With 62 years of experience in the entertainment industry, the beloved Star for All Seasons, Vilma Santos, feels fortunate to take on a new and challenging project titled "Uninvited." Produced by Mentorque Productions and Project 8 Projects, this film is one of the official entries for the 2024 Metro Manila Film Festival.

"I'm living comfortably, and I thank God for all the blessings. Regarding my career, imagine 62 years in the industry, meron pa rin akong 'Uninvited.' Imagine that after 62 years," said Vilma when asked about her latest movie during a recent one-on-one interview in Quezon City.

Vilma said she never expected to have another entry for the MMFF in 2024. Just last year, Vilma gave a stellar performance for the movie "When I Met You In Tokyo," where she won best actress.

"And who would have thought that in 2024, makakasama na naman uli ako sa Metro Manila Film Festival?

"Hindi talaga ito intended na makasali sa MMFF pero napasama. Minsan nga after doing more than 100 films, I ask myself, 'Ginawa ko na ba itong klase ng pelikula na ito? I made a dark movie 'Tagos ng Dugo' but that one was about mental issue. But this one is different. She's a lovable mother in this movie.

"Dream ko talagang gumawa ng isang project na mangyayari lang in 24 hours or 48 hours. Marami nag interview sa akin before na kapag naging direktor daw ako, kasi yun talaga ang plan ko kung hindi ako napasok sa politics, magdi-direk sana ako tulad nila Marilou Diaz Abaya, Laurice Guillen, mga idol ko yan eh, ano naman daw ang dream movie ko.

"Sabi ko naman basta I imagine a project na mangyayari lang in 24 hours. Maguumpisa lang siya ng maganda pero habang patapos na ang movie, papangit na ng papangit yung bida.

"Pero binuo nila yung gitna. And then when they pitched it to me, sabi ko, 'Oh, my God! Ito na yung hinahanap ko. And then pinaghandaan talaga nila yung photography, what will happen, sabi ko ito na talaga yung challenge na hinahanap ko sa career ko," said Vilma.

Recently, Vilma acknowledged that she is receiving less challenging roles, citing her age as a factor.

"Ngayon, hindi kailangan yung gagawa lang ako ng pelikula. Hindi na ganun eh. Gusto ko na lang something that will challenge me sa age ko. My age factor na tayo eh. Hindi na yung pa-cute tayo. And this one came. Sabi ko this is it."

Vilma added: "May gagawin dapat talaga akong isa pero hindi natuloy so talagang it was meant to ne 'Uninvited.' Kaya rito na talaga ako napunta. When I accepted this, I told them wala ng pressure.

"I don't want to feel any anxiety na kailangan tapusin natin ito para makasama sa MMFF. Ayoko na ng ganun. Hindi na bagay sa akin sa ganitong age. But I don't know what happened at natapos namin ng madali. Tapos pinasok pala nila at nakuha kami," she said.

Ate Vi said she was surprised it became an official entry to the MMFF. "But then again, golden year ito ng MMFF, and I'm proud of the movie, so laban na lang kami uli. Malayo naman ito sa 'When I Met You In Tokyo.' This one involves the love of a mother, justice, abuse, and society."

Also joining Vilma in this drama-thriller are award-winning actors Aga Muhlach and Nadine Lustre.

'Not my children'

In "Uninvited," Vilma said she plays a loving mother. She passionately explored the depths of her unwavering commitment to her children, explaining the lengths to which she would go to ensure their happiness and well-being. 

Whether it meant sacrificing her needs, tirelessly supporting their dreams, or dedicating countless hours to nurturing their growth, she made it clear that her love and devotion knew no bounds.

"I will do anything and everything for my children. Do anything for me but not my children because you will see the worst of me, which you will not like.

"Now I'm talking as a mom and Vilma Santos. Not my children."

"As an actor, nangyari na yan sa mga press. May tumitira sa anak ko. Huwag talaga ang anak ko. Susugurin kita. I confronted the person. That was a long time ago. And I did it in front of television on air sa show ko ng Vilma.

"Sabi ko, you don't do that to my children. May nakalaban talaga ako tapos tinira yung anak ko. Sabi ko sa show, 'Huwag ninyo iyong puputulin.' Hinamon ko talaga siya. Sabi ko ako ang harapin mo.

"Lumaki yung mga anak ko sa akin as public servant. Now they're doing they're part na tumutulong sa tao na walang camera. Ito na yung time nila to see the reality of life. Now they appreciate yung buhay na walang camera and then dahil lang sa akin titirahin sila? 

"In the first place. As a public servant, pay back time sa akin ito dahil ibinabalik ko lang yung tiwala na ibinigay sa akin hanggang ma-sacrifice yung career ko.

"Pero now na sinusubukan ng mga anak ko na pumasok sa isang career, you don't do that. Demokrasya tayo. Kung ayaw ninyo, huwag! Hindi ko kayo pinipilit. Hinaharap ko lang ang mga anak ko sa reality of life and they know what to do. Matatalino ang mga yan pero may puso sila," Vilma said.

New technology

Vilma, 71, has adapted to the demands of technology thanks to her children, who taught her about the latest trends. She remembered how she adapted to the trends that emerged during the pandemic. Vilma encouraged her fellow parents to embrace the challenges posed by technology.

