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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

KAMAY NA GUMAGAPANG (1974)

Basic Information: Direction:Tony Cayado; Story: Pablo S. Gomez; Screenplay: Mauro Bautista; Cast: Vilma Santos, Rosemarie Gil, Romeo Miranda, Alicia Alonzo, Dick Israel, Matimtiman Cruz, Tita De Villa, Jose De Villa, Venchito Galvez, Conrado Conde, Naty Mallares, Winnie Santos, Rey Tomenes, Elisa Robles, Louie Zapata; Original Music:Totoy Nuke; Cinematography: Felipe Santiago; Release Date:26 July 1974 (Philippines); Production Company: VP Pictures

Plot Description: No Available Data

Film Achievement: No Available Data

Film Reviews: "Pablo S. Gomez is one of the top komiks writers in the Philippines. He is also a movie scriptwriter and director. His most popular works include Kurdapya, Petrang Kabayo, among others...Among the prolific writers in the Philippines, Gomez created more than 1,000 komiks novels and stories. Some 300 of which were given film adaptations by movie studios like Sampaguita Pictures, Lea Productions, FPJ Productions, Seiko Films, Viva Films, and Regal Films...In the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s, his list of works that became blockbuster movies were...Kampanerang Kuba (1973), Kamay na Gumagapang (1974)..." - Wikipilipinas (READ MORE)

"...My first big break as a kontrabida was given by Dr. Perez of Sampaguita Pictures in Kamay Na Gumagapang. In one of our press conferences, he told everyone “Watch out for this guy, Dick Israel, he's going to be the next Eddie Garcia..." - Edwin P. Sallan (READ MORE)

"...Ang masterpiece ni Tony Cayado na Kamay Na Gumagapang (July 26, 1974) ay handog ng VP Pictures na pinangunahan nina Vi, Rosemarie Gil, Romeo Miranda, Alicia Alonzo, Dick Israel, Matimtiman Cruz, Tita de Villa, Venchito Galvez, Winnie Santos at Naty Mallares. Ito ay sa panulat ni Pablo S. Gomez at iskrip ni Mauro Bautista. "Beware: Kamay Na Gumagapang is creeping at your back!..." - Alfonso Valencia (READ MORE)

Related Reading:

• Top 100 Vilma Santos Films (part two)
• Kamay na Gumagapang (1974)
• Pablo S. Gomez From Wikipedia

Gov. Vi for Vice President?

There’s an offer, yes, for her to be the runningmate of Vice Pres. Noli de Castro in 2010 and she’s flattered but Vilma Santos said she’d rather focus on her job as governor of Batangas than give it a thought at the moment. She said this and more during the launch of her partnership with Pfizer as celebrity endorser of the pain reliever Ponstan. The well-attended event was held at the Isla Ballroom of Edsa Shangri-La Hotel in Ortigas the other day. Governor Vi, looking dainty and fresh in a red suit, was her usual candid and articulate self when she answered questions from columnist Cito Beltran who hosted the launch. As to how she handles responsibility, she said “hindi madali but I always give my best, binibigay ko buong-buo serbisyo na kapalit ng pagtitiwala ng mga tao sa akin…” If she said it’s not easy for her to do this, it’s because she’s also a wife (to former Sen. Ralph Recto who’s her mentor and senior adviser she said) and mother to Luis who’s now making a name for himself as actor, TV host and as celebrity product endorser too, and Ryan who she described as very intelligent, “laging nasa honor list.”

“But it’s really inspiring to be given trust and confidence,” she stressed. Though diminutive in size, Vi has always been feisty and strong, as she proved her mettle in everything she does, first as a no- nonsense actress who amassed accolades and awards and later as a politician. At the start of her political career, many expressed misgivings and doubts. But the challenges only made Vi stronger, and more determined, to prove her detractors wrong. She stressed: “Lalo akong tumitibay sa mga challenges, kaya kong salungatin ang mga paghamak,” and Cito likened her to the famed Batangas knife, “tumatalim kapag hinahasa.” She never thought she’d be a politician “but I finished three terms as mayor of Lipa, and I should say, with flying colors,” she proudly stated. It was a gargantuan task becoming mother to more than 200,000 Lipeños. “On my first year, I did housekeeping for Lipa, and I succeeded naman. Maraming problema at hindi sabay-sabay nagagawan ng solusyon ang mga ito but nagawan ko naman ng paraan ang lahat.”

