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Enjoy! - Fernando Po Jr. gets a big kick watching Vilma Santos does the laudry in FPJ Productions' rollicking comedy, "Batya't Palu Palo," which Pablo Santiago directs. Starring Dencio Padilla, Roberto Talabis, Angge, Royal Dahlen and the mainstays of FPJ. "Batya't Palu Palo" is filmed in full color and will be shown sometime in April.

In Her Own Words - "...Kapag natatalo ka naman, especially that time (before her first Urian victory in 1982), talagang sumasama loob ko. Kasi nag-e-expect ka, ang kasunod nun, sana manalo ako. Kapag natalo, ang sakit. Pero ngayon, kahit paano natikman ko na naman yung mga awards na iba-iba. Kung hindi ka ma-recognize, fine. It's an honor to have eight Urian Best Actress. Isa sa ginagalang talaga na award giving body is Urian. The judges there, aminin natin hindi basta-basta, mga critics talaga. Korona 'yon sa akin. Achievement na malaki. Peron ngayon, nilalagay ko sa isip ko na hindi ibig sabihin na ikaw ang pinakamaraming natanggap na Urian eh ikaw ang pinakamagaling. Sinuwerti lang yun per movie na ginagawa mo, kung paano mo ginagampanan yung role mo. But at the end of the day, after the awards night, pantay-pantay ulit tayo..." - Starsstudio Magazine, July 2011

Lucky 7 - "Reports have it that Vilma Santos has recently acquired a house in Greenhills for a whopping amount of seven million pesos. Santos, the reports add, will move in to the new residence on her birhtday, Nov. 3. The number 7 seems to play a significant role in the actress' life. In 1981, she discovered - to her horror - that she was buried in debt to the tune of 7 million pesos. Seven years later, she's lording it over on television's rating's chart with her top rated musical variety show on Channel 7. And wasn't her son Lucky now seven year-old, born weighing 7.7 lbs. and was baptized on the 7th day of the 7th month in 1981? And now she bought a new house for seven million pesos. At any rate, now that Santos' new abode is located in the Greenhills area, the San Juan exclusive subdivision might as well be considered the new Beverly Hills of local movies..." - Manila Standard, Oct 4, 1988 (READ MORE)

Seven Star-Studded Days Kick Off Tonight - "GMA-7 takes primetime television by storm as it unleash a prowerful entertainment package of internationally acclaimed bestsellers, world-class blockbusters and certified local chartsbusters starting today, November 7, Day one of its "Seven Days To Remember In November" special programming. Towering power, A Musical Dedication kicks off the spectacular showcase by gathering the GMA Family of Stars and some of the biggest, brightest names in the entertainment world in a two-hour musical extravaganza starting at 7 p.m. GMA's prized star Vilma Santos maintain the momentum with a two-hour suspense drama, Lamat sa Kristal, her first TV-movie ever, with Richard Gomez as co-star and ace megman Maryo de los Reyes as director at 9 p.m...The celebrated musical variety show Vilma throws a grand birthday presentation-celebrations on Day Five starting at 7 p.m. live at the Araneta Coliseum..." - Manila Standard, November 7, 1988 (READ MORE)

A Graceful Exit for Vilma - "There is one star who knows how to time her exit - Vilma Santos. Vilma must have wise counsel and also the ability to shift career gears in the right direction. It was a tearful goodbye to Vilma, the weekly TV show she nurtured for 15 long years, but it was the way it should be. The show, if we have to be frank (Aminin!) was starting to show signs of fatigue. It was the type of show that should be vibrant and exuberant all the while. And Vilma herself was starting to show wear and tear. She was at that age when it was already ridiculous to dance and prance on stage every Friday of your life. Her stature also as a politician's wife made it more unsettling, to say the least. Therefore, she made the right decision. Among other things, it also saves Channel 7 and her staff those long hours of cracking their heads on what to do next. As annouced, Vilma and husband Ralph Recto will go back to the US. Congressman Ralph is taking course in a US university there and Vilma, just plain housewife for a month will accompany him. My guess is that they will have medical authorities help in their desire to have a baby. That cannot be done here. Besides, the biological clock is ticking fast for Vi and it is now or never. She should go for it while there's still time. Artificial insemination is now an easy process and a lot of childless couples have use it. Remember when Sophia Loren was having that problem. She had to stay prone in a bed in Switzerland so as not to disturb the fetus inside her. All for Ralph, Vilma says. But most of all, for her too. Pregnant or not, she is set to comeback here after one month. Her next project will be a dramatic series like the Nora Aunor drama series that will soon start. This is just the right vehicle for Vilma now. No more dancing and being thrown up in the air for her. Thank heavens she had the sense to quit on time...." - Norma Japitana, Manila Standard, August 9, 1995 (READ MORE)

Star Looking for young Vilma Santos - "After more than a year's absence, the Star for All Seasons, Vilma Santos, return to the big screen via Star Cinema's Rosa, a film based on the life of comfort woman Ma. Rosa Henson. At the helm of this special project are director Marilou Diaz-Abaya and scriptwriter, Ricky Lee. Star Cinema is looking for a young girl to play the crucial part of 14 year-old Rosa. Applicants must be female, 13-16 years old, height must be 5 feet and below, can act and hould resemble Vilma. Those interested may proceed to Star Cinema..." - Manila Standard, July 19, 1996 (READ MORE)

