Para sa nalalapit na kaarawan ni Vi

Noong later part ng 1962, nagkaroon sila ng family reunion sa nilipatan nilang apartment sa La Loma at ang isa sa mga naging bisita nila ay si Amaury Agra na isang cameraman sa Sampaguita Pictures. Si Amaury ay isang malayong tiyuhin ni Rosa Vilma, na ang asawa ay pinsan ni Papa Amado. Noong makita ni Amaury si Rosa Vilma ay agad niya itong tinanong kung gusto niyang mag-artista dahil ang Sampaguita Pictures ay naghahanap ng isang batang lalabas sa kanilang susunod na pelikula, ang Trudis Liit na sinulat ni Mars Ravelo at natutunghayan sa Liwayway Magazine. Noong una ay ayaw ng mag-asawang Amado at Milagros na pumasok sa pag-aartista ang batang si Rosa Vilma dahil pareho silang abala sa trabaho, bukod pa sa gusto nila na pag-aaral muna ang asikasuhin ng batang si Rosa Vilma, subali't isang araw ay nakatanggap sila ng sulat mula kay Amaury at sinabing ipinalista niya ang pangalan ni Rosa Vilma para mag-audition sa Sampaguita Pictures kung saan si Dr. Jose R. Perez ang isa sa mga screening committees. Dahil hindi nila mapahindian si Amaury kaya't nag-day off muna si Mama Milagros sa Aguinaldo's para samahan si Rosa Vilma sa Sampaguita studio. "Diyos ko po," ang nasambit ni Mama Milagros dahil mahigit yata sa tatlong daan ang mga batang nag-a-apply, lima lamang ang magiging finalists at sa limang finalists ay dalawa lamang ang kukunin, isang batang babae at isang batang lalaki na gaganap na kapatid ni Trudis Liit. Ang suwerte naman, dahil ni-reveal ni Dr. Perez na bago pa sila nagpa-audition nang araw na yun ay meron na silang napiling limang finalists noong previous screening at inisip ni Mama Milagros na lahat ng nag-audition nang araw na yun ay wala ng pag-asa pero sinabi ni Amaury na gusto lang niyang mag-try out si Rosa Vilma para sa susunod nilang pelikulang pang-mahal na araw ng 1963 na pinamagatang Anak Ang Iyong Ina.

Si Amaury ay nasa location shooting noong araw na yun. Samantala, nang si Rosa Vilma na ang nag-audition, sa harap ni Dr. Perez at ni Direktor Jose de Villa at nang ipinagyugyugan na si Rosa Vilma ni Bella Flores ay parang gripong tumutulo ang kanyang mga luha. Nakita ni Mama Milagros sina Dr. Perez at Direktor de Villa na nagtitinginan at pagkatapos ng screening ay sinamahan ni Direk De Villa ang mag-ina sa opisina ni Dr. Perez na nag-extend ng congratulations kay Rosa Vilma na siyang gaganap na Trudis Liit at yung limang finalists ay gagawin na lang supporting sa mga forthcoming na pelikula ng Sampaguita Pictures. Suot ng isang magarang damit, pumunta na ang mag-ina para sa isang screen test subali't ang magandang damit ay pinalitan ng gula-gulanit, parang basahan. Inumpisahan nang lagyan ng make-up ni Jesse Lopez, ang make-up artist ng studio sapol pa noong era nina Carmen Rosales hanggang sa era ni Amalia Fuentes si Rosa Vilma. Nagtanong pa ang batang si Rosa Vilma kung bakit pa siya kailangang lagyan ng make-up at ang gusto lang daw niya ay huwag masyadong makapal at kung pwede ay pulbos lang. Gumiling ang camera, sumigaw ang direktor ng" Action!" Nag-umpisang mandilat ang mata ni Bella at cry to death naman ang Rosa Vilma. "Cut!" sabi ng direktor. "Very good!". Si Bella ay niyakap ang batang si Rosa Vilma at sinabing...Aba, first take lang nakuha mo kaagad. Ang galing. Congratulations, Trudis Liit. The whole set was no screen test, but an actual take. Si Maria Rosa Vilma Tuazon Santos ay isa ng ganap na bituin sa edad na siyam na taon. May mga tanong noon kung ano ang itatawag nila kay Rosa Vilma onscreen. Ang mag-asawang Amado at Milagros ay gustong i-retain na lang ang pangalang Rosa Vilma subali't si Dr. Perez ay nag-object dahil marami na daw Rosa sa pelikulang Tagalog, merong Rosa Mia, Rosa Rosal, Rosa Aguirre. Nag-suggest na lang si Dr. Perez na alisin ang Rosa at tawagin na lang na Vilma Santos.

