Vilma Santos

Rosa Vilma Tuazon Santos (born November 3, 1953) is a Filipino actress and politician. Known for her versatile work on screen, she began her career as a child actress in the 1960s and was one of the biggest box-office draw from the 1970s to early 1980s. Her accolades include a Dhaka International Film Festival Award, thirteen FAMAS Awards, eleven Gawad Urian, and five Luna Awards. Santos served as the Mayor of Lipa from 1998 to 2007, then as Governor of Batangas in 23rd and 25th congress. She also served as the representative for Batangas' 6th district from 2016 to 2022, and as the House Deputy Speaker from 2019 to 2022.

Quotes

We want to revive the spirit of the MMFF and moviegoing. And it’s happening. I see people lining up in the cinemas. That made me emotional. There are so many digital platforms now. With a monthly subscription, you and your family can watch a lot of movies. But the act of going to theaters and bonding with your family is still different. That’s something I hope we all still get to experience.
- After 5th MMFF win, Vilma Santos wants to spur interest in moviegoing | Philippine Daily Inquirer (January 2, 2024)

It’s all about having the right mindset. If I encounter negative comments, especially those that are relentless, I just say the people behind these are not happy people. Criticizing others has become their outlet. I just take pity on them. They’re just jealous because I’m happy and content. That’s not my problem anymore, it’s theirs.
- Vilma Santos on the need to embrace technology | Philippine Daily Inquirer (September 24, 2024)

A party I would like to gatecrash as an uninvited guest is one that’s thrown by Richard Gere. I will muster enough guts and tell him that it’s been my longtime dream to do a movie with him.
- Ate Vi as a gatecrasher and her dream guest list | The Philippine Star (December 12, 2024)

While it’s natural for members to have differing opinions, a sign of a functioning democracy, it’s important that these differences be resolved swiftly and in accordance with proper parliamentary procedures.
- Vilma Santos appeals for calm after Batangas council tension | Philippine Daily Inquirer (July 17, 2025)

I was never afraid to reinvent myself and to keep learning. Just because you win Best Actress doesn’t mean you’re the best. You’re only as good as your last film — and after that, there’s always someone better than you.
- Vilma Santos-Recto: Never out of the spotlight | The Manila Times (October 29, 2025)

Her movies have always been characterized by both commercial and critical appeal. In her more daring roles, she's delivered challenging, original, and controversial work. Always grippingly entertaining but animatedly provocative, her performance are far too important to be ignored.
- Vilma Santos, icon. Manila: University of Santo Tomas. 2025. ISBN 978-9715069441. , p. xv

Vilma Santos is undeniably the longest-reigning movie queen of Philippine cinema, having broken all the conventional rules of longevity, relevance, and staying power.
- Vilma Santos, icon. Manila: University of Santo Tomas. 2025. ISBN 978-9715069441. , p. 1

Dubbed the "Star for All Seasons" in the Philippine entertainment industry, not merely for branding purposes, Vilma Santos remains unparalleled with her extensive filmography of hundreds of top-billed movies. Through these films, she paved the way for future generations of leading ladies and actresses in our country.
- Vilma Santos, icon. Manila: University of Santo Tomas. 2025. ISBN 978-9715069441. , p. 101