Fixation to Monica Quijano - "...The original Mrs. Recto is set in Claro M. Recto Ave. in 1994 where Velasquez plays Clara M. of Recto, a takilyera who is a die-hard fan of Vilma Santos until the moviehouses of Recto Ave. turned obsolete due to the coming of mall-based theaters and had to close down. Clara is a single mother to a precious daughter named Monica Quijano, Vilma Santos’ character in Ibulong Mo Sa Diyos to refer to her fixation with the Star for All Seasons. She tried to survive by turning into a shop owner on Recto Ave. who peddles fake certificates and enrolment documents for a living. Original characters included Elmo Magalona as Hero is a teen promdi newly arrived in the city, Coney Reyes as Chona Aquino as the boarding house operator and Pen Medina as the gay Luchi Rizal. Produced by Panoramanila Pictures, Inc., the same team that brought Ploning, the Philippines’ official entry for the Best Foreign Language Film in the 81st Academy Awards, worked on Mrs. Recto. Garcia also megged OMG (Oh, My Girl) for Regal Multimedia, Inc..." - Edgar O. Cruz, The Philippine Star, 28 December 2015
A Movie with Vi and the failed "Larawan" - “...Why not? Some years ago, we were offered to play the spinster sisters in a stage version of Nick Joaquin’s ‘Larawan’—and I readily accepted it! Unfortunately, the project didn’t push through...” - Nora Aunor, as reported by Rito P. Asilo, Philippine Daily Inquirer, 22 December 2015
Filipino Movie Remakes - "We've been hearing that top networks are doing remakes of this and that old project, like “Encantadia” and “Ang Panday”. We honestly don’t know if they’d still sit well with audiences today who belong to the social media generation that doesn’t seem to care anymore for costume or period materials unless they’re made on the same spectacular scale as “Star Wars, The Force Awakens”. What we would like to see to be remade, though, are the following local movies...Vilma Santos did several films in 1978, (about a dozen, we think) including such classics as “Ikaw ay Akin” by Ishmael Bernal and “Pagputi ng Uwak” by Celso Ad. Castillo, and such hits as “Disco Fever” and “Nakawin Natin ang Bawat Sandali”. But this movie about rape by Lino Brocka is the one that has the most commercial possibilities to be remade as a drama serial on TV. Based on a true legal story, Vilma plays Rubia, who’s about to marry Mat Ranillo III when Phillip Salvador abducts and rapes her. Phillip is jailed but gets paroled after three years and starts harassing Vilma again. Both of them give great performances that would be perfect acting vehicles for any actor who’ll do their roles on TV. Other Vilma Santos movies that will be great TV soaps: “Saan Nagtatago ang Pag-ibig?”, “Kapag Langit ang Humatol”, “Pakawalan Mo Ako”, “Dama De Noche” and the classic “Relasyon..." - Mario Bautista, Journal, 19 December 2015
Practical Presents - “I prefer simple, practical presents—things that I can use every day like cotton pajamas, soft towels, comfy shorts and handkerchiefs, of course (laughs)! When I give gifts, simple lang din—like T-shirts. Most of the time, I give my relatives cash, so they can shop for what they want. Simple, practical stuff, too. Nothing expensive. Modesty aside, I am so blessed and I thank God for all His gifts. I just need prayers for guidance…for my family and my work as a public servant..." - Bayani San Diego Jr., Philippine Daily Inquirer, 20 December 2015
Meeting Vilma Santos - "...Seated at the governor’s ante room, Vilma came in. Voila, wife’s long-time dream was a reality. Believe it or not, just at the sight of her idol, my wife burst into tears. Soon after, a close-in security officer nudged the governor and gave out a whisper, pointing to our direction. Immediately, Vilma stood up, loudly exclaiming, “Mommy, bakit? (Why?)” Tounge-tied as Lily was, she just covered her face, and Vilma started babying her with lots of kisses and huggings voicing at the same time, “Ang tisay-tisay ni Mommy, o. Tayo (get up). Mag-picture picture tayo. She even beckoned me to join up in the photo ops. Visit our timelines, the photos are all there. As a public servant myself, here are some rare acts I noticed in a big government office. All her staff members, including the blue guards, the floor leaders (he he, I mean the janitors), etc. are all courteous and respectful. All in smiles when and greetings-full whenever they get close to us..." - Jimmy Cabato, Zamboanga Times, 06 December 2015
