| Vilma Santos as a sweet teenage star of the '70's |
Vilma Rosa Santos is a former child star before she became the actress that she is today. She played the title role in Trudis Liit which gave her a stellar performance with Boy Alano and Bella Flores. Vilma also played the title role in Ging opposite Danny Taguim who later became her co star in some of her teen movies. Vilma Santos like other former child star find herself jobless when she reached the awkward age but Sampaguita Pictures gave her a chance to be in the limelight again when she played the young Imee Marcos in the unforgettable movie "Iginuhit ng Tadhana". This also gave way for Vilma landing roles in drama movie starring Eddie Rodriguez opposites Marlen Dauden and Lolita Rodrigues. But it was the late Tony Santos Sr who gave Vilma the big break as a young rival of the then upcoming star Nora Aunor. Vilma gave Nora a run for her money as she became her arch rival in movies and Television shows during the early part of the "70's.
The birth of love team capitulated Vilma Santos stardom as she was paired with Edgar Mortiz. to give stiff competition to the popular love team Guy and Pip. Vi and Bot, as fans called their love team made several blockbuster movies making them one of the hottest love team in Philippines Movies.Although not a singer, Vilma Santos proved that she can make a hit song. Her Sweet Sixteen single was the biggest selling single during the '70/s .
Vilma graduated from her sweet roles and undertook a career shift to being a dramatic actress. She made several semi bold movies which reaffirms her hold to the stardom. Her movie "Burlesk Queen" was the top grosser and number one money makers during the Metro Manila Festival held during the Christmas season. Vilma has won nanny acting awards and had a grand slam acting award for the movie "Relasyo" playing mistress to Christopher de Leon.
Although noit so active in Philippine movies, her time is now spend with her constituents in Batangas acting as the elected governor of the province. The woman is as gracious as she was during her teenage life as today as a political figure and a happy and contented wife to a Senator. (Raph Recto)
| Vilma Santos From being a star to a political figure as Batangas Governor |
