LIPA CITY - Actress Vilma Santos-Recto said on Thursday, March 14, that she is not interested in holding any government or non-government positions, adding that her focus is on the revival of the local movie industry.

Ate Vi made the reaction at the kick-off ceremony for the 2024 Barako Festival held in Lipa City, Batangas. Also joining the event were Vilma's son Ryan Christian Santos Recto, Batangas Vice Governor Mark Leviste, and other local officials.

"Modesty aside, they were asking me to lead the Film Academy of the Philippines. And then na mention mo na rin ang FDCP (Film Development Council of the Philippines). Wala na rin si Pipo. Pero kasi when it comes to showbiz, isa na akong private citizen.

"After my movie 'When I Met You in Tokyo,' ang naging advocacy ko ngayon is maibalik ang mga tao sa sinehan. Namatay yun eh lalo na nag-pandemic. Namatay ang mga sine talaga. So yun ang naging advocacy namin noong ginawa namin ang 'When I Met You In Tokyo.' Maibalik lang ang mga tao sa sinehan.

"Sa tinagal-tagal ko rin sa industry, naging nanay ako ng Lipa, naging nanay ako ng Batangas, naging representative ng Lungsod ng Lipa, parang ang advocacy ko ngayon is payback time.

"If there's anything I can do to be of help, even in show business, nandito ako palagi. Hindi ko man tinanggap ang director ng Film Academy, andito ako para sumuporta sa kanila. Tawagan lang nila ako," said Ate Vi.

Following the success of her film "When I Met You In Tokyo," Vilma revealed that she was inundated with numerous enticing offers to star in more movies.

"Ang dami kong script sa bahay ngayon. Modesty aside again, maraming offers pero hindi ko naman kayang gawin lahat. I'm taking my time. Gagawa na lang ako ng pelikula a gusto ko. A movie that will challenge me again. Pero kung tulad ng dati (na maraming ginagawang pelikula), hindi na muna.  Thirty-five years old na po ako.

"Gusto ko naman ngayon ay ma-enjoy ang sarili ko, my family, my apo. So meron din akong mga time para doon. So time management lang. Hindi ako nagmamadali," she also said. 

"I'm happy because I'm here in Batangas, my home. At nakita ko yung pamilya ko mula sa mga mayor. Siguro para tumagal ako ng 24 years sa public service, I must have done something good. Minahal naman ako ng Batangas at ito ang mga taong unang nakasama ko. That's why kahit na medyo nakakapagod physically, nandito ako for them," she said.

Vilma said there's an offer for her to work on projects for Mentorque Films under producer Bryan Dy. "May dalawa siyang sinasabi sa akin. So nagre-review ako ngayon. He's very good and I wish him good luck."

Asked if she's interested in running again in Lipa City, Vilma said: "They're asking me to be the nanay again. Just help me pray. Hindi ko alam what will happen next but ipagdarasal ko kung ano man ang magiging decision ko sa mga susunod na panahon."

Given a chance, Vilma said she would also like to produce a showbiz project. "Pero sa ngayon, puno ang plato ko. Ang dami kong dapat gawin. In fact, itong mga susunod na araw, since it's Women's Month, yung nga pelikula ko dati, ipapalabas. And they're inviting students. After watching the movies, meron kaming talkback. Puwede kong i-share sa kanila kung experience ko bilang actor at kung ano ang relevance ng movie na ginawa ko during the 80s and 90s. Nagbibigay ako ng oras doon. So payback time to inspire them and educate kung ano ang pagiging artist."

Barako 2024 festival

The vibrant city of Lipa, nestled in the heart of Batangas, hosts the annual celebration, BarakoFest 2024, from March 14 to 16. This three-day festival pays homage to the region's rich culture and highlights the “Barako” characteristic of Batangueños.
 
BarakoFest 2024 promises an immersive experience into the world of music, art, food, adrenaline rush, and non-stop partying, focusing on the Batangueño fellowship, known for its strong bond and valiant spirit. The festival invites a smorgasbord of enthusiasts, local communities, and tourists to partake in various activities designed to entertain, educate, and invigorate the senses.
 
Art fest: Step into the realm of boundless creativity with our immersive art installation and art exhibits featuring homegrown Batangueño artists headed by Mr. Joseph Albao and our special guest, the world-renowned artist and curator, Mr. Kawayan De Guia.
 
Trade fest: Delight in the best delicacies and products from different municipalities and cities across Batangas as they showcase their products, tourism, and services that their constituents can enjoy and experience.
 
Play fest: Enjoy inflatables, go-karts, and fun games for kids and kids at heart, which promise to create unforgettable memories and experiences for the whole family.
 
Food fest: Feast your eyes and bellies in our 400 stalls of non-food and food concessionaires hailing from all over Batangas to satisfy the cravings of our partygoers.

Drift fest: Marvel in the car drift exhibition showcasing the expertise of our Father-Daughter tandem -- Dr. Drift Andel Sison, Daughter Drift Ashley Sison, and Sister Drift Audrey Sison.

Content creator fest: Meet and greet with our famous content creators showcasing their merchandise and create content that is sure to go viral with our content creators headlined by Boss Toyo, Von Ordoña, Dane Grospe, Cherry White, Whamos, Pio Balbuena, Toni Fowler, Ava Mendez, Sachzna Laparan, Ato and friends, Jayzar Recinto, and Bisaya Squad.
 
E-sports fest: Experience the thrill, exhilaration, and heart-pounding moments and be part of this epic Mobile Legends Competition hosted by the renowned e-sports personality – Renejay and Dogie.
 
Dirt fest: Dive into the heart-pounding world of off-road adventure with our motocross team headed by our invited expert riders from Mindanao.
 
Car fest: Satisfy your motorhead with a celebration of car and motorcycle models that will be on display for enthusiasts to feast their eyes on.
 
Sports fest: Treat your thirst for a basketball supremacy in a sport action that includes 3x3 and 3-point shoot-out competition participated by 66 barangays in Lipa City. Then witness our main event for a heart pounding Single Elimination Tournament between Batang Recto VS Billionaires Gang and GBoys VS RHM All Star.

Battle of the bands: Prepare your headbanging skill for this opening rock salvo that is open to professional and amateur bands all over the Philippines to vie for the following prizes: Php 100,000.00, Php 50,000.00, and Php 25,000.00

Music fest: The highlight of Barakofest 2024 is a concert that guarantees a fun-filled party experience for music fanatics. The country's top DJs, sought-after artists, and legendary bands are invited to delight the audience in a two-day musical experience.
 
Sec. Ralph G. Recto and Vilma Santos Recto expressed enthusiasm about the festival, stating, “BarakoFest is not just a celebration of our Barako spirit but also a showcase of hard work, ingenuity, entrepreneurship, and passion of our people in Batangas. We are excited to share our culture, traditions, and indomitable Barako spirit with the world."

The festival is a significant event for the local economy and is expected to draw more than 200,000 visitors from across the country to the scenic city of Lipa. It promotes Batangas province and fosters a sense of community and pride among Batangeños.

BarakoFest 2024 is brought to you by Talino at Puso Team, organized by Mentorque Productions in partnership with San Miguel Corporation and Angkas and supported by various local businesses and stakeholders.