Magulang sa Bahay - "...Kasi magiging...kung susuwertehin kami ni Senador [Recto], dalawa na kaming nasyonal. At pag nasyonal, buong Pilipinas ‘yan...Wala nang tatao sa bahay namin. Hindi puwede. Kailangan meron pa ring magulang sa bahay. At kapag pinag-usapan ang Pilipinas, family is the most important unit in our society. Paano ako magsisilbi sa iba kung ako, hindi ko maalagaan ang sarili kong pamilya? So, magiging unfair ako. So, as early as noong kinakausap na si Ralph, ang sinabi ko, 'No.' Nag-usap kami ni Ralph. Sabi ko, ‘I cannot. Isa ka na. You can serve the country. Yung ginagawa mo is good. But for me to serve the country, hindi ko kakayanin kasi kailangan may tao pa sa bahay. Kailangan may magulang pa rin sa bahay...” - Julie E. Bonifacio, PEP, 26 November 2015
No Botox Yet for Vi - “...Wala pang Botox. Ah, wala...I have nothing against Botox, huh. Walang masama doon...Pero ako kasi, hindi pa lang. Tumatanda naman tayong lahat, utang na loob...May lalabas at lalabas na rin na linya diyan kahit ayaw mo pa lalo na now that I’m 35, my god! Hahaha!...Exercise...Mas less pahid, mas dapat. Mas marami kayong pinapahid, mangingitim ‘yan...Pantanggal lang ng make-up, yung the usual ko, hot water...Tapos cold water bago mag-make up. Cold ice sa mata lang...” - Julie Bonifacio, PEP, 16 November 2015
Pinakapopular Ng kanilang Panahon - "...It was in the year 1978 nang iprinodyus ng Tagalog - Ilang Ilang Productions ang pelikulang Ikaw Ay Akin, pinangunahan ng tatlo sa pinakamahusay at pinaka-popular na actors ng kanilang panahon, sina Nora Aunor, Christopher de Leon at Batangas Governor Vilma Santos-Recto. In demand pa rin for roles ang tatlong nabanggit na artista hanggang ngayon. Nora plays the title role in the GMA series, Little Nanay. May gagawin ding telenovela si Boyet (Christopher). Si Ate Vi naman is currently doing a movie, All of My Life, with Star Cinema, co-starring her with Angel Locsin and Xian Lim. All three, where their looks are concerned, were all at their best. Obvious na conscious si the late Director Ishmael Bernal, who was at the helm, of how the trio should look in the movie. Kahit ang mga artistang who played supporting roles, Odette Khan, Ellen Esguerra, Nick Romano, at Sandy Andolong, were all looking good, too. Among the mentioned stars, tanging si Sandy lamang ang may regular show ngayon, Home Sweetie Home, with John Lloyd Cruz at Toni Gonzaga. Paminsan-minsan, nagkaka-assignment din si Odette. Sandy, as we all know too, is Boyet’s wife, who, at one time, was married to Nora. They have a son, Ian. Well, we saw the restored and remastered version of Ikaw Ay Akin, which was shown Saturday (November 14) at a Trinoma cinema. The film will be shown soon in selected theaters sa Metro Manila. Make sure to watch it..." - Baby E, Pang-Masa, 16 November 2015
Ikaw Ay Akin Remastered and Restored - "Minsan and tunay na damdamin mas damang-dama kapag hindi sinasabi..." - Gala Premiere Nov 14 Trinoma Cinema 1
Ayaw ni Sarah - "Sorry wala kasi akong sexy body eh...Hindi para sa akin 'yon...never akong nag-two-piece...at saka kailangan physically strong 'yon, maraming demands 'yon...si Lara Croft kasi ang peg ko...ako po ba ang gusto nyong maging Darna...hindi ko kaya..." - Sarah Geronimo, PEP, 05 November 2015
Prayers and Guidance - “...There was never any formal invitation...As I was saying, I was not ready to serve on the national level. Mas kabisado ko ang regional level, that’s why I opted to run for congresswoman in the lone district of Lipa City. I’ve served Lipa City as mayor for three terms and the province as governor also for three terms, at gusto ko pa talagang pagsilbihan ang aking constituents...That’s why today...I’m praying for guidance not just for myself but for my family, guidance as a public servant...None (birthday gift wish) Prayers are good enough for me...” - Ricky Lo, The Philippine Star, 03 November 2015
Why Force it? - "...You know with some children, when their parents separate, they tend to go on a crazy path. The tend to be lost for a while—whether it be, you know, in academics or they tend to experiment too much. Ako, when they broke up, I fully understood that if two people can’t be together, why force it? You know, if they try to force the issue, I would pay for it...” - Luis Manzano, ABS-CBN News, 18 October 2015