"Yung mga anak ko ang nagtuturo sa akin. That's why nagkaroon ako ng vlog. Wala naman akong naiintindihan dyan. During the pandemic, sila Ryan, Lucky, Jessy and Peanut stayed with me. They stayed with me for six months. Doon nila ako tinuruan about the latest technology. Laging ako ang guest nila. May kita pala sa vlogging," Vilma said.

She added: "Sabi nila, 'Mom, you should have your vlog. Then ginawan nila ako ng vlog. So even the basics, we should adjust. We should try to learn. Huwag tayo mag stagnate. Let's adjust. Malaking tulong ito."

"As a mom, I adjusted to the present generation. Yan din ang pinapayo ko sa mga magulang ngayon. I feel as a mom, parang hindi na rin totoo yung kasabihan na mother knows best. It's already technology.

"Hindi na talaga tayo puwedeng lumaban sa technology. With social media around, this is the new generation. Tayo naman nasa old school, kaming mga nanay. 

"Ako I adjust para hindi magkaroon ng gap sa mga anak ko. Aminin natin na old school na tayo and this is the new generation. Hindi na puwedeng tayo lagi ang tama. Hayaan natin na sila ang mangatwiran with respect. It's about time parents should listen to their children, too, to lessen the gap," Vilma said.

Vilma believes she has built a strong foundation for her children, which is why she is close to them and they can discuss anything.

"Sa nakita ko kila Lucky and Ryan, iba na rin ako ak mag-text sa kanila. Nahawa na rin ako mag text sa kanila sabi ko, 'What's up, son?' or 'Howdee, anak?' I go with the flow. I adjust. And when they talk, I listen. I think it's a plus factor. 

"They are close to me because we can discuss anything under the sun: sex, dates, their lives. May value when you adjust yourself to the new generation.

"That's why I always say na, 'Gawin na ninyo sa akin ang lahat huwag lang sa mga anak ko!' When I get mad you will not like me especially kapag involve ang mga anak ko.' I pour out my emotions into this movie. Ganun talaga ako ka-affected," Vilma also said.

Despite the excitement of the current generation, Vilma noted that her children still value respect for the elderly. Most importantly, she listens when they have something to say.

"I give my decisions to my kids. Kapag merong issue, I tell them, you decide as long as you know what's right and wrong. Ganun kami mag-usap. Pero hindi namin tinatanggal yung mga magagandang kaugalian tulad ng pagmamano, respect sa matanda and paghalik sa amin.

"One perfect example si Lucky na may anak na pero Sunday is family day. Noon sinasabi ko sa television I love you lucky, Ngayon sinasabi ni Lucky on air I love you, How-How. Important sa akin ang foundation ng family na kinalakihan ko. Hindi mo sila kasama ng 24 hours. 

"Pero kapag may foundation ang family mo, babalik at babalik sila roon. Family is No. 1, and it is still the No. 1 unit of our society. To be effective, respect yourself first before you seek respect from others.

"Hindi mo pwedeng hingin sa iba ng hindi mo ginagawa or wala sa'yo. Lahat yan nasa foundation ng family like paano ka pinalaki or respect sa elderly. 

"So with the new generation, tulad nga ng ginagawa ko ngayon, parents should adjust a bit as long as may respect," Vilma said.

Campaign trail

In 2025, Vilma is campaigning again for the governorship of Batangas.

"This 2025 I'll be campaigning again. Nahilingan ako tumakbo muli bilang governor (ng Batangas). Balik na raw ako para makasabay ko raw yung iba sa kanilang retirement. So, nagfile na ako ng candidacy.

"Starting early next year, I will run again for governor in Batangas. It's nice that after 24 years as a public servant, my children will be helping me serve the Batanguenos. Kung mapapagkatiwalaan uli, ibabalik ko lang yung tiwala nila. 

"Sabi nila kahit isang term lang sabayan ko raw sila sa retirement. Mga ka-age ko itong mga nagrequest. So I'm looking forward to serving my bigger family in 2025," Vilma said.

Christmas with Ate Vi

Like many others, Vilma eagerly anticipates celebrating the holidays with her family.

"Kapag Christmas, meron kaming noche buena with immediate family and relatives. May handa kami and dumarating ang family. Nandun din ang mga girlfriends. Dinadala niya. Yun ang bonding namin," Vilma said.

She added: "We practice Kris Kringle. Old style na yan, but we still do it. Birthdays nagbibigay ako ng money so that you can buy kung ano ang gusto mo pero Christmas you have to buy a gift. Kailangan may material gift. May excitement na kapag 12 midnight, bukasan kami ng regalo after magdasal."

On her Christmas wish, Vilma said: "God is good. Sana lang, my family will be intact, and we will be safe. Health is important. Wish ko lang kay Lord sana maging successful ang golden year ng MMFF and Uninvited dahil sa Pasko ang showing nito. Yun ang extra hiling ko kay Lord."

Vilma has a New Year's wish. She stated: "I'll be running in 2025. Kung may ipagdarasal man ako, sana mabawasan na ang init ng ulo ng mga tao. 

"With what's happening now, negative na ang takbo ng ulo ng ibang tao. Parang puro na lang I, me, and myself. 

"Enough! Enough! It's about time tao naman ang priority. Galit na ang mga tao. Let's make a change this time. Let's work together and try to uplift our country. Same with the entertainment industry. 

"Kapag gusto naman natin umangat, kaya natin. Naging public servant ako kaya alam kong kaya natin yan kapag ginusto natin," Vilma added.