BATANGAS Gov. Vilma Santos celebrated her birthday yesterday.facebook photo
Allow me to pay homage to one of my few fave people in the biz, Ate Vi (Batangas Gov. Vilma Santos), who turned a year lovelier yesterday.
As a kid, I remember tagging along when my mom went to Ate Vi’s house in Magallanes Village. Even if my mom was identified with the camp of her arch rival, Ate Guy (Nora Aunor), she and her family always made us feel so welcome.
The Star for All Seasons ought to give a crash course on humility to celebs who believe in their own hype. If there’s anyone who would speak ill of Ate Vi, nobody will believe it. That’s how well-loved and respected she is.
She never fails to make my day when she finds time amid her frenzied schedule to reply to my text messages. I find her replies so cute and sweet because she always includes many emoticons.
Her warmth and sincerity are very much felt by anyone she deals with, from top honchos to diehard fans.
TONTON Gutierrez felt her support when he was a newbie.
I am very happy that Ate Vi and I are continuing the friendship she had with my mom.
MARYO J. de los Reyes shares her fondness for healing oils.
Here’s to la Vida Vilma Bonita!
Read on and find out why everyone in the biz is a “Vilmanian.”
Boots Anson-Roa: Vi was my first “screen daughter,” in Tagalog Ilang-Ilang’s “Wonderful World of Music” in the early 1970s when I was only 27. She was in her mid-teens. That was the height of her tandem with Edgar Mortiz.
Even then, Vi already had charisma that could only stem from genuine selflessness and “other-centeredness,” a maturity beyond her years. These traits have evolved through the years.
More life to your years, Gov. Vi. And thank you for always being there for Mowelfund and the film industry we so love.
JOSE Javier Reyes was awed when she stood by him amid a controversy.
Tirso Cruz III: I have lots of fond memories of Ate Vi. She is a true and dear friend not only to me but to my wife and kids, as well. She is the kind of friend that, no matter how busy she is, she will still find time to be with you when you need her.
Jose Javier Reyes: Right after the debacle involving my film “Live Show,” when I was collectively condemned by zealots, moralists and political opportunists, I realized who my true friends were, who stayed by my side despite differences in opinion.
VINA Morales honed her dancing skills in the “Vilma” show. ARNOLD ALMACEN
Vi was so overwhelming when she personally called me up to say that never for a moment did she doubt my integrity as a person and as a filmmaker. I remember how humbled I was by her generosity. I cried after that phone call. I will never forget that until the day I am called back by the heavens.
Maryo J. de los Reyes: Vi and I share a fondness for healing/massage oils. When we were shooting “Tagos ng Dugo” until the wee hours of the morning, we shared oils that we rubbed on our heads, hands, feet and whole bodies. From aceite de alcanforado to Chinese oils, ipinahid na ’ata namin sa aming mga kasukasuan. Hahaha!
Roderick Paulate: I have countless happy memories with Vi since she’s my best friend. I remember I used to drive her around when she was not yet in public service. She suddenly said, “Ang ganda ng Edsa, ang haba nga lang.” When I laughed at her, she got pissed. She didn’t want to admit that she had a poor sense of direction. So I dared her to navigate as we drove to her place. True enough, we got lost!
BOOTS Anson-Roa remembers her first movie daughter fondly.
There was a time I ran out of gas so we ended up pushing my car. We could not stop laughing because I wasn’t sure if I had enough money for gas.
Vina Morales: Every time I would guest in her variety show “Vilma” to do the opening production number, it was always a fun experience. It was one show where I got trained well in dancing. That’s why I am forever grateful to Ate Vi, (choreographer) Maribeth Bichara and the VIP dancers.
TIRSO Cruz III is amazed that Gov. Vi always finds time for friends.
Tonton Gutierrez: When Ate Vi and I did “Saan Nagtatago ang Pag-ibig,” I was still new in the biz. Ate Vi gave me all the support I needed. She made me feel comfortable. She is truly a great person and terrific actor. I wish I could work with her again.
‘Dougie King’ in concert
Enrique Gil is set to conquer Smart Araneta Coliseum on Nov. 29 in his first dance concert, “King of the Gil.” Guests include Vice Ganda, Angel Locsin, Toni Gonzaga, Kim Chiu, Vhong Navarro, Jhong Hilario, Rico Blanco, Gloc-9, Young JV, Arjo Atayde, Ejay Falcon and Julia Montes. Streetboys and G-Force will dance up a storm. Bring your dancing shoes! For tickets, go to ticketnet.com.ph.