Veteran actress Vilma Santos, who recently headlined When I Met You in Tokyo at last year’s Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF), is now considering new film offers, with a focus on meaningful and high-quality projects.
Among these is an offer from Mentorque Productions for a film to be directed by Dan Villegas, as well as another potential project from Quantum Films titled Espantaho, which could see the Star for All Seasons sharing the screen with Judy Ann Santos under the direction of Chito Roño.
However, Vilma revealed that the status of Espantaho remains uncertain.
“The project with Direk Chito and Juday is still up in the air. It was supposed to be submitted to this year’s MMFF, but it didn’t make it into the top five entries. I’m not sure what the next steps will be, so I can’t say for sure if it will proceed.”
Regarding the offer from Mentorque, the former Batangas governor emphasized the importance of taking her time.
“I told Direk Dan that I don’t want to feel pressured to finish the film just to meet the MMFF deadline. I want us to focus on creating a good story, not just rushing it for the festival. At this stage in my career, I’m only interested in projects that truly inspire and challenge me.”
Vilma, who continues to receive numerous scripts, expressed gratitude for the opportunities but noted that she’s selective about the roles she takes on. “I’ve been blessed with many good offers, but I can’t do them all. I believe in perfect timing. I want to take on roles that challenge me and that I’m passionate about.”
On the personal front, Vilma shared her willingness to step in as a hands-on grandmother to her grandchild, Peanut, especially as her son Luis Manzano and daughter-in-law Jessy Mendiola juggle their showbiz careers.
“Yes, I’m more than willing to take care of Peanut if her parents are busy. ABS-CBN has been accommodating to Jessy’s schedule as a mother, which is great.”
Vilma also hinted at a future in the entertainment industry for her grandchild. “I’m sure she will eventually enter showbiz. She’s so pretty, lovable, and even at this early age, you can tell she has what it takes.”
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Marian Rivera described her latest film, Balota, as one of the most fulfilling projects of her career.
“It’s the fulfillment of one of my wishes in life,” she said.
Marian noted that after years in showbiz, Balota allowed her to step out of her comfort zone.
“I was able to do something different, something I hadn’t done before,” she added.
In the film, Marian’s portrayal is raw and unfiltered. “No filter—from the looks, lines, everything. It’s something new, and I’m grateful Balota was offered to me,” she expressed.
