More than a decade after its original release, Ekstra once again found its audience. This time, it was inside the Manila Metropolitan Theater, where film lovers gathered for a special Women’s Month screening organized under Cine Filipina. The event was about revisiting a film and rediscovering the people and stories it represents.
The screening, offered free to the public, drew an engaged crowd eager to revisit the 2013 Cinemalaya entry. What made the evening even more meaningful was the presence of key figures behind the film — Vilma Santos, Ruby Ruiz, and director Jeffrey Jeturian. They joined viewers for a candid talkback session after the screening.
A Film That Honors the Unseen
The star of Ekstra is Loida Malabanan, a seasoned background actor navigating the unpredictable world of show business. Portrayed by Vilma Santos, the role stood in stark contrast to her real-life stature as the “Star for All Seasons.” Yet it was precisely this contrast that made her performance remarkable.
The film remains a unique milestone in her career, not only because it earned her the Best Actress award at the Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival, but also because it is the only independent film she has done. Ruby Ruiz, meanwhile, was recognized with Best Supporting Actress, adding to the film’s critical success.
Through humor and emotional depth, Ekstra sheds light on a side of filmmaking rarely acknowledged — the lives of background actors or bit players who quietly help bring scenes to life.
Santos herself shared how quickly she committed to the project, even before fully reading the script. She shared, “Nung nilatag sa akin yung script and the title of the project is Ekstra tapos yung role mo dito is extra, hindi ko pa nababasa yung script sagot ko yes.”
For her, the film was a tribute. Having worked in over 300 films, Santos explained that Ekstra was dedicated to the many background actors she encountered throughout her decades in the industry—people whose contributions often go unnoticed.
Generosity Behind the Scenes
The film also benefited from the support of fellow actors who made special appearances without compensation. Santos expressed heartfelt gratitude for their involvement. “Gusto kong pasalamatan yung anak kong si Piolo Pascual and of course my inaanak sa kasal, Marian Rivera. Nung inoffer yun hindi po ako makapaniwala na um-oo sila, na magiging part sila ng indi film na first time kong gagawin yung Ekstra. So when I learned about it, sobra-sobrang tuwa ko and hindi sila binayaran, libre lang nila binigay,” she revealed.
Their participation added meaning to the project, showcasing the spirit of collaboration.
Choosing Public Service Over the Spotlight
While the evening celebrated cinema, it also revealed where Santos stands today in her life and career.
Currently serving as governor of Batangas, she shared that returning to acting is no longer her immediate priority. Though she once hoped to work on another film during her term, reality has shifted her focus.
“Yung sinabi ko sana in three years pinagkatiwalaan ako ng Batangueño, sana payagan ako gumawa kahit isa. Kaya lang at this point in time ang dami natin challenges. Medyo second o third priority na lang,” she said.
For Santos, leadership requires full attention. She made it clear that her role in public service comes first. “I am the mother of Batangas, yun muna priority ko. Kailangan magabayan pangangailangan nila. ‘Yun ang priority ko,” she told the press.
Still, she has not completely closed the door on acting. Conversations about future projects continue quietly, and she remains open to returning, particularly to independent films. “Nag-usap kami ni Direk Jeff, may hinahanap siya na script for me. Just in case meron ulit, I do not mind doing an indie film. Sa haba ng career ko, isang indie lang nagawa ko,” the Star for All Seasons stated.
Speaking Out Beyond the Screen
The talkback session also became a platform for Santos to address broader social issues, particularly women’s empowerment. She spoke about the importance of respect, especially in light of recent controversies involving remarks about women.
“We have been talking about women empowerment. You should treat women with respect. Ang sinasabi nila babae lang naka sunod lang sa lalaki, not anymore. We truly respect men, but remember marami kami kaya gawin. Hindi ka babae lang. Babae kami. Do not underestimate us, do not say bad words against us, kahit papano, aalma kami. Bago ka magsalita ng hindi maganda, tingnan mo sarili mo,” Santos passionately declared. Her message was firm that respect should never depend on circumstances, appearance, or assumptions.
As the lights dimmed, the evening became a meaningful film showing. It was a celebration of craft, community, and the many individuals who work behind the scenes. Vilma Santos may be focused on governance as of the moment but the industry is just waiting for her star to shine again. Surely, it will be worth the wait.
