Vilma prays for guidance as she marks another milestone today

As she celebrates her 62nd birthday today, Batangas Gov. Vilma Santos said that she has a lot to be thankful for after having made what could probably be one of the most difficult decisions in her political career — that is, to say no to being Mar Roxas’ running mate.

“There was never any formal invitation,” said Vilma. “As I was saying, I was not ready to serve on the national level. Mas kabisado ko ang regional level, that’s why I opted to run for congresswoman in the lone district of Lipa City. I’ve served Lipa City as mayor for three terms and the province as governor also for three terms, at gusto ko pa talagang pagsilbihan ang aking constituents.”

The 2016 campaign will be hectic for Vilma because her husband, Sen. Ralph Recto, is running for reelection.

“That’s why today,” added Vilma, “I’m praying for guidance not just for myself but for my family, guidance as a public servant.”

Asked what gift she wants for her birthday, Vilma said, “None. Prayers are good enough for me.”

Today, Vilma will host a thanksgiving salu-salo at the Provincial Capitol for “my constituents,” colleagues in public service and well-wishers from outside Batangas.

“I’m deeply grateful to my co-Batangueños for their support and trust in me. To the Lipeños na nagbigay ng ibang kahulugan sa buhay ko by trusting me to serve as their mother of what I consider my bigger family. They will always be part of my life.”

Vilma has just wrapped Star Cinema’s All Of My Life with Angel Locsin and Xian Lim, among her co-stars.

“We chose that title because masuwerte sa akin ang word na ‘life.’ Mayroon ding ‘life’ sa title ng last movie ko with Star Cinema, In My Life, where I appeared with my son (Luis Manzano) and John Lloyd (Cruz).”

As a tribute to Vilma, reader Judith de Leon (obviously a Vilmanian) sent copies of Vilma’s endorsement through the years (spread out here in a collage).

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