“Sino ba naman ang hindi matutuwa? Napakalaking honor…privilege na mapansin niya ang talent ko.”

This was how actress Claudine Barretto put it upon learning that veteran actress and Batangas governor Vilma Santos considers her “the one best suited to follow in my footsteps.”

The acknowledged “Teleserye queen” said she feels overwhelmed by the remark.

“Hindi ko ma-explain ang feelings ko,” she said. “Ang dami-dami ko nang tinatanggap na compliments, pero ibang-iba kasi  [kapag] si Governor Vilma na ang nagsasalita.”

The actress admits that she has been a longtime fan of Santos, even prior to their celebrated pairing in the 2000 hit movie, “Anak.”

She likened receiving the compliment from Vilma to winning grandslam for best actress.

“Vilmanian talaga kasi ako eh so…iba. Siya na ‘yun, e. Siya na mismo ang nagsasabi, kaya ang saya-saya ko nu’ng nalaman ko ang sinabi niya ‘yun sa interview. Sobrang na-touch ako, ang feeling ko, nagkaroon ng saysay ang mga ginagawa ko,” she explained.

Baretto, who is now married to actor Raymart Santiago, vowed to continue  “working to her utmost” for Santos to be incessantly “proud” of her.

“Pagbubutihin ko pa lalo…supportive naman si Raymart sa trabaho ko so walang problema. Patuloy akong magtatrabaho at patuloy kong pagbubutihan ang ginagawa ko para naman hindi mapahiya si Governor sa akin,” she said.