Now, as governor of her province, Vi is mother to more than two million Batangueños. Her biggest concerns as governor are embodied in the acronym HEARTS – Health, Education/Environment, Agriculture, Roads or infrastructure, Tourism and Security. The biggest bulk of the province’s budget “sa HEARTS napupunta,” the lady governor said. Kung may enough time, comfortable na ang province, kung okay nang projects ko, pag-racket naman sa pelikula, duon ako kikita naman. Her job is physically, emotionally and mentally draining, she admited but she isn’t complaining. She finds it amusing that sometimes in the middle of an important meeting, she would be called out of it because a group or even a busload of visitors wanted to see her in person even if only for a minute. “Entertaining people, tapos picture-taking pa na walang katapusan, talagang nakakapagod, nakakastress but it’s all part of the job ika nga. At pag nakaramdam na ako ng sakit, sakit ng ulo, sakit ng katawan at ano pang sakit, that’s when I take Ponstan. My mother taught me to take pain reliever when needed, at usually she recommended Ponstan, at hindi lang pala sakit ng ipin ang nagagamot nito. Para sa akin, if you don’t feel well, huwag ka na humarap sa constituents mo, kasi your condition will reflect in your person.” She related that when Pfizer approached her for a possible endorsement of a product, they didn’t tell her what product it would be. But when Vi learned that it would be for Ponstan, she accepted without second thoughts, having used the product almost all her life and having proven for herself its effectivity as a pain reliever. “Hindi na kami nahirapan nag-negotiate,” Vi said. “We are very excited and honored to have Governor Vi as our celebrity endorser. We could not have chosen anyone else to effectively communicate the brand’s message to the public,” said Laiza Filart, product manager of Ponstan SF. She added that the choice to have Gov. Vi as the latest face behind Ponstan is the striking parallelism between the highly-effective brand and the hardworking public official. “They are really fit to be unstoppable partners. - Crispina Martinez-Belen, Manila Bulletin, Feb 22, 2008

SWEET SWEET LOVE (1972)

Basic Information: Story and Direction Maning Songco; Cast: Vilma Santos, Walter Navarro and Ike Lozada, Lillian Laing, Ricky Valencia, Lirio Vital, Kiti-Kiti, Rene Ordonez, Eddie Mercado, Roger Mariscal; Cinematography Felizardo Bailen; Music Wilears; Production Company: Mirick Productions, Inc.; Release Date: July 16, 1972; Film poster: Video48

Plot Description: No Available Data

Film Achievement: Film title, "Sweet Sweet Vilma" is also one of Vilma Santos' album.

Film Reviews: "...Besides teaming up with Edgar Mortiz during her teen years, Vilma Santos also starred and appeared in many movies opposite other leading men..." - Simon Santos (READ MORE)

"...Walter Navarro---fans called him "Pogi" and rightly so. In the 1970s, Walter was known as the most handsome face in the movie industry. Well mannered, tall, slim and mestizo, he embodied the "Prince Charming" of every Filipina girl..." - Wikepedia (READ MORE)

"...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..." - Oskar Salazar (READ MORE)

"...I was fortunate to do a hit movie with Vilma Santos, “Sweet Sweet Love.” I played her cousin in the movie, with Walter Navarro as her leading man. Vilma was a people person, always smiling. Later, I remember, I bumped into her in a studio, at the time she was making “Darna.” She was in costume. She was so sweet; she said hello..." - Ruben V. Nepales, Philippine Daily Inquirer, 8 August 2013 (READ MORE)

Related Reading:

• IMDB: Walter Navarro
• Lino Brocka's "Stardoom" (1971)
• Vilma Santos' other leading men (Circa 1969-1974) Part One

Quotes from Peers

As I browse my compilations of old magazines i realized how ate vi is being idolized by her colleagues in showbiz. Here are some quotes from them.

