No grand b-day party for Vilma this year, says fan
by Boy Villasanta, abs-cbnNEWS.com | 11/03/2009 1:20 PM
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MANILA – “Star for All Seasons” and current Batangas Gov. Vilma Santos is celebrating her 56th birthday today, but there will be no grand celebration for her this year.
As early as 8 a.m. Tuesday, Santos has been distributing relief goods to typhoon victims in Batangas, particularly in 3rd district of the province.
This was revealed Tuesday morning by Jojo Lim, over-all president of fans club “Vilma Santos International.”
“Maagang gumising si Ate Vi para mamigay ng mga relief packages sa mga kawawang mamamayan ng 3rd district of Batangas,” said Lim.
“This is her way of celebrating her birthday today,” he added.
Santos, Maria Rosa Vilma Santos-Recto in real life, has been planning a region-wide relief work not only to those affected by the recent typhoons Ondoy, Pepeng, and Santi, but to those who are needy and underprivileged as well.
A couple of months ago, the governor of Batangas gave out computer sets to deserving public elementary schools in the area.
The computers have been donated by her fans abroad, some of whom are married to foreigners.
“Ganyan kaming ‘Vilmanians.’ Kahit na wala na kami sa Pilipinas, basta may maibibigay lang kaming tulong sa mga impoverished kababayans natin lalo na sa Batangas, we will help,” said Lim.
Unlike in the past where Santos had big birthday bash, this year’s celebration is very simple, said Lim, who organized a group of active “Vilmanians” to pull off a surprise asalto to the actress.
According to Lim, Santos’ relief operation in 3rd district is scheduled the whole day, but other towns have been requesting that she also visits them, with or without the relief goods.
“Ang mga Batangueño, kahit makita lang si Vi ngayong araw na ito, okay na, mabati man lang nila ng happy birthday,” volunteered Lim.
After the day’s done, the Rectos will host a private birthday dinner for Santos.
Santos is married to former socioeconomic planning secretary Ralph Recto. They have one son, Ryan Christian. She is also the loving mother of Luis "Lucky" Manzano, her son from her previous relationship with actor-host Edu Manzano.
“Sina Ralph at Christian, ngayon pa lang, naghahanda na para kay Vi,” informed Lim. “Ngayon, bising-busy na sila sa relief drive nila at nagbabahay-bahay na si Vi,” said Jojo.
Showbiz career
Santos started her career in show business at an early age after she was signed up by Sampaguita Pictures. She was dubbed "Star for All Seasons" for her ability to portray various roles.
Some of her hit and critically acclaimed films were “Sister Stella L,” “Lipad, Darna, Lipad,” “Burlesk Queen,” “Alyas Baby Tsina,” “Pahiram ng Isang Umaga,” “Anak,” and “Dekada 70.”
Aside from being successful in showbiz, Santos became the first woman mayor of Lipa City and the first woman governor of Batangas province.
Santos is one the politicians being considered by Lakas-Kampi-CMD, the administration party, to be its vice presidential bet in 2010 elections. -Boy Villasanta, abs-cbnNEWS.com
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