Photo from Facebook/@vsrecto
Former 1970s love team discusses possible movie and Los Angeles concert following nostalgic stage performance
MANILA — Veteran actress and Batangas Gov. Vilma Santos-Recto has expressed interest in reuniting on the big screen with former acting partner Edgar “Bobot” Mortiz, more than five decades after their pairing became one of Philippine entertainment’s popular love teams.
The possibility emerged following their reunion at Mortiz’s “Goin’ Standard: The Repeat” concert on October 10 at the Proscenium Theater in Rockwell, Makati, where the two performed their signature song, “Pledge of Love.”
In an interview with entertainment columnist Dolly Anne Carvajal published on October 15, Santos said Mortiz had told her that a producer was interested in reuniting them for a film.
Santos welcomed the proposal and suggested developing a lighthearted, feel-good story. She emphasized, however, that any project would have to accommodate her responsibilities as Batangas governor.
The actress also disclosed that Mortiz had discussed the possibility of staging a concert together in Los Angeles, potentially extending their reunion to Filipino audiences in the United States.
Neither the proposed film nor the Los Angeles performance has been formally announced. No production schedule, screenplay or release date has been confirmed.
Santos and Mortiz, popularly known as “Vi and Bot,” rose to prominence in the late 1960s and early 1970s. Their screen partnership produced numerous films, including Young Love, Edgar Loves Vilma and My Pledge of Love, all released in 1970.
Their professional collaboration also developed into a real-life romance before they eventually pursued separate personal and professional paths.
Mortiz later established himself as a television director and producer while continuing to perform. His October concert followed an earlier presentation of “Goin’ Standard” in June, featuring his interpretations of classic popular songs.
Santos, meanwhile, returned to the Batangas governorship in 2025 after previously holding the post from 2007 to 2016. Her continuing public service commitments remain a principal consideration in any prospective film collaboration.
