ng phobia na magdadalo sa mga awards night at lalong hindi na ako umaasa nang ganoong katindi. Kaya laking gulat ko nang mapanaluhan ko ang lahat ng mga Best Actress awards sa taong ito dahil ayoko na talagnag umasa." Ang naging malaking konsolasyon lang ni Vilma sa Rubia Servios ay ang tinamong tagumpay nito sa takilya na kahit tapos na ang festival ay patuloy pa ring ipinapalabas sa mga sinehan at humakot ng marami pang manonood long afer it's rival films were already withdrawn from exhibition. After Rubia and after a peropd of five years ngayon lang muling nagkasama sa pelikula sina Vilma Santos at Lino Brocka. Although there was a time before that the director wanted the actress for one of his films (Kontrobersiyal), hindi nagkaroon ng katuparan iyon dahil sa very hectic na schedule ni Vilma nuon at hindi na nakapaghintay si Lino. The role eventually went to Gina Alajar and the film became one of Lino's most underrated movies. Sa Aida Macaraeg, muli na namang tatalakayin ang tungkol sa infidelities ng marriage na naging tatak na ng mga pelikula ni Vilma.

Sa pagkakataong ito, hindi na siya ang "Kabit" kundi siya na ang magkakaroon ng extra-marital relations o sa madaling sabi, siya na ang magkakaroon ng "kabit." Nangyari na rin tio sa ilang pelikula ni Vilma kung saan ginampanan niya ang papel ng isang babaing my asawa at nagkaroon siya ng loverl tulad sa Hiwalay, Karma, at Minsan Pa Nating Hagkan Ang Nakaraan. Pero kakaiba ang mangyayari sa kanya sa Aida Macaraeg dahil dito ay madedemanda siya. How the actress will handle the role which in real life is the exact opposite of herself is something too watch especially now that husband Edu Manzano is back after almost a year of estrangement. For a superstar and a highly successful actress who tries so hard to hold on to her married life like their is no other, playing an adulterous wife is almost a life-like departure for her. As she has always said time and again: "I'm trying my best to make my marriage work. Kahit ano pa mang pambabatikos ang gawin nila hindi ko hahayaang masira ang aking married life nang ganoon na lang. Ang pinakamahalaga sa aking ngayon ay ang aking asawa't anak. Sila ang dahilan kung bakit kinakaya ko ang lahat. Sabi nila, hindi raw puwedeng pagsabayin ang movie career at marriage. But I will try my best that what happened to most of my colleagues will not happen to me. I am willing to compromise fo the sake of my marriage. I have always belived in my husband at kung kinakailangang isakripisyo ko ang aking movie career ay gagawin ko huwag lang masira ang aming magandang pagsasama. Hindi ko basta-basta isusuko na alng ang lahat. Mahal na mahal ko sial." With that kind of belief and devotion, siguro wala nang makakapigil pa sa aktres na itaguyod ang kanyang sariling pamilya. Wala na. Not even her movie career. What a woman! This Trudis Liit now transformed into the "biggest" women in local film history namely Aida Macaraeg, Sister Stella L and Baby Tsina. With that kind of revoluntionary women's role in recent history, who needs a husband? Only Vilma Santos! - Julio Cinko N., Movie Flash, 05 January 1984, Posted at Facebook

Film Review of Broken Marriage

Broken Marriage; directed by Ishmael Bernal; written by Jose Carreon and Bing Caballero; starring Vilma Santos and Christopher De Leon; produced by Regal Films (* * * * *). Broken Marriage is Ishmael Bernal's best film since his ill-fated Manila by Night/City After Dark (1980). In fact, Broken Marriage is-in the sense the term is used by painters-a detail from the huge canvas of City After Dark. The theme of this latest masterpiece from the Master is simple: the emotional violence in a marriage mirrors the physical, political, and social violence of the city, City After Dark gave a bird's eye view of the city. Broken Marriage looks at the city through the eyes of a woman. The violence in the marriage of Christopher de Leon and Vilma Santos is obvious enough. He is a conscientious, compassionate, successful police reporter who is just about to be promoted. They are, in other words, alike. Like poles repel, goes the age-old adage from physical science, and these two career-conscious individuals have no time for each other. He spends his leisure hours reading or catching up on videotaped films. She spends her time on the telephone, making her home an extension of the studio. Bernal cleverly places an issue of Time magazine always within reach of de Leon. The director is saying that time is what is just beyond the reach of these two persons who are in love, not with each other, but with themselves. In fact, their very similarity (they are both sloppy in dressing, in fixing their things, in working habits) points to what must have made them fall in love in the first place; they both see themselves in each other.

