Ekstra! Ekstra! Ekstra! Read all about it!  Vilma Santos plays as an Ekstra.

Yes, the Star for All Season will be playing a role of an extra or a bit player.  Recently I attended a press conference of the upcoming movie entitled Ekstra.  One of the movies in Cinemalaya, an independent (indi) film that talks about the life of an Ekstra.  This Ate Vi's very first independent film. 

Ate Vi was so excited to make this kind of film.  She even responded that she was very much worried on how she will portray a role of an ekstra in which we all know that she's a star and that's her status in the showbiz industry.  But as soon as the shots were going she manages to grasp the whole thing.  There were also some special participation in the movie of Richard "Ser Chief" Yap, Marian Rivera and Piolo Pascual to make Ate Vi looked ekstra, as we all know that those artist are the brightest now in the showbiz industry.

"Ekstra" is a touching drama-comedy film that revolve around the life of Loida Malabanan (played by Vilma), a hardworking single mother who passionately works as a bit player for television and movies.

The movie tap some of the award in the recently concluded Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival. Vilma Santos as Best Actress, Best Screenplay for Zig Dulay, Antoinette Jadaone and Direk Jeffrey Jeturian, Best Supporting Actress for Ruby Ruiz. Ekstra shone bright in Cinemalaya's Director Showcase category as it clinched several major honors including the audience choice award, jury prize, netpac.

During the press conference Ate Vi's trophy as Best Actress was awarded to her because she wasn't able to attend the awards night.  This is the first time that Ate Vi did an indi film and first time to won as Best Actress in the Cinemalaya, a really remarkable performance from one of the artist that shown her talent for a long time in the showbiz industry.  She explained that her feeling was like winning for the first time despite the many awards from different award-giving bodies.  She shared some of the lesson that embark through this movie which will give a good reflection to those who are working as ekstra and are aiming to be in the limelight of showbiz. "Never give up, dream, add some hardwork, luck, and don't loose hope are some of the things needed, just continue to also love your work to live more in the industry", shared by Ate Vi.

Aside form Ate Vi, also part of the "Ekstra" cast in special roles are Ruby, Tart Carlos of "Be Careful With My Heart", Cherie Gil, Pilar Pilapil, Nico Antonio, Tom Rodriguez, Direk Marlon Rivera , Vince De Jesus and many more. Under the direction of award-winning director Jeffrey Jeturian.

As Star Cinmea continues to celebrate its 20 years, together with Quatum Films it brings the Star for All Seasons' newest film, "Ekstra" in cinemas nationwide on August 14, 2013.

For more latest updates about "Ekstra" and other 20th anniversary offerings of Star Cinema, visit www.StarCinema.com.ph http://facebook.com/StarCinema and http://twitter.com/StarCinema.