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The television host says his mother’s decades in Philippine entertainment speak for themselves, while Santos accepts the government’s latest selection.
MANILA — Actor and television host Luis Manzano said his mother, veteran actress and Batangas Gov. Vilma Santos-Recto, does not need the National Artist title to establish her contributions to Philippine entertainment, following her absence from the latest list of honorees.
In an interview with The Philippine Star published Oct. 9, Manzano said his mother’s extensive work in film and television, as well as her years in public service, had already established her record of achievement.
He said the family would welcome the distinction if Santos eventually received it, but emphasized that her sense of fulfillment did not depend on the award. Santos, he added, takes pride in her accomplishments, particularly her roles as a mother and grandmother. He also thanked her longtime supporters, known as Vilmanians, for continuing to advocate for her recognition.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. conferred the Order of National Artists on 10 Filipinos under Proclamation No. 1414, signed Sept. 1, 2026, and announced Sept. 11. The recipients, designated National Artists for 2025, include screenwriter Armando “Bing” Lao, recognized posthumously, and cultural scholar Nicanor Tiongson.
The distinction is the Philippines’ highest state recognition for artistic achievement. Recipients are selected by the president upon the joint recommendation of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts and the Cultural Center of the Philippines. Santos was not among those named.
Santos, 72, had addressed her nonselection during a Sept. 20 screening of the restored 1984 film Sister Stella L. at the Metropolitan Theater in Manila.
“If it’s meant to be, it’s meant to be,” she said during a discussion following the screening, according to the Philippine Entertainment Portal (PEP.ph). She expressed gratitude for the opportunities and recognition she had received during her 63-year entertainment career and said the selection process should be respected.
Santos congratulated the newly proclaimed National Artists and urged supporters to avoid personal attacks over the decision. She said her priorities included her family’s well-being, the health of loved ones and maintaining her peace of mind. She also reaffirmed her commitment to serving her constituents in Batangas.
Film Development Council of the Philippines Chairman Jose Javier Reyes separately said Santos’ omission did not lessen her importance to Philippine cinema. Reyes, whose remarks were reported by PEP.ph in September, called for mutual respect amid discussions about the award.
The restored Sister Stella L., directed by Mike de Leon, was presented at Manila’s Metropolitan Theater on Sept. 20 as part of Philippine Film Industry Month. The 1984 political drama follows a nun’s growing involvement in a labor struggle and remains among Santos’ notable screen performances.
Manzano also reflected on growing up as the son of Santos and actor Edu Manzano, acknowledging that their established careers provided opportunities when he entered the entertainment industry. He said maintaining a career, however, depended on continued work and the trust of audiences.
Asked about a possible return to politics after losing his bid for Batangas vice governor in 2025, Manzano said he was not currently considering another campaign. He also expressed gratitude for the support he received from voters.
