In light of her legendary act

Despite her diminutive frame, Ms. Nora Aunor inspires outsize awe owing to her thespic talent many critics owe to her innate genius for creating larger-than-life characters whether on television, at the silver screen, or onstage in a live theater. Most of her co-stars through the years have echoed what two National Artists for film have known all along. The late Lamberto Avellana gushed in honor of her as "the perfect film actress," which Lino Brocka concurred by calling Aunor "the greatest actor in Philippine history." (Click here for an essay on Aunor's significance in Philippine culture).  

Small wonder why award-winners Rossana Roces and Eugene Domingo, two of her co-stars in the upcoming TV5 miniseries Sa Ngalan ng Ina, are overwhelmed with the prospect of sharing camera space with her. After all, Aunor has long been acclaimed for her subtle acting style aided by the sheer power of her eyes that can convey a whole gamut of emotions even with just a single gaze. Set to play a contravida of Aunor's character as an avenging widow, Roces is at once excited and scared: “Kinakabahan ako, baka sa taping namin ay matutulala ako kapag kaeksena ko na siya, hindi na ako makaarte, baka panoorin ko na lang siya.” (Click here for more details). 

For her part, Domingo--a self-confessed Noranian--looks forward to working with her not only in television series but also in the movies. "Of course, hindi natin papalampasin na hindi gumawa [ng project kasama] ang genius na artista," she says. "Kung saka-sakaling makakasama ko siya sa eksena at makikita ko ang kanyang mga mata, kahit siguro action papayag ako [or kahit] musical with Ate Guy, why not?” (Click here for more details). 

The two actresses' enthusiam is also shared by two of Philippine entertainment's hottest stars who have been bruited about as Aunor's possible successors for superstardom--Judy Ann Santos and Sarah Geronimo. (Click here and here to read about their excitements on Aunor's comeback and prospects of working with her in the future.) 

For young actors and actresses, Aunor's return to Philippine showbiz after nearly a decade of absence has only added to her legend. It was reported that many have sent feelers to TV5 to avail themselves of the chance to act with her. (Click here for added tidbits). Indeed, TV5 is dead-set to make Sa Ngalan ng Ina not only as a ground-breaking drama (to be helmed by ace director Mario O'Hara), but also as a reminder for the new generation to rediscover and appreciate Aunor's cultural legacy. (Click here to read more of the producer's objective.)  

Newcomer Edgar Allan Guzman, Cinemalaya 2010 Best Actor, will play as the son of Ms. Nora Aunor's character--a powerful avenging widow in TV5's political drama Sa Ngalan ng Ina.

Judy Ann Santos speaks out about Aunor's comeback while Wendell Ramos (below) wishes to work with the Superstar.