Vilma Santos (right) is all for Nora Aunor's comeback.

Time and fate may have led them to different paths but the friendship remains between Vilma Santos and Nora Aunor.

This much is evident in an interview Santos did recently for ABS-CBN.

Asked for a reaction on Aunor’s looming return, Santos said she is “definitely happy” for her “Kumare.”

Santos believes that Aunor, whose career had suffered due to a run-in with the law in the recent past, deserves a second chance.

“The Filipino people still love her…given the chance I’m sure she’d be able to regain her life…her life as one of the country’s prized actresses.”

It is recalled that Santos and Aunor’s rivalry—sustained mostly by overzealous fans—was among the most colorful in Philippine cinema.

While both moved on to politics, it was only Santos who was able to eke success in the field.

Aunor, troubled by personal problems, hit rock bottom after she was arrested by US authorities in 2005 on drug-related charges.

The case was eventually dismissed after Aunor submitted herself to an 18-month drug rehabilitation program.

Aunor just recently announced a comeback after having had cosmetic surgery in Japan.

Santos expressed approval on the matter.

“You cannot stop ageing,” said the still fetching 56-year-old. “There’s nothing wrong with [surgical beautification].”

Then again, she herself is not opting for it.

“I’m afraid of [surgical] needles,” she said with a laugh. “Maybe later on…for now [I could say] I’m [still] happy with what I have.”

Santos said she is hoping for a chance to catch-up with Aunor.

"I'm sure we will coordinate and talk when she gets back,” she said. “I’m looking forward to do a movie with [Aunor].”

Santos' last film outing was last years’ blockbuster hit “In My Life” opposite her son Luis Manzano and John Lloyd Cruz.

She is currently gunning for re-election as governor of Batangas City.