To say that the two persons are "incompatible"is to miss a lot. They are, in fact, extremely compatible, because they look, think, and act the same. They both want the marriage to revolve around themselves. They both want fame and fortune. They both want to be loved by the children but not to spend time loving them. They are both stubborn, yet forgiving. They are both faithful to each other, almost to a fault, yet they cannot stand each other. Is Bernal saying that marriages can never work if the two partners are equal in every respect? Is he saying that only a male chauvinist marriage can work, where the man works all day and the woman stays home? Or is he subtly suggesting that marriage itself as an institution is an anchronism in a rapidly-changing world? There will be various interpretations of this film, depending on one's own preception of one's own marriage. But disagree or not, viewers cannot fail to see what Bernal's underying thesis is-that the violence in urban, middle-class marriages is caused by violence outside the house. The home is the center that has failed to hold together. The city is the world that has become "broken."

Bernal cleverly shows that he is interested not only in a marriage, but in the city, when he lets his background seep into the interstices of the plot. In the first sequence, for instance de Leon is watching Bonnie and Clyde on videotape, an obvious hint that Broken Marriage will also be about love in a violent setting. In Bonnie and Clyde, if you recall, the two lovers-having rediscovered each other are mercilessly mowed down by law enforcement officers. Similarly, the marriage in Broken Marriage is "mowed down"by the lawlessness of society. Again ang again, Bernal includes violent news from the otuside of the home. Rod Navarro's voice is heard talking about the Middle East war. A bank shoot-out is headlined by de Leon's paper. During the climactic break-up scene, The Greatest American Hero is showing; in that series, the hero needs extraterrestrial help to combat crime in the modern world. The registration scene in the university shows the lack of discipline that pervades Manila. If the city is not disciplined how can a small family be? Sprinkled throughtout the screenplay are derogatory remarks against institutions noted for their lack of discipline-Meralco (taping is hurried because of an imprending brown-out), MWSS (Santos refuses to pay a bill for water since there has been no water in her neighborhood for months), the Ministry of Publick Highways (streets are described and shown to be full of diggings), the police (who are asked by de Leon to "salvage" or murder a Chinese prostitution king pin), movie actresses (one star fails to appear for a song number), movie producers (Orestes Ojeda's only object is to sleep with Santos), and, most appalling of all, politicians (personafied by a fictional mayor who points a revolver at de Leon). In short, this is City After Dark all over again, but with more subtle, probably more lasting, effect.

The ending has been criticized by a couple of reviewers. It is true that the beach sequence smacks of commercialism. All's well that ends well, and all that. But City After Dark, we may recall, also ends on such a happy note. We may disagree with Bernal's perception that there is always hope left fro man, woman, and the city, but we cannot disallow him his views. In other words, most of us cannot agree that the broken marriage can be mended, but Bernal thinks so, and his films have all ended on such an up-note. I personally would rather see a darker, more realistic ending, but Bernal would not be Bernal without his happy endings. It's not a completely happy endings, anyway. Two sequences before the beach scene. Bernal films the wedding scene in a haze, as though he were saying that whatever follows the wedding is mere romance. It is like Bonnie and Clyde. The gansters dream of a happy life together, spinning romantic castles in the air. But as soon as it is time to go out into the real world, violence is right there at the doorstep. The ending is filmed as a romantic interlude, but the reality is waiting around the dark corners of the city, like the mayor's goons who cannot stand the thought that someone is finally about to tell the truth. - Isagani Cruz, Parade Magazine 1983, reposted by Pelikula Atbp (READ MORE)

Hindi Pa Ako Kasal - Vilma

Ate Mers, please lang, o...pakilinaw mo naman sa kanila na hindi totoo ýung balita na kasal na raw ako. Kami ni Bobot. Ito ang parang batang sumbong at ungot ni Vilma nang makita kami sa set nila ni Jay ng "Tsimosang Tindera" sa may LVN. Iyan nga rin ang itatanong ko sana sa 'yo e. Balitang balitang-balita, a. Na secretly married na raw kayo ni Bobot. Sa Cavite pa raw. Diyos ko, Ate Mers. Hindi totoo ýan. Iyan din nga ang itinatanong sa akin ni Mommy Cora (Mommy ni Jay) kanina. Kung kasal na raw ako. Naku, sabi ko hindi! Ow, baka naman totoo na nga. Ayaw mo pang aminin wala namang masama roon. Pati ba naman ako paglilihiman mo pa. "Well, kunsabagay, hindi na nga pala ako kasali ngayon sa mga taong pinatatapatan mo. Panghuhuli kong wika. Medyo drama effect ang sound. Take one baga. Ito talaga si Ate Mers, oo! Palibhasa'y wala na aksing panahon ngayon kay Vilma 'tapos ako pa ngayon ang babaligtarin mo kaya nga ikaw ang sinasabihan ko nitong tsismis na kumakalat sa aking ngayon dahil hindi na kita itinuturing na iba. Para ipagtanggol mo ako. Pero iyon naman e, kung mahal mo pa si Vilma Santos. Kung hindi na, okay lang. Ganting drama naman nito.