10 Years Ago: Search for "new Vilma Santos' doesn't pan out "Ten years ago this month, TV's number one show was "Regal Presnts." Trailing behind were "Okey ka, Fairy Ko," "Tagalog Movies," "Maricel Soriano Drama Studio," Chika, Chika, Chicks," "Mother Studio Presents," "Goin' Bananas," "Magandang Gabi, Bayan," "Kris," "Vilma!," "The Sharon Cuneta Show," "Palibhasa lalake," "GMA Presents," "Alice," "Mel and Jay" and "Tonight with Dick and Carmi." Viewers leaned toward drama, comedy, investigative journalism, talk show and song and dance "variety" shows. Sound familiar? With the exception of Mexican telenovelas and some show titles, nothing has changed much to date...Vilma Santos was in her late 30s and movie producers were scouting around for "the new Vilma Santos," with two "finalists" then in the running: Alice Dixson and Janice de Belen. Although Alice already had "Alice," there was no "Janice" for Janice. Unlike Vilma, neither of them progressed to having exclamation points affixed after their names as the titles of their respective shows. In those days, the Star for All Seasons' show was anticipating competition from "Awitawanan," a musical-variety show hosted by the Reycards and Pilita Corales. Also competing were Roderick Paulate and Martin Nievera. Paulate won over Nievera as the PMPC TV Awards' best male TV host, but this decisin did not sit well with most people, critics and viewers alike..." - Noelani TorrePhilippine Daily Inquirer, March 10, 2001 (READ MORE)

Bravo Ate Vi! - My long overdue visit to my beloved alam mater, UP's College of Mass Communication and out tambayan, the Broadcating Association, was a dejavu of sorts for me, and an overall enjoyable afternoon. Besided seeing the newer breed of young "broad-assers" as we call them (pardom the term of endearment), as well as my close professors-associates, I also witnessed the awarding of the Gawad Plaridel to the country's premiere actress, Lipa Mayor Vilma Santos, which my friend Rome Jorge talks about in today's banner story. Instead, let me fill you in on the glittering list of Ate Vi's well wishers that day - from her industry colleagues to the academic multitude to her loyal Vilmanians - who all gave the gem of an artist a standing ovation at the end of her 45-minute speech. She had of course her husband the Senator Ralph Recto to escort her. I meanwhile, had the privilege of attending the event with the head of the Film Institute Prof. Ed Lejano and his birlliant namesake, my fave, Prof. Ed Piano. The audience, meanwhile, had such bigwig names like Atty. Esperidion Laxa, ABS-CBN and Star Cinema executive Charo Santos-Concio, film director Chito Roño, scriptwriter Ricky Lee and Pete Lacaba, fellow actor Tirso Cruz 3rd, film critics Bienvenido Lumbera and Mario Hernando, and National Artist Napoleon Abueva, who is the sculptor of the highly revered Gawad Plaridel trophy. To say that Ate Vi's lecture was powerful is an understatement, as Rome will no doubt tell you. How I wish there were more intelligent and passionate individuals like her in local show biz. Inspiring rather than...never mind! Let's just get on with my prowl! - Amiel Martin Cabantig (READ MORE)

Vilma and Ralph, now business partners "...Vilma Santos and Ralph Recto are now business partners. They have formed the Crystal Dragon Enterprises, a talent agency with offices at the 15th floor of the Strata 100 Building in Pasig. On the same floor, is the office of Manny Padilla, Dina Bonevie's date during Dolphy's recent birthday bash at the Philippine Plaza. Padilla's family reportedly owns Strata. Padilla who was formerly linked to beauty queens Aurora Sevilla and Glennah Slayton, has been heard asking about Alice Dixson, another former beauty queen herself...After Vilma Santos, Jackilou Blanco, Jobelle Salvador and Rita AVila, his eyes are now set on Ms. Luisa "Lulu" Jimenez, Ms. Maja Pilipinas '87, Espina is said to be serious in pursuing Jimenez that he reportedly gifted her a diamond ring.... ..." - Nitz Miralles, Manila Standard - Aug 13, 1988 (READ MORE)

I went to their weddings... - "...Another memorable wedding was that of star for all seasons Vilma Santos and Ralph Recto at the century-old Lipa Cathedral in Batangas. I was a principal sponsor then and running late so I had to check into a cheap motel that was nearer the church than the house of Danny Dolor where I was supposed to dress up. The wedding was enchanting. Obviously, the townsflok loved the couple. For all intents and purposes, they were royalty. The adoring throng jampacked the church and the grounds surrounding it, wishing to catch even a glimpse of one of their own who came home to wed his exquisite bride. The newlyweds couldn't make a graceful exit after the wedding. They ascended to the balcony of the church and waved to the crowd, who respond with tumultous applause, I had goosebumps. At that time, politics was farthest from Vi's mind and Congress was yet in Ralph's dream but, right then and there, I knew they were both destined for greater things...Some two decades earlier, Guy also figured in another controversial wedding, that of Winnie Santos to Bong Morales. Almost everybody who went to the wedding wore sunglasses -not because they needed protection from the sun but because they had to hide their tear-filled eyes. The bride herself was forever crying. At one point, seh even collapsed. Indeed, the story behind this is teh stuff of which soap operas are made. Winnie is the sister of Vilma Santos. She fell in love with Eddie Boy Villamayor, Nora Aunor's brother. Due to that alone, their love already had the makings of a disaster. Eddie Boy was the jealous type and they'd forever be fighting. Until Winnie got tired of it all and broke off with Eddie Boy who become so distraught and heart-broken that he began to tread the path to self-destruction. At a show biz party, Guy saw Winnie. She went up to her and angrily asked, "Who are you to destroy the life of my brother?" or something to that effect. Winnie fled in tears, totally mortified. That was when she decided to accept one of her suitors, Bong Morales. Not too long after that, they were married. On the eve of the wedding, Eddie Boy sought Winnie out. Loaded with whatever it was he took, he walked from Project 8 in Quezon City where he lived, all the way to Magallanes Village in Makati where the Santoses resided. It was raining, (Why does it always rain when something dramatic is happening?). Eddie Boy knocked on the door of the Santoses' home. He pleaded to speak to Winnie. He wanted to be one of the principal sponsors in the wedding. His pleas fell on deaf ears. Flashforward: Eddie Boy was never the same again after that. As for Winnie, after the wedding, she and Bong flew to the US to live, but they have divorced since. Their three children live with Winnie..." - Inday Badiday (READ MORE)