Sa Trudis Liit, ang batang si Vilma ay binayaran ng Php 1,000 sa isang kondisyon na sa susunod na pelikula ay lalabas ulit siya at ito nga ay yung Anak Ang Iyong Ina. Dito sa Anak Ang Iyong Ina ay Php 700 ang kanyang take-home pay. Bukod kay Bella Flores, kasama rin ni Vilma sina Lolita Rodriguez, Luis Gonzales at Connie Angeles sa Trudis Liit, "The Motion Picture That Will Tear Your Heart To Pieces" (as proclaimed by the film's ad). Ito ay sa screenpaly ni Chito Tapawan. Nagkamit ng FAMAS Best Child Actress si Vilma dito sa Trudis Liit. Impressed na impressed si Direk De Villa sa batang si Vilma dahil sa isang explanation lang eh nakukuha na kaagad nito ang mga instructions. Sabi ng mga co-workers ni Vilma, si Vilma ay merong fantastic memory and can easily dish out even a kilometric dialogue. Pagkatapos ng Trudis Liit at Anak Ang Iyong Ina, sunod sunod na ang ginawa niyang pelikula katulad ng King and Queen For A Day, Aninong Bakal, Morena Martir, Iginuhit Ng Tadhana at Pinagbuklod Ng Langit. Samantala, gumawa rin ang batang si Vilma ng isang weekly tv series sa ABS (the former KBS in Roxas Boulevard) sa direksiyon ni Jose Miranda Cruz na may pamagat na Larawan Ng Pag-ibig kasama sina Willie Sotelo at Zeny Zabala at tumagal ito ng dalawang taon sa ere. In between tapings of Larawan Ng Pag-ibig and schoolwork, siya ay gumawa rin ng mga pelikula sa iba't ibang outfits katulad ng Ging, Naligaw Na Anghel at Sa Bawa't Pintig Ng Puso. Later on, ginawa ring pelikula ang Larawan Ng Pag-ibig. Gumawa rin siya sa Larry Santiago Productions ng mga pelikulang Maria Cecilia, Kay Tagal Ng Umaga at Hindi Nahahati Ang Langit. Sa mga sumunod na taon ay ginawa rin niya ang mga pelikulang Ito Ang Dahilan, De Colores, Kasalanan Kaya?, Sino Ang May Karapatan? at Sa Baril Magtuos. Dito sa Sa Baril Magtuos ay kasama niya sina Ronald Remy at Romeo Vasquez.

Noong 1967 ay ginawa ni Vilma ang The Longest Hundred Miles, isang war movie for international release sa pangunguna ng Hollywood actor na si Ricardo Montalban, Doug McLure at Katherine Ross. Noong nagsisimula pa lang si Vilma sa Sampaguita Pictures, isa sa mga pelikulang pinanood niya kasama ang buong pamilya ay ang award-winning na The Miracle Worker. Ang role ni Patty Duke as the young Helen Keller ang kanyang pinakapaborito at ninais niya hanggang sa ngayon na makagawa siya ng pelikulang katulad nito. Sabi ni Papa Amado, si Vilma ay hindi "spoiled" dahil kahit artista na siya, pinapalo pa rin daw niya ito kung sa palagay niya ay may nagawang kasalanan. Sabi naman ni Mama Milagros si Vilma pag may isang bagay ng gustong gawin, ito ay kanyang itinutuloy. Sabi naman ng movie scribe na si Ched Gonzales, si Vilma daw ay katulad din ng isang ordinaryong tao na mahilig sa manggang hilaw na may bagoong at sa sitsirya katulad ng popcorn, pretzel, chicharon at butong pakwan. Gustong gusto daw nito na may kinukukut-kukut. Noong 1968, si Vilma ay nominado ng FAMAS para sa best supporting actress category, kasama sina Lolita Rodriguez at Eddie Rodriguez sa pelikulang Kasalanan Kaya? Siya ang pinakabatang aktres an nominado sa kategoryang ito. Hindi man siya pinalad na manalo sa FAMAS subali't ang San Beda College ay binigyan siya ng Best Supporting Actress award. Sa pagsasara ng dekada 60, si Vilma ay naging popular sa mga television shows kagaya ng Tinno Lapus' Eskwelahang Munti sa Channel 7. Dito ay itinambal siya sa undefeated Tawag Ng Tanghalan champion for twelve weeks na si Edgar Mortiz.

Ang unang pelikulang pinagtambalan ni Vilma at Edgar ay ang JBC Productions' My Darling Eddie topbilled by the late Eddie Peregrina. Noong 1970, ginawa in Vilma at Edgar ang pelikulang Love Is For The Two Of Us kasama sina Helen Gamboa at Ricky Belmonte. Sa telebisyon, si Vilma at Edgar ay may regular shows na Oh My Love at The Sensations sa Channel 2. Ang kanilang tambalan ay tinawag na "subok na matibay, subok na matatag." Noong Enero 1, 1970, ipinalabas ang superhit na pelikula ng VP Pictures na Young Love kasama ang loveteam nina Nora Aunor at Tirso Cruz III. Dito na nagsimula ang rivalry ng Vilma-Edgar loveteam at Nora-Tirso loveteam. Noong 1971, ang tv show na The Sensations ay ginawa ring pelikula ng Tagalog Ilang Ilang Productions sa direksiyon ni Tony Santos, Sr. Noong Nobyembre 1971, ang popular lovebirds ay pumunta ng Hawaii at Estados Unidos para gawin ang mga pelikulang Aloha My Love at Don't Ever Say Goodbye. Marami pa ding mga pelikulang ginawa sina Vilma at Edgar at kabilang na dito ay ang mga pelikulang I Do Love You, From The Bottom of My Heart, Because You're Mine, Eternally, Edgar Loves Vilma, Vilma My Darling, My Love At First Sight, The Wonderful World of Music, Remembrance, Renee Rose, Angelica, I Love You Honey, Our Love Affair, Mga Batang Bangketa, Baby Vi, Dulce Corazon, Anak Ng Aswang at ang inilahok sa 1972 Quezon City Film Festival na Dama de Noche kung saan hindi man siya ang naging best actress dito subali't sa FAMAS nang sumunod na taon ay siya ang naging Best Actress ka-tie si Boots Anson Roa. Samantala, Abril 28, 1974 nang maghiwalay ng landas sina Vilma at Edgar.