His Own Money - “...Sometimes we wake up to a whole new mind set. Sometimes we get a good sleep tapos magigising tayo na iba na ang pananaw natin sa buhay natin...It’s 60-40, 60% na medyo baka hindi muna because I’m going to be very busy for the first six months of 2016. It’s going to be very difficult to campaign. Kung sakali mang palarin, manalo, it’s going to be very unfair for the voters na binoto ako tapos mas busy ako sa showbiz. Nakakahiya naman sa mga botante...I see how people come up to my mom and my mom tumutulong siya from her pocket. Ako hindi ko pa kaya ‘yun. Kaya ko ‘yun pero baon ako sa utang after ng first term ko. I’d rather have enough money, be more stable than run. If ever that I need to use my own money to help people, mas okay,” - Boy Abunda, Pilipino Star Ngayon, 16 October 2015
The Plaza's Good Memories - “...Nov. 10, 1971: Teen star Vilma Santos turns a graceful 18! Of course, her screen sweetheart, Edgar Mortiz, heads the long list of greeters. The debutante’s ball is held at the Presidential Hall of The Plaza, where scores of guests boogaloo and shing-a-ling the night away..." - Ching M. Alano, The Philippine Star, 15 October 2015
Hindi mahulugang-karayom - "...Mala-fiesta ang naging sitwasyon sa Commission on Elections (Comelec) mula alas-otso ng umaga hanggang alas-12:00 ng tanghali dahil sa sunud-sunod ang pagdating ng mga kilalang pulitiko kahapon sa ikatlong araw ng paghahain ng certificate of candidacy (COC). Hapon nang dumating ang pinagkaguluhang mag-asawang Senador Ralph Recto at Star for All Seasons at Batangas Gov. Vilma Santos nang maghain din ito ng COC. Hindi mahulugang-karayom ang Palacio Del Gobernador nang dumating sina Recto at Santos nang dumugin ng mga tao at mga supporters ng mga ito na nag-aabang sa paglabas ng mga ito matapos ang paghahain ng COC..." - Noel Abuel, Abante, 15 October 2015
Director Jeffrey Hidalgo wants to direct Vi...and Guy - “...Actually, mas sa directing ako ngayon, e...Then, mag-i-start na rin po akong magdirek ng episode sa Wagas. At saka may gagawin din po akong mini-series for Viva. Sa pelikula, may mga dine-develop, pero wala pang sure na naka-line up. Pero hopefully by next year, gusto ko na talagang mag-shoot ng bagong pelikula...Kasi growing up, Vilmanian ako, e. Hahaha!...Well, gusto ko rin naman si Ms. Nora Aunor, pero lumaki ako na na parang gustong-gusto ko yung acting ni Gov. Vi. “At saka up to now, she's still very current, e. Parang yung mga movies na ginagawa niya, I really enjoy. Yung kay John Lloyd [Cruz, In My Life]. Tapos I really enjoyed yung Ekstra. Kaya parang, I guess, kapag na-direk ko si Vilma Santos, ibang klase talaga iyon. “Kahit ilang dekada na siya, uso pa rin si Vilma Santos, e. Hindi siya nagbabago. Of course, si Nora Aunor din, actually any of them ay talagang magiging ibang klaseng experience for me, kung maidirek ko sila...” - Nonie V. Nicasio, PEP, 13 October 2015
Mas Mataas at Natatanging Parangal - "...Kinoronahan si Mama Vi bilang Queen of the Province, Holder of Authority (Baealabi A Gausa Sa Batangas) ng Muslim Community noong Sabado, Setyembre 26, sa Lima Park Hotel sa Malvar/Lipa City Batangas. Ang Royal Highness Sultan Paramount Faizal Coyogan Benaning Bansao ng Royal Houses ng Sultanate of Batangas ang nagputong ng korona at nag-bigay ng title kay Mama Vi sa isang Royal Enthronment Ceremony. Halos tatlong libong Muslim brothers at leaders mula sa Batangas, Brunei at Malaysia ang saksi sa pagpuputong ng korona sa Star for All Seasons...Bakit ako napangiti nang mabalitaan ko ang bagong karangalan na natanggap ni Mama Vi mula sa ating mga kapatid na Muslim? Napa-smile ako dahil kahit inisnab si Mama Vi ng isang award-giving body, mas mataas at natatanging parangal ang ipinagkaloob sa kanya. Nalungkot ang ibang fans ni Mama Vi nang hindi siya isinali sa mga aktres na pinarangalan bilang Icons ek-ek pero napalitan ng sobrang kaligayahan ang kanilang disappointment dahil sa Queen of the Province, Holder of Authority (Baealabi A Gausa Sa Batangas) na ibinigay ng Muslim community sa Star for All Seasons..." - Lolit Solis, Pilipino Star Ngayon, 29 September 2015
Smart Shopper - “As much as possible, I don’t want to use credit cards when I shop. I sometimes get shocked at how big the interest is. While I like to reward myself by buying expensive stuff, I also buy from bazaars or shops that go on sale. I’m very practical now, especially because I still have tons of unused clothes in my closet. I draw the line at buying Hermes items. I think it’s not fair that they cost too much. Admittedly, I’m a hoarder of sunglasses. I have a huge collection.” - Marinel R. Cruz, Philippine Daily Inquirer, 15 September 2015
