Vilma Santos, Ricky Lee reveal new project: ‘Tutuloy pa rin kahit anong edad’

In their acceptance speeches at the 42nd Star Awards for Movies, movie legends Vilma Santos and Ricky Lee both emphasized the importance of continuing to pursue one’s passions, regardless of age.

Santos, who received the Philippine Movie Press Club’s (PMPC) Hall of Fame award, stated that she should not stop making films. “Sir Ricky (Lee), I agree with you. This doesn’t mean that I will stop [working] in the movie industry. Tutuloy pa rin po ako kahit na anong edad ko.”

Looking back on her remarkable career, Santos shared, “I started 9 years old [sa] Sampaguita Pictures. After that, [sa] Tagalog Ilang-Ilang Productions.”

“After Tagalog Ilang-Ilang, si Atty. Experidion Laxa, and then sa Sampaguita, Manay Ichu (Vera-Perez Maceda). And then, napunta naman ako sa Star Cinema. After Star Cinema, marami rin po akong nagawang pelikula,” Santos added.

Reflecting on her period of financial hardship, Santos went on: “At isa ho talaga sa tumugon sa buhay ko when I was literally financially down — ang bumuhay at tumulong sa akin nun — ay Regal Films at Viva Films. Maraming-maraming salamat.”

“After that, I was able to do one indie film ‘Ekstra’ kay Atty. Joji (Alonso). Then ‘When I Met You In Tokyo’ [sa] JG Productions. And then the last ay ‘Uninvited’ sa Mentorque, kasama ang Project 8,” she added.

Meanwhile, Lee, who also received the prestigious Hall of Fame award, confirmed that he and Santos will collaborate on an exciting project tailored specifically for the Star For All Seasons.

“Yes. Oo. Sabi niya (Santos), ‘Tuloy na natin.’ Yes. Para sa kanya talaga ‘yung project,” Lee revealed.

“Bago ko isinulat, alam kong si Vi na ang gaganap. Ito talaga ‘yung character around her. Based sa pagkakakilala ko sa kanya at based sa husay niya na alam ko na may ilalabas pa ngayon,” he continued.

“Sinasabi ko sa kanya na dapat mas marami pa siyang pelikulang gagawin ngayon,” he added.

Saying that the project is undoubtedly new for the actress, he went on, “Iba, e. We made sure na iba. And I made sure na wide ‘yung range ng gagawin niya roon sa pelikula.”

“Proud ako sa nagawa ko for her. At masaya ako sa nasulat ko for her,” he ended.