After six glorious decades (and counting!) of Vilma ‘Ate Vi’ Santos in show business, it is but fitting to immortalize her through the book, ‘Vilma Santos, Icon (Essays on Cinema, Culture & Society).’ Photo shows the Star for All Seasons with the editors of her book, Joselito Zulueta and Augusto Aguila.
AUGUSTO AGUILA’S FACEBOOK

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Vilma Santos has signed countless autographs. But Ate Vi was thrilled to experience her very first book signing event. It’s one for the books (pun intended). It happened at the soft launch of

“Vilma Santos, Icon (Essays on Cinema, Culture & Society)” during the Manila International

Book Fair at the SMX Convention Center.

The scholarly book from the University of Santo Tomas Publishing House is edited by Augusto Aguila and Joselito Zulueta. It’s an in-depth analysis of the Star for All Seasons’ extensive body of work.

For younger cinephiles, it serves as an introduction to Vilma’s enduring impact. For Vilmanians, it’s a welcome addition to their memorabilia.

After six glorious decades (and counting!) of Ate Vi in the biz, it is but fitting to immortalize her through the book. Viva la Vida y Pelikula de Reyna Rosa Vilma.

Here’s my chat with Ate Vi:

Which essay will you read first?

“I will read the essays in chronological order. I am honored that esteemed members of the academe took time to explore the various roles I played in my movies. I’m used to attending my movie premieres, but I never thought I would have (the) launch of a book about me. Just when I thought I had seen it all, this one (was) such a wonderful surprise.”

If you could add one more chapter to the book, what would it be about?

“Vilma Santos, The Person.”

What would you say was the climax of your colorful life?

“Every chapter of my life had its own climax. So, I cannot pinpoint just one major highlight.”

How do you want readers to feel after reading ‘Vilma Santos, Icon’?

“I would like them to feel that they are part of my life. Without their support, I would not be where I am today.”

What can you say about the corruption scandal?

“I don’t want to sound self-righteous. Now more than ever, I realized that the problems of workers tackled in my movie, ‘Sister Stella L,’ are still the same problems they face today. Basta sa constituents ko in Batangas, hindi na nila kailangan pumunta sa Capitolyo, kami na ang pupunta sa kanila. I am no saint, but I am not a devil.”

The author with Pri Meirelles, who does not seem to grow older, only fiercer.

PRI 2.0

What a blast we had at the birthday bash of my fab amiga, Pri Meirelles, at Rockstar KTV. She does not seem to grow older, only fiercer.

As Pri turned 42, she has transformed into Pri 2.0. The Brazilian beauty queen harbors no bitterness towards her hubby, John Estrada.

Even if they now lead separate lives, the ex-couple will still be a team as co-parents to their lovely daughter, Anechka. Since I’m close to both of them, I am still hoping against hope that they will find their way back to each other someday. Sometimes couples just need to be apart so they can truly appreciate what they shared together.

(Catch more of Pri’s revelations in her episode on my DollywoodPH YouTube Channel, mga Ka Doll Doll.)

Ice Seguerra has recently mounted a two-night, sold-out birthday concert. It ought to have an encore.

‘Being Ice’

Ice Seguerra outdid himself in his birthday concert, “Being Ice,” at the Newport Performing Arts Theater. The two-night concert was sold out. It ought to have an encore.

Kudos to Ice and his wife Liza, for yet another milestone. Their tandem is too incredible for words. I watched the second show with my “Sis” Malca (Ricky Davao’s “Bubba”). Ice’s repertoire, adlibs and spiels were on point. His voice is truly EARgasmic. Ice’s honesty and candidness endeared him all the more to the audience.

For sure, his Mommy Caring is beaming with pride from up above as she watches Ice soar. The songs from his new album are all LSS (Last Song Syndrome)-worthy. The highlight of the night was his heartfelt duet with Vic Sotto. That priceless moment spoke volumes about their unbreakable bond, which started in “Eat, Bulaga,” when Ice used to be Aiza as Little Miss Philippines. It was not an easy journey for Aiza to become Ice.

The success of “Being ICE: Live!” is proof that the public welcomes him with open arms and an open heart.