Armida Siguion Reyna – Simula ng mapanood ko si Vilma sa Trudis Liit naging Vilmanian na ako. Nobody comes close to her.

Snooky Serna: "Naging huwaran ko si ate Vi hindi lang sa career ko kundi maging sa personal kong buhay. I am very proud to be a Vilmanian."

Sharon Cuneta: "Bata pa ako hindi pa ako artista talagang idol ko na si Ate Vi. Pinupuntahan ko pa yan sa bahay niya para lang makita at maka-usap kahit ako lang mag-isa."

Kristine Garcia: "Kahit 1/4 lang ng tagumpay ni ate Vi ang marating ko masayang masaya na ako. Talagang idol ko siya. Idol siya ng buong pamilya ko."

Ai-Ai Delas Alas: "Kung alam lang ni ate Vi kung ilang beses akong nadapa sa paghahabol na makita siya. Siya ang naging inspirasyon ko sa pagpasok ko sa showbiz."

Korina Sanchez: "Simula noon hanggang ngayon pagbalibaligtarin man ang panahon VILMANIAN PA RIN AKO."

Amy Austria: "Si Vilma Santos ang idol ko. Maganda na , magaling pa."

Rio Locsin: "Type ko siya. Ang husay husay niya."

Lea Salonga: "Vilma is an actress that can compete with the top caliber actresses in Hollywood. She is an epitome of a real queen of Philippine Cinema. I really look up to her."

Dawn Zulueta: "Makasama ko lang si Ate Vi sa pelikula gagawin ko kahit libre."

Carlos Agassi: "Ng makasama ko si mMama Vi sa pelikula feeling ko puwede na akong mamatay."

Donna Villa: "Hindi kumpleto at walang katuturan ang pagiging producer ko kung hindi ako makagawa ng pelikula na bida ang hinahangaan kong si Vilma Santos."

Alvin Patrimonio: "It would be a great fullfilment if I make a movie with nmy favorite Actress Vilma Santos."

Martin Nieverra: "Vilma is my favorite actress. She is the only actress Ive known. Shes Great."

Jaclyn Jose: "Bago ako pumasok sa showbiz, die hard Vilmanian na ako. Nakikipag-away pa nga ako dahil kay Vilma."

Ana Capri: "Nangangatog ako ng una ko siyang ma-meet in person. Ganoon pala talaga ang feeling kapag naka face to face mo ang idol mo."

Glydel Mercado: "Bata pa ako ginagaya ko na ang acting ni ate Vi. Idol siya ng Nanay ko kaya naging idol namin siya."

Rufa Gutierrez: "I am very flattered when Lino Brocka said that I am the next Vilma Santos. But Vilma Santos is Vilma Santos shes incomparable."

Gabby Concepcion: "For me Vilma Santos is the Greatest Actress of all times."

John lloyd Cruz: "...Yung pinakamahirap kong eksena 'yung confrontation ko with Ate Vi. Sobrang mahirap siyang katrabaho, hindi dahil sa unprofessional siya pero dahil kapag katrabaho mo siya, napapatingin ka na lang, napapanood ka na lang...Parang 'yung isang confrontation namin andaming nangyari. Madaming blocking, palipat-lipat...Nung una, full shot lang ni Ate Vi. Siyempre support ako all the way. Kahit 'di ako kita, acting ako, ganyan. Pero nung reverse ko na, puro ako na, and it's time for me to deliver, nanonood ako kasi si Ate Vi kahit na support lang siya umaarte rin. Sobrang generous ni Ate Vi na kahit hindi siya kita sa camera, umaarte. Ibinibigay niya. So ako sa halip na intindihin ko 'yung emotions ko dahil kailangan kong mag-deliver, hindi ko magawa kasi ilang takes pinapanood ko siya. In that sense mahirap siyang katrabaho..."

