Celebrating the Legacy of an Icon,
Cultural Champion, and Nation-Builder

Unraveling A New Season:
Vilma Santos for National Artist

The Star for all Seasons is poised to shine even brighter as diverse groups from the film industry, local organizations, and communities endorse the nomination of Vilma Santos-Recto for the Order of National Artists in the field of Film and Broadcast Arts.

Awards and Recognitions

Her exceptional talent and performances were recognized by major award-giving bodies.

Who is Ate Vi?

Vilma Santos-Recto, known as Ate Vi, is a beloved Filipino actress and politician. Spanning over six decades, her career in entertainment earned her the title "Star for All Seasons". She debuted as a child actress in the 1963 film "Trudis Liit", winning her first FAMAS Award. She played iconic roles like Darna in several films and remains a significant figure in Philippine cinema.

Beyond acting, Vilma has served as Mayor of Lipa City, Governor of Batangas, and a Representative in the House of Representatives. She has been a strong advocate for education, women's rights, and healthcare reforms.

Find out more about Vilma Santos

AKTOR Nominates Vilma Santos-Recto for the Order of National Artist

  • For winning the FAMAS Best Child Actress award in 1963 for her role in Trudis Lit at the age of nine;
  • Being the youngest recipient of the FAMAS Best Actress award in 1972 for her performance in Dama De Noche;
  • Portraying the iconic superhero Damna in several blockbuster films, solidifying her status as a quintessential star in Philippine cinema;
  • Breaking box-office records and being recognized as the longest reigning Box Office Queen in the history of Philippine cinema, having held the title for 16 years;
  • Receiving numerous Best Actress awards from prestigious bodies including Gawad Urian, FAMAS, Catholic Mass Media Awards, Film Academy of the Philippines, and the Metro Manila Film Festival;

Learn more about the nomination

Movies of Vilma Santos

Discover her iconic roles and contributions to the film industry, showcasing her versatility and enduring influence.

Explore the cinematic journey of Vilma Santos
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A Cinematic Journey Through Time

1953 - 1969

Early Beginnings: The Rise of Vilma Santos

  • Early Beginnings: The Rise of Vilma Santos
  • Started acting at age 9, winning FAMAS Best Child Actress for "Trudis Liit" (1963).
  • Played Imee Marcos in "Iginuhit ng Tadhana" (1965) and won Best Supporting Actress at age 11.
1970 - 1979

Teen Stardom and Iconic Roles: Vilma Santos' Transformative Years

  • Transitioned to teen star, appearing in hit films like "Sixteen" and "Young Love" (1970).
  • Became an iconic actress, playing Darna and Dyesebel (1973-1974)
  • Starred in the controversial "Burlesk Queen" (1977) and started producing films with VS Films (1976)
1980 - 1989

Dominating the Screen: Vilma Santos' Golden Era

  • Achieved "grand slam" Best Actress wins for "Relasyon" (1982)
  • Won consecutive Gawad Urian Best Actress awards for "Relasyon," "Broken Marriage," and "Sister Stella L." (1982-1984)
  • Elevated to FAMAS Hall of Fame (1989)
  • Hosted the TV show "Vilma" (1986-1995)

Find out more about the journey of Vilma