Actor Dingdong Dantes, representing AKTOR.PH, officially nominated Vilma Santos-Recto for the Order of National Artist last Friday at the Manila Hotel.
“On behalf of our organization, our officers, board of directors – including Piolo Pascual, Iza Calzado, Agot Isidro, Cherry Pie Picache, Mylene Dizon, Jasmine Curtis-Smith – and our Board of Advisers, Christopher de Leon, Tirso Cruz III, and Charo Santos,” said Dantes, “we wholeheartedly endorse the nomination of Rosa Vilma Santos-Recto to the Order of National Artist for Film and Broadcast.”
In his address, Dantes outlined five key reasons for nominating Santos-Recto: her career achievements, cultural impact, public service, legacy, and inspiration to peers. He highlighted Santos-Recto’s versatility, citing her portrayal of iconic characters and enumerated her numerous accolades from awards-giving bodies locally and internationally, solidifying the 70-year-old actress’ status as the most awarded in Philippine cinema history.
He also acknowledged her cultural impact and enduring relevance through films that mirror social issues, sparking national discourse.
Further, Dantes praised Santos-Recto’s public service contributions as mayor, governor, and congressman, which earned her the Presidential Lingkod Bayan award.
“Vilma Santos stands not only as an actress but also as a symbol of empowerment and resilience, embodying the strength and spirit of Filipinos,” said Dantes. “Known as the ‘Star for All Seasons,’ she continues to excel in both reel and real life, always bringing pride to the country. Her enduring legacy as a pioneer and an icon of Philippine cinema will forever shine bright in our hearts and minds, inspiring excellence across all seasons and generations.”
In response to the endorsement, Vilma Santos-Recto expressed her gratitude: “I am deeply humbled and sincerely grateful to AKTOR, led by Chairman Dingdong Dantes, for its endorsement! Sobrang maraming salamat to my colleagues in the industry for this honor.
Sa iba pang mga organizations na nagbigay tiwala…salamat po! My heart is full!!”
The nomination for Santos-Recto was submitted to the office of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts in Intramuros by Vicki Dantes, AKTOR’s executive secretary and Dingdong’s sister.
The entire process, from submission to approval, could take up to eighteen months, according to Multi-media Press Society of the Philippines Inc. (MMPRESS) president Ambet Nabus, who hosted the press conference.
“After the nomination is submitted, NCCA will hire an independent research group to study and validate all the submitted documents. That process will take six months. Within that period, they will evaluate,” Nabus said. “After six months, there will be another six months for the three levels of evaluation. After that, the result will be submitted to the Office of the President for approval or rejection.”
In the interim, Dantes said AKTOR plans to organize activities such as film screenings to highlight the artistry and significance of Santos-Recto.
The Order of National Artist is conferred every three years, with the last awards given in 2022. — (GFCT)
