MANILA, Philippines—Why do only a few show biz comers become big stars, while most other aspirants end up as mere starlets or never-weres? To answer that key question, take a look at the enduring popularity of some stars who, for any and all reasons, have enjoyed the support and affection of fans for many decades:

Vilma Santos began her acting career as a child star, became a teen fave, skillfully tweaked her screen image to successfully essay award-winning adult roles, launched a new career as public servant, and now has moved up to national prominence in that field, while reviving her stellar acting career with a new hit movie.

What accounts for Vilma’s durability as the quintessential star for all seasons? It’s her ability to periodically make radical but savvy adjustments to her public persona—and making sure that, when she did come around to making those big changes, she was ready to do a good job. Thus, Vilma has maintained a high level of competence in her work through the decades, and therefore “deserving” her fans’ enduring loyalty.

In contrast, Nora Aunor’s popularity has been less secure. There was a time when she couldn’t do anything wrong and went as far as successfully transforming Filipinos’ perception of themselves.

Before Nora made her phenomenal mark on the country’s entertainment scene, most local stars were of the tisoy type, as American or Spanish-looking as possible. But Nora so captivated the nation with her dusky looks and performing skills, that she turned that deeply ingrained “colonial” preference on its ear. The shift may not have lasted long, but while it was trendy, other Pinoy-looking stars similarly became popular.

The complete empathy that Nora engendered became her prime reason for becoming a star. Coupled with her unusually textured singing voice and acting talent, it explains why she has been described as the country’s first authentic superstar.

These days, some people regard Nora as a has-been, but we disagree. Her acting talent has matured and deepened through the years, so if a great role comes around, she can still revive her stellar career in a big way.

Our third durable star for all reasons, Sharon Cuneta, is younger than Vilma and Nora, but has also acquired iconic status due to her ability to periodically reinvent herself. Initially known primarily as a singer, she’s demonstrated her versatility by chalking up impressive achievements as actress, program host, product endorser, and supporter of “indie” productions.

Sharon’s screen performances have also became markedly different from her early teen and young-adult roles. As her portrayals in later hits like “Caregiver” and “Crying Ladies” indicate, Sharon has effectively sublimated her “rich girl” pedigree and made herself accessible to all types of viewers.

This “democratic” image has made her, like Vilma, a potential political comer, but Sharon has chosen to pass on that offer and has instead focused on using her popularity to boost the political career of her husband, Sen. Kiko Pangilinan.

Why do a few stars remain popular for decades? Because they each have a unique essence—but know when to make key adjustments to keep their fans constantly delighted—and amazed.

‘Halloween II’

It’s that time of the year again, and Michael Myers has come back home to take care of some unfinished family business. Unleashing a tale of terror that only horror master, Rob Zombie, can conjure up, Myers will stop at nothing to bring closure to the secrets of his twisted past. But, the town has an unlikely new hero—if they can stay alive long enough to stop the unstoppable.

‘(500) Days of Summer’

The offbeat romantic comedy, “(500) Days of Summer,” was this year’s audience favorite at the Sundance Film Festival. It stars Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Zooey Deschanel in a love story seen from the addled mind of Tom Hansen (Levitt).

Tom, a would-be architect, works as a writer of pithy romantic sayings for others, yet can’t communicate the depth of his own feelings to the woman who matters most to him, the elusive Summer (Deschanel). The film is set within the scenic parts of downtown LA.