Veteran actress speaks candidly about Jessy’s devotion as a wife and mother

Manila, Philippines — Philippine cinema icon Vilma Santos-Recto has recently opened up in a touching interview about her heartfelt admiration for her daughter-in-law, actress Jessy Mendiola. The legendary actress and former Batangas Representative offered glowing remarks about Jessy’s role as a first-time mother and the way she cares for her and Luis Manzano’s daughter, Baby Rosie, also known affectionately as “Baby Peanut.”

In the interview, Santos shared intimate details of their family life, highlighting Jessy’s hands-on parenting style, emotional strength, and deep maternal instincts. Her words have since gone viral, warming the hearts of fans who have long admired both actresses.

“I Really Salute Her”

Speaking in a recent vlog titled “First Time Lola Interview”, Vilma Santos did not hold back her praise for Jessy Mendiola, especially when it comes to motherhood. “I really salute her because she is very hands-on with Baby Peanut,” Santos said. “There’s a different touch from a mother compared to a nanny.”

Santos shared that during their weekly Sunday family gatherings, she would often see Jessy actively attending to Baby Peanut’s needs—from feedings to changing diapers, to simply being present. “She is not the type to rely too heavily on helpers. She wants to be there for every moment, every milestone,” Santos added.

According to Vilma, it’s that sincerity and presence that makes Jessy stand out. “You can see her love. It’s in the way she looks at her child, in how careful she is. That’s something I deeply respect.”

A Glimpse into Pregnancy Fears and Real Love

Santos also shared an emotional moment during Jessy’s pregnancy that left a lasting impression. She recalled a story where Jessy broke down in tears after not feeling Baby Peanut’s movements for a couple of days. In tears, Jessy reportedly whispered to her unborn daughter, “Please, kick.”

“That moment told me everything I needed to know about her,” Santos said. “She was already a mother—completely in love, completely protective. That’s when I knew Luis had made the right choice.”

This rare behind-the-scenes look at Jessy’s pregnancy journey reveals the depth of her bond with Baby Peanut and shows the emotional rollercoaster that many mothers face during those crucial months.

Strengthening Family Bonds

The evolving relationship between Santos and Mendiola reflects a deep sense of mutual respect, love, and admiration. Although there have been speculations in the past about strained ties between Jessy and the Manzano family, Vilma’s recent public comments strongly indicate that those rumors are unfounded.

In fact, during Jessy and Luis Manzano’s wedding, Santos shared a heartwarming photo of the family, captioned with congratulations and loving wishes. Jessy responded in the comments with a simple yet moving “I love you po,” cementing their connection.

This kind of openness and public acknowledgment of affection is rare in the world of showbiz in the Philippines, making the Santos-Mendiola bond even more special to fans and followers.

Advocating for Family Values

Vilma Santos has long been a symbol not only of artistic excellence but also of family-centered values. Her recent statements reflect a broader message about what truly matters in life—love, presence, and sincere care.

“I’ve been through it all—career highs and lows, politics, public pressure,” Santos said in the interview. “But what stays with you at the end of the day is your family. And when I see Jessy with my granddaughter, I feel secure. I know my granddaughter is loved. And for that, I thank Jessy with all my heart.”

She continued: “She may be in showbiz, she may be under the spotlight, but when it comes to her family, Jessy is grounded. That’s the kind of woman I respect.”

The Future for Jessy and Luis

As Jessy Mendiola continues to raise her daughter and balance her life in the entertainment industry, it’s clear she has the unwavering support of her mother-in-law. The positive dynamic between the two women is a refreshing reminder of what strong familial bonds can look like in the modern Filipino household.

For many fans, this latest revelation from Vilma Santos doesn’t just humanize the celebrities involved—it highlights the power of empathy, understanding, and the beauty of generational support between women.

As one fan commented online, “Vilma isn’t just a Star for All Seasons—she’s also the lola (grandmother) we all wish we had.”

Let me know if you’d like this translated to Filipino or rewritten in a more dramatic or tabloid-style tone.