In "MMK Dalawang Dekada," a two-hour documentary special to be aired this Sept.25 in "Sunday’s Best," a journey of the show’s success will be recollected featuring Batangas Gov. Vilma Santos, actress par excellance, grilling host Charo Santos about the show. It features how loyal viewers are glued to every episode not only because of the lead stars but more importantly, because of the content of the story and the lessons learned by the letter senders. (READ MORE).
the story behind paper clip - One of the highlights of the documentary featured Batangas Governor Vilma Santos-Recto having a chat with the face behind MMK, ABS-CBN President Charo Santos-Concio. Governor Vi asked Ms. Charo: What's the story behind paper clip? The senior executive narrated with a smile, "My bosses thought wala akong alam sa telebisyon...Sa pelikula, may play date. You can postpone your play date. Pero sa television, the show must go on everyday. Wala kang dead air...Tinanong kita kung anong programang ang pwede mong ipalit bukas, anong ideyang ibibigay mo? Sabi ko, 'I'll think about it. Give me a week' [Sabi nila], 'Ano? One week, hindi ganyan sa telebisyon. Now na.'" "Nakita ko yung paper clip on top of the table. Sa nerbiyos ko, napahawak ako sa paper clip. Maaring ang silbi nito ay para sa functional use...But sa ibang tao, may kwento, behind this." "Maaring ginamit niya ito noong nagtanan siya ng kanyang mahal at magbukas ng pinto.We can dramatize true-to-life stories from letter senders. Anong title na ibibigay mo diyan? Among my souvenirs..." (READ MORE)
Daisy Hernandez (Vilma Santos), a mother must divide her time between work and taking care of her daughter April (Maja Salvador) who has cerebral palsy. Daisy’s heart is wrenched every time she sees her eldest child suffer because of her illness. But Daisy never loses hope, and April manages to live a normal life until she is 18. Just when Daisy thought things are doing fine with her daughter's disability, a tragedy will further test her faith (Wikepedia).
Maalaala Mo Kaya (lit. Would You Remember) is a Philippine drama anthology series broadcast on ABS-CBN every Saturday evening and being hosted by Charo Santos-Concio. Currently, it became the longest-running drama anthology on Philippine television and on Asia. The program features weekly real life stories or anecdotes of common people or even famous celebrities and personalities through letter sending. The series has a counterpart radio program being broadcast on DZMM called "Maalaala Mo Kaya sa DZMM", a paperback ("pocketbooks") adaption and a comic book adaptation under Mango Comics & Sterling. The program is named after the song, "Maalaala Mo Kaya" by Constancio de Guzman, which also serves as the program's main theme song which was performed by Dulce. During 2000's airing of the program until now, the main theme song was covered by Carol Banawa replacing Dulce's version. Notable episodes: "Regalo" (Gift) MMK episode topbilled by Vilma Santos, Ricky Davao and Maja Salvador and considered as one of the most critically successful episode (Wikepedia).
Vilma Santos long successful television career started with musical variety show, The Sensations with love team, Edgar Mortiz and other teen singing sensations like Perla Adea, Esperanza Fabon, Rommy Mallari and Eddie Perigrina. She followed this up, with a drama anthology in Dalambuhay ni Rosa Vilma. The mid to late 70s, Vilma ventured again into the musical variety genre with a string of shows like, Ayan Eh, Vilma Santos Special Engagements and Vilma In Person until settling down with her top rated long-running show, Vilma! Vilma! became one of the most successful TV show in Philippines television history. Armed with its lavish opening production number, it became the highest rated and advertisement haven from early to late 1990s. Vilma's decision to settled down with her marriage to Senator Ralph Recto and her pregnancy with her youngest son, Ryan Christian halted the success of Vilma! and eventually resulted to the shows ending.
Here are Vilma's television recognitions...
1972 - Most Effective TV Actress - EMEE Award
1987 - Best Musical Variety Show Host - Star Awards for TV
1987 - Best Musical Variety Show - 'Vilma' - Catholic Mass Media Award (CMMA)
1988 - Best Musical Variety Show Host - Star Awards for TV
1988 - Best Musical Variety Show - 'Vilma' - Star Awards for TV
1988 - Best Musical Variety Show - 'Vilma' - CMMA Award
1989 - Best Musical Variety Show - 'Vilma' - Star Awards for TV
1989 - Best Musical Variety Show - 'Vilma' - CMMA Award
1990 - Best Musical Variety Show - 'Vilma' - Star Awards for TV
1990 - Hall of Fame in Musical Variety Show - 'Vilma' - CMMA
1990 - New York International Awards for TV -'Vilma' - Finalist
1991 - Best Musical Variety Show - 'Vilma' - Star Awards for TV
1991 - Best Musical Variety Show - 'Vilma' - Dove Award
1992 - Best Musical Variety Show - 'Vilma' - Star Awards for TV
1994 - Best Musical VAriety Show - 'Vilma' - Star Awards for TV
1998 - Ading Fernando Lifetime Achievement Award - Star for TV
2006 - Best Actress in a Single TV Persformance for MMK: 'Regalo' episode - Star for TV
Is it “Mission Impossible” Madam Anna? The "the end of 100 Days to Heaven: A Heavenly Finale”
ABS-CBN’s top-rating Primetime Bida drama series “100 Days to Heaven” was once again the talk of the town as it recently trended worldwide on Twitter with the non-stop intense scenes and revelations on its last week dubbed as “100 Days to Heaven: A Heavenly Finale.” Aside from following the happenings in the lives of Madam Anna Manalastas (Coney Reyes/Xyriel Manabat) and daughter Sophia (Jodi Sta. Maria), loyal viewers are hooked in the finale week to watch out for the guest appearance of some of the biggest Kapamilya stars which recently included Jake Cuenca as the young ‘Tagasundo,’ Coco Martin as the young ‘Tagabantay,’ and Governor Vilma Santos as ‘Tagabantay.’ When asked about her guesting, Santos said nothing but praises for the show. She said, “We all know that many people are watching the show that’s why I consider it a great honor to be a part of it, plus the fact that I got to work with my good friend, Coney Reyes.”