On With the Show - "Vilma Santos went through with the taping of her first drama special, Lamat sa Kristal, during the rage of killer typhoon Unsang. While it wrought havoc in the entire nation and claimed numerous lives and destroyed properties, the whole production made good use of the terribly bad weather to set the mood for the top actress' tele-movie. Indeed, there's nothing like Mother Nature providing the real atmosphere, as teh stars and crew braced the strong winds and heavy rains. To the said stars and crew the showbiz rule "the show must go on" still holds true, no matter what the weather is...Comedian Vic Sotto was Vilma Santos' guest co-host recently (for the second time around) and it was obvious he did it to promote his latest movie Good Morning Teacher, with Coney Reyes and Aiza Seguerra. The first time Sotto co-hosted in Vilma was two years ago in the show's summer special. This time, he brought along Seguerra and they did a song number together to the delight of the televiewers. Sotto also sang with the show's host and, as usual, he had a few tricks up his sleeves, as he brought out flowers hidden from his pockets down to his socks, to offer Santos. But the comedian proved to be a gracious co-host since he limited his Eat Bulaga antics to a more tolerable level..." - Meg mendoza (READ MORE)

Vilma Finally Gets her Massacre Movie - "Vilma Santos finally gets her wish to star in a massacre movie under director Carlo Caparas with her role as Helen Arandia in the Lipa Massacre. The film is about the Aradia family tragedy (a mother and her two daughters were killed by a neighbor while Mr. Arandia was abroad). Congressman Ralph Recto plays himself in the movie Vilma had to forego a trip abroad to shoot another film just to help promote this massacre movie. Producer Donna Villa is all praises for Vi's professionalism and her concern for this movie. Playing Mr. Arandia is Joel Torre, who has become a favorite of the Golden Lions couple after he worked with them in the Antipolo Massacre. The Lipa Massacre movie will have a playdate on November 9..." - Norma Japitana (READ MORE)

Vilma Santos: Ms. Perfect - "The idea of a perfectionist is not hard to believe. Not if you realize that he essence of perfection simply lies in achieving challenging results. The idea of prefection is difficult to emulate. Not if you're aware that a public figure like Vilma Santos does demonstrate time-honored perfected skills. Take for example her distinguished movie career which started in the 60s, gained credibility in the 70s, zoomed in the 80s and continues to shine in the 90s. It is an exceptional, multi-awarded career worthy of respect. It is a career marked by acting skills honed by years of being nutured by the best directors in the country. The perfectionist skills Vilma applied to such challenging roles in Broken Marriage, Relasyon, Sister Stella L., and the Dolzura Cortez Story, among many others, can be traced to her sense of realism and discipline; they are skills which owe a lot to tireless enthusiasm and unfaltering drive. Consider, too, her remarkable career as attested by the long running weekly special, Vilma. Vilma's family life, meanwhile, is awe-in-spiring. It is a subject that has generated much curiousity among showbiz observers. It is a topic Vilma herself prefers keeping private, but whose quality she nevertherless attributes to the time she spends with her son Lucky and husband Ralph Recto. Busy woman that she is, Vilma stresses she wants only the best consumer products for her family. And these include using Breeze Powerwhite. Vilma the perfectionist movie actress, TV personality, mother and husband has discovered Breeze powerwhite, a quality product of Unilever Philippines (PRC), Inc. as the perfect detergent." - Manila Standard, April 9 1994 (READ MORE)

Stage Play - Contrary to popular belief, Charito Solis and Vilma Santos' first project together wasn't the festival entry, Modelong Tanso (this was their second film), It was a Cultural Center of the Phillipines' passion play titled, "Ang Hari."

Vilma Santos candidate for Mayor of Lipa City "...Edwin Ermita, only son of Batangas Kingmaker Rep. Eduardo Ermita, representative for Western Batangas and chairman of the Laka-NUCD party for the Southern Tagalog region, witnessed last Friday the filling of certigicate of candidacy of veteran and multi-awarded actress Vilma Santos-Recto for the mayorship of Lipa City. Santo-Recto's running mate is incumbent provincial board member Boy Manguera. The young Ermita who is running for governor on a platform of a united and progressive Batangas, heads a formidable team that has already achieved a clean sweep of the 1995 elections for the Lakas-NUCD. The young Ermita intends to unite the fractions Batangas leadership into a much stronger and dynamic team. "Should I win, party affiliations or interes," the young Ermita pledged. Santos-Recto is seen as a sure winner in vote-rich Lipa City. The young Ermit, vice president of Solid Bank, one of the largest commercial banks in the country today, on the other hand, is perceived as the epitome of the kind of youthful, professinal and energetic leadership that a newly emerging boom province like Batangas needs. Ricky Recto, who is running for vice governor, and Manguera, who is running for vice mayor of Lipa City, are also seen as fine examples of the ever growing crop of youthful professionals who have, of late, joined the political scene of Batangas...." - Manila Standard, Mar 30, 1998 (READ MORE)

