LIPA CITY, Batangas - Star for All Seasons Vilma Santos Recto and her sons actor Lucky Manzano and Ryan Christian Recto addressed allegations that they were part of a political dynasty even as they vie for different positions in Batangas in the 2025 elections.

"With all honesty, we don't want to entertain that. We are here to serve, and people will judge us," said Ate Vi when asked about the political dynasty during the Barako Festival 2025 in this city.

Vilma, 71, a former deputy speaker of the House of Representatives, is again seeking to lead Batangas as governor. Her son, Lucky, is vying for vice governor of the same province. Ryan is seeking a congressional seat to represent the 6th District of Batangas.

Lucky is the son of Vilma with actor Edu Manzano, while Ryan is the son of Vilma with Finance Secretary Ralph Recto.

Vilma is an award-winning actress who first served as mayor of Lipa from 1998 to 2007. Then, she became the 22nd governor of Batangas from 2007 to 2016. After that, she served as congresswoman for the 6th District of the same province from 2016 to 2022. In 2019, Ate Vi was appointed Deputy Speaker of Congress from 2019 to 2022.

Lucky, 43, expressed heartfelt admiration for his mother, highlighting her dedication and integrity as a public servant. He emphasized how her unwavering commitment to the community has made a significant impact on the lives of many, illustrating her tireless efforts to make the world a better place. 

"From mayor of Lipa nakita naman natin kung paano siya naging gobernador ng Batangas. Naging part din siya ng Congress. In fact, naging Lingkod Bayan awardee rin siya. One of the highest awards na pwedeng makuha ng public servant. (From the mayor of Lipa, we saw how she became governor of Batangas. She also became part of Congress. In fact, she also became a Lingkod Bayan awardee. One of the highest awards a public servant can receive)," Lucky said. "Lahat ng yan nagsimula sa artista lang. (It all started with just being a movie star).

The husband of actress Jessy Mendiola also defended his family from the same allegations.

"We submitted ourselves to the electoral process. Basta ang hangad namin ay yung paglilingkod namin sa bawa't Batangueno. Kung saan papunta ang mga pangarap namin sa paglilingkod, kung saan gusto naming ilagay ang puso namin, nakasalalay sa botante yun. (All we want is to serve every Batangueno. Where our dreams of serving go, where we want to put our hearts, that depends on the voters)," Lucky said.

Ryan added: "I think my brother said it perfectly naman. We are here to serve the people, and the choice will always be theirs."

Lucky mentioned that one sacrifice he made to enter politics was giving up some endorsements. However, his mother inspired him with encouraging words about joining politics.

"Marami na sa endorsements ko ang hindi na nag renew. Isa yun sa mga usapan namin ni Gov Vi. Anak, alam ko ang industriya. The moment na mag-announce ka, maniwala ka or hindi, lahat ng endorsements mo mawawala. (Many of my endorsements have not been renewed. That was one of the conversations between me and Gov Vi. Son, I know the industry. The moment you announce, believe it or not, all your endorsements will be gone.)

"Katunayan tatlo or apat na sa endorsements ko ang nag pull out na. Sabi ko naman naiintindihan ko naman yun. (It's true that three or four of my endorsements have already been pulled out. I said I understand that)

"Sabi ni Gov. Vi, anak, mabawasan ka man ng commercial, mabawasan ka man ng endorsements, mas masarap tulog mo, dahil mas marami kang matutulungan na tao. (Gov. Vi said, 'Son, even if you have fewer commercials, even if you have fewer endorsements, you will sleep better, because you will be able to help more people)," Lucky said.

Lucky thinks balancing various aspects is one of a public servant's toughest challenges.

"Napagusapan naman namin na ang politics ay hindi madali in general. Pero ang pinakamahirap is finding the balance sa sa lahat ng gusto. (We talked about how politics is not easy in general. But the hardest part is finding the balance between all the things you want)

"May mga sectors kasi na humihingi tapos hindi mo pa naibibigay. Marami kang gustong gawin sa mga Batangueno pero limited ka rin sa budget mo. Mahirap na masatisfy lahat ng distrito pero ang alam ko, kapag makasama ko silang lahat, hindi ako nag-iisa. (There are sectors that are asking for it but you haven't given it yet. You want to do a lot for the Batangueños but you are also limited in your budget. It is difficult to satisfy all the districts but what I know is, when I am with all of them, I am not alone)," Lucky added.

Vilma added: "In politics, it's damned if you do and damned if you don't. You do good, may sasabihin sayo. You do bad, may masasabi pa rin sayo. Pero para pagkatiwalaan ka ng tao, palagay ko yun ang priceless. Yung ang legacy mo ng walang camera. (In politics, it's damned if you do and damned if you don't. You do good, they'll say something to you. If you do bad, they'll still say something to you. But for people to trust you, I think that's priceless. That's your legacy without a camera.)

Barako Fest 2025

The third edition of the Barako Festival kicked off on Feb. 13, showcasing not only the renowned high-quality coffee variety that Batangas province is famous for but also emphasizing the unique local products from each city and municipality. 

This vibrant celebration serves as a platform to highlight how these goods not only reflect the region's rich cultural heritage but also play a crucial role in creating jobs and stimulating the local economy. 

From artisanal crafts to agricultural produce, the festival brings together the diverse talents of the community, fostering entrepreneurship and sustainable development across the province.

“Hotels are fully booked. Restaurants are always full. It couldn’t get any better than this,” Bryan Diamante, president and chief executive officer of organizer Mentorque Productions, said during a press conference.

According to the Philippine News Agency, approximately 250,000 guests attended each of the first two editions of the event, with around 500 small business enterprises taking part.

In addition to the trade booths, there are food stalls and a playground featuring giant inflatables. Competitions in motocross, billiards, and 3x3 basketball will determine the winners at the conclusion of the event.

A job fair will continue until Saturday, and concerts will entertain guests over two nights.

All activities for this three-day event are being held at vacant spaces along the Manila-Batangas Bypass Road.

Coinciding with the kickoff of the event, Section 3 of the bypass road was inaugurated by Lipa Mayor Eric Africa and gubernatorial candidate Vilma Santos-Recto, who previously held the province’s top position from 2007 to 2016.

The first 1.73 kilometers of the 5.39-kilometer project by the Department of Public Works and Highways, which runs from Barangay Inosloban to Barangay Plaridel-San Lucas to Barangay Toribio Marawoy at the Star Tollway exit, opened in March 2022, while the next 1.85 kilometers became passable a few months later.