The young organization Aktor, also known as the League of Filipino Actors, truly deserves the widespread praise it has received all week since endorsing Vilma Santos for the revered title of National Artist for Film and Broadcast Arts last June 27.
Announced in all dignity by Aktor’s founding president Dingdong Dantes, backing the country’s most-awarded actor on record tangibly demonstrates the group’s commitment to elevating the Philippine Entertainment Industry and the welfare of its members and, in so doing, begin its underlying desire to contribute to nation building in a way only our artists can.
Dong — who, incidentally, will be a recipient of the maiden Box Office Heroes recognition from the Society of Philippine Entertainment Editors (SPEEd) on this Sunday’s 7th Eddys Choice for Movies, besides vying for the Best Actor plum — duly explained the worthy goals of Aktor in his speech that day, which validates why he and his fellow A-List celebrities felt the need to organize a group they pledged would genuinely be a working one when there had long been a single association of actors in existence for many years.
Aktor founding president Dingdong Dantes, with wife Marian Rivera and Vilma Santos in a file photo.
“I am here representing Aktor, a league of Filipino actors whose aim is to cultivate a vibrant community of proud actors. Like you, we love our industry, our colleagues, and, of course, the stages given to us — television, and most of all — movies,” he began in Filipino.
“We believe that movies are one of the primary cultural forces contributing to the formation of the Philippine nation, serving as a rich source of visions — both public and personal — in which Filipinos reflect the struggles, challenges, triumphs, and the future we aspire for.”
Dong then described the organization’s definition of a “Proud Aktor” as one who embodies professionalism, community protection, cultural advocacy, and nation-building, and rightly singled out Ate Vi for exemplifying every one of these traits and values throughout her storied career and this very day.
“[That is why] today is meaningful for us because we wholeheartedly present to you our vision — brought to life by this person. We are proud to say that she is our member and, much more, part of the board of advisers. She is none other than Vilma Santos-Recto.”
Ate Vi, known as the “Star for All Seasons,” enjoyed early success as a child actress in “Trudis Liit” and continued to raise the bar of actors in the industry with her transformative roles in films like “Sister Stella L.” and “Dekada ’70” showcasing her immense talent and versatility.
Dong praised her ability to bring authenticity and depth to every character she took on, stating, “Her portrayals bring truth and authenticity to the screen, captivating audiences across generations.”
Delving further into Ate Vi’s prowess, Dong noted, “Apart from being the most awarded actress in Philippine cinema, Vilma Santos is celebrated for her chameleon-like ability to portray diverse characters with truth and excellence. From a burlesque star in ‘Burlesk Queen’ to a woman who falls in love with a married man in ‘Relasyon,’ her range is unparalleled.”
Beyond her cinematic achievements, Aktor’s president naturally included how Ate Vi has also made significant contributions to public service: “Her contributions extend beyond entertainment; her public service as mayor [of Lipa City], governor [of Batangas], and congresswoman [of the 6th District of Batangas] reflects her commitment to making a meaningful impact in the lives of her constituents.
Extolling her as a symbol of “empowerment and resilience,” he declared Ate Vi as “embodying the strength and spirit of Filipinos,” emphasizing her dual legacy in entertainment and public service, which, all together, inarguably make her a fitting candidate for National Artist.
In his closing statement, Dong, on behalf of Aktor’s officers and board of directors, including notable members like Piolo Pascual, Iza Calzado, and Agot Isidro, wholeheartedly endorsed Vilma Santos for the Order of National Artist.
“For giving voice to the Filipino in her many guises, struggles, and opportunities across six decades, she has portrayed the evolution of Filipinos. We believe that Vilma Santos has contributed significantly to the development of Filipino cultural impact and identity,” he affirmed.
The ceremony, besides serving as a powerful testament to Aktor’s mission and Ate Vi’s enduring influence, is also a development in Philippine arts and culture from which the public can learn. As Dingdong pointed out, extolling such an artist provides the members of their organization a gold standard to emulate, which can also be said of the public.
Above all, the endorsement highlights the power of film and the significance of those who bring it to the public as a crucial part of Philippine life — an ideal that Dingdong and Aktor genuinely and tirelessly champion. So congratulations are not just in order for the next National Artist from the entertainment industry, Vilma Santos Recto, but to Aktor president Dingdong Dantes and the rest of his organization for delivering on their mission and vision as they determinedly move forward.
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