They came, they saw, she conquered

The jury is out! Based on the feedback from those who watched the pilot episode of the TV5 miniseries Sa Ngalan ng Ina at its red-carpet premiere recently, the bar has been set higher for other primetime fare. So far so fine, or so they agree: 

"The teleserye directed by Mario O’Hara and Jon Red doesn’t have the usual look of a teleserye; it has the looks of  a film masterpiece compressed for television...There is no doubt that Nora Aunor is the stand-out of this teleserye but the supporting players  led by Eugene Domingo as Pacita Toribio and Alwyn Uytingco as Alfonso Deogracias are just as good. Rosanna Roces, for one,  delivers one hell of a performance (at least in this one preview  episode) matching everyone’s dramatic intensity..."
— Pablo Tariman, critic

La Aunor in a Cory Aquino-styled role

"Nothing short of a film in its appeal... And what about Nora Aunor’s performance? She has remained highly cinematic in her looks...The fabled brilliant voice and sense of truth in her eyes linger, drip and still reign high...even after watching her...Far amply the greatest actress of all time. To believe me you must watch the premiere on Oct. 3 (the red-letter day in the history of Philippine television)."
—George Vail Kabrisante, entertainment columnist

"A visual delight, an absorbing viewing experience... It is comparable to a gigantic HBO cable movie offering. Sa Ngalan ng Ina is Lino Brocka resurrected. The acting gems of Christopher de Leon, Bembol Rocco and  Ms. Nora Aunor (whom de Leon himself acknowledged as the one and only superstar) plus the genius of director Mario O'Hara (who considers La Aunor a national treasure) makes the miniseries a rare treat not to be missed."
—Remy Umerez, entertainment columnist

“Wow, first of its kind, rated A na pelikula ang kalidad...Grabe. Galing.”

— MJ Marfori, entertainment reporter/radio host

“Outstanding ensemble acting (special kudos to La Aunor, Alwyn Uytingco, and Osang!), masterful direction, topnotch production values. It's like watching a well-crafted film. The death scene of Bembol is masterfully, poignantly staged and is devoid of bathos and soap-opera shtick.”
—Ron Maceda, film enthusiast

"True enough, everyone agrees that the series is bound to reassert Aunor’s stature in the industry given the kind of acting prowess she shows in the drama. It is also clear that TV5 did not scrimp on budget and on getting the services of top co-actors and crew members to make Sa Ngalan ng Ina such a high-quality series. All the scenes, in fact, are shot in full high-definition (HD) quality."
—Jojo Panaligan, entertainment writer

"Kailangang ulit-uliting panoorin ang eksena nina Nora Aunor at Eugene Domingo kung saan pinagpipilian ni Elena (Nora) kung alin sa tatlong barong--na bawat isa ay may kakabit na kasaysayan--ang ipasusuot sa pinaslang na asawa. Di ko napansin si Eugene sa unang panood dahil bagong Nora Aunor na naman ang aking namalas dito--gumaganap ayon sa kanyang edad, iba ang texture ng boses at bitaw ng linya. Natitiyak kong gumawa si Eugene ng sariling marka bilang kaeksena ni Nora Aunor pero sa mga susunod na panonood sa eksena ko na ito makikita.”
— Nestor de Guzman, UP Press editor and Superstarstruck website moderator

"Ang gaganda ng mga eksena at ang gagaling ng mga artistang kasama sa cast. Parang isang malaking pelikula. Panalo si Nora Aunor na after eight years ay wala pa ring kupas ang pag-arte."
— Rowena Agilada, entertainment columnist

"Wala ni isa mang media na sumaksi sa pagpapalabas ng pilot episode ng mini-series ni Nora Aunor ang makapagsasabi na kinupasan ng panahon ang kanyang pagiging henyo sa pag-arte. Ito ay malinaw na makikita sa bawat eksenang kanyang nilabasan."

—Veronica Samio, entertainment columnist

Paparazzi frenzy at the premiere

The Superstar addresses the audience.

With Eugene Domingo and Mother Lily

Click here to see more photos from the red-carpet premiere.