The Star for All Seasons also shared that like all the loyal viewers of “100 Days to Heaven,” she was also deeply touched with Madam Anna’s journey. “I salute the program for all the good values it presents. It has taught viewers the importance of being good to others and that it is never too late to change for the better and ask for forgiveness from those we have offended,” Santos said. Meanwhile, the whole cast and production team of “100 Days to Heaven” are thankful for the public’s full support to show which aired for six months. On her Twitter account, Reyes constantly expresses her gratitude to the show’s followers. She tweeted, “We hope that everyone will be a part of our journey from the beginning to end. Thank you very much for all the support!” After all her efforts, is it really ‘mission accomplished’ for Anna? Was she really able to correct all that she had done wrong? Will the gates of heaven open for her or will she be brought into the clutches of hell? Don’t dare miss the final judgment on “100 Days to Heaven: A Heavenly Finale,” weeknights after “TV Patrol” on ABS-CBN. For more info, visit: official web-site, Twitter, Facebook. Source: Starmometer, Nov 16, 2011, ABS-CBN READ MORE
In the 1980’s, Nora Aunor’s Superstar show was losing viewership and her box-office appeal was also in question. Suddenly, the 70’s superstar was being eclipsed by a non-singer but an excellent dancer and versatile actress Vilma Santos. She has just scored her first of four grand slams for the movie Relasyon and continued to reign as the Longest Box-office Queen of Philippine Cinema. And slowly but surely, her VIP (Vilma In Person) TV show was gaining patronage/high ratings too from the precious class ABC households nationwide, TV advertisers’ prime target audience for their products.
Vilma!
Smart Move - There was no stopping Vilma Santos. She was about to conquer the TV musical-variety genre where Nora Aunor ruled for years. Early on, Vilma Santos had rough sailings with her musical variety show. VIP was being broadcast from Channel 2, which had a bad reception among TV homes nationwide, and was no match to the more modern RPN Channel 9 where Nora’s Superstar show was simultaneously shown from Luzon to Mindanao in vivid, crisp color. When VIP moved to GMA Channel 7, it was the best move that Vilma’s think tank ever did. With better satellites, shrewd marketing, state of the art facilities, and more ambitious production numbers and with the Dancing Queen Vilma at the center of it all, and with the genius of Maribeth Bichara’s choreography and musical concepts written all over the show – “Vilma!” became the most watched and the most awarded TV show in the musical/variety category.
Vilma!
52 - Every Friday, 52 weeks a year, there was Vilma Santos’ most awaited opening number that never failed to surprised, amused and elicited ooohhhs and aaahhhs as the TV Musical Variety Queen won the hearts of music and dance aficionados here and abroad. Who would ever forget these outstanding, well-rehearsed, high performance level and unforgettable numbers?: Madonna — The Madonna Material Girl number, which would make Madonna proud. She sashays, gyrates, and pirouettes ala Tina Turner for Vilma’s version of Private Dancer.? (“I’m your private dancer, a dancer for money, do what you want me to do?” Talbog ang Burlesk Queen! My most memorable Maribeth B. and Vilma Santos sexy number was when they showed their legs and swing those hips as the Swing Out Sisters belt out their number one hit Breakout…The “A Chorus Line” ensemble, “On Broadway” with Queen Vilma leading the group with a hat, gloves, a cane and a glossy costume. Who would ever forget her swing number with then sweetheart Ralph Recto? Or a dance number with the late Nida Blanca? Or a naughty, haughty dance number La Conga, sung by Gloria Stefan? And many, many more production numbers that were shot from Luzon to Mindanao, and even in the U.S., like The Raging Waters in California.
TV Awards
Imitated - Vilma! was imitated but never equaled by the fly by night copycats: Snooky Serna, Maricel Soriano, even Alma Moreno in Love-liness. Sharon stuck to singing and wers-wers English. At one time, Nora Aunor was guest. Pinaluhod lahat sila ni Ms. Vilma Santos! Whenever a Regal or a Viva movie promo was in progress, they all trooped to the ratings winner Vilma! From GMA studio, to the Metropolitan Theater, Vilma! made history. From the cha-cha, the boogie, to tinikling to meringue and the swing – Vilma did them all. She was everybody’s Ate Vi or Tita Vi. The TV Queen. The Dancing Queen, and how! Here are some of the awards the Queen Star and her famous Vilma! show had won:
1987 STAR Award Best Musical Variety Show Host
1987 CMMA Best Musical Variety Show
1988 STAR Award Best Musical Variety Show Host
1988 STAR Award Best Musical Variety Show
1988 CMMA Best Musical Variety Show
1989 STAR Award Best Musical Variety Show
1989 CMMA Best Musical Variety Show
1990 CMMA Hall of Fame in Musical Variety Show
1990 STAR Award Best Musical Variety Show
1990 New York International Awards for TV Finalist
1991 STAR Award Best Musical Variety Show
1991 Dove Awards Best Musical Variety Show
1992 STAR Award Best Musical Variety Show
1994 STAR Award Best Musical Variety Show
1998 STAR Award Ading Fernando Lifetime Achievement Award
My wish: Please bring back Vilma!, the dancer and entertainer par excellence, even if it’s just one show. Sayaw, Vilma, sayaw! The whole world awaits. Who cares if you’re 51? Tina Tuner is almost 70. Vilma, you are the Eternal Youth and the Dancing Queen Forever! - Mar Garces, V magazine, 2005 Global Vilmanians
Basic Information: Direction: Maryon de los Reyes; Screenplay: Raquel Villavicencio (Based on the stage play, Extremities); Cast: Vilma Santos, Richard Gomez, Jacklyn Jose, Mia Gutierrez. Broadcasted November 7 1988 by GMA Channel 7
Plot Description: Based on the play Extremities, a photographer (Vilma Santos) avenged her sufferings by torturing back the rapist (Richard Gomerz) who abused her.