Maraming Vilma-Edgar Fans ang nalungkot at inisip nila na magkakabalikan din ang dalawa subali't hindi na ito nangyari hanggang sa si Vilma ay itinambal sa iba't ibang leading men. Pero bago pa sila naghiwalay ay itinambal na din si Vilma kina Paolo Romero sa pelikula ng Virgo Productions na Ikaw Lamang kung saan nagkamit ito ng Best Picture sa 1973 Quezon City Film Festival, Manny de Leon sa mga pelikulang Teen-age Señorita at Cariñosa, Walter Navarro sa Sweet Sweet Love at Dalagang Nayon, Jay Ilagan sa Tsismosang Tindera, Ang Konduktora at Inspiration, Tirso Cruz III sa Ding Dong, Nobody's Child at Give Me Your Love, Victor Wood sa My Little Darling, Victor Laurel sa Ophelia At Paris, Prinsipe Paris Walang Kaparis, Jojit Paredes sa Tok Tok Palatok, Ronnie Henares sa Let's Do The Salsa at nitong huli ay kay Christopher de Leon sa Tag-ulan sa Tag-araw. Talagang poor second lang noon si Vilma kay Nora Aunor, subali't nang gawin niya ang trilogy film ng Sine Pilipino na Lipad Darna Lipad ay talagang lumipad ng husto ang kanyang box office appeal. Sinundan pa ito ng mga pelikulang Takbo Vilma Dali at Hatinggabi Na Vilma. Anupa't itinambal din si Vilma sa mga matured leading man na katulad nina Eddie Rodriguez sa mga pelikulang Nakakahiya, Hindi Nakakahiya Part 2 kung saan nagkamit siya ng Best Actress Award sa 1st Bacolod City Film Festival at Simula Ng Walang Katapusan, Dante Rivero sa Susan Kelly Edad 20, Chiquito sa Teribol Dobol, Dolphy sa Buhay Artista Ngayon, Joseph Estrada sa King Khayan & I, Fernando Poe Jr. sa Batya't Palu Palo at Bato Sa Buhangin, Jun Aristorenas sa Mapagbigay Ang Mister Ko, Dindo Fernando sa Langis at Tubig at Muling Buksan Ang Puso at Romeo Vasquez sa Nag-aapoy Na Damdamin, Dalawang Pugad Isang Ibon, Pulot Gata Pwede Kaya at Pag-ibig Ko Sa 'Yo Lang Ibibigay.

Nagkasunod sunod na ang kanyang box office hit movie, hanggang sa inoperan siya ng Ian Films ng pelikulang Burlesk Queen kasama si Rollie Quizon kung saan hinakot nito ang halos lahat ng award including the Best Actress Award sa 1977 Metro Manila Film Festival. Hindi lang awards ang nakopo ng pelikulang ito dahil ang Burlesk Queen pa rin ang itinanghal na Top Grosser sa nasabing pestibal. Gumawa rin siya ng mga pelikulang siya mismo ang prodyuser katulad ng 1978 FAMAS and Urian Best Picture na Pagputi ng Uwak Pag-itim ng Tagak katambal si Bembol Roco, Halik Sa Paa Halik Sa Kamay kasama si Ronald Corveau at Eddie Rodriguez, Coed kasama si Jay Ilagan at iba pa. Noong taong 1978, ginawa ni Vilma ang isang pelikula kung saan lumabas siyang isang rape victim kasama sina Philip Salvador at Matt Ranillo III ng Sampaguita VP Pictures na pinamagatang Rubia Servios. Hindi siya pinalad na maging Best Actress sa pelikulang ito, si Nora Aunor ang nanalo sa pelikulang Atsay, bagama't marami ang humuhula na siya ang tatanghaling Best Actress dahil kahit ang direktor ng pelikulang Atsay na si Eddie Garcia ay si Vilma ang hinalikan at binati subali't kinabukasan ay lalong lumakas sa takilya ang Rubia Servios at tinalo nito ang Atsay. Talagang iniyakan ni Vilma ang kanyang pagkatalo. Taong 1978 din nang lumabas ang iskandalo sa kanila ni Romeo Vasquez subali't sa halip na kumulimlim ang kanyang pagkabituin ay lalo pa siyang pumaimbulog paitaas at sa bandang huli ay hindi naman napatunayan ang balitang ito.

Noong July 19, 1980 ay nagpakasal si Vilma kay Edu Manzano sa Las Vegas, Nevada habang ginagawa nila ang pelikulang Romansa at April 21, 1981 nang isilang ni Vilma si Luis Manzano. Gusto ni Edu na maging plain housewife lang si Vilma subali't hindi ito nangyari dahil sa natuklasan ni Vilma na baon na pala siya sa utang kaya gumawa siya ng mga pelikula. Talagang puro good karma ang dumating sa buhay ni Vilma dahil after niyang makapanganak ay gumawa siya ng sunod-sunod na mga box-office hit na pelikula katulad ng Ex-Wife, Hiwalay, Sinasamba Kita, Gaano Kadalas Ang Minsan?, Paano Ba Ang Mangarap?, Relasyon, Tagos Ng Dugo, Saan Nagtatago Ang Pag-ibig?, Yesterday Today & Tomorrow at iba pa. Sunod-sunod rin ang kanyang Best Actress award katulad ng kanyang grand slam sa mga pelikulang Relasyon, Dahil Mahal Kita: Dolzura Cortez Story, Bata Bata Paano Ka Ginawa? at Dekada '70. Naging best actress din siya sa mga pelikulang Broken Marriage, Mano Po 3: My Love, Sister Stella L, Tagos Ng Dugo, Pakawalan Mo Ako, Ibulong Mo Sa Diyos, Pahiram Ng Isang Umaga, Sinungaling Mong Puso at Anak. Sunod-sunod rin naman ang kanyang Box Office Queen award. Hindi lang best actress at box office queen award ana kanyang natanggap kundi nagwagi din siya ng 2005 Gawad Plaridel. Samantala, sa pagsasara ng ABS CBN dahil sa martial law, ay nagsara din ang tv show ni Vilma na The Sensations datapwa't may mga humalili din dito katulad ng Santos, Mortiz & Associates, Ayan Eh, Vilma Santos Very Special at Vilma In Person (VIP) sa BBC 2. Ang VIP ay lumipat sa GMA 7 at ito ay ginawa nilang "Vilma!". Ang Vilma! ay nagtagal ng labinglimang taon at sa loob ng mga taong ito ay consistent top rater ito kaya naman siya ang highest paid tv star nang panahong iyon.