Kim Chiu: "...Mino-motivate niya ako. Sinasabi niya, ‘Huwag mong isiping ako si Ate Vi’…Sabi niya huwag mong sasayangin ’yung eksena, ibigay mo na dahil minsan lang mangyayari ’to...Haaaaay, we love you, Ate Vi!..."

Mark Gil: "...she has not changed...Kung ano’ng pag-uugali niya when we were in Amsterdam together at pareho pa kaming bata noon, ganu’n pa rin siya ngayon. Considering all the achievements na kanyang natamo, ’di lang bilang artista kundi bilang public official din, I am glad she still takes to me as a friend..."

Leron Leron Sinta Films

Leron leron sinta (1972) - Directed by Emmanuel H. Borlaza, written by Nestor Torre, produced by Tagalog Ilang-Ilang Productions, featured Vilma Santos, Edgar Mortiz, Jay Ilagan, Florence Aguilar, Lillian Laing, Karlo Vero, Beth Manlongat, Ruben Tizon, Angelito, The Family Birth Control, Julius Obregon, Romeo Miranda, Rene Baraza, Lito Ladores, Eric Domingo, Caloy Distrito, Raffy Engle, Geoffrey Beltran, Catalino Almario Jr., Tacio Tangkad, Bayani Casimiro, Lito Calzado, Daisy Romualdez, and Manny Paner. (READ MORE)

Leron leron sinta (1964) - Directed by Rosa Mia, written by Gina Leonardo and Chari C. Araullo, adapted for screen by Medy Tarnate and Leticia Roxas, produced by Sampaguita Pictures, featured Susan Roces, Eddie Gutierrez, Liberty Ilagan, Introducing Ramil Rodriguez, Meldy Corrales, Bella Flores, Gina Pareno, Vic Pacia, directed by Rosa Mia. (READ MORE)

MGA REYNANG WALANG TRONO (1976)

Basic Information: Direction: Fely Crisostomo and Amalia Muhalch; Cast: Amalia Fuentes, Vilma Santos, Eddie Gutierrez, Robert Arevalo, Rudy Fernandez and Eddie Garcia/ Also Starring Rez Cortez, Greg Lozano and Mar F. Cornes; Story: Rino Fernan Silverio; Screenplay: Toto Belano; Cinematography: Hermo U. Santos; Production Company: AM Productions; Release Date: February 26, 1976; Serialized in Bondying Weekly Movie Specials - Video48

Plot Description: A story of two women who lived and reigned as queen in their own world. Dureza (Vilma Santos) a poor lass who got married to a rich man, Don Mauricio (Eddie Garcia) whom she does not love, but just to give comfort to her family. Amanda (Amalia Fuentez) a popular actress, whom people look up to, but due to unavoidable circumstances killed her husband. Both women end up in jail to pay for what they have done. Also stars, Rober Arevalo, Rex Cortez, Greg Lozano. Directed by Amalia Fuentes and Fely Crisostomo for AM Productions. - Trigon Video Distributor

Film Achievement: Film directed by two females - movie queen Amalia Fuentez and veteran director Fely Crisostomo; Originally written by Rico Fernan Silverio for Bondying Movie Special comics (1974-1975) and illustrated by Hal Santiago.

Film Reviews: "...By mid decades, Vilma Santos’ career was gradully moving into dramas catering the adult audience and films with social-adult issues. She did the sequel “Hindi Nakakahiya” and “Nagaapoy na Damdamin” about the affair of a young woman with an older man and “Mga Rosas Sa Putikan” about the lives of prostitutes. Aside from these films, she also did four light comedies and two notable ones: “Mga Reynang Walang Trono” a comedy with movie queen Amalia Fuentez and “Bato Sa Buhangin,” the box office hit that reunited her with the late Fernando Poe Jr. Bernal on the other hand, cemented his reputation as one of the most serious director with critically appreciated hit films, “Ligaw Na Bulaklak” staring the young sexy star, Alma Moreno and the drama film that featured two dramatic stars, Daria Ramirez and Elizabeth Oropeza in “Nunal Sa Tubig.” He also directed a light comedy, “Tisoy,” Christopher De Leon in title role..." - RV (READ MORE)