Film Accomplishment: Part of GMA Seven's special one week event entitled: "Seven Nights To Remember in November" in connection to their newly installed high voltage power grid broadcasting tower in 1988.
Film Review: “…Jacklyn is cast with Vilma Santos and Christopher De Leon in Viva’s “Immortal.” This is Vilma and Christopher’s first film together after several years of making movies separately. Although Jacklyn is cast in a supporting role, she is excited in doing the dramatic opus since it is a Vilma starrer. Jacklyn is vocal to admit that she is an avid fan of Vilma. This is the second time she co-stars with her favorite idol. The first one was on a TV dramatic special “Lamat sa Kristal,” which was produced by Vilma herself. Besides, Jacklyn is also happy to note that she will be directed by one of her favorite directors, Eddie Garcia…” - Eddie O. Liboon (READ MORE)
An explosive combination - The highlight of GMA 7's day one of its "Seven Days to Remember in November" las Monday, was the showing of Vilma Santos, Inc.'s first drama special for television titled Lamat sa Kristal, based on the play Extrimities. Coincidentally, the said tele-movie was shot during the rage of killer typhoon Unsang and was aired at the height of another weather disturbance name Yoning. The suspense drama starred Santos, Jacklyn Jose and Mia Gutierrez as the three friends, all professinals in their respective fields, who went out in vacation at a resthouse in Tagaytay. Santos, as the quiet photographer about to hold her one-woman show, was nursing a broken heart from a failed relationship. Jose was the happy-go-lucky type while Gutierrez was the usual reliable supportive friend. The tension started when Jose and Gutierrez left Santos in the resthouse all by herself. The lonely photographer calmly did her chores till she came across a stranger (portrayed by Richard Gomez) who turned out to be a psychopath and rapist. The following scenes showed how the woman was attacked, abused, tortured, molested and almost raped and she tried to put a fight and survive the ordeal.
Santos' remarkable transformation from a hapless victim to a raging avenger trying to get even is one fo the most moving delineations we've seen in years. As it turned out, Jose was herself a rape victim and the harrowing experience of her friend suddenly confronted her with her traumatic past. She was convincing with her role and Gutierrez was likewise effective. What really surprised us was Gomez, we never thought that the good looking acotr could really act - we almost wanted to actually slash his neck in anger. As for Maryo de los Reyes' direction, we doubt it very much if he had a hard time with this one, since he had some of our most gifted thespians and the typhoon which had provided the needed atmosphere. Of course, there were some loopholes. In the script of Raquel Villavicencio. For a tele-movie, Lamat sa Kristal was well-crafted and it surely deserves a follow up soon. As usual, the commercials were too many and they seemed too long. At any rate, Lamat sa Kristal was far better than most of the movies being shown lately. We never realised that the combination of Santos and the two typhoons would be that explosive. - Manila Standard, Nov 12, 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)
"...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..." - Meg mendoza (READ MORE)
"Again, it was a bad year for the movies in 1988, the industry reached a critical low - a total output of 132 films to 150 of the previous year. Certainly, the situation, has become worse, a foreboding that may prove irreversible unless appropriate measures are instituted...On the other hand, Vilma Santos, although she starred in only one movie, Ibulong Mo sa Diyos, lorded it over in television with the top rated Vilma and a top-rating drama special (Lamat sa Kristal) she herself produced......." - Mike Feria, Manila Standard, Jan 5 1989 (READ MORE)
"...Jacklyn Jose still talks about her rare experience of appearing in a special tele-movie (Lamat sa Kristal) with her favorite actress Vilma Santos. Jose was vocal in telling her friends that she is an avid fan of the top actress. In one scene, she was supposed to drive the care where she, Santos and Mia Gutierrez were supposed to be riding in. She got excited not because she did not know how to drive but because she was for the first time with her movie idol..." - Eddie O. Libo-on, Manila Standard, Jan 9, 1989 (READ MORE)
It's been almost 20 years since Vilma Santos started to sing professionally, but until now she refuses to be called a singer. And, as everybody would agree, rightfully so. In fact, if there's any single facet in her long and successful showbiz career that has been the object of continued public censure it is her singing. But be that as it may, the 33-year-old actress persists in singing, seemingly oblivious of the flak that comes her way. Has she, in any way, become calloused throught the years? "No, I still get affected by criticisms," she onced said. "The thing is I have learned to accept them as part of the business and as something I can't do without. I think the secret is in learning how to deal and live with them." That singing was once a passion for her is a fact that the actress does not deny, but she adds "not anymore." According to her, the success, her first and best-selling record, in the '70s was fullfillment enough. But that doesn't mean she no longer enjoys singing. As a matter of fact, she does.
