When Luis Manzano and Jessy Mendiola tied the knot in February this year, we were all thrilled and happy as the showbiz couple began their journey to forever.
IN PHOTOS: Sweetest Photos of Luis and Jessy
But even before Luis announced to the whole world their wedding, there is, of course another woman so dear and precious in the Kapamilya host’s life that should have her say in this union.
She is none other than Jessy’s mother-in-law, the Star for All Seasons Batangas Representative Vilma Santos-Recto.
Vilma actually first met Jessy in the few days after talk spread about her relationship with Luis, which the I Can See Your Voice host confirmed in late 2016. Vilma invited the couple to dinner, where she got to know and first chatted with Jessy and asked how she was amidst the controversies surrounding her relationship with Jessy. Since then, it has been a cordial, warm relationship between the future in-laws.
In an interview with MJ Felipe on TV Patrol, Vilma revealed what came out in that first meeting with Luis and Jessy together. She said the couple would be mature enough to handle whatever adversity that went their way.
She expressed her confidence then that Jessy fell for Luis because “mabuting tao iyong anak ko kaya minamahal siya. Maybe kaya hindi siya makalimutan, baka siguro mabuting tao ‘yung anak ko.”
For her part, Jessy appeared so jovial in her interview on Tonight With Boy Abunda discussing her encounters with Vilma. “Sobrang bait niya sa akin,” she said as she related that she still remained overwhelmed of her presence in her life.
In a separate TWBA interview, Jessy also expressed her appreciation and gratitude that Vilma has always been there to defend her and her relationship with Luis against those who oppose it. “Nakikita kasi niya kung gaano kami (ni Luis) kasaya. Siguro doon siya galing na I know she means well…Sobrang bait niya, wala akong masabi. Siya naman, ang hangad lang naman niya kasiyahan ni Lu (Luis). I think every mom ganoon talaga.”
WATCH: Jessy, masaya sa ginawang pagtatanggol sa kanya ni Vilma Santos laban sa bashers
After the announcement of Luis and Jessy’s engagement, Vilma couldn’t be happier and excited especially when the couple sent their viral engagement photo, and this is because the Star for All Seasons already knew well how the actress had been truly deserving of his son’s love.
“Nakita ko, ‘yung minahal niya talaga si Lucky. Mahal niya ang anak ko. Isa sa mga na appreciate ko she’s a very prayerful person, nagro-rosary iyan everyday,” Vilma said in a more recent TV Patrol interview, wherein she only had good words for Jessy, such as being family-oriented and God-fearing. And with Jessy, Vilma said he knows Luis will enjoy a blissful family life.
“Lagi ‘kong sinasabi noon kay Lucky, ‘You’re not getting any younger’. Gusto ko ma enjoy niya rin ang family life,” she said. As for being a future mother-in-law, we think it would be a harmonious, loving relationship.
WATCH: TV Patrol: Rep. Vilma Santos-Recto, ibinahagi ang excitement sa engagement nina Luis at Jessy
In her message to Jessy in a Philippine Daily Inquirer exclusive, Vilma said: “Jessy, thank you for loving my son, for making him happy and taking care of him. I sincerely look forward to your officially being a part of our family. Excited ang lahat sa development na ito sa life n’yo ni Luis.”
As for what kind of a mother-in-law to Jessy she would be, Vilma gave a heartwarming reply in the same interview: “The best one! Seriously, I will definitely not be a meddlesome mother-in-law. What I can assure Jessy is that I will just be a call or text away, and will always be ready, willing and able to extend a helping hand should she need any advice or assistance. But one thing’s sure though, I will be the most excited mother-in-law who will probably be nagging her and Luis for grandkids. Yes! Mas marami, mas mabuti!”
Check out more of the sweet, endearing photos of Luis and the most beloved women in his life spending their precious moments together.