Vilma Santos says fans will see a different kind of Kim Chiu in 'The Healing'

Rhea Manila Santos

<img src='' alt='072412-vilma_main.jpg' align='left' border='0' height='290' width='305'>During her first blogger’s conference last July 23 at ABS-CBN, The Healing star Vilma Santos admits that she feels pressure to do well with her latest movie, which also marks her 50th showbiz anniversary offering. “Ang bawat pelikula kong ginagawa, laging may pressure, may kaba pa rin ako. Lagi ko ngang sinasabi kay direk na kinakabahan na ako. In every movie that I do, every time na lalapit na ang showing, kinakabahan pa rin ako kasi siyempre gusto ko na maraming manuod. Yung awards definitely prestige yan ng isang artista, kinu-consider yan na pagbuo sa prestige ng isang artista na ikaw ay ma-recognize as a best actress. But at the end of the day, ang foundation ng isang artista ay box office pa rin. Kasi yan ang isang nagpapatagal sa iyo. Kaya pag may gayang mga showing, talagang walang tigil ang pagdarasal na sana naman ay kumita at manuod ang maraming tao. At sanay magustuhan nila.” she says of the horror-suspense film which opens in theaters on July 25, Wednesday. Vilma, who is known for her dramatic roles, also reveals she had some difficulty adjusting to acting in a horror film. But with the help of Director Chito Rono, she was able to deliver. “Ito yung more mature na klase ng horror-suspense na ginawa ko ngayon. I asked for this. At least I can offer something and then at least challenging kasi iba naman, para hindi naman redundant na puro drama. Si direk won’t settle for less so kahit umaarte ako talagang kinu-cut niya, hanggang sa nakaka take seven kami. And siguro pagkatapos ng movie, natutunan ko naman yung character na gusto niya bilang Seth. Yung kind of strong woman pero may passion naman at may takot, yung ganun.” The movie, which revolves around the life of people who rely on faith healers as the answer to their problems also stars young actress Kim Chiu, whom Vilma personally handpicked to play the role of her daughter. “Nung kino-conceptualize yung storya, tinanong kasi ako ni Malou Santos na eto yung mga puwede mo makasama sa movie. Kasi importante din yung makakasama ko dahil sa chemistry and kailangan may kasama kaming isang young superstar para naman makuha rin namin yung youth. So binigyan ako ng mga pangalan and I chose Kim. Kasi si Kim Chiu sweet siya, so alam ko yung character niya bagay sa kanya kasi iba siya rito eh. Nagpapasalamat din ako dahil umoo naman si Kim na makasama ko siya rito. At least yung pagsasama naming dalawa meron ding bagong i-o-offer sa audience natin na mga new breed of young super stars like Kim who’s very sweet, very raw, pero iba yung character niya dito sa movie. So definitely that’s a plus factor yun. Yung character niya dito sa pelikula, hindi ito yung may loveteam loveteam. It’s going to be something new to offer din. Ang ganda ng casting namin so ang gagaling nila Janice De Belen, nila Pokwang, lahat sila. when you see the movie, ang gagaling ng mga kasama ko rito and for that, the movie is not because of Vilma Santos. Yung pelikula ang maganda, hindi dahil andun si Vilma. So yun ang ipinagyayabang namin i-offer para sa manunuod. We are offering something new,” she admits. The 58-year-old actress says she is thankful to get the chance to work with Kim after doing her last film In My Life three years ago. “Ikinararangal kong makasama dito ang young super star natin na si Kim Chiu na this time ang i-o-offer niya, hindi siya love team, iba naman na Kim Chiu makikita niyo rito.' Ate Vi also admits she is looking forward to doing another Star Cinema project with comedienne Ai Ai Delas in the near future as well. “Matagal na namin plinano ni Ai Ai kaya lang hindi matuloy-tuloy kasi nga yung time limitation ko. pero looking forward ako na some day sana soon makagawa naman ako with Ai Ai. Sana nga after The Healing kami naman dalawa ni Ai Ai para after ng isang suspense-horror, comedy-drama naman. At least may mga iba-ibang puwedeng i-offer.'

The Star for All Seasons reveals she has no regrets choosing Kim for 'The Healing.'

Vilma Santos says fans will see a different kind of Kim Chiu in 'The Healing' | PUSH.COM.PH