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Vilma is the first Filipino actress to be featured in Time Magazine - The Philippines: Let Them See Films. When politics became pretty much a one-man show in the Philippines, the people lost a prime source of entetainment. Part of the gap has been filled by a burgeoning home-grown film industry, which displayed nine of its new productions at the Manila Film Festival last month. Some 2 million moviegoers saw the films. Some of the movies were historical dramas pointing up the search for a Filipino identity during the long years of Spanish rule. But the most acclaimed were contemporary stories with a heavy populist touch. The festival’s smash hit was Burlesk Queen, starring Filipino Superstar Vilma Santos. It tells the syrupy tale of a poor girl who turns to burlesque dancing to support a crippled father. She falls in love with the son of a politician, elopes with him, and then tragically loses him back to his possessive mother. The treacle is supplemented with some gritty argument about the rights and wrongs of burlesque, with a lefthanded dig at censors. Huffs the burlesque impresario at one point: “Who are they to dictate what the people should see?” Time Magazine Feb. 13, 1978 Vol. 111 No. 7

Hibiscus Rosasinensis - Vilma Santos, acclaimed as moviedom's "Star for All Seasons," has been immortalized in "another world". It is the world of floriculture, or the art and science of growing and propagating flowers and other ornamentals. Not long ago, a hybrid gumamela (scientific name: Hibiscus Rosasinensis) was launched by the University of the Philippines-Institute of Plant Breeding (UPLB-IPB) in honor of the talented, multi-awarded actress. Named "Hibiscus rosasinensis:Star for All Seasons," the Vilma gumamela is the first in IPB's new batch of Hibiscus hybrids, the Celebrity Star series, to be named after veteran and accomplished Filipino actresses. A hybrid is the product of crossing of two plants with superior qualities. These superior qualities of both parents are passed on to the seed and results in a phenomenon called "hybrid vigor" or "heterosis." The Hibiscus hybrids in the celebrity star series were selected from the 3,000 progeny seedlings from the mass hybridization conducted in 1998, reported Dr. Candida Adalla, the first woman to become dean of the UPLB College of Agriculture since it was founded on the foothills of legendary Mt. Makiling in 1909. Dr. Adalla and noted plant breeder, Reynold Pimentel presented Hibiscus rosasinensis;Star for All Seasons plant to Mayor Vilma Santos during the Lipa City (Batangas) 56th Foundation Day celebration last Aug. 25. The actress-mayor was ecstatic in thanking UP Los Banos for giving her that honor and privilege. In her extemporaneous speech, the petite actress-politician, in jest, cited the plant's "semi-dwarf" character, saying that she would be eternally grateful for UPLB's gesture of naming a gumamela hybrid after her.

Charito Solis: “Vilma is a better actress than Nora” - OOPS! Keep your cool, dear Noranians, and listen to Charito Solis’ explanation before you accuse her of being, uh, “maka-Vilma.” “Vilma has a wider range as an actress while Nora is limited and typecast in certain roles,” Charito said in a tone devoid of intrigue, answering our question in a straightforward, matter-of-fact manner. “Si Vilma, puede kahit anong role, kahit bold. You can’t imagine Nora doing a bold role, can you?” But, and that’s the big but, “Nora has more depth than Vilma,” Charito added, “and it’s because of her expressive eyes. Nora is very effective in scenes where she doesn’t say anything, just act with her eyes, at ‘yan ang kulang ni Vilma. Vilma has to say something to be effective.” Charito has worked with Vilma twice (in “Mga Tigre ng SierraCruz” and “Modelong Tanso”) and with Nora once (“Minsan May Isang Ina”). Speaking in general now, said Charito, “Vilma is the better actress.” We asked Charito that ticklish question during the lunch presscon for her latest movie, the star-studded Mother’s Day offering of Regal Films titled “Dear Mama”, which also stars Gloria Romero, Laurice Guillen, Snooky, Janice de Belen, Julie Vega, Manilyn Reynes, Jaypee de Guzman, Rey “PJ” Abellana and Alicia Alonzo in the title role. Our own personal opinion somehow jibes with that of Charito whose “throne”, I suppose, will be inherited by Vilma (while Nora will inherit the “throne” of the other drama queen, Lolita Rodriguez). Written by Ricardo F. Lo, The Phil. Star, April 03, 1984

Vilma Santos ranked 86th in BizNewsAsia Magazines’ 100 Most Powerful Filipinos - Education: Crash course on local governance, primary health care, human resource development and fiscal administration, UP. The Star for all season has proved cynics wrong that movie people have little between their ears, aside from a beautiful face or a handsome profile. As mayor of burgeoning Lipa, she has been chosen “most outstanding city mayor” in 2000 by the Civil Service Commission. Her popularity helped her husband Ralph Recto win a senate seat in 2001, and she can easily win a senate seat for herself if she gets tired of running Lipa city. The mayor with an ageless face received the Ten Young Achievers award in 1992. - BizNewsAsia Magazine, June 2004