"...To recall, the senior and junior movie queens appeared in these movies: Bulaklak at Paru-paro (1970), Mga Reynang Walang Trono(1976) and Asawa Ko, Huwag Mong Agawin (1986). Amalia directed Vilma’s episode in Mga Reyna and agreed to second billing to Vilma in Asawa Ko. No doubt about it, Amalia Muhlach Sumilang Fuentes, is a Vilmanian. To seal their sisterhood and camaraderie, Vilma is Ninang to Liezl Martinez and to the latter’s son Alfonso. Why, Liezl even sang a song ’’Wind Beneath My Wings’ to her surprised mother that night which drove the strong-willed and still beautiful Amalia to tears. A Kodak moment, indeed. Priceless! While interviewing the three Muhlach generations, Fuentes, Liezl and young daughter Aliyanna, Amalia revealed to Vilma that she is protective of her ’unica hija’ Liezl. ”Ay naku, I think I also have become like my Mom, I’m also very protective of my children,” Liezl remarks..." - Mario O. Garces (READ MORE)

Related Reading:

• Filipino Movie Queens with Vilma Santos in Films
• Top 100 Vilma Santos Films (part two)

LERON LERON SINTA (1972)

Basic Information: Director: Emmanuel H. Borlaza; Screenplay: Nestor Torre; Cast: Vilma Santos, Edgar Mortiz, Jay Ilagan, Florence Aguilar, Lillian Laing, Karlo Vero, Beth Manlongat, Ruben Tizon, Angelito, The Family Birth Control, Julius Obregon, Romeo Miranda, Rene Baraza, Lito Ladores, Eric Domingo, Caloy Distrito, Raffy Engle, Geoffrey Beltran, Catalino Almario Jr., Tacio Tangkad, Bayani Casimiro, Lito Calzado, Daisy Romualdez, Manny Paner; Original Music: Danny Subido; Cinematography: Ben Lobo; Film Editing: Segundo Ramos; Art Direction: Alfonso Socito; Sound: Luis Reyes

Plot Description: Leron Leron Sinta stars Vilma Santos, Edgar Mortiz, Jay Ilagan, Florence Aguilar, Lillian Laing, Karlo Vero in this film that fuses music and film perfectly. Witness their characters explore the world of love and the beauty and madness that come with it. Watch them as they perform certain scenes with song numbers bringing pleasure and entertainment to the next level. - Kabayan Central (READ MORE)

Film Achievement: No Available Data

Film Reviews: "...By late 1969, movie producers had been tapping a Vilma Santos-Edgar Mortiz love team. Edgar was a Tawag ng Tanghalan winner. They started to be together in the movies, My Darling Eddie (1969) and The Jukebox King (1969)...In 1970, the love team of Vilma Santos and Edgar "Bobot" Mortiz was officially launched in the movie Young Love, together with the another popular love team during that time, Nora Aunor and Tirso Cruz III. The Vi and Bot love team went on to do 14 more movies in 1970—The Young Idols, Songs and Lovers, Sweethearts, Sixteen, Love Letters, Love is for the Two of Us, Mga Batang Bangketa, My Pledge of Love, Renee Rose, Baby Vi, Because You Are Mine, Edgar Loves Vilma, From the Bottom of My Heart, and I Love You Honey. All did well at the box-office..." - Rommel R. Llanes (READ MORE)