And, as far as her singing is concerned, this attitude is the hardest thing to contend with, Santos likes to sing and no amount of reproof - especially when it comes from people she doesn't respect and believe in - could stop her from doing so. As I see if the actress is one person who does not run away from challenges or problems - the more she is criticized the more she tries to prove her point. Some time ago, in one of her late-night recordings, I asked the actress if she ever had to formal voice lessons. "No, I didn't have," she replied while waiting for her cue. "Some voice coaching lang tulad ngayon. Hindi naman talaga ako singer - it is not my craft. I only because I am requested to. Besides, I like doing it for my fans. I don't think I'll ever be a professional singer. Acting is really my career." Tonight, as Vilma Santos celebrates her first year anniversary in Channel 7 and her seventh year on television. "The Star for all Seasons" will show her admirers and detractors alike that singing has not hurt her and her career. Instead, it has endeared her to her audiences and, whether we like it or not, her amateurish singing has helped made her show a sort of a "family affair."
Anniversary Celebration Special Guest Co-Host: Edu Manzano; Opening Number - One of the biggest production numbers ever produced in television variety shows. GMA 7 says it is the first of its kind ever staged for Phlippine TV - in terms of costumes, special effects, set and other production design that go with it. With a cast of 35-40 dancers, the opening production number alone costs more or less P25,000.00 Vilma's dance is expected to surpass even the most difficult and talked about numbers she has ever done on TV.
Boogie Dance No. - Vilma and Edu will do a boogie dance number that promises to bring the house down because its originality and showmanship. This is the first time Edu will do a spectacular boogie number on TV.
Revival Medly - Vilma and Ricky Davao will do a medley of this year's most popular revivals like Black is Black, Sweet for my Sweet, When I Fall In Love, etc. Randy Santiago's production number with V.I.P. Dancers features a sneak preview of his first major solo concert to be held at the ULTRA tomorrow. Maricel Soniano's dance number after an absence from the TV variety scene. OPM medley of hits in 1987 as rendered by Aga Muhlach, JC Bonnin, Gretchen Barreto, Leah Salonga, Bing Loyzaga and Keno.
Pasadalamat sa Inyo - Kundimans of different regions in different dialects to thank Vilma! viewers all over the Philippines to be done by Lani Mercado, Manilyn Reynes, Marco Sison and Richard John Reynoso. Lorna Tolentino, Maricel Soriano and Gabby Concepcion Trio - the three stars will do a special number to promote their movie Pinulot Ka Lang Sa Lupa.
VMW - Vilma's Music Watch to showcase once again the week's hottest music and dance with Vilma, Maribeth and John Robinson and 40 dancers. Finale - a classical music disco dance - Disco dancing to the classical music of Mozart with special props.
Surprise Romantic Number - Vilma and Edu will thrill their fans as they do another musical number.
Stars Greetings - From Sharon Cuneta, Kris Aquino, Tonton Gutierrez, Ricky Davao, Helen Vela, Kuya Germs, Inday Badiday, and many other Regal and Viva film stars. - JC Nigado, Manila Standard - Oct 2, 1987 (READ MORE)
Basic Information: Direction: Vilma Santos; Cast: Dawn Zulueta, Ariel Rivera, Ali Sotto, Bernardo Bernardo, Tom Taus, AJ Galvez and Armando Goyena; Production Co.: Vilma Santos Productions, Inc.
Plot Description: No Available Data
Film Accomplishment: Vilma Santos' directorial debut.
Film Review "...Although Vilma directed a well-received TV movie before (“Lazarito”), she still wishes to direct a full-length film feature soon. She holds in high esteem her favorite lady directors like Laurice Guillen, Marilou Diaz-Abaya, Rory Quintos, and Olive Lamasan. She would like to work with Peque Gallaga in the future and hopes to be reunited with Chito Rono and Mike de Leon who have both directed her best films..." - Paolo Salas, Celebrity Chronicle, Nov 2006 (READ MORE)
“…Ang mentor ni Vi sa pagiging direktor ay si Joel Torre. Nakapagdirek si Vi ng isang telemovie na may pamagat na Lazarito kung saan tampok dito sina Dawn Zulueta, Ariel Rivera at Tom Taus, Jr…Kabilang naman sa ginawang telemovie ni Vi ay ang Lamat Sa Kristal, Katuparan, Once There Was A Love, Correctional, Bugso at Maalaala Mo Kaya: Regalo episode…” - Alfonso Valencia (READ MORE)
“…Ang dream ko naman talaga—nung hindi ko alam na papasok ako sa pulitika—ay makapagdirek ng movie. Yun yung next step ko, parang maging Laurice Guillen, Marilou Diaz-Abaya. Nagpapaturo na nga ako ng anggulo! Yun ang dream ko talaga. But she was quick to point out that she already directed a telemovie for GMA-7 in the past. Titled Lazarito, it starred Dawn Zulueta and Ariel Rivera. “Nakapag-direct na ako para sa TV, pero ang dami ko pang mali. Nung mag-e-edit na ako, wala na akong material. Nung nag-shoot kasi ako, eksakto lang. Lesson learned: dapat pala ang dami mo talagang dapat [i-shoot]…” - Jocelyn Dimaculangan (READ MORE)
In the 1980’s, Nora Aunor’s Superstar show was losing viewership and her box-office appeal was also in question. Suddenly, the 70’s superstar was being eclipsed by a non-singer but an excellent dancer and versatile actress Vilma Santos. She has just scored her first of four grand slams for the movie Relasyon and continued to reign as the Longest Box-office Queen of Philippine Cinema. And slowly but surely, her VIP (Vilma In Person) TV show was gaining patronage/high ratings too from the precious class ABC households nationwide, TV advertisers’ prime target audience for their products.