Vi - Vilmanians, diehard fans of Vilma Santos, 45, the renowned actress-politician and the longest-reigning box-office queen in the Philippines. Last year, hundreds of screaming Vilmanians jammed the Quezon City tax office as Santos showed up to pay delinquent taxes. Many of them had come to seek her authograph. Santos, whose full name is Rosa Vilma Tuazon Santos-Recto, began her career as an award-winning child actress and singer in 1963. In 1992, she married Ralph Gonzalez Recto, scion of a famous political clan in Batangas province, just south of Manila. Recto, then only 28, parlayed his wife’s name to win a congressional seat in Batangas. He ran as “Mr. Vilma Santos.” Last year, Santos herself contested and won the elections for mayor of Lipa City in Batangas. She has denied accusations that her family is trying to build a political dynasty. People vote for the Recto clan, she said in a television interview before the elections, because “they had done a good job in the province.” Vilmanians would unhesitatingly agree. - June 25, 1999 Asiaweek

A real Roman holiday - When Sen. Ralph Recto went to Rome for the first time a few years ago, he threw a coin in the fountain (Fontana D Trevi) believing that, according to tradition, if you do so your wish will be granted. You know, the song: Three coins in the fountain, which one will the fountain bless? Thrown by three hopeful lovers, each one seeking happiness… Ralph threw only one coin and his wish to be back in the Holy City was granted. Last March 24, Ralph was back in Rome, not alone but with his wife, Lipa City Mayor Vilma Santos, and their son Ryan Christian, along with Vilma’s sister Emelyn, Vilma’s brother Sonny Boy, Ryan’s yaya Fely and Vilma’s Girl Friday/accountant Aida Fandialan. They were there purposely as guest in the ordination of Cardinal Gaudencio Rosales, formerly Archbishop of Lipa and now Archbishop of Manila. It was one event the Rectos will remember for a long, long time. The formal invitation to the ordination read: Prefettura Della Casa Pontificia Consistoro Ordinario Publico tenulo dal Santo Padre Benedetto XVI per la creazione di 15 nuovi Cardinali Venerdi 24 Marzo 2006 piaza San Pietro – ore 10,30. The footnote in the card read: L’ingresso sara consentito Dalle ore 8,30. Cardinal Rosales was No. 5 on the list of 15 new cardinals who were given the red hat. The day before the ordination, the entourage went around as if they were wearing a halo all because they saw Pope Benedict XVI in person. Because they were with the foreign dignitaries, Vilma, Ralph and Ryan got close to The Pope, together with First Daughter Luli Arroyo, Cristina Ponce Enrile, Bea Zobel and the family of Cardinal Rosales. Because Ralph knew his way around, he acted as the entourage’s tour guide, even as the photographer (along with Sonny Boy). When they visited the Fontana D Trevi, Ryan threw plenty of coins because, he said, he wanted to be back in Rome as many times as possible. The rest of the group did the same. On March 29, Ryan turned 10. To mark his birthday, Papa Ralph gifted his boy with 11 toys, the extra toy as “bonus” for the celebrator’s having gotten good grades at La Salle where he made it to the Top 5. Bright boy! Ryan also got a few medals last year during the oratorical contest. By this time, the entourage should be in Los Angeles to be with other members of the Santos family (including Winnie Santos). On weekend, the birthday celebration continued for Ryan who was brought to Disneyland for yet another visit. From April 13 to 17, they will go on a Royal Caribbean tour, with Mexico as kick-off point. They will be back in time for the birthday on April 21 of Vilma’s son Luis who must be hitting his head on the wall for begging off from the trip. It was, indeed, a real Roman holiday. Asked by Funfare during a brief phone chat if she wanted to go back to Rome, Vilma said, “Yes, of course. By all means!” Thank God, she threw not just one but a handful of coins to the Fontana D Trevi. Written By Ricardo F. Lo, The Philippine Star, 04/03/2006

Lifetime Achievement Award - At the opening last night of the 5th Makati Cinemanila International Film Festival at the Greenbelt Cinemas, Vilma Santos, best actress winner of seven URIAN awards, FAMAS Hall of Famer (five trophies), and various STAR and Film Academy of the Philippines awards, was given a Lifetime Achievement Award. Vilma Santos film career spans several decades starting with Trudis Liit at age nine for Sampaguita Pictures. She metamorphosed into a popular star in the 70s, rivaled only by the superstar, Ms. Nora Aunor, and went on to become a highly respected multi-awarded actress. Some of Vilma's memorable films include Relasyon, Broken Marriage, Ikaw ay Akin, Pahiram ng Isang Umaga, directed by Ishmael Bernal; Sister Stella L, directed by Mike de Leon; Rubia Serbios, directed by Lino Brocka; Ipagpatawad Mo, directed by Laurice Guillen; Pagputi ng Uwak, Pag-itim ng Tagak, directed by Celso Ad Castillo who also megged her milestone film Burlesk Queen; Bata Bata, Paano Ka Ginawa; and Dekada 70, directed by Chito Rono which will be reshown at the Cinemanila filmfest. Ms. Santos has also appeared in films by Eddie Garcia, Elwood Perez, Emmanuel Borlaza, Rory Quintos, and Marilou Diaz Abaya. Ate Vi to her fans, she is also a popular television personality with one of the longest running musical variety shows, and a TV drama series to her name. Married to Senator Ralph Recto, she has two sons, and is on her second term as mayor of Lipa City, Batangas. She will be joined at the opening rites of Fil-Am actors from Hollywood Tia Carrere and Lou Diamond Phillips, and Indonesian actress Christine Hakim, the first Indonesian to sit on the jury of the Cannes Film Festival. They will all be awarded Lifetime Achievement Awards. - Manila Bulletin (READ MORE)