"Very exciting, action-packed ang pilot. It's very promising. Sana ma-sustain ang energy at anticipation sa mga eksena."
—Monchito Nocon, consultant, Film Development Council of the Philippines

"Bongga ang unang episode ng Sa Ngalan Ng Ina...Malalaki ang mga eksena at mukhang napapanahon ang tema ng kuwento. Of course, si Nora Aunor ang  numero unong ipinagmama-laki ng serye na minsan pa ay pinatunayang siya pa rin ang nag-iisang Superstar ng bansa. Nangangabog pa rin ang kanyang acting kaya naman kahit ang mga kasamahan niyang baguhang stars ay mararamdamang nage-effort talagang makasabay kay La Aunor..."
—Ambet Nabus, showbiz columnist

“Aamin ako, may mga eksena dito na hindi mo alam, tumutulo na pala ang mga luha sa inyong pisngi, ganyan katindi ang mga eksena.”

—Alex Datu, entertainment writer

“Magandang teleserye, parang pelikula pagkakagawa... mabilis ang pacing at higit sa lahat napakagaling ni La Aunor.” 

—Vener Antonio Mejia, barangay councilor

"Mukhang may potential toprater ang TV5 sa kanilang unang miniserye...Exciting ang napanood naming pilot episode...Maganda ang lighting nito at lokasyon, at kapana-panabik ang mga eksena.  Narito ang mga elementong hinahanap ng mga mahihilig sa teleserye, mas mabilis lang ito matatapos dahil tatagal lamang nang isang buwan ang mini-serye.Saktung-sakto kay Nora ang papel ng isang ina, na dahil sa pagkamatay ng kanyang asawa ay mapipilitang tanggapin ang res­ponsibilidad na naiwan nito at pasukin ang mundo ng pulitika. Matagal man siyang nawala ay pinatunayan ni Ate Guy na hindi pa rin kumukupas ang kanyang pagkaaktres. Palakpakan ang audience nu’ng premiere night sa eksenang humahangos na tumakbo sa plaza si Elena matapos ang pagsabog, tapos ay humagulgol siya habang yakap ang duguang bangkay ng asawa...Malamang maging si Governor Vi ay maengganyong tutukan ito gabi-gabi."
—Allan Diones, entertainment columnist
  

Mutual admiration society





With son Ian: Thespic genius in the genes



Directors Mario O'Hara and Jon Red are all ears
to Edgar Allan Guzman's response to the press



Click here to see more photos from the red-carpet premiere.



“Kung ang pagbabasehan ay ang pilot episode... ito ay isang obrang tunay na ipagkakapuri ng buong industriya ng telebisyon at pelikula hindi lamang dito sa Pilipinas, kundi maging sa ibang bansa... kaya naman tunay na kaabang-abang ang mga susunod pa nitong mga episodes... abangan sa TV5 ngayong Oktubre, ang nakaaantig pusong kwento...”
—Jolly Sy Butawan, telecommunication employee

“My fave scene: ang pagkakabitiw ni Elena ng linyang, 'Hindi nabibilang ang luha ng puso!' Grabe!” 
—Albert Sunga, talent handler

"Bukod kay Ms. Nora Aunor na mata pa lang ay talagang umaarte na, isa sa umagaw ng pansin namin at talaga namang lumutang sa unang episode pa lang ng SNNI ay ang young actor na si Alwyn Uytingco...It’s a powerhouse cast kung saan nakita namin na talagang binusisi ang istorya, pinagkagastusan at talaga namang natangay kami sa mga napanood naming mga eksena...
—Melba Llanera, entertainment writer

"Ang kabuuan ng pilot episode ay gustong gusto ko. Hindi na 'ko pipili ng eksena. Kung puwede lang na huwag nang kumurap! Nabitin ako. Sana October 3 na nang masimulan ko nang mapanood gabi-gabi ang SNNI!"
—Bernie Placido, creative director, Ivory Music and Video

"Parang pelikula na nga ang dating...Sana nga huwag itong bitawan sa pagsubaybay ng mga manonood. Dahil pilot episode pa lang ‘yung nakita namin, parang gusto na naming mapanood ang mga susunod pang episodes..."
—Pilar Mateo, entertainment columnist

See video of the fanfare during Aunor's arrival at the premiere:



Click link below for more coverage:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?NR=1&v=GF8Zf_PCj-A

Proving her prowess again

A Review by RAMON BAYRON

SA NGALAN NG INA exceeds hype! Geniuses Mario O'Hara and Nora Aunor redefine Pinoy TV drama to top level filmmaking not seen in years.

