I first noticed Judy Morrow, AKA Vilma Valera at my company in May of 1997. She was very shy and was surrounded by several Filipino Americans whispering her screen name “Vilma”. At the time, all I can do was control the traffic coming through until it became unbearable so I had to transfer her to another location where she was less visible. Through the years, Judy became a valuable employee and was twice nominated as Division Employee of the Month (EOM) in Mutual Series, and on one year she won the Overall Company EOM. Judy retired her services on 2005 and has since been spending more time with her family, especially her grandchildren.

Who is Vilma Valera and why is she so popular? Judy Morrow started young in show business at the age of 15, back in 1972. Juday, as some people call her, started her career as an actress and made around 35 movies in the Philippines. Her famous movies cast her along side Van de Leon and Eddie Rodriguez in Salambao (Small Boat). She also starred in “Reyna Ng Tondo” (Queen of a Poor Town) with 7 leading men and her first movie with Sampaguita Pictures, “Pogi (Handsome)” opposite Eddie Guttierez. Her contemporary was Helen Gamboa. Although Helen and Judy were made to look like mortal enemies in the tabloids during their celebrity days, both are very close today. Vilma denies being labeled a “Bold Star.” She prefers the “ST” version – Strip Tease. “It’s like showing your legs and wearing a bikini.” Nothing compared to today’s R Rated movies. She also co-starred in movies featuring Fernando Poe Jr., Zaldy Zhornack, Eddie Mesa and Jose Marie. Not to mention her steamy relationship with then boyfriend, Vic Vargas for 3 years.

Vilma continued her acting career for 10 years until a Chinese investor heard her sing in one musical movie and offered her a record contract with Jonal. She released her first single, One Day, flip sided by I Feel Good, which became a smash hit. She went on and switched to VICOR under Vic del Rosario and recorded 4 long playing albums, all of them in English. Vilma Valera never recorded a Tagalog song, which was why her fame stretched overseas. She was frequently invited to do USO shows in US Air Force bases. This is where she met her husband, Darrell Arthur Morrow, Missiles Commander at Vandenburg AFB in 1971, who followed her around until they got married in 1972. Unfortunately, her marriage was cut short by the untimely death of Darrell due to a heart condition in 1977. Many say that Vilma’s husband had an “athlete’s heart,” which suddenly stopped due to over exertion.

Judy did a wonderful job raising two kids as a single parent. She never held back on the way she pampered her children. Many people questioned the way she gave everything to her kids but for Judy, her pride and joy are Darvi and Chris. “Hanggang kaya ko, ibibigay ko ang lahat sa kanila, (until I can, I will give everything to them)” said Judy. After suffering a heart attack in 2005, Judy started living a less stressful life. She recently bought a house in Antelope where she enjoys gardening with her kids, their other halves and grandchildren. Nowadays, there are still people who recognize her in the streets. Not too long ago a neighbor of her saw her walking and was very proud to be living close by. Not everyone can live a colorful life like she did. Judy remains down-to-earth to her friends, fans and relatives. Today, the Actress/Singer known as Vilma Valera lives a simple life in Northern California, but you can still see that touch of class and elegance in her surroundings. Mabuhay Ka Judy!