Jukebox King - "...Victor Wood, dubbed as the Tom Jones of the Philippines, was a popular singing sensation during the 70s. Songs like Mr. Lonely, Eternally, Carmelita, Crying Time, I Went to Your Wedding, You Are my Destiny, Pearly Shells, Sweet Caroline, among others were all top hits. He was awarded a total of 34 gold and platinum records earning him the title of ‘Jukebox King.’ Titles of his movies, which were moneymakers too, were mostly lifted and taken from his hit singles..." - Simon Santos, Video 48 (READ MORE)
Simple Life - "...He gets teary-eyed at the mention of his children by five wives. I have 12 children, ranging in age from 18 to 30. Except for two who live with me, the rest are all based in the US, and I have not seen them for decades. I also wonder how my 16 grandchildren look. Victor seems to love the simplicity of life now. When I die, I will have nothing to bring with me. Fame brought me the good life, in the same manner it had torn me to pieces. I am thankful to the mothers of my children. They were the ones who put order in our lives. Victor estimates he makes only about P92,000 a year. He does not have any investments these days. He subsists on payments of previous sales of paintings. He has a savings account. His demands in life, he says, are few. Its a simple way of living. Theres food on the table. I dont go shopping or malling. The lone TV that sits in the furniture-less sala is my sole connection to the outside world. If theres one thing I like to brag about, it was my countless battles with my ego. I have turned hate into love. That people still call him idol is enough assurance that he has not been forgotten. His songs still appeal to the heart. Physically, you need to be satisfied; mentally, you have to survive, and spirituallythat, you need above all. If you have all three, you are the wealthiest man alive. So is Victor Wood happy now with his life? Its a question that drives him to tears..." - Philippine Daily Inquirer Via Thomson Dialog NewsEdge (READ MORE)
Victor "Vic" Wood (born February 1, 1946 in Buhi, Camarines Sur, Philippines) is a singer, actor and politician. His voice earned him various titles, including "Jukebox King" and "Plaka King." Before becoming a singer, Wood starred in some productions of Sampaguita Pictures. - Wikipedia (READ MORE)
Victor Wood and Vilma Santos
Little Darling (1972) - "...Nang magtambal si Vi at Victor Wood sa pelikulang My Little Darling noong 1972.....nag-demand noon si Victor na mauna siya sa billing kay Vi dahil noong mga panahong yun ay talagang siya ang undisputed jukebox king.....subali't hindi ito nangyari..." - Alfonso Valencia (READ MORE)
Love Letters (1970) - "...,,,Love Letters is a musical films specially made for the fans of “teeny-bopper” stars – Vi and Bot. The film was probably shot with improvisations, which means, without a written script. This was noticeably clear as the film’s main characters and the actual names of the actors were not change at all. The film’s main plot was the the stealing of love letters that ended in court, followed by picket line (ala-”Occupy” Wall Street) that was hard to believe. And also the one-after the other testimonies of Edgar, Vilma and both parents that were irritatingly funny. Although we are used to Vilma’s tolereable singing, we’re more surprise to see a singing Alona Alegre! She looked more like Eugene Domingo (clearly before her sexy films/image). One more thing, Alona’s wedding gown was worth a second look, its not like your ordinary wedding gown. The head piece was a beaded hood that covers her hair and neck. With so much singing, Baby De Jesus’s voice stands out among the girls but her piano playing acting was over the top. Victor Wood’s duet with Edgar Mortiz, “Beautiful Dreamers” is worth downloading. Danny Subido was responsible for inserting all the musical numbers that was quite a tasks particularly without a well written musical screenplay. The film was shot in Baguio City and cinematographer, Avelino Peralta’s did a wonderful job showcasing the city on Vilma’s day dreaming except for the akward courtscenes. Love Letters was produced by Tagalog Ilang-Ilang Production and directed by Abraham Cruz, a forgettable film that only a die hard Vi and Bot fans (and those who loves film nostalgia) can only appreciate..." - RV (READ MORE)
From the Bottom of my Heart (1970) - "...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)
My Pledge of Love (1970) - "...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)