Looking Back

About two years ago, I sat in a meeting with a female director and a senior screenwriter-cum-creative consultant (definitely not Mr.  Ricardo Lee). Isang indie film ang binubuo, pang-film fests overseas daw, etc. ang screenplay, naka-print out na. Maganda ang role-- Muslim woman. Nagbi-brainstorming kung kanino i-offer ang role. Several expected names were mentioned-- Cherry Pie Picache, Jaclyn Jose, Lorna Tolentino, etc.

I mentioned Ms. Nora Aunor. May bali-balita din kasi that time na uuwi na siya. I said "pag nakauwi sa Ate Guy, kilala ang grupo ang malapit sa kanya, baka pwede natin iabot ang script." The female director looked at the senior screenwriter-cum-creative consultant and said, "OK ba sa 'yo si Nora for this role? Physically mukhang bagay naman"Nabigla ako sa sagot ng award-winning senior screenwriter-cum-creative consultant when he replied: "Nagbago na kasi si Guy. Matigas na siyang umarte ngayon. Siguro dahil sa mga pinagdadaanan niya, naging jaded na siya. Hindi ko na nakikita ang vulnerability niya. Minsan tuloy sa pagpilit na umiyak at makapagpa-iyak, nagiging over-the-top. Hindi na siya gaya ng dati..."

The two artists were much more experienced and multi-awarded and ergo expectedly more knowledgeable, and also, bilang respeto na rin, I had to keep quiet.

But I must admit, the observation of that critically acclaimed senior screenwriter stuck with me since then. And considering she really didn’t have a full-pledged major acting vehicle on the wide screen for years, I found myself asking, "Totoo kaya ang observation ni sir XXX?"

Looking Forward

Kagabi, sa premiere ng Sa Ngalan ng Ina, iyon ang binantayan ko. "Matigas na nga ba ang acting ni Ms Nora Aunor? Hindi na nga ba siya makapagpakita ng 'vulnerability' dahil naging 'jaded' na siya dulot ng kanyang mga karanasan? Bilang isang manonood, maaapektuhan pa ba ako, magkakaroon pa ba ako ng suspension of disbelief, ang makikita ko ba ay isang 'karakter' at hindi isang Nora Aunor na umaarte sa kamera, dito sa pinakabago niyang pagganap pagkatapos ng mahabang panahon?"

Ang lahat ng tanong ko, na nabuo mula sa isang komento ng isang napakagaling at nirerespetong screenwriter-director-creative consultant (hindi po si Ricardo Lee at hindi po si Jose Javier Reyes) ay nasagot lahat ilang minuto pa lang mula nang tumakbo sa telon ang Sa Ngalan ng Ina.

Hindi si Nora Aunor ang nakita ko sa big screen kundi isang reserved na babae at nerbiyosang asawa ng isang pulitiko.

Her breakdown scene at the morgue with Ellen Allan Guzman conveyed layers of emotions-- from shock, to helplessness, to grief, to confusion--all delivered within several seconds of performance on screen.

And that final scene, my personal favorite-- Christopher de Leon's grand, dramatic entrance, enveloped by a chant, could have totally been Christopher's own moment if not for that one shot, a side-view look of Ms. Nora, breaking the melancholia of the scene with her personal bitter, despiteful, suspecting, accusing eyes! Kay Boyet ang buong sequence pero kay Ate Guy ang eksena.

I got completely involved. I believed the truthfulness of her every scene. And I am totally relieved after the end credits rolled.

Ms. Nora Aunor may have either grown or recaptured or maintained her much celebrated acting prowess, challenged or enhanced deeper by her recent history. I won’t claim to know the answer.

It’s enough for me that, finally, I would be be able to give an answer with complete confidence, when I meet my senior mentors again, that, no, we have not lost the great actress in Nora Aunor.

She is back, with her genius intact.

Whether as a Muslim or an aswang or an ex-con or even as a man, Ms. Nora Aunor is in fighting form. Let those fine roles come!

But for now, she is that naive wife-turned-governor whose travails and triumphs local tv audiences must discover and follow in Sa Ngalan Ng Ina.

