For the last five decades, Charo Santos-Concio has been one of the most recognizable figures in the Philippine entertainment industry. Having first captured national attention as Mike de Leon’s leading lady in his 1976 debut horror film Itim, Santos-Concio has since gone on to wear many hats: from actress to producer to former CEO of ABS-CBN. And recently, many of the country’s biggest stars came together to celebrate Santos-Concio’s 50 years in the industry as well as her 70th birthday.
The tribute event, held at the Okada Manila, saw dozens of high-profile celebrities gather to show their appreciation and love for Santos-Concio, who dedicated much of her career to being a mentor to them. Photographer Enzo Santos captured several of the evening’s guests on-camera as they milled in and out of the Grand Ballroom.
“I don’t think anyone [can] be like her,” Dingdong Dantes told Rolling Stone Philippines as he posed for the camera. “But siyempre, I believe that there will definitely be snippets, or maybe pockets of influence that… came from her.”
When asked if anyone could ever match Santos-Concio’s ability as an actress and mentor, Jericho Rosales laughed at the idea. “I think you’re mistaking me for a manghuhula,” Rosales told Rolling Stone Philippines. “Of course, wala nang iba. [She’s] one of a kind. Someone with a beautiful heart and who inspires other people, and I respect her for that. I love her for that.”
“I’ve known Charo for 41 years,” Olivia Lamasan, a director and the former managing director of Star Cinema, told Rolling Stone Philippines. “To me, she’s the best mentor because she never dictates. She’s very strict. She demands excellence. Hindi pwedeng ‘pwede lang’: hindi pwede. Pero… when you fall, she’s always there to give you her wings.”
