Growing up, Vilma Santos, the country’s Star for All Seasons, has always been the epitome of the ideal Filipina actress for me. With her charming smile, smooth skin, and inexplicable glow, she has always had that celebrated “artista” aura.
But it is not just her looks that make her stand out, it is her warmth and kindness in every encounter. I remember the time when she found out I was part of her film’s promotions. She held my hand so tight, looked me in the eye, and sincerely thanked me—a gesture I’ll never forget.
Last Saturday, Ate Vi, as she’s lovingly called, was honored at the launch of Vilma Night, a special event showcasing her six decades of work in the industry. The exhibit was a treasure trove of her legacy, featuring posters, never-before-seen photos, magazines, and even vinyl records of her musical recordings. It was a walk down memory lane, not just for her, but for everyone who has followed her career.
As clips from her most memorable films played, she couldn’t help but reflect on her journey. “Looking back at all those films, I realized it’s such a joy to see all the projects I did back in the day. When I think about it, it dawns on me that I have done wonderful movies.” The crowd cheered in agreement, celebrating the many iconic roles she has brought to life.
Santos has played numerous memorable roles throughout her career. In Relasyon (1982), she portrayed a mistress struggling with the challenges of her unconventional relationship, earning her first Gawad Urian Best Actress award. She cemented her status as a serious actress with Sister Stella L. (1984), where she played a nun involved in labor issues, a performance that remains impactful to this day. In Bata, Bata… Pa’no Ka Ginawa? (1998), based on Lualhati Bautista’s novel, she tackled the role of a single mother grappling with societal expectations. This theme was further explored in Dekada ’70 (2002), another Bautista adaptation, where she portrayed a mother navigating the political turmoil of the Marcos regime.
Her versatility is showcased in films like Darna (1973), where she became a household name as the iconic superhero, and Burlesk Queen (1977), where she took on the controversial role of a burlesque dancer, winning Best Actress at the 1977 Metro Manila Film Festival. Santos continued to explore complex characters in Tagos ng Dugo (1987), a psychological drama that earned her another Gawad Urian award.
She also starred in Anak (2000), a heart-wrenching drama about an overseas Filipino worker (OFW) and her strained relationship with her daughter, played by Claudine Barretto. In In My Life (2009), she played a mother coming to terms with her son’s homosexuality, alongside John Lloyd Cruz and her real-life son, Luis Manzano. Another notable performance was in Dolzura Cortez Story (1993), a biographical film where she portrayed the first Filipino AIDS victim to come out publicly, proving repeatedly her wide range as an actress.
Ate Vi’s humility shone through as she spoke about her career. “While you mature, you realize that you have done a good job. I am so proud of it. It feels good.”
But there was a tinge of sadness in her voice when she mentioned the films that no longer have master copies. “I just feel sad because I still have movies I can be proud of and ones this generation can still appreciate but we no longer have master copies of them. I thank God and feel so blessed that I was given the chance to do these films.”
The event wasn’t just about nostalgia. Ate Vi shared some exciting news about her upcoming project. “I’ll be doing a movie soon. It’s going to be something different. Expect a dark movie. From When I Met You in Tokyo, a simple love story, this one is going to be a dark movie. So, very challenging.”
Directed by Dan Villegas and Antoinette Jadaone, this upcoming film is sure to be another milestone in her career.
For the first time in her life, Ate Vi found herself on the receiving end of a tribute.
“When I became a public servant, I’m used to presenting exhibits for different people, but for the first time, I experienced being the one being given a tribute.” Her voice was filled with emotion as she added, “I feel so honored that I was given this kind of tribute and I truly, truly feel so elated. Again, from the heart, thank you for this tribute.”
The night was made even more special with the presence of her friends, Tirso Cruz III and Lyn Ynchausti, along with Archivo 1984 owner Dr. Marty Magsanoc, Erwin Romulo, and Jerome Gomez, who all came to celebrate her incredible career.
The Vilma Night exhibit will be open for public viewing this Friday and Saturday (Aug. 16 and 17) from 1:00 to 7:00 p.m. Entrance is free, making it a perfect opportunity to relive the magic that Vilma Santos has brought to the silver screen.