Smart Move — There was no stopping Vilma Santos. She was about to conquer the TV musical-variety genre where Nora Aunor ruled for years. Early on, Vilma Santos had rough sailings with her musical variety show. VIP was being broadcast from Channel 2 which had a bad reception among TV homes nationwide, and was no match to the more modern RPN Channel 9 where Nora’s Superstar show was simultaneously shown from Luzon to Mindanao in vivid, crisp color. When VIP moved to GMA Channel 7, it was the best move that Vilma’s think tank ever did. With better satellites, shrewd marketing, state of the art facilities, and more ambitious production numbers and with the Dancing Queen Vilma at the center of it all, and with the genius of Maribeth Bichara’s choreography and musical concepts written all over the show – “Vilma!” became the most watched and the most awarded TV show in the musical/variety category.
52 — Every Friday, 52 weeks a year, there was Vilma Santos’ most awaited opening number that never failed to surprised, amused and elicited ooohhhs and aaahhhs as the TV Musical Variety Queen won the hearts of music and dance aficionados here and abroad. Who would ever forget these outstanding, well-rehearsed, high performance level and unforgettable numbers?
Madonna — The Madonna Material Girl number, which would make Madonna proud. She sashays, gyrates and pirouettes ala Tina Turner for Vilma’s version of Private Dancer.? (“I’m your private dancer, a dancer for money, do what you want me to do?” Talbog ang Burlesk Queen! My most memorable Maribeth B. and Vilma Santos sexy number was when they showed their legs and swing those hips as the Swing Out Sisters belt out their number one hit Breakout… The “A Chorus Line” ensemble, “On Broadway” with Queen Vilma leading the group with a hat, gloves, a cane and a glossy costume. Who would ever forget her swing number with then sweetheart Ralph Recto? Or a dance number with the late Nida Blanca? Or a naughty, haughty dance number La Conga, sung by Gloria Stefan? And many, many more production numbers that were shot from Luzon to Mindanao, and even in the U.S., like The Raging Waters in California.
Here are some of the awards the Queen Star and her famous Vilma! show had won:
• 1987 STAR Award Best Musical Variety Show Host
• 1987 CMMA Best Musical Variety Show
• 1988 STAR Award Best Musical Variety Show Host
• 1988 STAR Award Best Musical Variety Show
• 1988 CMMA Best Musical Variety Show
• 1989 STAR Award Best Musical Variety Show
• 1989 CMMA Best Musical Variety Show
• 1990 CMMA Hall of Fame in Musical Variety Show
• 1990 STAR Award Best Musical Variety Show
• 1990 New York International Awards for TV Finalist
• 1991 STAR Award Best Musical Variety Show
• 1991 Dove Awards Best Musical Variety Show
• 1992 STAR Award Best Musical Variety Show
• 1994 STAR Award Best Musical Variety Show
• 1998 STAR Award Ading Fernando Lifetime Achievement Award
My wish: please bring back Vilma!, the dancer and entertainer par excellence, even if it’s just one show. Sayaw, Vilma, sayaw! The whole world awaits. Who cares if you’re 51? Tina Tuner is almost 70. Vilma, you are the Eternal Youth and the Dancing Queen Forever! Written by Mar Garces, umbra et penumbra, Volume1, Issue 2 V Magazine 2006
Basic Info: Director: Christopher Strauss De Leon; Cast: Vilma Santos, Tirso Cruz III, Christopher De Leon, Ian De Leon, Renato Del Prado, Aiza Marquez, Mandy Ochoa; Producer: Sandy Andolong, Lyn Ynchausti
Plot Summary: Bugso is the GMA-7 telesine that Christopher De Leon directed (he also does a bit part in it as Vilma's dead husband). It's not correct to say that Bugso is television version of the classic Audrey Hepburn starrer Wait Until Dark, although, like Audrey, Vilma also played a blind lady toyed around by greedy relatives (Tirso Cruz III being one of them) who wanted the inheritance all to themselves.
Achievement: One of De Leon's directorial projects (Maalaala mo kaya (2009), Bugso (2002), Huwag mong salingin ang sugat ko (1991), Halimaw - "komiks"segment (1986)
Review: "...When we arrived before lunchtime (good timing!), direk Christopher had already wrapped several scenes and he was working double time to finish the rest of the day-effect scenes before dusk fell. Because they were limited to only two shooting days, opting for Lipa as location in deference to Mayor Vilma who couldn’t be away from the city of her affection, direk Christopher said that he had to do away with some of the night scenes without disrupting the flow of the suspense-thriller. Direk Christopher was a delight to watch at work, very different from when he's only acting. Bugso is not his first directorial job, having already megged Komiks (part of a twin bill produced by ex-wife Nora Aunor, starring a very young Ian de Leon as a komiks freak), part of Kislap sa Dilim which he took over from Lino Brocka who died in a car accident before putting the movie to can and all of Huwag Mo Akong Salingin, the other movie Lino was supposed to start shooting three days before his untimely death. Bugso is made more interesting by the fact that, besides being a "family affair," three of the people whose lives have been inter-twined with that of Nora Aunor are involved in the project - Christopher is Nora's ex-husband, Tirso is Nora’s ex-boyfriend and Vilma, although a kumare, is considered until now to be Nora's arch rival. (Vilmanians will insist, however, that Vilma has beaten her kumare by miles, with Vilma still enjoying a well-oiled career, a happy family life and a successful transition from showbiz to politics, a field Nora has failed miserably to conquer.)..." - Telebisyon.net (READ MORE)
