Fresh out of the premiere screening of her very first horror film last night, July 24, Batangas Governor Vilma Santos exited the theater with a glorious beam across her face.

Camera lights and flash photography followed the veteran actress and her husband—and also escort for the night—Senator Ralph Recto, the moment they walked out of Shangri-La Cineplex Cinema 2.

The Star for All Seasons was met by a group of reporters at the entrance of the theater. She greeted them with energy, expressing her elation on the outcome of The Healing.

“Definitely, I’m very happy! Talagang mananakot!”

The Chito Roño-directed film stars Vilma with Kim Chiu, Martin del Rosario, Janice de Belen, Pokwang, Ynes Veneracion, Carmi Martin, Allan Paule, Robert Arevalo, Ces Quesada.

It has the special participation of Joel Torre, Mark Gil, Daria Ramirez, Jhong Hilario, Ina Feleo, and Mercedes Cabral.

The film was given an unprecedented two classifications by the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB): a Rated-13 version, which means the movie may be seen by individuals aged 13 and above; and a Rated-18 version, which means it may be seen by individuals aged 18 and above.

The R-18 version contains the Director’s Cut or the uncensored version of the film. The Healing includes scenes of bloodshed by fictional doppelgangers.

Governor Vi is thankful that the public will get age-appropriate access to the film.

“So, at least, may freedom of choice kung makita niyo yung Director’s Cut, meron tayo. At kung meron namang konting pambata, a, meron din tayo.

“And thank you kasi rated A kami!” The actress was referring to the grading given The Healing by the Cinema Evaluation Board (CEB).

Governor Vilma mentioned why she deliberately accepted a suspense-horror project considering her forte ahs always been drama.

“Actually, that’s why I chose suspense-horror. Iba naman!

“Kasi after In My Life, after Bata, Bata… Pa’no Ka Ginawa?, Dekada ’70, parang if you see me there crying again, parang redundant na!

“So, why not something new which is The Healing? Mananakot lang kami…  [it’s] something different to offer.”