"...Noong Dekada ’70, ang mga young stars ay kailangang marunong kumanta dahil yun ang uso kaya naman nagtayo ng sariling recording company ang nasirang manager ni Vi na si William Leary dahil ayaw niyang pahuhuli sa uso ang kanyang alaga. Ilan sa mga naging recording artists ng WILEARS RECORDS bukod kay Vi ay sina Edgar Mortiz, Ed Finlan, Sahlee Quizon, Hilda Koronel at Esperanza Fabon. According to Vi, kapag nagrerecord siya ng kanta ay nakatalikod siya sa dingding ng recording company at si Bobot ang umaalalay sa kanya. Ang SIXTEEN, na sinulat ni Danny Subido ang unang recording na ginawa ni Vi at ito ay flipsided by It’s So Wonderful To Be In Love. Ang SIXTEEN ay agad naging gold record at dahil dito ay gumawa ng pelikula ang Tagalog Ilang Ilang Productions, ang home studio ni Vi at ito ay ginawa nilang pamagat katambal si Edgar Mortiz. Hindi nyo naitatanong, muntik nang manalo si Vi bilang most promising singer sa AWIT AWARDS noong early ’70s..." - Alfons. Valencia (READ MORE)

"...The loveteam of Edgar Mortiz and Vilma Santos endured a stiff competition from teeny bopper love team of Nora Aunor and Tirso Cruz III and came up with equal success with string of hit films during the musical era of the 70s. Together they did forgettable but commercial hits and also some hints of the years to come to Vilma Santos’ long career. The most notable one: Dama De Noche. Total Number of films with Vilma Santos – 25 (Young Love, Teenage Jamboree, Songs and Lovers, Renee Rose, My Pledge of Love, Mga Batang Bangketa, Love Is for the Two of Us, I Love You Honey, From the Bottom of My Heart, Baby Vi, Love Letters, The Wonderful World of Music, The Sensations, The Young Idols, Sweethearts, Sixteen, Leron-Leron Sinta, Edgar Love Vilma, Don’t Ever Say Goodbye, Dama de Noche, Anak ng Aswang, Because You Are Mine, Kampanerang Kuba, Kasalanan Kaya, Karugtong ang Kahapon..." - RV (READ MORE)

"...Si Edgar Mortiz ang unang nakapareha ni Vilma Santos as a teen star. Nakilala sila as the "Subok na Matibay, Subok na Matatag" loveteam called Vi and Bot at naging magka-steady sila sa tunay na buhay. Marami silang ginawang pelikula as teen stars in the early 70s..." - Showbiz Portal (READ MORE)

What’s Love Got To Do With It? Isang Gabi Tatlong Reyna

One rainy Friday night in August, 1990, all roads led to the Metropolitan Theater where the top-rating and the most awarded musical-variety TV show VILMA! would air one of its most-watched episodes, ever. Vilma Santos, who would turn 37 that year, was on cloud nine. She was the toast of the town, in both movies and television. Her Lino Brocka directed movie, “Hahamakin Lahat” was a commercial and critical success. Come hell or high water (there was a tropical storm), fans queued at the SRO theaters and saw her out and out Cruella Deville role as Gabby Concepcion’s paramour. Some like her bad. Vilma, the versatile actress scored again. Earlier, she won her first of six Star PMPC and her fourth Urian best actress awards for her ’best’ performance in years in Pahiram ng Isang Umaga, which was directed by Ishmael Bernal. She also just finished Kapag Langit ang Humatol with Laurice Guillen at the helm. At the PMPC Star Awards for TV, Vilma’s show harvested the biggest awards. And on that particular rainy night at the jam packed Metropolitan Theater, Vilma Santos was paying tribute to a Movie Queen she loved dearly and who reciprocated that love. Amalia Fuentes was the special guest, who just turned 50. Vilma! was giving her a tribute, with special appearances of former Sampaguita Productions ’stars.’