Noong December 12, 1992 ay ikinasal naman si Vilma sa noo'y congressman ng 2nd District ng Batangas na si Ralph Recto. Bumaha ang taong dumalo at nanood ng kanilang kasal sa San Sebastian Church sa Lungsod ng Lipa at noong March 29, 1996 ay ipinanganak si Ryan Christian Recto. Noong 1998, hinikayat siya ng iba't ibang sektor ng lipunan para kumandidatong punong-bayan ng Lungsod na Lipa at matapos niyang gawin ang pelikulang Bata Bata Paano Ka Ginawa? ay miniting niya ang mga Vilmanians at sinabing humihingi lang siya ng isang "sign" para matuloy siyang kamandidatong mayor ng Lipa at ito ay nangyari. Naging punong-lungsod siya ng Lipa at sa loob ng siyam na taong panunungkulan ay masasabing ang Lungsod ng Lipa ang isa sa mga pinakaprogresibong lungsod sa Pilipinas. Noong May 14, 2007, siya ay nahilingan naman na kumandidato bilang gobernador ng Batangas at dahil sa kanyang magandang nagawa sa Lungsod ng Lipa, siya ay pinalad na manalo sa posisyong ito. Katatapos lang iselebreyt ni Governor Vi ang kanyang 100 araw na panunungkulan bilang gobernador ng lalawigan ng Batangas at nagkaroon siya ng State of Provincial Address nitong nakaraang October 8, 2007. Sabi nga ni Governor Vi, sa nagayon ay prioridad niya ang kanyang pamilya, pangalawa ay ang pagiging gobernador ng Batangas at pangatlo na lamang ay ang kanyang pagiging artista. Maraming movie offers ang kanyang natatanggap katulad ng pagsasamahan nila ni John Lloyd Cruz, meron pang digital film na La Independencia ni Raya Martin na automatic na ilalahok sa Cannes Film Festival kung magagawa niya (sana lang!). Meron ding offer na stage play (pero malabo na ito dahil maraming oras ang kakainin nito lalo na sa rehearsals). Meron ding mga commercials at marami pang iba. Ano pa kaya ang naghihintay sa isang Vilma Santos-Recto? Marami pa, marami pa, di ba Governor Vi? Happy 38th Birthday Governor Vi! - Alfonso Valencia, Oct 31, 2007 (READ MORE)

About Dama de Noche

The Flower - "...Dama de Noche (Cestrum nocturnum), literally translates "lady of the night" is famous for its unusual biorhythm which made it the subject of legend. Its flowers bloom at night and exude a very sweet scent. Although widely cultivated in the Philippines, the plant was introduced from tropical America...." - Wikipilipinas

The Legend - "A thousand years ago, there was a rich maharlika, or nobleman, who spent his early bachelor days recklessly, wining and dining in the company of nobility. He drank the finest wines, ate the most delectable food and enjoyed the company of the loveliest, perfumed and bejewelled women of the noble class. After years of this kind of life, the maharlika finally felt it was time to settle down and marry the woman of his choice. "But who is the woman to choose?" he asked himself as he sat in the rich splendour of his home, "All the women I know are beautiful and charming, but I am tired of the glitter of their jewels and the richness of their clothes!" He wanted a woman different from all the women he saw day and night, and found this in a simple village lass. She was charming in her own unaffected ways, and her name was Dama. They married and lived contentedly. She loved him and took care of him. She pampered him with the most delicious dishes, and kept his home and his clothes in order. But soon, the newness wore off for the maharlika. He started to long for the company of his friends. He took a good look at his wife and thought, she is not beautiful and she does not have the air of nobility abouther, she does not talk with wisdom. And so the maharlika returned to his own world of glitter and splendor. He spent his evenings sitting around with his friends in their noble homes , drank and talked till the first rays of the sun peeped from the iron grills of their ornate windows. Poor Dama felt that she was losing her husband. She wept in the silence of their bedroom. "I cannot give my husband anything but the delights of my kitchen and the warmth of my bed. He is tired of me." She looked to the heavens. "Oh, friendly spirits! Help me. Give me a magic charm. Just one little magic charm to make my husband come home again, that he will never want to leave my side, forever!"

It was midnight when the maharlika came home. He opened the door of their bedroom and called for Dama to tell her to prepare his nightclothes. "Dama! Dama, where are you?" he called. He shouted all around the bedroom. He sarched the whole house. Still the nobleman could not find his simple wife. Finally the nobleman returned to their bedroom, tired and cross. But, as he opened the door, he stopped. A are scent, sweet and fragrant, drifted to him. It was a scent he had never smelled before. He entered the room and crossed to the window where the scent seemed to be floating from. A strange bush was growing outside the window. Some of its thin branches had aleady reached the iron grills and were twisting around. And all over the bush were thousands of tiny starlike, white flowers, from which burst forth a heavenly, enchanting scent! He stood there, completely enraptured by the glorious smell. "Dama..." he whispered softly, onderingly, could this be Dama? The rich maharlika sat by the window, and waited for the return of his loving simple wife. But she did not come back. She never returned to him again. Only the fragrance of the flowers stayed with him, casting a spell over his whole being. In the moonlight, Dama of the night, or Dama de Noche would be in full bloom, capturing the rich maharlika, making him never want to leave her side, forever.

The Comics - Alamat ng Dama de Noche Written by Manuel Franco; Illustrated by Rudy V. Arubang; Published by National Book Store, Inc. Circa 1974 - komiklopedia

The 1972 Film - Directed by Emmanuel H. Borlaza, written by Borlaza and Nestor Torre, featuring Vilma Santos, Edgar Mortiz, Fred Montilla, Lillian Laing, Matimtiman Cruz, Ruben Tizon, Jovie Barse, Priscilla Ramirez, Danilo Jurado, Cloyd Robinson.

