Aside from her acting prowess, the Star for All Seasons, Vilma Santos, is also known for her innate kindness. Her kindness extends not only to her fellow artists but also to the people behind the camera and even to her fans.
Recently, the supporters of Ate Vi had a grand fans’ day. Undoubtedly, the love of her fans has prevailed over the decades, and her charisma remains timeless.
“Ngayon lang natuloy at timing na rin na napili sa MMFF (Metro Manila Film Festival) ang When I Met You in Tokyo,” said Jojo Lim, the president of VSSI group or Vilma Santos Solid International.
He shared the collaboration of his group with two others—SILVI9 (Silent Vilmanian) and VSFFI (Vilma Santos Forever Friends International). The grand fans’ day was attended by 230 fans from the three groups, and there were also numerous press attendees.
The grand get-together at Tramway on November 25 was filled with fun and excitement with the help of singing and dancing production numbers, games, and raffle prizes from JG Productions, Inc., Aeternitas, Angkas, and Star corned beef.
Some of the prizes given away included a TV, mini-refrigerator, microwave oven, electric fan, and cash prizes. The attendees were thrilled, looking forward to being with Ate Vi again. Their last significant fans’ day was before the release of Ate Vi’s film “Everything About Her” in 2016.
“My God, before the pandemic, talagang we usually do that yearly. Meron kami talagang fans day,” Ate Vi joyfully shared when asked about her reaction to the continued warm reception from fans. “Kaya lang mula noong nag-pandemic at naging public servant ako, doon na medyo nag-e-every other year kasi nga hindi ako naging active sa showbiz.”
“Pero kahit noong congresswoman ako, nag-fa-fans’ day kami kahit doon sa Congress,” Ate Vi added. She narrated how she used to have snacks with some fans before the congressional session. “This is very special but even before When I Met You, sinabi ko nang this year we will have a fans day kasi tapos na ang pandemic pero mas nakasuwerte kasi nakasama ‘yung When I Met You in Tokyo sa MMFF. Natiyempo na ‘yung fans day namin ginawa na ring parang promo at excited kami lahat.”
“Kung saan man ako ngayon ay utang na loob ko sa mga diehard Vilmanians ko na ‘yung iba nakasama ko nang maging senior citizen, ‘yung iba namatay na but the good thing is they’re still here. They are part of the inspiration to do and dream more para sa showbiz career ko at sa marami ko pang gustong gawin,” Ate Vi said, visibly overflowing with gratitude.
The fans of Ate Vi, whether old or young, bring inspiration to her. “Dahil nakikita ko rin ang enthusiasm at pagmamahal nila sa akin, ginaganahan tuloy ako,” she shared. “Good thing is, nandoon din ang mga millennials ko. Dahil sa vlog ko nagkakaroon nako ng mga millennials na tagahanga. Enjoy na enjoy akong makita sila na meron pang mga bata.”
With the growth of her reach and expansion of her fanbase, Ate Vi promised to continue her vlogging. “If there’s still anything that can inspire millennials, I will continue it in my own little way,” she added.
“I truly truly appreciate it kasi fans’ day ko yun but they really found time to be there,” Ate Vi expressed her gratitude to the supporters, friends, and family who attended her fans’ day, whether they are in or out of showbiz.
“Wala man akong ibang hinihiling ngayon, bumalik po sana kayo sa sine! Pakiuna po ang When I Met You In Tokyo, a very, very simple love story. No hysterics, wala kaming kontrabida,” Ate Vi jokingly appealed to the audience. She guaranteed, “It’s a very simple love story. You will fall in love. Tatlong bagay lang mararamdaman nila (manonood) rito- magiging happy, kikiligin sila, and they will become emotional.”
Brace yourself for these possible emotions at the upcoming MMFF 2023. Ate Vi is joined by Darren Espanto, Cassy Legaspi, and Christopher De Leon in ‘When I Met You in Tokyo. MMFF opens on Christmas Day, December 25.
