'God has given me more than enough'

Author: Nel Alejandrino
Column: Tattle

WITH 230 films to her name (as of last count and reported to her by her ever loyal Vilmanians), numerous awards and a successful career in politics, what more can a Vilma Santos ask for?

When posed this question, Gov. Vi pondered and quipped: "Ano pa nga ba?"

Then, calmly, nakangiti pa rin, she answered: "Wala na yata akong puwedeng hilingin pa. God has given me more than enough. Actually, napaka-blessed ko.

"Noon, madalas, sinasabi ko sa sarili ko na sana, makapag-aral pa rin ako. Aminin na natin na iba if you have the proper education.

"But when I consider the many experiences I went through, pleasant and otherwise, sabi ko sa sarili ko, these are things which you don't learn from books or the classrooms.

"I'm lucky as well that I have my husband (NEDA Chairman Ralph Recto) for my mentor. Napaka-patient niya with me, in teaching me, things about politics and what are there to learn from.

"One thing naman with me, if I don't know anything, halimbawa, a subject being discussed, I don't hesitate to ask. Kesehodang ang mga pinagtatanungan ko ay mga subordinate ko lang o, kahit constituents ko lang.

"Kahit nga kay Ryan (her pre-teen son and a school grader at the De La Salle College in Ayala Alabang), I always learn new things from him lalo't kapag dini-discuss namin ang lessons niya for the day.

"O, kaya, kailangan naming i-tackle ang kanyang assignment. "

Parts of Gov. Vi's life as a politician, wife, mom and Star for All Seasons are incorporated in a five-part TV special, airing on all Saturdays of August.

Titled Vilma: A Woman For All Seasons, fans and viewers alike will be in for a real treat as this can be considered a once-in-a-lifetime event.

The special is a prelude to the exhibition of her new movie, In My Life, co-starring her for the first time with Luis Manzano and John Lloyd Cruz.

* * *

The TV special will start airing on August 1, its first episode having Claudine Baretto as host.

Gov. Vi and Claudine have worked together in the movie, Anak.

The episode will be highlighted by an acting workshop by Vilma herself in collaboration with Direk Laurice Guillen, na nag-handpick ng Star Magic talents who were asked to imitate scenes from some of Gov. Vi's award-winning movies.

The workshop-participants included Kim Chiu, who acted a memorable scene ni Gov. Vi in Dolzura Cortez with Pinoy Dream Academy (PDA) runner-up, Bugoy Drillon.

Other young stars featured in the first episode ay sina Nikki Gil, Coco Martin and Megan Young, also a PDA 'graduate. "

The second week, August 18, will feature Gov. Vi as a tv host, dancer and performer. She will have comic Vhong Navarro as co-host.

Maribeth Bichara, who used to choreograph her dance routines, took charge of the steps executed by young stars Shaina Magdayao, Angelica Panganiban, Iya Villania, Empress Schuck, Nina Dolino, Princess Ryan and Dianne Medina.

* * *

SA August 15, viewers will get a glimpse of the actress-politician's private world.

No less than her "future" daughter in-law, Angel Locsin, will host the episode.

For the first time, makikita sa small screen ang bahay ni Gov. Vi at ng kanyang pamilya sa Ayala Alabang, Muntinlupa City.

Makikita roon kung paano siya bilang asawa, ina, kapatid at anak (to mom Milagros Santos).

The last episode will show her as an empowered Filipina -- ang kagalang-galang na gobernadora ng Batangas.

Capping the five-week special on August 29 is a first-hand viewing of how her upcoming movie, In My Life, was made.

A sneak peek into the never-before seen shots of the movie will be shown.

Source: People's Tonight