"...Seen in more than a dozen successful big-screen projects (among them Relasyon, Broken Marriage and Ipagpatawad Mo), Lipa City Mayor Vilma Santos and Christopher "Boyet" de Leon are together again but on another level this time and on the small screen, she as the lead actress and he as the director. The telemovie is entitled Bugso, with Tirso Cruz III and Ian de Leon as the other members of the cast. The suspense-thriller is being produced for GMA 7 (telecast is slated middle of next month) by Tirso’s wife Lyn Ynchausti. Shooting will take two days in, as per Mayor Vi’s request, Lipa City, with some of the highlights shot at the beautiful resthouse of STAR columnist and art patron Danny Dolor (who is hosting a lunch for the Bugso cast and some special friends from Manila on the last shooting day)..." - Ricardo F. Lo (READ MORE)
"A telemovie of GMA productions was shown during the Holy Week and man… it really sucks! Well, I don’t want to sound too mean but have you ever heard of a blind woman able to kill a psychotic murderer on the loose? The twists in the movie were also pathetic and predictable! Guess what? There are three killers and the only thing that made this difficult was to know who killed whom? There are no surprising twists and even the fighting scenes stink. In some part of the teemovie the flow of the story was so slow, too slow. Maybe this is just the director’s, Christopher de Leon, style but I guess this slow phase was not really necessary because it could be a reason to lose their viewers attention. Vilma Santos played the lead role of a blind woman who became a house’s breadwinner. Vilma’s character is actually rich and she is sustaining her sister’s family. Vilma is a really good actress but I was not impressed by her portrayal of a blind woman. The sister’s husband, portrayed by Tirso Cruz III was actually the one who hired the psychotic murderer to kill his family for fifty thousand pesos. The psychotic murderer, portrayed by Ian de Leon, did his job but when the Tirso’s character asked Vilma’s character to sign the papers that will turn her treasures to him, Vilma thought that he was the one killed his family. Tirso got insane and Vilma noticed it. She was able to call a police and a fighting scene happened. Tirso got hit and before he died he revealed that he hired Ian de Leon’s character to kill her and that Vilma’s safety is still not for sure. This was really funny you know. The man who hired a murderer to kill Vilma was suddenly caring for her safety. Maybe the part that I really enjoyed is when Ian was hunting to kill Vilma. This part made me scream for Vilma, shouting that she should run faster or do this and that. But when the part that she stabbed Ian with an axe in his back made me laugh! It was as if she could see Ian after all, that she was not blind. I don’t know how she did it but it certainly made Vilma’s blindness obviously fake…" - Blue Dison (bluedison23)
"...Bugso is a noun that roughly translates into “gust,” as in a quick attack of wind or some such. Sometimes, the word is also used in the context of having extremely strong and sudden feelings, reactions or urges. The movie is about the conspiracy of three men, each of whom have a different motive, to kill the family of Miss Ancheta (Vilma Santos) – so she would be left alone and helpless to sign some papers that would turn over all her money and property to Tirso Cruz III‘s character, her devious cousin-in-law. Tirso’s character is one of the three schemers. Such was his greed that he came to the point of killing off his own wife and stepchildren for the sake of material wealth. The other two men involved in the plan are the non-speaking semi-psychopath Nanding (Ian de Leon) and the aging foreman of the Ancheta farm, Ka Matias. The former does it for the money and the thrill of the kill. The latter has cheated the Ancheta family by stealing the title to the farm land and then pawning it for money for his own caprices. Ka Matias realizes that he cannot hide such a secret for long and believes that the best way to clear himself of it was to resort to murder and force. The approach of the whole television movie was suspense-mystery. The story was driven by dark intentions set against the idyllic countryside. All of it revolves around the decisions and chutzpah of a proud, blind heroine. I have to admit this may be a bit formulaic, with so many murder-mysteries and their respective slightly incapacitated heroines, but Bugso possesses an appeal all its own, sourced for the most part from its actors. Vilma Santos is heart-wrenchingly bittersweet and annoyingly stubborn. Tirso Cruz III is ever the Juancho-like bastard (Juancho is his villain character from the GMA-7 soap opera Sana Ay Ikaw Na Nga). However, my favorite is definitely the dark, mentally-disturbed Ian de Leon, who exudes menace just by sitting in the shadows and eyeing the heroine with bloodlust. Director Christopher de Leon did a good job with the transition of scenes, especially when the action starts to heat up. The way he constructs the angles and the movements of the characters mirrors the varying moods..." - Madame Shi (READ MORE)
"Kung ang tawag sa mga namamatayan ng asawa ay byudo o biyuda at ang mga anak na nawawalan ng mga magulang ay ulila, ano ang tawag sa mga magulang na namamatayan ng anak?" - Daisy Hernandez
Basic Info: Directed: Olivia M. Lamasan; Writing credit: Dado C. Lumibao; Cast: Vilma Santos, Maja Salvador, Ricky Davao, Erich Gonzales, Charo Santos-Concio; Producer: Ginny Monteagudo, Malou N. Santos; Cinematography: Neil Daza, Charlie Peralta; Editing: Aries Pascual; Production Design: Nancy Arcega, Malou Dugtong IMDB
Plot Summary: Daisy Hernandez (Vilma Santos), a mother must divide her time between work and taking care of her daughter April (Maja Salvador) who has cerebral palsy. Daisy’s heart is wrenched every time she sees her eldest child suffer because of her illness. But Daisy never loses hope, and April manages to live a normal life until she is 18. Just when Daisy thought things are doing fine with her daughter's disability, a tragedy will further test her faith (Wikepedia).
