Vilma Santos on being National Artist: ‘If it’s meant to be’
Star for All Seasons Vilma Santos at the screening and talkback of “Anak” on Monday, April 14, at the University of Santo Tomas | Image: Jessica Ann Evangelista/INQUIRER.net
Multi-awarded actress Vilma Santos believes that her becoming one of the National Artists of the Philippines is a matter best left to fate, noting that not everyone has the same tastes or preference in the arts.
During the screening and talkback of “Anak” on Monday, April 14, a timeless film for which even the Star for All Seasons herself is still being brought to tears after all the years, Santos expressed her gratitude to those who were petitioning her to be a National Artist, given her significant contribution to the film industry.
“Doon sa mga nagsasabi na (to those who are saying), ‘We want you to be the next National Artist,’ maraming maraming salamat po (thank you so much) from the heart. But you know I truly believe na if it’s meant to be, it will happen. If it’s not meant to be, then hindi pa (not yet),” she said.
The actress-politician underscored that the recognition is not up to her, saying everyone has different standards and she is grateful to those who believe in her craft.
“Hindi kasi sakin manggagaling ‘yon (Because that won’t come from me). Kung meron man is ‘yung mga taong nasa labas na nakikita ako (If anything, it’s the people outside who see me). Again, if I may, every individual is different. Maaaring magaling ako sa iba, hindi ako magaling sa iba (I may be good for others, I may not be good for some). Ganon lang ‘yon (That’s how it is),” she explained.
“May kanya kanyang taste. Sa mga naniniwala, maraming maraming salamat. Doon naman sa hindi, okay lang ‘yon. ‘Yun ang opinion nila. Naniniwala ako kasi kung uukol, bubukol. ‘Pag hindi, hindi bubukol,” Santos added.
(Everyone has their own taste. To those who believe, thank you very much. To those who do not, that’s okay. That’s their opinion. I believe in the saying, ‘Luck in life is not to be expected if it is not meant for you.’)
‘Vilma Santos school of acting’
When asked if she’s open to mentoring or to building her own “Vilma Santos School of Acting,” the veteran actress affirmed that she is only open to help and guide those who want to pursue acting as a career, not more than that.
“Magtuturo ako ng acting? Hindi ko alam. ‘Yung manghihingi sakin ng tulong, halimbawa, one-on-one, I really don’t mind. I can help. I can guide. Ganon lang. Pero hindi naman ako nagmamarunong. Kasi kahit sabihin mo na marami ka nang nakuhang best actress award. It doesn’t mean you’re the greatest,” she remarked.
(I will teach acting? I do not know. Those who will ask me for help, for example, one on one, I really don’t mind. I can help. I can guide. That’s all. But I’m not wise. Because even if you say that you have won many best actress awards. It doesn’t mean you’re the greatest.)
“Kasi you’re only as good as your last film. Magaling ka jan pero sa susunod talo ka. Pwedeng talo ka pero sa susunod panalo ka. And kung makakatulong ‘yon para makaguide ako ng ibang gustong mag-artista. I really don’t mind. Nandito ako to support,” she further said.
(Because you’re only as good as your last film. You’re good, but next time you’ll lose. You may lose but the next time you win. And if that will help me guide others who want to be artists. I really don’t mind. I’m here to support.)
The recent screening and talkback of “Anak” is part of Sagip Pelikula’s film restoration, held at the University of Santo Tomas, spearheaded by the Cultural Center of the Philippines.
