The Juno-esque build of Vilma Valera made her ideal for action and strong-women roles, like the one she played in Reyna ng Tondo (1964).
Vilma, an American mestiza, was Miss Philippine Press Photography runner-up. She also starred in dramas like Salambao and musical comedies.
In the early ’70s, she migrated to California, where she hooked up with contemporaries like Miriam Jurado and Aura Aurea.
Larry Santiago produced and directed Reyna ng Tondo.
— RKC