"...A special 15th Anniversary prsentation of Maalaala Mo Kaya. "Regalo" is an inspiring story of a woman who goes through a painful journey of finding her fulfillment as a wife, a mother and as a person. Balancing her time between her career and family is rather difficult for Daisy Hernandez. Her eldest daughter April is afflicted with Cerebral Palsy and needs all the love, care and attention only a mother can give. What can a mother sacrifice to raise a daughter like April? How far can she go to fight for her daughter's battles in life?..." - Kabayan Central (READ MORE)
Achievement: 20th Star Awards Best Actress by a Single Performance - Vilma Santos Wikepedia
Review: "Though the hurt you felt seeing the Star for All Seasons Vilma Santos excruciatingly depicting the harrowing tale of a mother deeply burdened by the travails of her ailing special daughter has been quite deep, the relatability and inspiration overcome you. But what really moves you apart from the inspiring story of Daisy Hernandez is the Vilma’s legendary and exceptional ability to transform into the character herself. You can see the anguish in her eyes and the profound suffering she felt in each second of her appearance. As such, Maalaala Mo Kaya’s classic 2006 episode “Regalo” is her televised dramatic opus beyond compare. Add to that Maja Salvador’s unprecedented breakthrough performance of Daisy’s precious child and cerebral palsy sufferer April, which made critics turn heads and focus intently on what she can offer as an actress. Maja truly matched the kind of thespic excellence an actor needs to show in the same frame as Vilma Santos, and more...The episode had its astonishing thespic highlights, yet with masterful guidance from Direk Olive Lamasan, who brought incredible emotive dimensions to every character in the story. You would feel their every utterance, dramatic expression, and character validation worthy of thought and emulation...Maja Salvador became an actress of note since this episode, and this started an eventful string of extraordinary dramatic performances both in film and TV. Her superb portrayal of a mentally and physically challenged individual became her rite of passage to the acting big leagues, and rightfully so, she has cornered a respectable and prominent place in the industry. Mere words cannot express or measure the immense dramatic reach of Vilma Santos. You just have to witness her to believe and get astonished with every eye movement, line phrasing, raw emotion, expressive gesture she makes on screen. Vilma just satisfies everyone’s insatiable appetite for drama perfection, great thespic talent personified, and MMK “Regalo” further elevates her as a more illuminating Star for All Seasons." - Gerry Plaza, ABS-CBN, 04 July 2020 (READ MORE)
"...As for Vilma’s “MMK” replay, she and Ricky turned in emotionally charged and committed performances in it as the parents of a girl (Maja) with cerebral palsy. Vilma’s character, in particular, refused to capitulate to the dreaded illness’ terrible demands and tragic consequence, and the portrayal she turned in was one of her career bests. It’s good that our TV channels are replaying iconic shows and performances, because new generations of viewers are made more aware of and grateful for past thespic achievements, which make them more enlightened and demanding viewers today—to keep our TV-film people on their toes!..." - Nestor U. Torre, Philippine Daily Inquirer, 25 April 2015 (READ MORE)
"...It’s a vintage Vilma Santos performance, packed full with so much emotion that perhaps only the stone-hearted won’t be moved, especially in the succeeding scene where, hesitantly resigning to her daughter’s final farewell, Vilma delivers the clinching dialogue: Bakit kapag ang asawa ay namatayan ng asawa, ang tawag sa kanila balo o kaya ay biyudo o biyuda? Kapag naman namatayan ng ama o ina ang isang anak, ang tawag sa kanya ay ulila. Ano naman ang tawag nila sa inang namatayan ng anak? That scene is absolutely heart-tugging and there’s more of similar scenes in the two-part special for which, according to direk Olive, Daisy Hernandez herself (a native of Lipa City where Vilma is the mayor on her third and last term) wrote some of the dialogues in the story that Vilma herself chose as possible movie material (but, said Vilma, "no regrets that it ended up a Maalaala special"). Regalo (with Ricky Davao as Vilma’s husband) is the 777th episode of Maalaala which has lasted longer than the ABS-CBN executive (now retired) who, 15 years ago when Charo broached the idea of hosting the drama series, told her, "Wala kang alam sa telebisyon; ang alam mo lang ay pelikula..." - Ricky Lo (READ MORE)
"...Vi’s mighty proud of "Regalo," saying the long wait was worth it. She herself presented the story to Charo and her sister Malou Santos, Daisy being one of her constituents in Lipa City. The mayor describes Daisy as a strong woman, not easily given to tears, despite the plight of her daughter April who had passed away. In memory of her daughter, Daisy works with an NGO which helps sick and needy children in Lipa...Olive requested that Daisy be on the set so that direk could relate the story as accurately as possible. Olive noted that a most moving line said by Vilma, came from Daisy herself. Something like, "Ang babaeng namatayan ng asawa, ang tawag biyuda. Ang anak na namatayan ng magulang, ulila. Subalit ano’ng tawag sa magulang, sa inang nawalan ng anak? Wala..." Vilma said words are not enough to describe the grief of a mother who lost a child. How true. Ask Manay Gina de Venecia, and Ali Sotto. "Regalo" was written by Dado Lumibao with Mel Mendoza-del Rosario as script supervisor. Charlie Peralta is the cameraman..." - Ronald Constantino (READ MORE)
"IT'S obvious that ABS-CBN values Vilma Santos so much. After making a movie that is an unabashed tribute to her from start to finish, "D Lucky Ones," they now feature her in the 15th anniversary presentation of "Maalaala Mo Kaya." "We love Vi as she's not only a nice person but also a true professional, a committed artist who loves her craft," says Charo Santos, top ABSCBN executive and host of "Maalaala Mo Kaya." "Fan na niya ako since her Vi and Bobot days and Iove seen her evolution as a person and as an actress. Kahanga-hanga talaga siya at ang kanyang magandang kalooban, it just radiates. You cannot fake that dahil galing talaga 'yun sa loob. We've long been inviting her to guest in "Maalaala" and she was the one who gave us this story of Mrs. Daisy Hernandez, a mother so devoted to her eldest daughter who had cerebral palsy." "I met Daisy at the SPED, special education school for special children, in Lipa," says Ate Vi. "I met her daughter, April. Then I didn't see her for sometime and I found April has died na pala. I told her to write down her story then I gave it to Malou Santos who thought of doing it for "Maalaala." We started taping this last year, pero magka-conflict ang skeds namin ni Direk Olive Lamasan, so it took 6 and a half days to tape it over a period of one year at natiyempo sa anniversary ng ?Maalaala? at pang-Mother's Day presentation pa." "This is the show?s 777th episode," adds Charo. "Maalaala has been made into a film in 1994 that gave awards to its stars, Aiko Melendez and Chin Chin Gutierrez. It has given the break to many directors like Wenn Deramas, Jerry Sineneng, Rory Quintos, Gilbert Perez, Mac Alejandre, Lauren Dyogi, Ricky Davao and Michael de Mesa. We're proud to have Vi for our anniversary show that will be shown on May 4 and 11." We've seen the preview of the episode, entitled "Regalo," and it?s really a tearjerker that aims to wring your tearducts dry.
