August 26, 2006
V is for Vilma, Vava-voom Vilma.

After that nerve-wracking Envi Sci exam that brought me a terrible headache, I decided to give my self a little treat-watch a Vi-film.

Actually, I never want to spend my weekends in the city. If I dont have any urgent stuff to do (or required films to watch or meetings to attend), I usually go home. But today is different. I mean, how can I resist the urge to see Vi? My Vilma?

So there, I watched Sister Stella L. in the UP Film Institute. It was the first time that Im going to see this Vi-film. According to Rafael, it wasnt as exceptional as other Vilma Santos’s film. I did not believe him. After watching the film, I was right. It was good, honestly.
Vilma’s acting here is not too heavy but her subtle performance in the film was not an excuse for her not to stand out.

In the film, Vilma plays the role of a nun who came face to face with what is happening outside her safe zone- the congregation, amidst rallies taking place on the streets. It was her katokayo (namesake), played by another wonderful actress, Laurice Guillen who showed Vilma what it is like for nuns like them to participate in rallies formed by abused laborers. At first, Stella (Vilma) looked absolutely lost and confused with all the shouting and commotion around her. But eventually, she was able to see a clearer picture of things. Especially when Ka Dencio was brutally killed. This incident became an eye-opener. The typical and goody-goody Stella emerged as the strong-willed and indomitable ally of the rallyists.

At the end, Vilma did not fail to put a smile across my face. And the other viewers as well. Although not all of them actually like Vilma, it’s good to know that they all appreciate the film and her acting.

*Sa wakas rin,nakilala ko na kung sino si Ka Dencio.Yes. Apir.
(natutunan ng writer ang “apir” kay Ate April, ang head ng mga aplikante ng Writer’s Club.)