Vi is Vivian - “...I’m blessed. I’m grateful that I live comfortably. I only pray for good health for myself and my family. I have peace of mind because I was able to save up for my retirement...I agreed to do the film because playing Vivian is very challenging. She is not exactly bitchy, but she’s fierce. I have a stylist on the set to make sure I look good. Even the way I speak is different...I really missed acting. This is my first love. Show business is home to me, although I truly appreciate being a public servant. I’m very sure that people put me in position because I am Vilma Santos, the actress. They eventually rated my performance and, I guess, were pleased with it. If they trusted me to lead them for 18 years, then I must have done something good...” - Marinel R. Cruz, Philippine Daily Inquirer, 28 August 2015
Julia's Wish - "...It was mentioned to me before that I would be doing a new project but I didn’t believe the talks that I would be playing two characters in the show. When they (bosses) talked to me, that was the time I started telling myself that I should do my best because portraying two characters is new to me; na ‘di pwedeng mag-relax. Besides, I know all the actors here are dedicated to the project...I cannot think of a right word to exactly describe my gratitude for having been given this project. Imagine from contravida then to a mature role in Walang Hanggan and Ikaw Lamang and now this (role) na sobrang iba talaga sa mga dati so I’m taking this as a new challenge...The one celebrity I’d like to meet is...Vilma Santos because I admire how she is able to handle her career as an actress and her being a politician. I wish to not only meet her but also get to work with her..." - Bot Glorioso, The Philippine Star, 23 August 2015
Shy Xiam - "...Hindi siya pinababayaan ni direk Joyce...I think Xian is very shy, sobrang mahiyain, that’s why people mistake him for suplado. Nahihiya siya mag-open up kapag hindi siya kinakausap. I told him that it shouldn’t be that way in showbiz. He should come out of his shell...Wala pa ngang title, eh. When they send us the call slip, ang nakalagay lang doon ‘Vilma-Angel-Xian movie.’ So I told Malou (Santos, Star Cinema supervising producer) na huwag madaliin ang playdate kaya smooth ang shooting namin...” - Ricky Lo, The Philippine Star, 22 August 2015
Film Producer - “...Pero kung sakali, gusto kong balikan ang pagpo-produce ng pelikula ngayon. Hindi iyong masyadong malalaking pelikula. Hindi rin naman iyong kagaya noong mga low budget na pelikula natin. Ang gusto ko iyong indie, na malaya mong magagawa kung ano’ng kuwento ang gusto mo, pero puwede mo rin namang ipalabas na mainstream, dahil malaki rin ang pelikula. Kasi kung gagawa tayo noong talagang indie, sinasabi nila sa akin mahirap ding makabawi dahil parang hindi pa rin tanggap ng publiko iyong indie lang. Mahirap mong ipalabas sa mga sinehan. Kailangan iyong medyo malaki rin talaga...May naiisip na nga akong istorya eh. Pero doon sa istorya, ako rin ang gaganap na bida. Kasi iyon din naman ang advice nila sa akin eh. Kung gagawa kami ng ganoon, dapat ako na muna ang bida. Kasi that way daw magmumukhang mainstream ang pelikula kahit na indie ang budget. Kagaya nga rin ng nangyari roon sa Ekstra, may limit ang budget ng pelikula. Iyong buong production budget nila, kulang pa kung maniningil ako ng talent fee. Pero dahil gusto kong gawin iyon, sinabi ko sa kanila, sige huwag na lang ninyo akong bayaran. Kung ano man iyong ibibigay ninyo sa akin idagdag na lang ninyo doon sa mga ekstrang kukunin ninyo. Natapos namin ang pelikula. Kumita. Kaya masasabi ba ngayon na lahat ng indie hindi kumita?...” - Ed de Leon, Pang-Masa, 22 August 2015
Tug of War - “...Magkakaroon ng tug-of-war diyan kung tutuloy si Senator Poe at Senator Escudero (There would be a tug-of-war in the coalition if both Senator Poe and Senator Escudero run)...There will be members within the coalition…who will join the other forces in the administration coalition as well, in this case Senator Poe and Senator Chiz Escudero...That’s why the problem was trying to work on them being together...The President’s endorsement, to me, is very important. The President’s approval ratings today are higher than any other president’s since the 1987 Constitution...(Senator Sergio Osmeña III, a campaign strategist, earlier proposed Recto’s wife, Batangas Governor Vilma Santos, be Mar Roxas' VP partner)...I think she’s looking forward also to resting a bit...She’d only be interested to run for vice president if I were her president...” - Senator Ralph Recto, Reported by Ryan Chua, ABS-CBN News, 23 July 2015
