Some people answer a big question with a long speech. Ate Vi answered it with grace, a few laughs, and a reminder to her fans to behave.
Photo: PEP.phWhere did Vilma Santos talk about the National Artist issue?
It happened after the Philippine premiere of the restored version of Sister Stella L. (1984) at the Metropolitan Theater on Sunday, September 20, 2026. PEP.ph reported that the screening is part of Philippine Film Industry Month. Vilma, who played Sister Stella Legaspi, and Direk Laurice Guillen, who played Sister Stella Bautista, were the panelists. Large tarpaulins of the ten new National Artists were displayed around the theater.
What did Vilma say about not being on the list?
When asked about the issue, she answered calmly:
if it's meant to be, it's meant to be. If it's for you, it's for you.
She added that people will always argue about who is in and who is out, and that her principle has always been her Vilmanians and her friends. Then came the line that made the audience clap:
Kung hindi ka naman nasasali, it's fine with me.
After 63 years in the industry, she said, what the industry gave back to her is already a big gift. She also congratulated all the new National Artists "with utmost sincerity" and singled out Bing Lao, who was once her scriptwriter.
Did she say anything about the noise around the issue?
Yes. Vilma said the latest selection got too noisy and that some things happening around the issue were "below the belt." She did not name anyone. Her message was to let it go:
Hindi na natin dapat patulan. There's so much more in life!
What about talk that politics gets in the way?
PEP.ph noted that some say it is unlikely for a politician to be named National Artist. Vilma said she has answered that before, that there are criteria, and that we should respect the process. As governor of Batangas, she said she has two years and eight months left and would rather serve the people who trusted her.
Photo: PEP.phWhy did Vilma cry, and what is her priority now?
PEP.ph reported that Vilma teared up watching the restored film because many of the people she worked with on it have passed away. As for life at 72, she said her priorities are praying for her family, the health of the people she loves, and protecting her peace. She ended by telling her fans to enjoy life and said she will carry her Vilmanians "hanggang huling hininga."
What we can all learn from Ate Vi
You do not have to win every argument or every award to feel whole. Choosing your peace is not giving up. Anyone who has ever missed a promotion or a slot they worked hard for knows how hard that can be, and how much grace it takes.
What do you think of how she handled it? Tell us in the comments, and please keep it kind, Vilmates.
Quick answers
What did Vilma Santos say about the National Artist issue?
She said if it is meant to be, it is meant to be, that she is fine if she is not included, and that her priority now is to protect her peace.
Where did Vilma Santos speak about it?
At a talkback after the restored Sister Stella L. premiere at the Metropolitan Theater in Manila on September 20, 2026.
Who else was on the panel with Vilma Santos?
Director Laurice Guillen, who played Sister Stella Bautista in the film, joined Vilma on the panel.
Updated September 21, 2026. Sources and photo credits: PEP.ph | Bandera Inquirer | Tribune. All photos belong to their respective owners.