2 new roles Vilma Santos relishes

Vilma Santos

Mere mortals are retirable at the age of 60. That does not hold true for the Star for All Seasons Vilma Santos. After celebrating her 60th anniversary in the biz, Ate Vi is still on fire.

In fact, she has been tapped by the motorcyle taxi firm, Angkas (AS), to be its endorser. At the launch of their partnership, she was welcomed by the cool CEO of AS, George Royeca. AS serves as a job provider for motorcycle riders and a stress reliever for commuters.

“Sanay ako sa motorcycles because Ralph is into big bikes,” says Ate Vi. “Back in the day, sinusundo n’ya ako after my show na naka-motorcycle. And kahit naka-gown and heels ako, umaangkas ako.”

Aside from her latest endorsement, Ate Vi is raring to work with Boyet de Leon again. “We will shoot in Japan. Love story na pang-age namin, hindi pa-cute,” Ate Vi shares. “Boyet will codirect it. I also plan to direct someday.”

She is equally excited about her project with Erik Matti “May pagka-action at, sa movie, marami akong pusa,” she reveals.

But of course her newfound role as “granny” (though she prefers to be called Momsie) to Peanut is what she relishes the most. “Two months pa lang siya, but mahilig na mag-pose,” beams Ate Vi. “Looks like she will follow in my footsteps. I started in show biz at 9. Baka si Peanut, 4 pa lang, ready na (laughs).”

Since Ate Vi is such a darling to the entertainment press, we were all delighted to see her after the pandemic lull. As always, she gamely granted requests for all photo ops, video greetings and interviews. We basked in the genuine warmth of her presence. Ahh! That Vilma charisma.

PJ on Carla giving up on love

At the fab wedding reception of Aila and John Cristobal, I was seated beside Rey “PJ” Abellana. So I asked him if he believes what his daughter, Carla, said that she does not want to get married again after her short-lived marriage to Tom (Rodriguez).

His reply goes, “She’s still so young to give up on love. I’m sure when the wounds have healed and she meets the right guy, she will change her mind.”

Carla’s heart is still under renovation. May it be ready for its permanent occupant in due time.

Ryza Cenon (left) and Joseph Marco in “Kunwari Mahal Kita”

Game of make-believe

Love is not always the answer. Sometimes, it’s the question. Just like in “Kunwari Mahal Kita” (opens in cinemas on March 15). Directed by Roderick Lindayag, it is topbilled by Ryza Cenon, Nathalie Hart and Joseph Marco. They turn love into a game of make-believe.

Joseph portrays Greg, a man who escapes to the province after his wife, Cindy (Nathalie), files for annulment. Ryza plays Hydes, the imaginary girlfriend of Greg. When the three of them meet, it’s an emotional tug of war. See what happens when a former lover becomes an “insignificant other” and a stranger turns into a willing victim of l’amour.

Here are quotes from Ryza (RC), Joseph (J) and Roderick (R):

RC: After my three-year hiatus, I’m glad to be back. Even if I already have a kid, I am still willing to do daring roles if the story requires it.

J: Hopefully, the sexy pictorial for my underwear endorsement will lure people to watch our film, so they will see more of my bulges in the right places (laughs).

R: I feel a bit pressured that our film is for theatrical release because people have gotten used to streaming platforms due to the pandemic. Hopefully, the public will give our “feel-good movie na may puso” a chance. Ibalik na natin ang saya sa cinemas after the pandemic lull.

RC: I’m good at hiding my feelings because I’m an introvert. I have to be very sure before I let it all out.

J: It’s harder to save a relationship when a guy wants out. When it’s the girl who wants out, the guy can still woo her. I’m speaking from experience. For me, when it’s over, it’s really over, that’s why I never reconcile with an ex.

R: Our movie is a roller-coaster of emotions. It will remind the audience that it’s the heart that leads the way to happiness.

J: Just like the character I play, I am all-out and all-in when I love someone. And when I get hurt, my world collapses.

Azi Acosta

‘Suki’ and the price of love

Love is a prize that comes with a price. And, sometimes, a price tag. Just like in the sexy-thriller, “Suki” (streaming on Vivamax). Topbilled by Azi Acosta and John Flores, and directed by Albert Langitan, it’s a bizarre love story of a stripper, Eba (Azi), and a gigolo, Adan (John). She becomes his “suki” or loyal customer.

Since they are sexually compatible, they decide to live together. But the nature of their job as sex workers jeopardizes their relationship. Is their full emotional investment in each other enough to outweigh the financial investment of their clients in the flesh trade? Here are quotes from Azi (AZ), John (J) and Albert (A):

AZ: In real life, I can fall for a macho dancer. It’s just his work. That does not make him a bad person. As long as we click, game ako. But eventually, I will ask him to quit his job because I don’t want to share my man with others.

J: It’s my first lead role, but I didn’t allow myself to feel pressured. Since Azi and I are newbies, we understand each other’s struggles. We helped each other na makipagsabayan with the veterans.

A: Sex workers have a colorful yet sad life. It fascinates me, so I wrote a story based on what sex workers told me. Our movie will make audience understand them more and judge them less.

AZ: I can say that I outperformed myself in “Suki” than in “Pamasahe.” More sizzling ang love scenes ko in this film.

J: Direk took Azi and I to a gay bar for immersion. Bilib ako sa macho dancers sa husay nila mag-entertain at sa tibay ng sikmura nila.

A: Sex workers have different sensibilities and value system. It’s tough to have a relationship if you are both in the flesh trade because jealousy is unavoidable. But it can work if both parties are open-minded.