Standing at 5’0ft, Vilma Santos-Recto is one of the movers and head turners when it comes to Philippine Cinema. Be it from Filipino award shows, TV commercials, teleseryes, or newspaper articles, her name seems to be anywhere and everywhere.  Her towering achievements in the industry is what makes her a legend of her time, she has made her way through with several firsts. She is the first and only Filipino actress to have won “best actress” in Urian Awards for three consecutive years. The first actress to bag awards from prestigious events like Catholic Mass Media and FAMAS awards.

She has also tried her hand at local politics. Being a governor in Lipa, Batangas for three consecutive terms, she has pushed for programs that improve the health and wellbeing of the community. She’s also challenging the norms in her advocacies. Not so long ago, she passed a bill that promotes gender equality and protects the rights of the LGBT community in the Philippines. The bill gives them a proper avenue to address their concerns to authorities. In addition to this, she has expanded her reach through establishing the Center for Community Transformation (CCT) in 1992; An institution that aims to lessen poverty, through teaching Filipino from lower income brackets how to start their own businesses.

Time and time again, Vilma Santos-Recto has proven that she is more than a pretty face on television. She is a mover with a cause. An icon that generations will be reminded of. But really, she represents something that Filipinos can achieve if they devote themselves to their craft and pour their hearts into service for the betterment of their community.