Feather of Martin's Cap - "...It’s one role that I’m very proud of...The script was interesting, with the character medyo mahirap maintindihan at first reading. When I reached the last page, I was won over. Ang ganda ng twist...yung The Healing, I consider it a feather on my cap. Not every new actor is given a chance to work with the Vilma Santos...Martin del Rosario’s character in Dagitab is complex. But he tackles the role with varying dimensions. He displays various hues of emotions as a young man struggling with his sexual identity. However, he is at his best fleshing out the part of a typical millennial kid — mindless and reckless and couldn’t care less about repercussions of his action...” - Ricky Lo, The Philippine Star, 27 June 2015
She Wants To Be The President - "...Yang mga yan, nababasa ko lang at napapanood. Pero yung sabihin mong usap-usap, wala pa naman. Wala yan sa prayoridad ko. Ang focus ko kasi talaga ay ang last term ko sa Batangas. At ang movie namin with Angel [Locsin]. Pero yang VP VP, hindi yan ang priority ko...I am inclined to be a president…president of the senior citizens!...”- Ernie Mano, ABS-CBN News, 10 June 2015
"Aura of Calmness" - "...It can’t be Grace Poe because I think she has decided to run for President....Vilma Santos would be a good choice...Santos would be a good choice because the Batangas governor did not only have star power but was also an outstanding government official. Besides, she has not been tainted by corruption...Santos would be a good choice and her “aura of calmness and her infectious smile could soften the otherwise fiery and sometimes firm appearance of Rody Duterte...” - Allan Nawal, Philippine Daily Inquirer, 03 June 2015
No Playdate Yet for Director Joyce Bernal - "...Bale ‘yung hair and ‘yung hitsura ng mga damit na lang na isusuot ni Ate Vi ang ginawa namin. ‘Yung make-up look kasi, nauna na ‘yon. Gusto ko kasi, dahil powerful woman ang dating niya sa pelikula, ‘yung look niya rito, kapag nakita na ng lahat, magte-trending kaagad!...Would you believe, nakaka-two shooting days pa lang si Angel at ang next niya, June na. Si Ate Vi naman, hindi pa rin nakapag-shooting kasi aalis muna siya pupunta yata ng Europe, sa Milan...Bale sa July na ang shooting niya...Yon lang ang maganda, wala kaming hinahabol na playdate. Hindi pa naman sinasabi kung kailan ipapalabas, kaya hindi ko pa kailangang maghabol...” - Jun Lalin, Pang-Masa, 24 May 2015
Ferdie's Effort - "...Poverty is not a hindrance...I wasn’t academically trained as a producer. I think I manage to be good at it by being able to relate to everybody in the production. A producer’s work is not materially rewarding but since I wanted to help, we thought of showing the films I produced to raise money to support poor students who value education as a way out of poverty...” - Tonette Orejas, Philippine Daily Inquirer, 11 May 2015
Vi: Possibly, President Manny - "...If Manny puts his mind to educating himself, getting the right philosophy or the right vision for the country, if he studies and works as hard as he does for his sport, he might not be so bad. So I am not going to close the door and say forever he's never going to make a good leader...If there is one word to describe Manny Pacquiao, he is full of possibilities. Manny is possibilities. So who knows?..." - David Dizon, ABS-CBN News, 05 May 2015
Loida's Triumph - “...This is an affirmation that mainstream and indie, entertainment and substance, can mix wonderfully and meaningfully...They love Vilma in Houston...It was the last award to be announced. I never thought we were in the running...Everyone in the audience must have wondered, ‘Where did that film come from?’ It is such a small movie and for it to be noticed and recognized in a field of 500 feature films was stunning!...” - Bayani San Diego Jr., Philippine Daily Inquirer, 23 April 2015