From Billboard (Manila) - TV artist Mari-Len Martinez' single debut on Villar is "If You Could Read My Mind." her signing fee is one fo the highest here....Jean Young, another TV artist whose national breakout years ago was "Nikki Hoeki," also was signed by Villar. Formerly, she was recording artist of Jonal, now in the verge of closing up...The new male contractees of Villar are the Two of Us (Jojit Paredes and Ronnie Henares) and balladeer Jun Polistico. Single debut of the Two of Us is "Snow Queen of Texas" while Polistico's is "Theme from "Godfather." Alice Mendez, grand national champion of the institurional "Tawag ng Tanghalan" radio-TV amateur program, debuted in the release of a "A House is Not a Home" on Pioneer, a label of Vicor Music. The song was her winning piece last year...Vicor is preparing the album debut on Badjaoof TV host and columnist Justo C. Justo. The LP will be in the Visayas-Mindanao region of the Philippines. Film artist Walter Navarro (Vicor) will have his first LP, "King of Balladeer," this month. He is a contract star of Lea Productions and principal mainstay of the El Bodegon Club. Navarro is doing a film musical with Vilma Santos (Wilear's) with Mirick Productions...the film musical "Winter Holiday," which stars Nora Aunor (Alpha) and Tirso Cruz III (Vicor) was second top grosser in the recently concluded Manila Film Festival. The team's movie musical "Guy and Pip" was the top grosser last year..."Remembrance," another film musical, was chosen "best musical" in the Manila Film Festival. The film stars Vilma Santos (Wilear') and Edgar Mortiz (Wilear's). The film also won in the categories of best film editing, best sound and best script...Vicor artist Victor Laurel will do a film with Lea Productions opposite Hilda Koronel. - Oskar Salazar, Billboard July 29 1972

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No Dragon lady Joel Lamangan's Mano Po, My Love dominated the Metro Manila Film Festival awards Wedenesday evening when it won all the top awards - Best Picture, Best Actor (Christopher de Leon), Best Actress (Vilma Santos) and Best Director (Lamangan). In the Philippine movie industry, the term Best Picture actually means the least bad movie of the crop. By that measure, Mano Po 3 perhaps does deserve the award. At least Mano Po 3 is slickly and tastefully produced. It boasts of a prestigious cast and tries to address a few pressing issues that affect the Chinese community in the Philippines. All the looks good on paper and the movie does look good most of the time but the resulting movie, like its two predecessors, falls short on expectations. The Mano Po series was designed to present the travails of today's Chinese. Most of the problems they face today are rooted from old traditions that originate from the great land they had come from. In the third movie, Vilma Santos plays Lilia Chiong Yang, a successful real-estate developer who does some important civic work on her free time. She helps the police capture kidnap gangs although it's never explained how she assists them. She's only shown accepting awards of grattitude for her courageous fight against crime.

Lilia's perfect life is shattered when she bumps into the real love of her life, Michael Lim (Christopher de Leon). They went to school together but being an activist, he was compelled to flee the country to avoid being persecuted by the Marcos regime. Not long after Lilia marries Michael's best friend, Paul yang (Jay Manalo). Of course, a flame is reignited when they meet again and plans for the 25th wedding anniversary of Lilia and Paul are shattered. Such soapy contretemps are old hat and it has nothing relevant to say about the Chinese. Consequently, the Chinese connection feels tacked on - the audience is sporadically reminded of Lilia's heritage through elaborate scenes (the birth of Lilia in a small village in China) and some colorful costumes and Chinese dragon parades. Frankly, you'll learn more about Chinese tradition from Mark Meily's classic film Crying Ladies (2003). Likewise, the film's social commentary is contrived and rings false, what with the stilted, elementary dialogue the actors have to deliver. Without the Chinese trappings, Mano Po 3: My Love is a typical Vilma Santos movie designed to highlight all the wonderful elements that make her a star for all seasons.

Again, she sobs, laughs and acts pensive in that distinctive fashion Santos is famous for in one sudsy scene after another. Yet even as an emblematic Vilma Santos movie, Mano Po 3 is below par. The Star was better in other films that had better material. In this movie, screenwriter Roy Iglesias and director Joel Lamangan shamelessly force the star to imitate Meryl Streep in a scene stolen from Clint Eastwood's Bridges of Madison County (1995). And like the two first installments, Mano Po 3 features some strange casting. Jay Manalo is supposed to be a contemporary of de Leon and Santos but when you see them together, Manalo looks more like their son than a classmate. Lamangan's storytelling is fluid and deliberate but being deliberate can be deadly when almost every scene is all talk. Talk is fine if the words are inspiring but when the lines are pallid and of the telenovela variety, we's just rather stick to the Korean soap they show on TV. While actors deliver modulated performances, this writer feels that Christopher de Leon's role is too small to warrant a best actor nomination and award. I think he should have listed in the supporting category but I'm opening a can of worms here. Let's just be thankful that this is the last Mano Po movie to be ever made. (Star rating: one star 1/2 out of four) - Dennis Ladaw, The Manila Times, Feb 28, 2005 (READ MORE)

