Vilma Santos-Recto —VILMA SANTOS/INSTAGRAM
Vilma Santos has become a victim of digital identity theft. The veteran actress clarified that she is not endorsing any medicine that helps manage diabetes.
“The video you see online is fake. It’s made by AI (artificial intelligence). It copied my voice. It used a video of me giving a message on social media. It claims that I’m promoting this product for diabetic patients. That’s not me. I could just imagine how much magic people are able to do with this new technology today. It’s no joke. It’s scary,” she told Inquirer Entertainment in a recent interview.
Despite the experience, Vilma said she has already learned to embrace technology, particularly social media. “We must all learn to adjust. We need to learn at least the basics so that you don’t go through a generation gap with the young ones. The members of Gen Z are so good at it. We have to be able to relate to them. We need to be techies. While I agree that the young ones should learn from experienced people, seniors should never stop learning, as well. So I make sure that I’m able to communicate with them.”
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Younger generation
While her Vilmanians continue to remain loyal to her, Vilma proudly said she is meeting a lot of Vilmates, her supporters from the younger generation. “I adjust to these young people so we don’t experience generation gap. At age 70, I still learn from them,” she said.
“One time, I was traveling abroad when someone shouted, ‘Vilma, can I have a picture with you? I will show it to my mom.’ I think he was only in his 20s, but he knew me. That made me happy. It’s heaven for me to know that they recognize me,” she pointed out. “Yes, social media helps a lot. I can relate because I have a 28-year-old son. I observe him. When I send a message to him to ask how he’s doing, I say, ‘Wassup, Anak?’ or ‘Howdy, Anak?’”
Vilma said she is also very much aware of the culture of online bashing. “It’s all about having the right mindset. If I encounter negative comments, especially those that are relentless, I just say the people behind these are not happy people. Criticizing others has become their outlet. I just take pity on them. They’re just jealous because I’m happy and content. That’s not my problem anymore, it’s theirs.”
Household
On the family front, Vilma said she is excited that her daughter-in-law, Jessy Mendiola, wife of her eldest son Luis, will be returning to work soon. The latter took a break from show biz when she gave birth to daughter Rosie, who will turn 2 years old in December.
“I’m willing to take care of Peanut (Rosie’s nickname) while her parents are at work. Although I heard that being a mom is still Jessy’s priority, that’s why she requested to still be able to come home after shooting, no lock-ins. She is still very pretty and sexy. She’s still leading lady material,” Vilma declared.
While Vilma is a celebrity and a former public servant, she is also very much a wife to Ralph Recto, who currently serves as the country’s budget secretary. “Even if I’m Vilma Santos and I have my own income, it’s still Ralph’s responsibility to take care of us because he is the padre de pamilya. It’s his obligation to provide for the entire household,” she said.
“Meanwhile, I buy the groceries myself. I know the amount of wipes, toilet paper and mops needed at home. I also assign who should clean the house. I pay for the utilities and the salaries of all the household staff. When the electric bill goes up, I get angry with everybody and demand that they turn off lights when not needed. I’m still a housewife. Ralph is a good provider. I demand that from him.” INQ