"...Dama de Noche is showing in three theaters— Remar, Delta and Sampaguita. It is, Vilma was quoted as saying, her dream role fulfilled. The very professional Vilma has come out with the resolution than henceforth she will demand to see the script and also see that the script is demanding- or she’ll say nix. Well, Dama de Noche is exactly just that: demanding. In it she delineates the twin-sister roles of sweet Armida and deranged Rosanna. Vilma sobs and screams, giggles, and crazy-dances, claws and clowns, sobs again and screams some more. But she does more than all these things. She acts. In the Filipino movieworld where crying is synonymous with acting, that certainly is being ahead of one’s kind. Vilma as Armida is drab and dry, almost a movie prop. It is in the portrayal of Rosanna that Vilma would tear one’s heart away. The many close-ups so effectively used throughout the movie show the unglamorous Vilma: her frowns, her lip-twitching, her uninhibited and stifled sobs. But Vilma is less successful with the shifty look that is the distinctive trait of the deranged. She compensates for this in the ‘betrayal’ scene when Rosanna suspects that Leo, Armida and the psychiatrist (Fred Montilla) all conspired to imprison her in the hospital. Another outstanding feat is the subdued scene where Rosanna learns that Leo has gone to the Lerma villa to meet Armida. The vivacious Rosanna is just as winsomely pathetic. Watching her is just like seeing a bosom friend trying to pretend she’s happy when both of you know she’s not only in this case, Rosanna is truly happy. Her non-knowledge of her plight is what is particularly heart-curling. Dama de Noche is Tagalog Ilang-Ilang Production’s entry in the QC filmfest which started on Oct.15. It is a very simple story, almost run-of-the-mill, but Nestor Torre, Jr. who wrote the screenplay saved it with his meaningful and amusing lines. However, the movie is occasionally dragging with the Filipino moviemania for spoonfed sequences..." - Times Jornal, October 24, 1972 (READ MORE)

The 1998 Film - A woman (Ynez Veneracion) who was maltreated during her younger years (Aiza Marquez played the young role) gets revenge on the people who abused her. This 1998 film was directed by Lore Reyes and featured Ynez Veneracion, Mark Gil and Lara Fabregas. Released on July 22, 1998 by Neo Films and Viva Films, both lead star Mark Gil and Ynez Veneracion will co-starred with Vilma Santos (the first Dama de Noche lead star) in 2012 via horror film, The Healing.

The Feminist Centennial Festival Report

Once again, the wind wafts yet another welcome scent of victory for the Philippines Movie Queen and Star for all Seasons at the Feminist Centennial Festival at the Cineplex, Shangri-La Plaza last night. She is indeed a national treasure.

We belong to thousands of Filipinos who wish for her to be the next National Artist of the land. Lately, we hear that it will be a choice between her and the late FPJ. For sure, the numerous or countless recognitions, honorary doctorates, lifetime achievements and this latest honor given by the NGO-GO Feminist Centennial Media Committee and the Communication Foundation for Asia cemented Ate Vi’s stronger bid to clench the National Artist title. And if this happens, yan ang talagang "heaven!" The awards night was by invitation only.

Against our better sense, we tried our luck and waited on cue. There is reason to be optimistic. Our beloved Ate Vi is one of the 6 distinguished honorees. Having prior commitments with her constituents in Lipa, we believe that there must be a representation in her behalf. And our patience paid off. We were accommodated by the working committee at the reception. We proudly introduced ourselves as member of Vision and VSSI (Vilma Santos Solid International). Present to witness the ceremony include Eric, Noel, Al, Zaldy, Paulo and myself. We were a small contingent occupying a better section of the theater against the batallion of diehard Noranians, how did this happened?! Ms. Boots Anson Roa accepted the trophy (in her her behalf) and read the passionate and meaningful thank you message of Ate Vi. some insights.

I am posting some of the write-ups included in the festival programme: 6 reasons to celebrate we salute six icons of Philippine cinema...for their invaluable contributions to the film industry... for being legendary...and passionate about their art... and for being women. Marilou Diaz-Abaya, director. Despite the risks of being categorized as a "woman’s director," Marilou Diaz-Abaya staked her claim on the genre with the trilogy of films - Moral, Brutal and Karnal - that explored the realities of women’s lives and challenged social mores and rigid expectations of women.

In the decade of political turmoil and rapid social change, Diaz-Abaya’s films, while anchored in intensely personal stories, enlarged upon the intimate limits of women’s lives to raise sharp and cutting questions about Philippine society and gender relations, thereby triggering debate, discourse, and ultimately, the transformation of the Filipina’s sense of self and her situation. Lualhati Bautista, screenwriter. Known for creating strong, independent women characters asserting their autonomy and engagement in the society, Lualhati Bautista has given today’s women compelling role models to provide alternative modes of behavior, attitudes, and relations. At the same time, she uses the women’s stories as prisms on the political and social condition illuminating and reflecting women’s realities and aspirations in all their vivid color and artist to make films that combine artistry and innovation with commercial viability and social commentary.

Through Star Cinema, Santos-Consio has shown that it is possible to meet the demands of commercial cinema without compromising one’s commitment to quality and to delivering meaningful and compelling stories. Lily Yu-Monteverde, producer. Has been "mother" to the Philippine movie industry in so many ways.

Through the last four decades, she has produced more than 200 movies, some of them born of her own stories, most shaped by her sensibilities ans instincts for what the market wants and demands. Even as the Philippine movie industry struggles out of the doldrums, "Mother" Lily continues to make movies simply because, as she declared at the recent ceremony, she "loves the movies."