Love-Hate drama between "martyr" mother and "rebel" daughter - Star Cinema should be commended for deciding to make a film about a Filipino overseas contract worker who periodically leaves her family to ears much-needed dollars abroad. "Anak: is a bittersweet account of a mother's dilemma: the money she brings in assures her children's physical well-being, but her absence during their crucial growing years leaves them with a shaky foundation that takes its terrible toll on them, asw well as on her, when she finally decides to come home. Rory B. Quintos' films hits intense emotional highs, especially in scene involving its veteran lead player, Vilma Santos, who feels her role so much that she comes across as a symbol of all mothers torn between their love for their children, and their need to earn money by working abroad to give their children a better life. Her pain is exarcerbated when they show their resentment over her long absences, as though she didn't suffer from the separation as much as or even more than they. And everything comes to a head when eldest child (Claudine Battetto) flaunts her wayward life and vices in her mother's face, to hurt her as much as she feels she has been hurt by her "uncaring" parent.

In addition, the film gains in significance by touching on some less personal issues related to the huge problems of our overseas contract workers and the families they leave behind: terrible working conditions, psyhological trauma, low self-image, the wearing down of traditional values, etc. Unfortunately, the production's decision to focus on the mother-daughter conflict deprives the movie of enough time to dramatize these issues in an insightful way. Thus, the interesting characters played by Amy Austria and Cherry Pie Picache, who are cast as Vilma's worker-friends, are glossed over and mainly used for "color" and as shoulders to cry on. This is a pity, because they too have compelling, instructive stories to tell, which could have lent greater texture and substance to the film's handling of the complex OCW syndrome. Instead, the movie keeps harping on the love-hate drama between "martyr" mother and "rebel" daughter, with Claudine's character sinking deeper into her pit of anger and recrimination. All too soon, the pattern becomes tedious, and we keep hoping that the movie discovers other, more productive dramatic and thematic avenues to explore. To make things worse, Claudine acts her guts out in her "hurt and angry" scenes, but she can't seem to rise to the thespic occassion.

This may be because her character's acts of rebelliosness are presented in too strident a fashion, making it difficult for the young actress to be truly sensitive to her character's core of genuine pain. It's also possible that Claudine has been acting too much of late, what with her daily TV soaps that require her to play triplets, so she has prescious little that's fresh and real to give to her role in this film. Whatever the reason, she falls short of the mark, particularly in her demanding confrontation scenes with Vilma. For her part, the veteran actress is given major dramatic challenges in this movie, and she meets them with her intensity and commitment. More, she embraces them, pushing her scenes "beyond acting," into emotional reality that is truly moving. If only her young costar had been as insightful, sensitive and giving... So, we thank Star Cinema for the good things in "Anak," but we regret its deficiencies, which not even a Vilma Santos can fully compensate for. More films on our OCW's are needed to truly do justice to their immense problems, and to their quiet heroism for love ones and coutry. - Nestor U. Torre, Philippine Daily Inquirer, May 14, 2000 (READ MORE)

Kamusta na si Vi? - I have a "new" job and in keeping with its requirements I tried to circulate these past few days. One does not go through life being an entertainment editor alone so I figured I must do something else. Or so I thought. Imagine when during my first meeting with some people who I thought were not in anyway connected, or interested, in showbiz I was initially confronted with the question: "Kamusta si Vi?" I was flabbergasted. "Pati ba naman kayo?" I would have proceeded to my usual defense spiel but on second thought I decided it was quite an edge, to begin with. I turned out one of them's a true-blue Vilmanian and he claimed he "knew" me from way back. Now, that poses a problem. What if some of them are Noranians? Or avid supporters of Maricel Soriano, Sharon Cuneta and Snooky Serna? Would that jeopardize my new job? At any rate, the foregoing is nothing but an excuse to grant a request from someone who sells this paper and to accomodate a press release sent by Nestor Pulido, GMA-7's vice president for publicity and promotions. Kamusta si Vi? Read on. Local television's No 1 musical variety show, Vilma, scores a first when it holds this year's summer show at the Raging Waters Resort in Los Angeles California.

According to Ray J. Benaza, president and general manager of Pride of Philippine Television, Inc. - the outfit responsible for this event - Vilma Santos has formally agreed to bring her show to the Filipinos in L.A. Dubbed "Pistahan sa Raging Waters with Vilma" the show will have a Filipiniana theme. The show will climax a week-long stay in L.A. of the country's premiere actress along and tv performer along with her party from May 15 to 22. Among the activities lined up for the superstar are courtesy calls with Philippine Consul General Anolin and Los Angeles mayor Tom Bradley; tours of Universal Studios, Disneyland, Rodeo Drive, and Sea World in San Diego; meetings and autograph-signing with "kababayans;" and interviewing Filipino celebrities now residing in L.A. The grand show will be held at the Raging Waters Resort from 1 to 3 p.m. on May 21, Saturday (LA time). Among the guests who have agreed to perform in the show are Louie Reyes, Willie Nepomuceno and Mitch Valdez. Santos will also be doing production numbers with a Los Angeles dance group. Ariel Ureta co-hosts the affair. A victory party follows the show, with singing and other entertainment numbers, at the Camp Bonneli park and there will be a pitching of several tents in the campsite and declare the press as "Vilma Camp." Choice video footage of the party and Santos' other activities wil be shown in succeeding episodes of Vilma as soon as the group is back from L.A. - JC Nigado, Manila Standard, Apr 8, 1988 (READ MORE)