Ooops, teka...teka. Drama na naman tayo niyan eh! Tuwing magkikita tayo, eksena na natin 'yan. O sige. Serious na tayo muna. O, anong problema natin, Kid? Iyon na nga. Kalat na kalat na kasal na raw ako ngayon. Oo nga eh. At balita pa na husband and wife na raw kayo ni Bobot diyan sa bagong bahay n'yo sa may Fairview. Diyos ko naman, hindi totoo 'yon. I swear. Maski mamatay man kaming lahat ngayon. Bakit hindi ko aamninin kung kasal na akong talaga e, wala namang masama roon? Ang kaso nga lang, hindi naman totoo e. Kung kasal na ako, ibubulgar ko, ba't hindi. Hindi ko ikakahiya at itatago na nagpakasal ako sa lalaking mahal ko. Dahil para sa akin, to marry the man I love would be the greatest event in my whole life, so bakit ko ide-deny 'yon? Okay...okay. Relaz, Kid. So hindi pa kayo kasal? Hindi pa talaga. Totoo 'yan? Totoong-totoo. Honest. Ang hirap naman sa'yo, parang hindi mo ako kilala eh. Kabisado mo naman ako, di ba? Pero may plano na kayong pakasal sa taong ito? A, wala pa. Desidido pa ako ngayong magpakasawa sa pagiging dalaga. Isa pa, deeply involved ako ngayon sa aking movie career. E, ano 'yung nabalitaan ko na ikakasal ka na raw sa Feb 4? Sinong nagsabi sa 'yo niyan?

Wala. Basta 'yan ang balita ko, e. Aw, come on. Alam ko may nagsabi sa 'yo niyan. Sabi na naman sa 'yong wala, e. Balita ko lang 'yon. Ow, mayroon alam ko. Dahil isang tao lang ang pinagsabihan ko niyan. O, kita mo na. Di totoo nga 'yung Feb 4. Hindi. Lokohan lang namin 'yon. Nino? asked ko kunwari. Hus, kunwari pa raw 'to e, alam ko namang alam mo kung sino. Dahil siya lang ang pinagsabihan ko niyan. Sino nga ba 'yon? Sabihin mo. Si Jay sino pa. Talaga 'yang Ilagan na 'yan, makikita niya. O, ikaw ang nagsabi niyan, ha. Wala akong binabanggit na pangalan ni Jay. Hindi, ang totoo Ate Mers, lokohan lang naming dalawa 'yon. Usapan pa nga namin double wedding kami, e. Sa Feb 4 nga. Hindi na. Ayaw ko. Nagbago na ng date si Jay. Sinabi niya sa amin sa February 14 siya pakakasal. Sa St. Andrew Church pa nga e. Hus, maniwal ka doon. Puro goodtime 'yon. Stir lang 'yon tulad nang wedding supposed to be ko sa Feb 4. Talaga 'yang si Jay na yan, oo. So talagang hindi totoo 'yung balita na kasal ka na? O, eto ka na naman. Sabi nang hindi...hindi and a thousang hindi. Hindi pa kasali 'yon sa mga plano ko sa ngayon.

So, no wedding plans for you yet this '73, ha? -paniniyak ko. Mahaba pa ang taong 1973. Ngayon pa lang tayo nag-uumpisa. Anything, can always happen kaya ayoko munang mag-comment. It depends. Malay natin. So, may possibility? U-hurmnnn. Ikaw talaga, Ate Mers, ha. Hinuhuli mo ako talaga ano. Kabisado na kita e. -At tumawa siya. Tawang Vilma Santos pa rin na kilala ko. 'Yung Vilma na hindi artista. O, ngayon kid, anong gusto mong i-headline na natin dito. Basta sabihin mo na lang sa kanila, pag ikinasal ako, ibubulgar ko. Hindi ko itatago. Lahat makakaalam. Promise 'yan. Please lang Ate Mers, ha. Ikaw na ang bahala. OO, ba. Basta ikaw. Hayaan mo. Bukas na bukas din, ihe-headline natin....Vilma Santos Ikakasal na sa Katapusan! Okaw ba 'yon? Ano? pabigla nitong tanong. Sa katapusan...sa katapusan ng mundo! And what d'ya expect? Kurot. Tawanan. Habulan. Iyan lang naman ang ending ng usapan namin nang hapong iyon. But one thing is maliwanag na ngayon, ha? Hindi pa kasal si Vilma. Take my word okay? - Mercy S. Lejarde, Bulaklak Magazine, 05 February 1973, reposted by Pelikula Atbp (READ MORE)