For seven days and six nights, from Oct. 29 to Nov. 4, Vilma Santos took time out from her duties as Batangas governor and treated herself and a dozen companions (13 in the entourage, count ‘em!) to a Hong Kong holiday for a special reason — she was turning ‘ty-nine on Nov. 3.
Making the trip even more special were Vilma’s husband, Sen. Ralph Recto, and their son Ryan Christian. Like last year when the same group went on an Asian tour also to celebrate Vilma’s birthday, her son Luis Manzano begged off because of shooting commitments. This time, Luis excused himself to spend his own special day with girlfriend Jennylyn Mercado in Dubai.
On Nov. 2, eve of Vilma’s birthday, Ralph and company “surprised” her at her room with a cake with only one candle on it which the Birthday Girl extinguished with one blow.
On her birthday, Vilma treated her entourage to a dinner at a Korean restaurant, also among them Vilma’s sister Emelyn and her daughter Carla, Vilma’s brothers Joel and Sonny (with his “special friend” from Bacolod who requested anonymity), Vilma’s accountant/confidante/Girl Friday Aida Fandialan, Vilma’s personal assistant Cindy Blanco, and family friends Neal Martinez and wife Maricar Magalona (with sons Bryan and Alfonso).
Most of the time, Vilma was just herself, unperturbed by Filipinos (mostly OFWs) who asked for her autograph and had their pictures taken with her as she and companions strolled and shopped. As usual, Vilma obliged.
The entourage flew back home last Sunday.
The next day, Nov. 5, Vilma got another “surprise” when Batangas provincial officials and her “constituents” (her favorite term for fellow Batangueños) gave her a tribute at the provincial auditorium, highlighted by film clips of some people special to Vilma (husband Ralph, director Chito Roño, et al) recalling their memorable moments with her and wishing her many happy returns of the day.
Same time, next year, where will Vilma celebrate her birthday?
I have an idea but I’m not about to spoil the suspense (hehehe!).
(E-mail reactions at entphilstar@yahoo.com. You may also send your questions to askrickylo@gmail.com.)