Even as she kept Regal Films profitable with commercial offerings that covered almost all genres, "Mother" Lily also paid back her debt to the Philippine cinema by financing and allowing the country’s foremost film artists to create works that today endure as some of the best Filipino movies ever made. Nora Aunor, actor. Though "icon" is today a much-overused word, to call Nora Aunor an "icon" of Philippine movies would not be an overstatement. From her beginning as a singer and pop idol, Nora tapped unexpected reserves of experience and sensitivity to transform herself into an excellent actor, in the process acquiring a body of work that includes some of the finest movies of "Golden Age" of local cinema in the 1970’s and 1980’s, particularly Himala, Tatlong Taong Walang Diyos, Ina Ka ng Anak Mo, and Bona. Vilma Santos, actor.

From the moment she allowed herself to break out of her "teen-idol" persona in Burlesk Queen, there was no stopping Vilma Santos in her search for artistic maturity and challenge. In the process, she has dared take on roles that could have potentially marred her image but instead provided her depth and complexity as an artist while strengthening her appeal at the box office. The designer-sculptor’s words.

According to Julie Lluch: "the feminist struggle is not so much about equality as it is about the power and freedom to be truly woman and truly human. Being a woman is to know herself as diffrent and separate, beautiful and free. As she taps the wellspring of the spirit within, she is ready to leap and soar to a fully creative life - a life she share’s with man, with whom she builds the kind of world they both want for themselves and their children."

At the conclusion of the program, seriously or half in jest, we shook hands and congratulated Ms. Charo Santos-Consio and Director Marilou Diaz-Abaya. We proudly introduced ourselves and averred that the occassion would have been more meaningful and significant had Ate Vi made it to the event and personally accepted her trophy. We told Director Marilou that we are only a small representation of the Vilmanians. We were thrilled and happy when she raised her hand and told us "count me in!" She asked us to extend her regards to Ate Vi and that she truly misses her.

Congratulations to all the distinguished honorees most especially to our beloved Ate Vi! Mabuhay po kayo and GOD bless. To the men and women behind the Feminist Centennial Festival and other affiliations and cooperating groups, our heartfelt gratitude and Mabuhay po kayong lahat!!! - June Sison, V Mag, No. 12 2009 (READ MORE)

The All-Time Movie Queen

Why? Pati ba naman sa fantasy films si ate Vi pa rin ang Reyna? Why kaya? There are more than a thousand reasons why. No other actress, past and present has successfully transform from one super heroine to another. Think of Darna, Kampanerang Kuba, Dyesebel and immediately the name of Queen Vi will surface in your mind. Nanjan pa ang Wonder Vi, Vilma and the Beep Beep Minica at ang Phantom Lady. Mayron ngang isa jan na pilit sumabay pero sumablay naman hayun at Super ‘G’apang sa takilya.

Darna x4 - Si Queen Vi lang po ang nag-iisang aktres na gumanap ng Darna ng apat na beses at ang lahat ng mga ito ay pawang nagsipagtagumpay sa takilya. Sino ang makakalimot na ang respectable actress in the person of Ms. Gloria Romero ay papayag na maging Babaing Impakta? Ang pabulosong Celia Rodriguez bilang Valentina at isa pang mahusay na aktres na si Liza Lorena bilang Babaing Lawin sa Lipad Darna Lipad? Sumabog ang takilya sa mga sinehan, pinilahan ng lahat ng klaseng tao, bata, matanda, lalaki, babae, bakla, tomboy. Tinaguriang super blockbuster ang Lipad Darna Lipad ni ate Vi. Marami ang napatunganga, namangha, napatingala at humanga sa taas ng lipad ni Darna sa himpapawid. Hindi pa nasiyahan ang mga tao, muling pumaimbulog sa ere si Reyna Vilma sa Darna and the Giants, at muli sa Darna and the Planet Women at muli pa sa Darna at Ding. Marami na ang naging Darna before and after ate Vi, but most, if not all of them are just one-time Darna. Ngayon, sino ang Darna ng mga Darna, sino pa kundi ang Reyna ng mga Reyna, si Queen Vilma!

The Dyesebel Charm - Marami ang nakasaksi kung paano nakipagsabayan si Dyesebel sa Ang Agila at ang Lawin ni late FPJ and Former President Erap. Dalawa sa pinakamalalaking ibon ng industriya, nilunod ng isang sirena. It was actually a feat for Dyesebel to beat Agila at Lawin sa takilya. Just imagine, two top action stars together in a film against Dyesebel! I remember very well na na-pre-empt pa nga ang Dyesebel dahil the original movie starring Edna Luna was shown before our Queen Vi’s Manila Filmfest entry hit the wide screen. But still, Dyesebel at ang Mahiwagang Kabibe turned out to be a big big winner at the tills. Iba't ibang aktres na ang gumanap ng Dyesebel after ate Vi pero nananatili pa rin siyang nakatatak sa isipan ng mga tao and not Alma, Alice or even Charlene or Edna Luna. Pero bakit si Queen Vi? Kasi nga po, iba ang charisma ng ating Reyna. She has this certain magnetic charm na mahirap ipaliwanag.

The Beauty Within - Lately nga, Andang (for Sandra) of Kampanerang Kuba fame had joined the fantaserye club. Ginawa nga lamang Imang ang pangalan, short for Fatima. Pinapangit, pinagmukhang mabantot at sooper dugyot, pero lovable pa rin si Andang. Kinawawa, kinutya, inalipusta pero wagi pa rin sa bandang huli. Sounds familiar, right? Di ba ganyan din ang naranasan ni ate Vi at patuloy na nararanasan sa mga taong nabubuhay sa nakaraan at pinagtampuhan na ng panahon?

Pero, naririto pa rin si Queen Vi at patuloy na nagbibigay kasiyahan sa mas nakararaming tao, dahil ang naging pananggalang niya ay katatagan at bukal na kagandahan ng loob. Ang mga karangalang patuloy na inaani ni ate Vi ay hindi lamang pansarili kundi para sa buong bansang Pilipinas at mga Pilipino.

