Claudine Barretto reveals Vilma Santos saved her twice

Claudine Barretto delivered a heartfelt message for Star for All Seasons Vilma Santos as the latter celebrated her 60th anniversary in show business.

It can be recalled that Claudine worked with Vilma in the film Anak.

Claudine shared her message for Vilma in the ABS-CBN television special Anim na Dekada Nag-iisang Vilma.

"First of all Ate, happy anniversary. Sixty years in the business we are so blessed to have you," Claudine said.

As she went on with her message, Claudine started becoming emotional and started sharing how Vilma helped her through tough times.

"Siguro, isa lang ako sa mga milyon-milyong tao na na-touch mo... Ito totoo ito, twice in my life, Ate V saved me," she shared.

"I will forever be grateful kasi there were times na when I was really down siya ang unang tumatawag, siya 'yung nagre-reach out at siya lang 'yung nakakaintindi," she added. 

Claudine revealed that Vilma was instrumental in believing in herself again.

"Siguro sa sobrang laki ng respeto at pagmamahal ko sa kanya, God used her as an instrument para magkaroon ako ng paniniwala ulit sa sarili ko, to love myself again. Kasi kung kaya kang mahalin ng isang Vilma Santos, 'yun ang pakiramdam ko, kaya ko ring mahalin ang sarili ko," she said.

"So you're God's gift to so many people dito sa industriya na ito. I love you so much and thank you, because of you, my children still have a mom."

In response, Vilma said: "I love you Claud, I love you my baby."

Claudine and Vilma starred in Anak in 2000. 

The film tells the story of an OFW named Josie (Vilma) whose decision to work abroad to provide a better life for her family caused a problem between her and her three children. 

Claudine played the role of Carla, one of Josie's children in the film. Anak was directed by Rory Quintos.

In an interview with I Feel U back in 2020, Claudine revealed that working with Vilma was a dream come true.

"I am really honored to be able to be a part of ‘Anak.’ Kung hindi niyo alam, Vilmanian talaga ako bata pa lang. For me, yun na ang ultimate dream come true ko," she said.

"Sabi ko nga noon kay tita Malou (Santos) nung inoffer ang ‘Anak,’ okay na akong hindi mag-artista basta makasama si Ate Vi," she added. 

Claudine shared that Vilma was there for her through and through as she supported her while doing their scenes for the film.

"I had the support of Ate Vi throughout the shooting. She never told me na, ‘Ito ang gagawin mo.’ Yung preparation ko is I had to step up and I really had to focus," she said.

READ: Vilma Santos returns to ABS-CBN to mark 60th anniversary

Claudine applauded Vilma's portrayal of a mother's love in the film.

"Naintindihan ko sobra na kapag nanay ka, kahit ano talaga gagawin mo para sa anak mo," she said.

In the same interview, Claudine also revealed that her bond with Vilma went beyond their project.

"Si Ate Vi kung hindi niyo alam is one of my mentors talaga. When I [was] going through my lowest talaga, nandoon siya," the actress stated.