Sinaway Si Ralph - "...I don’t know…maybe it was meant na kaming dalawa. Plus, isang naging malaking atraksiyon sa akin... si Ralph talaga is may laman ang utak...Ten years ang age difference namin...I was 31 and he was 21 the first time we met. Estudyante pa lang po siya nun. Kaya lang, the first time we met… hindi niya alam na ako si Vilma Santos. Isang pelikula ko lang po ang napanood niya, kasi requirement pa sa school—Sister Stella L [1984]. That’s why the first time we met sa Kingkong [disco club], he didn’t even know I was Vilma Santos. May nagsabi lang sa kanya. Sabi niya, ‘Sinong Vilma?’ ‘Si Vilma Santos, yung artista. Kaya sabi ko, ‘Kung may gagawin ka at mahuli kita, aminin mo na, kesa madinig ko pa sa iba. Baka mas mapapatawad kita. There was one time, umamin. O, e, di pinatawad ko. Tinanong ko, ‘Totoo ba itong ganyan-ganyan? Sabi niya, ‘Totoo.’ O, sige! Next time, be careful. Nag-sorry naman siya... umiyak nga, e!...Pero inamin niya kaya napatawad ko. Anyway, we’ve been together for seven years. And then, we’ve been married since 1992. Ganun na katagal kaming magkasama—in spite and despite of...” - Ruben Marasigan, PEP. 14 April 2015
Not Devils - “...Alam niyo po, lahat naman ng pulitiko, pinagbintangan na po ng ganyan. I am not saying that we are perfect, because we are not; or I am perfect because I am not. I am no saint, ganun din po si Senador. But definitely, we are not devils. Hindi namin sinasabing perpekto kami. But again, issues na may mga cut sa proyekto, may mga tinatawag na ‘for the boys,’ I think, in a way, nangyayari ‘yan. Pero para sabihin po na nang-iisa kami ng mga tao pagdating diyan, I doubt it, hindi po. I know my husband...Knock on wood, huwag naman po… wala naman po. I even talked to my people, na sabi ko, ‘I’m not expecting you to be perfect…’ Kasi confrontational po ako, e. I’m not saying they’re perfect, na magpaka-perpekto, pero sana lang, ang isang ipinapakiusap ko sa kanila…Kaya po open po ang telepono ko. Kahit sinong gusto akong kausapin, open. Gusto niyong magsumbong na kayo ay hiniritan, hiningan ng ganito o kinorner kayo, tell me straight..." - Erwin Santiago, PEP, 07 April 2015
Xiam's Milestone - "...Masaya ako dahil ang tagal ko nang di nakabalik sa states...Its a different energy here, its good to be back...Governor Vilma Santos makasama mo siyempre parang isang milestone para sa knowledge ko rin in acting just to see her, just to get tips from her..." - Yeng Chavez, TFC Balitang America, 02 April 2015
Vi's text buddy - “...We used to text each other. I regularly sent organic vegetables from Batangas to her house. I am Alfonso’s (Liezl’s son) godmother...I met Liezl when she was 5 years old. She and Aga used to go swimming in the pool at my Dasmariñas Village home...They need prayers for strength...” - Bayani San Diego Jr., 18 March 2015
Latest on Lala - “...They are my treasures...I want them to both succeed in whatever endeavor they both want to pursue. But, if I had my way, I wouldn’t want them to join the entertainment world, lalo’t maging singer and recording star. I have been in it once. And it’s not an easy profession...Kapanahunan namin ni Arnold si Winnie Santos (younger sister of now Batangas Governor Vilma Santos-Recto)...Ka-love team naman noon ni Winnie si Buboy Villamayor (her cousin, as he is Nora Aunor’s younger brother). The four of us were known at that time as the Apat na Sikat. Ganunpaman, bago namin nalaman, na-disband na kami. Samantalang nag-asawa si Winnie, I decided na ipagpatuloy ang aking pag-a-aral. Ganundin si Arnold..." - Ethel Ramos, 20 March 2015
Brilliante's Protege - "...When I learned that Ate Shawie is going back to ABS-CBN, I really expressed my desire to work with her. It’s my dream to work with her. I really hope that we can do a project together,” said Coco, who has won four best actor trophies for his work in Ikaw Lamang....I really learn a lot working with veteran stars. They are able to share with me many things. Besides, I want to take care of them on the set. I really treasure the fact that I had the chance to work with Nora Aunor, Eddie Garcia, Ms. Susan Roces, Kris Aquino and Tirso Cruz and I really wish to be given the chance to work with Ate Shawie and Governor Vilma Santos..."- Ricky Calderon, The Freeman, 13 March 2015
Edu's Vote - "...I would like to see kung ano magiging plataporma niya, kung sino magiging kasama. That's what I'm saying--ganun ka importante ang boto ko para sa akin...I'm not saying she doesn't deserve it, but latagan mo ako kung ano ang plataporma mo...Kung saka-sakaling maisipan niya, she better be ready...these are very sensitive times, lalo na ngayong 2016...I think we should take our vote very seriously, kung itutuloy yung mga sabihin nating tagumpay nang administrasyon na ito or do we go back where were many, many years ago. So ako, I take my vote very, very seriously. And I hope the same will go for the electorate..." - Chuck Smith, Philstar, 04 March 2015