Her fans will surely be proud of their idol anew as she shines in several scenes where she gets to deliver kilometric lines. It's a great acting vehicle for any actress worth her salt and Ate Vi truly does justice to the role of a mother who does everything to support her disabled child only to lose her later to a viral infection. All throughout the death and wake of April" (convincingly played by Maja Salvador), Vilma is not shown crying at all. She finally breaks down after the funeral while talking to her husband (Ricky Davao, who?s equally great) and delivers some lines that will surely be added to the list of classic dialogues she has uttered in her past films and that were all used in "D Lucky Ones." If you're a parent with a special child, you'd be able to identify with her role. But even if you're not, you'd still be affected by this true story of unconditional love and sacrifice. Incidentally, we finally got to see "D Lucky Ones" and we'd like to congratulate Director Wenn Deramas for succeeding to make us laugh. There are many hilarious scenes in the movie that even non-Vilmanians will appreciate, thanks to the fine performances of Eugene Domingo, Sandara Park and Pokwang. Eugene is the best among them as she doesn't exert too much effort in tickling us. Sandy is also a natural comedienne, but Pokwang can go over the top at the times she should have been restrained a bit. The film has two highlights. First is the dance showdown between Eugene and Pokwang at the Phi Bar where they get to re-create the intricate production numbers Ate Vi used to do in her TV show. The second one is the film's climax where Ate Vi makes a special guest appearance to reconcile the warring Eugene and Pokwang and then does a dance number with the entire cast. Most local comedies fail to make us laugh, but this one really works. - Charlie Gomez (READ MORE)
"VILMA Santos had a meeting with her Vilmanians the other Friday at Max’s Libis. She reported that she had finally finished shooting her Maalaala Mo Kaya episode with Ricky Davao and Maja Salvador, directed by Olive Lamasan. "One year in the making ito, bale two episodes, but it’s really worth it and I’m impressed with the work of Direk Olive," she says. "It’s based on the true story of a woman from Lipa." She said she got an offer to do a stage play at the CCP. She’s willing to try the theatre but when she was told she has to rehearse for two months, she had to turn it down as she still has her duties as Lipa City mayor to attend to. She revealed she has new movie offers, but most of them are heavy drama. She wants to do something lighter that will be more appealing to the masa. Last March 8, Vilma was given the First Diwata Award in celebration of International Women’s Day. That coincided with the 16th International Women’s Film Festival by the UP Film Institute, the longest-running women’s filmfest in the country. She was cited for her roles in films like Sister Stella L, Relasyon, The Dolzura Cortez Story, Bata, Bata, Paano Ka Ginawa? and Dekada ’70, which are about women empowerment. She was honored with Lily Monteverde, Charo Santos-Concio and writer Lualhati Bautista. Vilma was warmly applauded by an adulating crowd and she delivered a very inspirational message, saying: "I strongly believe in these films with strong messages. It’s about time men believe in women empowerment. Don’t underestimate us, women and artists!" Ate Vi left Thursday with husband Sen. Ralph Recto to attend the investiture rites of our new cardinal in Rome (she was personally invited). After that, she will take a cruise with Ralph and meet with her family in Los Angeles." - Mario Bautista, People’s Journal March 26 2006 (READ MORE)
"Lipa City Mayor Vilma Santos, a multi-awarded dramatic actress, an exemplary wife and mother and a model public official, is so work-oriented that she can only make a few television appearances every year...Mayor Vi gives a bravura performance, which has become her trademark. She gives up her acting mannerisms for a fresh attack of a mother's role that makes it an outstanding interpretation. Regalo relives the tale of Daisy Hernandez, a devoted wife and dedicated mother whose child suffers from cerebral palsy...Although screened in black and white, Regalo?s exceptional quality was immediately evident during the media preview. Everything about this episode is non-artsy as director Olive opted for a straightforward presentation to bring out the drama without seeming contrived. Acting is likewise direct to the point, clearly the episode?s main strength. Although Mayor Vi is notches higher in delivering her role, Maja showed that she has the makings of another Vilma Santos. Pitting them together was a casting triumph. Although Regalo is a small story, cast and crew imparted it with enough realism to turn it into a domestic epic of sorts. Regalo, written by Dado Lumibao, is a clear proof of MMK?s superiority as a drama anthology, making it the longest running ABS-CBN show right now. It is not afraid to defy convention, tell real-life stories with themes of rape, homosexuality, or physical disability, just as it delivers contemporary stories of love and sacrifice, family dramas and teen stories. And it does this with critically acclaimed actors and directors, award-winning stories, and visual treats that have semblances of films rarely seen on television (read: high production values unconstrained by small-screen budgetary pegs). This makes Maaalaala Mo Kaya a world-class drama anthology. Regalo is MMK?s Mother?s Day presentation with excellent actors Ricky Davao and Erich Gonzales in supporting roles." - Edgar Cruz (READ MORE)
