Vilma on why she gets along with Luis’ girlfriends

Vilma Santos—PHOTO BY TCEL MARAMAG

As a mother, Vilma Santos isn’t the intrusive kind—which is why she gets along well with Luis Manzano’s girlfriends.

“I don’t meddle. I don’t impose my wishes on them,” she told us.

We asked, “Like, having a grandchild? Isn’t that more possible now that Luis seems to be getting serious with Jessy (Mendiola, his current squeeze)?”

“Wala pa nga, e (I don’t see it yet),” she replied. “At the end of the day, that’s one major decision Lucky needs to make on his own.”

In the actress’ observation, what’s the common denominator among the past and present girlfriends of Lucky?

Ate Vi said, “You know, I’ll give you an idea about my son’s character. Si Lucky kasi, he’s so malambing (very affectionate). You see him clowning around but, deep inside, he has a good heart—and, you see this even on TV.

“He’s compassionate—mabilis maawa. His decisions are his, but from what I see sa mga inilapit n’ya sa amin na naging girlfriends n’ya, Lucky also wants someone who’s malambing. I think what he looks for in a girl is someone who can be a good mother to his future kids.

“He made a name for himself—and on his own. He was careful not to use me or his father (ex-husband Edu Manzano) to get to where he is now. Sarili n’yang diskarte ’yan! May sariling pag-iisip si Luis—he isn’t swayed by what other people think. He worked hard and was later noticed, first as a VJ on Myx, and now as a TV host.”

We had a quick chat with the legendary actress last April 21, one day after her trip from Sapporo, Japan, during her break from her chores in Congress. The lone representative from Lipa goes back to work on May 2.

Birthday wish

Luis Manzano

Asked what her birthday wish was for Luis, who turned 36 years old last Friday, she replied, “My birthday wish for my son is for him to stay happy and productive. I hope he continues to be God-loving.

“My son is independent, intelligent and sensitive. He’s also business-minded. In spite of his offbeat humor, na nami-misinterpret ng iba as yabang (arrogance), he’s really a kind person.

“Lucky knows how much his father and I love him. Kahit hindi naging successful ang marriage namin ng tatay n’ya, Edu and I have remained friends—and we’re one big, happy family! Gustuhin ko man ng apo (even if I already want a grandchild), that’s his decision, not ours. He knows what he wants and when the right time is. We’re very proud of him. Happy birthday, son—and may God bless you forever.”

We also expressed our admiration for Ate Vi for standing her ground against the reimposition of the death penalty—a tough row to hoe, with potentially dire political consequences. Any reaction?

She said, “Thanks for the kind words. But, as you know by now, my ‘no’ for the death penalty bill didn’t come without consequences—tinanggal nila ang chairmanship ko sa Civil Service and Professional Regulation committee. But, that’s a small price to pay for my personal beliefs and conviction, right?” We hear you, Ate Vi.

It’s the type of steely resolve and ballsy conviction that even Darna and Sister Stella L. would truly be proud of.