Two Lunas - "...Regarding the 33rd FAP Luna Awards, the citers for the different categories have been informed to submit their ten best list of film accomplishment s in 2014 which will be forwarded to the nominators who will draw up the final nominees in the different categories. The 32nd FAP Luna Awards which should have recognize the film accomplishment for the year 2013 was not held last year and the winners will be presented their trophies during the 33rd FAP Luna Awards..." - FAP Web, 11 Feb 2015
Ang Mga Rosas ni Nora - "...Hindi ko naman ikinahihiya ‘yun, totoo ‘yun. Mula kasi no’ng bata ako, idol ko talaga si mare (Vilma). Talagang fan ako noon. Limang beses ko kung panoorin ang pelikula niya. ‘Yung Ging, Trudis Liit. Talagang tumatakas ako sa bahay noon. Crush ko...Nakatira siya sa Hillton noong araw, lukaret ako eh. Bumili ako ng rosas tapos 7 o’clock nandoon na ako sa lobby ng Hillton. Wala pa si mare, dumating siya 4 o’clock. From seven hanggang four naghintay ako talaga para lang maibigay ‘yung rosas. Pinaakyat naman ako, pero walang nangyari, umuwi lang ako...” - Boy Abunda, Pilipino Star Ngayon, 24 February 2015
Brewing In Batangas - "...As of late last year, hopeful political candidates have started releasing word on their plans for the 2016 elections, but the creation of the lone districts in the cities of Batangas and Lipa may bring about changes to the political landscape in the province. Leviste, who is on his last term as Batangas vice governor, earlier announced his candidacy for governor but without an official endorsement from the Rectos, he has been suspected as exploring a congressional seat instead. He dismissed such rumors also on Tuesday. “My family and I are decided to run for governor,” Leviste confirmed. Gov. Hermilando Mandanas of Batangas, who was the former representative of the 2nd district of the province, was also among those who strongly supported the passage of the bill. He also announced his candidacy for governor and he will not change his mind despite recent developments. “I have decided already to run again for governor [in] 2016. No interest to be congressman [in] 2016,” Mandanas said. Before the passage of the bill, a rift between the Rectos and Sabili, now on his second term as Lipa mayor, was said to be brewing after some of his constituents expressed their desire for former Lipa City Mayor Vilma Santos-Recto to seek the top position in the city. However, a source close to both parties disclosed that an agreement may have been reached between allowing Sabili to serve his last term while the Rectos take the congressional seat or vice versa..." - Tina Ganzon, Manila Times, 12 February 2015
Leo Katigbak (Head, ABS-CBN Film Archives): “...We wanted to restore key works of Vilma with different directors...We certainly would have wanted more of her definitive work from the ‘70s and early ‘80s but access to the materials and other issues are often the problems we encounter with older films...To a certain extent, Vilma is the closest we have to a Meryl Streep...” - Ricky Lo, The Philippine Star, 11 February 2015
Luis Private Lives - “...I’ve appeared with my mom before, but I felt na magiging masyado nang personal kung kasama ko na ang mommy ko, kasama ko pa ang girlfriend ko. Ayokong gawing showbiz ang buong buhay ko. Gusto ko namang magtira ng something para sa sarili ko...” - Mario Bautista, Showbiz Portal, 31 January 2015
UP Honors Vi - "...The University of the Philippines Film Institute honors Gov. Vilma Santos with the screening of three of her acclaimed movies restored in high definition: “Anak” directed by Rory Quintos, “Kapag Langit ang Humatol” by Laurice Guillen and “Bata, Bata Paano Ka Ginawa” by Chito Rono. UP Film Institute Head Nonoy Lauzon announces: “For UP Diliman Month, coinciding with the National Arts Month, UP Film Institute celebrates the Vi that stands for Victory for All Seasons, Ate Vi times 3. This is in honor of Philippine cinema and popular culture’s true artist for a sovereign and empowered nation, Vilma Santos – the first UP Gawad Plaridel Awardee for Film and Recipient of UP Film Institute’s Diwata Award for Distinguished Achievement in Women’s Cinema.” The movies will be screened at UP Film Institute on February 5, Thursday: “Anak” at 2:30 PM, “Kapag Langit” at 5 PM and “Bata, Bata” at 7:30 PM. For inquiries, get in touch with UP Film Institute at filminstitute.upd.edu.ph or tel: 9262722; 9263640. This is in cooperation with the UP College of Mass Communication, ABS-CBN Film Restoration, UP Center For Women's Studies The National Commission for Culture and the Arts and Philippine Commission on Women..." - Mario Bautista, Showbiz Portal, 25 January 2015