Sino ngayon ang maaaring bumura o pantayan man lamang ang record ni ate Vi sa pagiging All Time Queen of Fantasy Films? Ooooops, sorry! Wala pa akong natatanaw. Kayo meron ba? - Eddie Lozano, V Magaznie no. 12 2009 (READ MORE)

Eskinol

Endorsing Products - "...Vilma Santos started endorsing products in the early ‘70s and the first product she sold on TV I remember was Tanduay – the wholesome edition. (There was a sexy version with Rosanna Ortiz). Then, there were those beautiful Lux commercials, one of which was shot in an old church in Nagcarlan, Laguna. After that came the Fita ad where she hosts a children’s party for a niece who tells her, “Tita Vi, I am so happy. Thank you!” The one product she endorsed the longest, of course, was Eskinol. Her career at this point was charted very well. It was around this period when she did the Darna series, “Takbo, Vilma, Dali!” and other blockbuster hits. In 1975, she made a rather daring move that called for her to come out in a twopiece swimsuit. This was in “Nakakahiya” where she was involved in a May-December affair with Eddie Rodriguez..." - Butch Francisco, The Philippine Star, Nov 04 2003 (READ MORE)

Eskinol Cinematographer - “...Direk Marilou was like a mother to me, especially on the set of ‘Baby Tsina.’ I remember that she would always bring for the cast members pandesal and Spanish sardines, which we ate before shooting. “I love her and her husband, Direk Manolo, who I always requested to be my cinematographer in all of my Eskinol commercials before. “The last time I saw Direk Marilou was at the wake of actor Johnny Delgado. She was already sick then. She was a fighter. She told me, “kaya ko ‘to! I pray for her family and for the eternal repose of her soul...” - Marinel Cruz, Philippine Daily Inquirer, Oct 09 2012 (READ MORE)

Costliest Commercial - "Vilma Santos renews her contract with Metro Drugs Inc. manufacturers and distributors of the popular Eskinol line of beauty products. This year marks the eight year the actress will portray the glamorous Eskinol Girl, a role and image she has kept as the product's longest-reigning model. The new Vilma Santos Eskinol commercial is a multi-million peso productions, perhaps the costliest commercial produced to date. Santos will receivea hefty talent fee, reportedly the highest of its kind so far in the industry." - JC Nigado, Manila Standard, 08 Dec 1987 p11 (READ MORE)

Related Reading:

• facebook: Eskinol Philippines
• Be Beautiful, be Ageless
• Tribute to commercial makers who make us believe in dreams
• Eskinol - Reviews
• Eskinol Classic - Review
• Eskinol TVC (Video)

VIilma's Unguarded Moment

This is Vilma's unguarded moment. Iyong bang para siyang nasa isang malayong lugar at malayo ang narating niya. At kung anuman ang iniisip niya ay siya lamang ang nakakaalam. And one time we caught them, siya at si Bobot. Nasa loob siya ng isang waiting room na residence ng kanilang producer sa Volta. Kasama siya at binabantayan ng mga ito. Sa di kalayuan nakaupo si Vilma. As usual, talks, "ika nga siyempre ang pinag-uusapan nila'y tungkol sa kanilang dalawa. Hindi maiwasan ni Bobot ang pagtatapat kay Vilma tungkol sa mga loobin pa niya. "Sus, nagbiro ka na naman, tigilan mo na nga ako 'yan, Bingi na ako riyan." sabi ni Vi at bahagyang nangiti siya. Nagyuko ng ulo si Bobot. Bahagyang nag-isip. "Wala 'yes, huwang mong pansinin." Tila naman pampalubag loob ay nabawi uling salita ni Vilma. Saka pa lamang napangiti si Bobot. At pag nabuksan na ang pinto tiyak na bubungad ang pinakamatandang kapatid ni Vi. "Kamusta? May kailangan ka ba?" Tanong nito kay Vilma. "Nagpapahinga lang kami dito. Tatawag ako kung may kailangan ako. May kasama naman ako rito eh." Sagot ni Vi sa kanyang ate. One time sa KBS minsan nang naging guest naman ni Vilma si Jojit Peredes. Well, kahit sino ang makakila tiyak na iisipin at sasabihin na may ugnayan nang talaga ang dalawa. Nagkakaunawaan na.

These are many times we caught Vilma na paglapit sa kanya ni Jojit ay para bang may mahalaga silang pinaguusapang para sa kanilang dalawa. But in fact, may kinalaman lamang iyon tungkol sa gagawin nilang palabas. Kaya kung hindi sanay ang makakakita sa kanila, tiyak na sasabihin na boyfriend na pala ngayon ni Vi si Jojit. kahit kay Tirso Cruz III there are many unguarded moment of Vilma, me sasabihing mong uy new ito? Si Pip na pala ngayon? Kasi, hahawak sa braso ni Pip si Vi at kukulitin ito. Kaya lang malalaman ng mga kaharap sa nagbibiruan sila pagtawa ng malakas ni Vilma... Even with Walter Navarro ng minsan ay maging guest din ito ni Vilma, wala sa loob niya ay nabibiro din si Walater. At wala din sa loob niya bigla siyang titigan ni Walter. Ngiti ang tinutugon ni Vilma sa titig na iyon. Nakikiramdam ang mga kaharap. Si Walter naman ngayon? Tiyak na iisipin nila ito. Pero ang tooto ay walang kahulugan talaga at palagayang loob lamang. this is Vilma's many unguarded moment. Kahit man nagaganap. At sakunan siya ng larawan ng hindi niya nalalaman kung ano man ang kanyang ginagawa. But in the name of love? Vilma is still thinking about it now. Kaya wala ngang makatitiyak kung silang dalawa ni Bobot ay magkakabalikan pang talaga o may lihim silang kasunduan. - Ric S. Aquino, TSS Magazine, No. 190, 08 Oct 1974

Ric S. Aquino is a Filipino movie reporter, writer, columnist who was part of Vilma Santos' circle of movie writers in the early part of her film career. He mostly reports about the latest news about Vilma. He also wrote several pieces about her relationships with Edgar Mortiz and other admirers. His articles, mostly written in Tagalog were mostly published at Movie Queen magazine, a magazine identified with Vilma Santos. - RV

Why Vilma Santos is the Star for All Seasons

After 55 years in the business, 200 films, four Grand Slam Best Actress Awards, and a Hall of Fame recognition from FAMAS, Vilma Santos is still one of the most sought after and effective actresses of our time. No wonder she is called the Star for All Seasons. If you will tell me that I am 'The Vilma Santos,' that is because I worked hard for this," said the actress-turned-Batangas Governor.

