Vilma Santos talks about her Family Life and Career as an Actress and Public Servant

Vilma Santos with Showbiz Portal's Mario Bautista

GOV. VILMA SANTOS turned 60 on Nov. 3 and The Generics Pharmacy (TGP) hosted a birthday lunch for her at Shangrila Makati, also launching her new TVC for TGP Paracetamol 500mg. at only P1.00 each. TGP prepared a program with video tribute for her hosted by her own son, Luis Manzano. First, she’s cited for her achievements as the Star for All Seasons. Film clips and fotos of her past films from childhood to her last film,”Ekstra”, were shown. Luis asked her what for her are the most memorable films she did? “Darna and Dyesebel dahil naranasan kong gampanan ang two roles na coveted today ng maraming aktres natin,” she says. “Then yung mga makabuluhang films na nagbigay sa’kin ng karangalan, like ‘Relasyon’, ‘Burlesk Queen’, ‘Dolzura Cortez’, ‘Broken Marriage’, ‘Sister Stella L’, ‘Ipagpatawad Mo’, ‘Bata, Bata’.”

Luis asks: “How about ‘In My Life’?” “Siempre naman, dahil nagkasama tayo roon at ang sarap ng feeling na nagsu-shooting ako, nandun ka. Sa most dramatic scene natin, nung umiiyak ka, iyak din ako ng iyak. Nang turn ko na, wala na kong luha. Right now, kasama kita rito, with you interviewing me, and I’m so proud of you, anak.”

Gov. Vi was also cited as a Public Servant. She was named outstanding governor and got the Presidential Lingkod Bayan Award. “I never planned to go into politics. All offers, tinanggihan ko. When they’re asking me to run as Lipa mayor, the night before the deadline of filing the candidacy, I asked for a sign, a white flower, without telling anyone. When I woke up the next morning, may white daisies sa vase sa altar ko. When I asked saan galing, doon daw sa ino-orderan ko ng flowers, basta pinadala lang. And the rest is history.” So will she run for higher office in 2016? “Wala akong plano o ambisyon. Ang focus ko lang is my last term as governor, bilang ina ng Batangas. I want to finish it with flying colors. Basta I’m doing my best and God is taking care of all the rest.”

She’s then honored as Loving Wife and Caring Mother. “My family is really my inspiration. I get my adrenalin from them. 27 years na kami ni Sen. Ralph and we complement each other in our strengths and weaknesses. As for my kids, I will give my life, my all for them.”

Then she’s cited as a Health Care Provider and Generics Pharmacy Endorser who conduct regular medical missions and feeding programs, then rehabilitated the 12 district hospitals in Batangas.

“I really want to thank TGP Pres. Benjamin Luison and his family for helping us by sending their low priced but good quality medicines.”

How does she feel about turning 60? “Hoy, 36 lang ako,” she laughs. “Honestly, hindi ko kinatatakutan yan kasi I can feel na tumatanda naman ako nang may pinagkakatandaan. As I grow older, my life has become more meaningful. I have a good and loving family, tuloy ang career ko as an actress dahil I have another movie offer sa Star Cinema for next year, I get endorsements like TGP, then I’m given the chance to serve the people of Batangas. Kaya nga pag tinatanong ako kung anong birthday wish ko, for myself, wala na. But for our country, it’s not a good year for us, ang daming kalamidad, so let’s all pray and wish the best for our country, especially those affected by the earthquake and Yolanda.”  See, Vilma Santos - the youngest looking 60 years old.

What can she say about her rival Nora Aunor reportedly sure to get the National Artist Award? “If she’d win, she deserves it. Dapat lang dahil sa maraming contributions niya sa industriya. Pero sana, huwag na lang kami intrigahin o pag-awayan about that. Ang daming problema ng bansa natin na mas dapat bigyang halaga.”

Did she somehow feel sad when Luis broke up with Jennylyn Mercado? “Siempre, may panghihinayang kasi napalapit na rin si Jen sa aming pamilya. But then, hindi natin alam ang inner conflict na nangyari sa kanila, so hayaan na lang natin sila. Basta I’ll always be here for my son. Hopefully, darating din ang right girl for him and what he feels is what’s best for him, so be it. I trust him, it’s always his decision, not mine.”