Para Kay Misis - "....Akin ito eh…Tsaka kaming pintor para rin kaming mga story writer…Mundo ko ito e. Ito nag-eexist ito sa utak ko lang na inilabas ko. Kaso na-misinterpret ng ibang tao...Hindi rin ako well versed sa mga tao na nilagay ko diyan pero tingin ko, sa pananaw ko mababait sila...Ke artista yan mayaman o mahirap pare-pareho tayong tao. Pare-pareho tayong nilikha ng Diyos...Originally mga dukha talaga iyan…Hiniling lang ng misis ko. Syempre mahal na mahal ko ‘yan kaya susundin ko. Tsaka trip lang ito…Wala akong intensyon na masama. Ito ay ginawa ko lang para sa misis ko..." - MJ Marfori, Interaksyon, 12 January 2015
Pagpapakumbaba ni Papa Francis - "...Pope Francis refuses to be garbed in princely garments and prefers common transportation to go to work to align himself with the common people. Such acts bring Catholics — including gays and pro-abortionists — into the fold of the Church. “Isa si Pope Francis na ehemplo ng pagpapakumbaba na dapat matularan sa aming industriya!” Gov. Vilma proclaims. Inspiration begets inspiration. This motivated visual artist Dante Hipolito to paint Gov. Vilma with Pope Francis in the 29” x 24” oil on canvas titled Salubong. A distinct style of vibrant rural realism, it follows Pope Francis’ didactic intentions. Dante did this by redefining art, what he terms as Composite Realism, which is the smooth interplay of filmmaking elements of production design, photography and digital art based on his experience in stage production and advertising. Thus, he creates a distinctively exuberant depictions of country life on their basic principles. In an ambiance of rural peace and prosperity, Dante shows Gov. Vilma as a farmer leading stars (from left) Gary Valenciano, Sen. Grace Poe, Marian Rivera, Dingdong Dantes, Coco Martin and Kris Aquino who are also costumed as country people in the festive welcome..." - Edgar O. Cruz, The Philippine Star, 08 January 2015
Smell Fresh - "...Bukod sa maganda ay matindi pa rin ang sex appeal (Jennylyn Mercado) niya...Pag dumarating sa taping, agad mong papansinin dahil para bang ang bangu-bango. Parang laging bagong paligo. Isang actress lang ang puwede kong sabihin na may katulad niyang appeal. Si Vilma Santos. Hindi ko nga maipaliwanag noon kung paano nagagawa ni Vi na mag-amoy preskong-presko kahit maghapon kaming nagso-shoot ng pelikula. Ganun din si Jennylyn. Pinipigilan ko na nga lang ang sarili nang magkaroon kami ng rape scene sa pelikulang “Rosario” noon...Ang kinis ng kutis. Parang walang kalibag-libag. Ayoko kasing masabi na nagsasamantala ako. Kilala n’yo naman ang pagiging professional ko. Iniksian pa nga ni (direk) Albert Martinez ang rape scene namin...Ngayong best actress na siya, panay-panay ang tanong niya kung paano siya naging magaling sa ‘English Only, Please.’ Hindi siya nahirapan sa mga acting requrements..." - Chit Ramos, Journal, 08 January 2015
Orly Ilacad and Vi - “...I first took a pre-Medicine course, but when my father died, I decided to shift to Commerce. Masyadong matagal ang Medicine eh (the course takes long), and I had to help my mom out. Naisip ko din na medyo malaki ang binabayad sa amin kapag nag-gig kami (I realized they were paying us well for gigs), but I did not want to perform for the rest of my life. So I started to think about music as a business. That is how Vicor Music was born in 1966...(Among the artists they were able to sign up: Jeanne Young, Guy and Pip, Victor Wood, Pilita Corrales, and yes, Vilma Santos)...We came up with a company that produces local music, yung talagang OPM. Dati, kapag sinabing local music, ang ibig sabihin ay Kundiman (In the past, when you said local music, you meant the kundiman). We were able to offer music that appealed to the younger generation at the time...“At the time, uso ang Gwapings, so we came up with our own version. We put together Ogie, Francis M, Michael V, and Anjo Yllana and called them the Pogings...(Octoarts Films also started the massacre movies trend with The Elsa Castillo Story starring Kris Aquino; and it came up with the first Filipino film on AIDS, with Vilma Santos portraying Dolzura Cortez)...I pushed for that project because I wanted to have a movie that put Vilma and Christopher de Leon together...” - Maan D’Asis Pamaran, Manila Standard Today, 10 January 2015
FOR COMPLETE LIST OF VILMA SANTOS 2014 NEWS LINKS, CLICK HERE