BORN TO BE A STAR - Maria Rosa Vilma Tuazon Santos was born on November 3, 1953 to Milagros Tuazon, a pharmacist from San Isidro, Nueva Ecija, and Amado Santos, a former movie extra from Bamban, Tarlac. As a child, Vilma loved listening to radio dramas. "Bata pa ako maarte na talaga ako! Kapag fiesta sa lugar namin maraming taong pumupunta sa bahay namin, ang mama at papa ko 'Sige, Vi, sayaw! Ipakita mo, anak!' At dahil maarte ako sasayaw naman ako." At a family reunion when Vi was nine years old, the brother-in-law of her mother's cousin, G. Amaury Agra who was a cameraman for Sampaguita Pictures, came for a visit. Agra convinced Mrs. Santos to bring Vi to the studio to audition for a part in the movie Anak, Ang Iyong Ina. There they saw a long line of children with actors Bella Flores and Eddie Garcia. "Pumila ako pero sabi ng mama ko hindi daw doon, sa ibang audition ako dapat. Pero nagpumilit akong pumila,"she re-called. With her improvised dialogue and acting, she wowed Doc Jose R. Perez and Azucena Vera of Sampaguita Pictures. Doc Perez then told the young Vilma, "Ikaw si Trudis Liit."

MEETING 'BOT' - In 1969, the 14-year old Vilma met Edgar 'Bobot' Mortiz, a rising recording star and undefeated champion in Tawag ng Tanghalan," at a teen show entitled "Eskwelahang Munti." Movie producers thought of establishing a Vi and Bot love team, and in 1970, the two were launched in the film "Young Love." Thrown together constantly, Bobot and Vilma became a real-life couple in 1971. But Bobot feels shy talking about the details of the teenage relationship with SSM. Nagka-inlaban din naman kami. Ayoko na nga pinag-uusapan e! Pero sandali lang naman. "Nagka-develop-an din kami, dala na rin siguro ng madalas na magkasama kami." Sadly, the relationship ended three years later, and the love team was eventually disbanded. Vilma and Bobot never did a movie after that but have managed to remain good friends.

GREAT ACTING, BAD ATTITUDE - Vilma is not ashamed to admit that even she was a "bad girl" in her mid-20s. Typical of her behavior then was her refusal to show up for a film shoot. The call time was 9AM; at 1PM, she got into her car. On the way to the shooting, she told her driver, "Ayoko na mag-shooting. Ihinto mo na lang diyan. Kakain na lang ako. Sabihin mo masakit ang tiyan ko." Another time, she ran off to Baguio, just for the heck of it, without informing the producers of a TV Christmas special that she wasn't planning on showing up. Veteran entertainment writer Ronald Constantino believes Vilma's crazy days were a result of her private struggles, from tax problems to personal heartaches. Siguro din kasi dahil hindi pa siya nagma-mature as a person at baka 'yun 'yung time na marami siyang problema, finances and love life. Pinagdaanan niya 'yun pero nalampasan din niya." Later, as she matured, Vilma became more serious with her work. Rory Quintos, the director of Vilma's 2000 Star Cinema film Anak, says Vi's professionalism made her job much easier. "Dumadating si Ate Vi sa set nang naka-costume at make-up na. Kapag naka-set up na 'yung mga gamit sa location, pagdating niya start na agad. That was a big help most especially when we shot in Hong Kong. Wala siyang pakialam na siya si Vilma Santos. Natulog siya doon sa maid's quarters, kumakain ng kung ano ano, umuupo kahit saan. Natulog siya sa sidewalk, nasubsob sa basurahan. Wala siya talagang arte sa katawan."

FAMILY, POLITICS, CAREER - After her first marriage to Edu Manzano ended, Vi met Ralph Recto, the grandson of the late stateman Claro M. Recto. Vi married Ralph in Decembver of 1992, the year when Ralph was first elected as Congressman of Lipa City, Batangas. Wanted to devote more time as a wife an try to have a child with Ralph (they had Ryan Christian Recto in March 1996), Vi wrapped up her long-running variety show "Vilma" in 1995. From then on, Vilma did only movies and was seldom seen on TV. She also entered politics, first as Mayor of Lipa City, then as Governor of Batangas. Constantino believes that this further elevated Vi's star status. "Mabuti nga rin siguro na bihira na siya makita ng mga tao kasi nami-miss siya. Masd lumalakas nga ang excitement ng mga tao every time na siya ay gagawa ng pelikula." Now she is ready for an onscreen comeback. This year, after six years of not making movies, Vilma is starrin g in In My Life, a film produced by Star Cinema with John Lloyd Cruz and her son Luis Manzano. She has as simple formula for career success. "Love your career and it will love you back. Don't take your career for granted. Also, kailangan ng hard work, smart work, grace of God. Kapag may kulang sa tatlong 'yan, mahihirapan ang kahit sino. Sa Ano mang larangan o propesyon kailangan ng hard work para magtagumpay." - Napoleon Quintos, Star Studio, September 2009 (READ MORE)