Nora Out, Vilma In! - "Superstar out; Vilma! and The Sharon Cuneta Show are in. This is according to the latest PSRC survey of the top 20 shows for January. Topping the list in the once-a=week evening program is Ramon Revilla Blockbuster in PPP on Channel 13 with a rating 51.7 percent...The Sharon Cuneta Show (13), 35 percent...Vilma! (7), 26.3 percent..." - Baba FloresManila Standard, Feb 25, 1987 (READ MORE)

Resigned - Roderick Paulate finally resigned last Friday from GMA-7's Vilma! which he co-hosts with formeer good friend Vilma Santos. As adult stars, Paulate's regulaar tv association with Santos started with the erstwhile VIP (Vilma In Person) almost four years ago in the now defunct City 2 of Broadcast City.- Manila Standard, , Mar 29, 1987 (READ MORE)

Is Ralph Recto Married? - Is Ralph Recto, Vilma Santos' current boyfriend, married? Is the woman and the baby beside him in the Recto family portrait that came out on March 26 issue of teh Philippine Star his wife and his child? These are but two of the question rained by people who saw the same photo in the said newspaper. Santos, on the other hand, does not hide the fact, that she is supporting her boyfriend's father, senatorial aspirant Rafael Recto. A look at her car, which carries the candidate's poster is enough proof.- Manila Standard, May 4, 1987 (READ MORE)

Star Awards - "...But the loudest screams were reserved for the arrivals of Sharon Cuneta and Vilma Santos...Vilma's portion was very Hollywoodish. She sang and danced with a dozen dressed almost like her. The she proceeded to do her emceeing job with Christopher de Leon as partner...Other winners..best picture: Gaano Kita Kamahal...best director: Butch Perez; best actor - a tie, Christopher de Leon and Philip Salvador and best actress, Vilma Santos..." - Norma Japitana, Manila Standard, Mar 15, 1994 (READ MORE)

FAP - "Vilma Santos and Philip Salvador won the top awards at the 12th Annual Academy Awards of the Film Academy of the Philippines conducted at the reception hall of the Philippine International Convention Center Saturday night. Ms Santos won the best actress for the role she portrayed in the Dolzura Cortez Story. She portrayed the role of a woman dying of acquire immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). Philip Salvador won the best actor award for his role in Masahol pa sa Hayop which was also judged best picture of the year..." - Manila Standard, April 26, 1994 (READ MORE)

Para Hindi Pagsawaan - Ronnie Ricketts has earned his spurs as an action star. His movies earn millions so that producers, astute businessmen that they are, have been willing to stake their millions on his films, confident that their investment can be recouped in no time at all. But Ronnie is also shrewd when it comes to his career, and carefully chooses the films to star in. As a result, Ronnie is now in the league of such local biggies as Rudy Fernandez, Bong Revilla and Philip Salvador. Moviestars Productions' Ikaw Lang is a far cry from the usual stories Ronnie had starred in. It is a love-drama, but Ronnie nonetheless accepted it because of the welcome change. First, it headlines him opposite the "Star for all Seasons," Vilma Santos, one of the very top actresses he hasn't done a move with. He had worked with Vi in a telemovie the much-awarded actress produced years ago, but this is the first time they're together in a film. Ikaw Lang is a welcome departure from a long spate of action flicks he has been identified with. "So people would not get tired watching me in one action picture from another. Para naman hindi pagsawaan." Ronnie is under contract with Movie Stars Productions and can't say no to Mrs. Fely Ong, his producer in Pacwood Films, who gave him one of his best movie in years, Anak ng Dagat. She has been very supportive and treats him like a son. Since action is Ronnie's forte, there are scenes in Ikaw lang, about 20 percent of the movie are scenes where he does a bit of action to please his loyal followers. "Its still action for me anytime. But sometimes, like this one, daopat mayroong change. Para naman hindi magsawa ang mga fans," Ronnie explained.- Manila Standard, Jan 6, 1993 (READ MORE)

Chicago International Film Festival - An invitation was extended to either Armida Siguion-Reyna or Vilma Santos to sit as a juror at the Chicago International Film Festival in October where two Filipino films will be in competition, Regal Films' Ang Kriminal ng Baryo Concepcion (directed by Lav Diaz) and Seiko Films' Burlesk King (by Mel Chionglo). Armida told Funfare that she has accepted the invitation. However, Vilma turned it down because she's pressed for time. She has started shooting Star Cinema's Anak (with Claudine Barretto as her daughter) and after that, she'll start work on Peligro for Viva Films, with Christopher de Leon as leading man and director. Vilmanians will be happy to know that the Chicago Filmfest bigwigs have described Vilma as "the Meryl Streep of the Philippines" in the invitation. Take a bow, Meryl Streep, er, Vilma Santos! - Ricky Lo, August 9, 1999, Reposted by: Sol Jose Vanzi (READ MORE)

The Latest from Vilma Santos - On her trip to the U.S.A.: "Heaven! A complete rest na matagal ko nang hinahanap." Nang bumili siya ng house & lot sa Los Angeles: "A very good investment. Pagkatapos ng commitments ko rito, babalik ako roon para magbakasyon ng six months." On love and marriage: "Tipong talagang hindi ko pa natatagpuan ang lalaking hinahanap ko but definitely, hindi ako magiging old maid!" On Nora Aunor: "Kanya-kanyang suwerte lang. Kung medyo angat ako sa kanay ngayon gaya nang sinasabi ng iba, masaya. Palagay ko, suwerte lang ang nagdadala!" - Kislap Magazine, July 27, 1978

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