Everybody knew that despite the infamous Romeo Vasquez/Vilma Santos le-affair Amalia and Vilma remained the best of friends. With a sincere, charismatic and humble La Vilma, who could resist her charm? Yes, the original Taray Queen, forceful and outspoken former queen of Philippine movies, she with a strong personality but with the most beautiful face in Philippine cinema, acquiesced to her friend’s request to grace the most watched TV show. Love begets love. Respect begets respect. The retired and reclusive Amalia Fuentes could not say no to the current darling of Philippine movies. To recall, the senior and junior movie queens appeared in these movies: Bulaklak at Paru-paro (1970), Mga Reynang Walang Trono(1976) and Asawa Ko, Huwag Mong Agawin (1986). Amalia directed Vilma’s episode in Mga Reyna and agreed to second billing to Vilma in Asawa Ko. No doubt about it, Amalia Muhlach Sumilang Fuentes, is a Vilmanian. To seal their sisterhood and camaraderie, Vilma is Ninang to Liezl Martinez and to the latter’s son Alfonso. Why, Liezl even sang a song ’’Wind Beneath My Wings’ to her surprised mother that night which drove the strong-willed and still beautiful Amalia to tears. A Kodak moment, indeed. Priceless! While interviewing the three Muhlach generations, Fuentes, Liezl and young daughter Aliyanna, Amalia revealed to Vilma that she is protective of her ’unica hija’ Liezl. ”Ay naku, I think I also have become like my Mom, I’m also very protective of my children,” Liezl remarks.

Ex-Sampaguita stars Luis Gonzales and German Moreno served as Vilma’s co-hosts who provided comic relief as they recalled their Sampaguita days with Amalia Fuentes. Debonair Eddie Gutierrez also came to greet Amalia a Happy Birthday. Then Daisy Romualdez, Amalia’s contemporary and best friend danced the mambo/cha-cha with dancing queen Vilma, along with Kuya Germs and Luis Gonzalez. “I messed up that dance number,” Daisy gamely confesses, “wala kasing practice.” On her friend Nena (Amalia), Daisy admires her colleague for being frank and outspoken like her. “Nagkasundo kami kaagad dahil pareho kaming prangka ni Nena, hindi kami plastik,” she bemuses. The highlight of the evening was when Vilma introduced another special guest, the other Queen of Philippine movies, Amalia’s rival, Ms. Susan Roces. Radiant and regal in her Susan Roces hairdo and dark, glossy gown, Ms. Roces was polite and generous with her comments on her kumare-rival. Vilma, obviously starstruck, throws a question to Susan: “What can you say about Ate Nena as being mataray and you Ate Susan as soft-spoken?” Susan: “I’d like to make a correction Vi, Amalia is not mataray, she is just outspoken, pero nasa lugar, so there’s a difference there.” Applause from the audience. ”Alam mo ba Vi na my mother dotes on Amalia dahil pareho silang prangka? Sabi ng Mommy ko, iyang si Susan hindi pumaris kay Amalia, prangka at di iyakin.”

Amalia on Susan: “I want to be like Susan dahil she is so sweet and soft-spoken. Doon nga sa weekly sessions namin, sabi ni Doctor Perez, why don’t you be like Susan, matiyaga sa fans, ikaw, sumakit lang ang ulo mo, ayaw mo nang harapin ang fans.” Guffaws and chuckles. The conversation turns serious. Vilma: “How did you handle the competition? Did the intrigues get in your way, affected you?” Susan, smiling sweetly, with a politically correct comment: “Hindi naman. We were in the same movie company and we were treated fairly. We’re like one big family. In your case with Nora, and Gloria Romero and Nida Blanca, it’s different. Magka-iba kayo ng movie companies.” Vilma: “Ay ang sarap, sana, one of these days magksama rin kami ni Nora Aunor like this one, Ate Susan and Ate Nena, together.” Amalia Fuentes, Susan Roces and Vilma Santos. Isang Gabi, Tatlong Reyna. – Susan, a movie queen, honoring a rival-friend movie queen Amalia on her 50th. birthday. Amalia confessed on the show and thanked Susan for throwing a surprise birthday party for her days before the Vilma show. What’s love got to do with it? In the case of Susan and Amalia, it’s love. In the case of Vilma and Amalia, it’s also love. Diva to diva. Competitors can be friends. May it also happen to Vilma Santos and Nora Aunor. Rivals on the silver screen, friends for life. A fter all, love conquers all. It is more permanent than fleeting fame and fortune. - Mario O. Garces