Spotting the superlatives

A Review by MARIO BAUTISTA

THE PILOT EPISODE of Nora Aunor’s comeback TV show, Sa Ngalan ng Ina, was premiered by TV5 at SM The Block last Thursday night. In terms of scope and magnitude, it’s obvious TV5 gave Ate Guy what she is due, considering her status in the industry. The story is apparently inspired by the what happened to the late Pres. Cory Aquino. It’s about two warring political families, the Deogracias and the Ilustres.

Bembol Roco, who’s married to Nora, is the current town mayor now running as governor while eldest daughter Nadine Samonte is running for mayor. Aside from Nadine, they have two sons: Alwyn Uytingco and Edgar Allan Guzman. At their political rally, a grenade is thrown on stage (ala-Plaza Miranda bombing in 1971) and Bembol is killed. They point to their political foe as the culprit, the wheelchair bound Christopher de Leon, who’s married to Rosanna Roces, with Karel Marquez as their daughter.

From what we glean in the pilot episode, it appears that Nadine, Alwyn and Edgar are not really Nora’s children. She’s only their stepmom. Also in their household is Eugene Domingo and ward Eula Caballero. There’s a Romeo-and-Juliet kind of romance between Edgar and Karel. Rosanna is pictured as an Imelda Marcos figure and it’s shown that she’s the one who masterminded the bombing, with the help of someone in Bembol’s camp, Ian de Leon, who serves as his security man. It’s also apparent that Nora and Boyet have a past together and it’ll be revealed later that Eula is actually their own daughter.

The acting is good. Noranians won’t be disappointed as she’s given some highlights right away, the scene at the emergency room where she breaks down after seeing the bloodied Bembol and the scene with Eugene where she tries to choose which Barong Tagalog would suit Bembol best during his wake. Among the supporting cast, Alwyn has the most attention-getting role as the hot-headed son who humiliates Rosanna when she visits his dad’s wake. Osang herself is excellent in all her scenes and Nadine shines in the scene with Ate Guy where she calls her as just Elena and not mom, making us suspect right away that they’re not really blood related. Later on, Ate Guy will be convinced by their allies (Leo Rialp and Raquel Villavicencio) to substitute for the assassinated Bembol in running as governor.

The series is very promising, thanks to the expert direction of Mario O’Hara, with whom Ate Guy did some of her best films, like Tatlong Taong Walang Diyos, Bakit Bughaw ang Langit, Condemned, Bulaklak sa City Jail, and the underrated but very moving Kastilyong Buhangin. Sa Ngalan ng Ina will replace Bangis after Wiltime Bigtime starting October 3, definitely a red letter day for all Noranians.

Valiant effort for Philippine TV

A Review by JONATHAN CATUNAO

DARING. AMBITIOUS. Even suicidal. Given the hopelessly irreversible pattern of drama viewership in Philippine TV where plots are routinely adjusted to cater to the hottest star of the moment (“Please add more scenes for Actor X with Actress Y because the fans liked their chemistry. Make sure it appears next week”), where storylines are lazily adopted from foreign exporters like Korea and Mexico, where exchanges have to be long and extended, where family secrets have to be as twisted as possible, where crying and shouting scenes have to be as over-the-top as possible,  TV5’s decision to run against the tide is truly a valiant even heroic effort.

Sa Ngalan ng Ina’s pilot episode was screened to raving receptions last night at SM North Edsa and if the entire one-month series is consistent with the quality of the pilot then I have to rethink my motion that Philippine TV Drama is fossilized.

Because for one hour at SM Cinema North last night, Mario O’Hara and John Red’s canvass painted a truly breath of raging fresh air in a TV landscape full of stupidity.

Sa Ngalan ng Ina is a mini-series which details two political families’ rivalry for control of a Philippine province.
Its story is as timely as the nation’s headlines where same family surnames take over as if town leadership is a family heirloom only descendants have the right to possess. Add some assassinations and grieving widows and you can see where it is loosely based from. This is what I fear is the film’s biggest weakness-- predictability and lack of originality.

The same dilemma faced the creators of  the Greatest TV Drama of all Time--The Sopranos--when it was first launched at HBO late 90’s. A story about a Mafia leader can be a direct photocopy of The Godfather until viewers saw that this is a different take. As it turned out, Tony Soprano’s life is not just a murder and power. He also has to deal with petty family squabbles, a seizure problem and a nagging narcissistic mom. A dad with teenage kid problems in the morning and a psychopathic ruthless gang leader after breakfast. How comic and horrifying can it get? And yes, he weeps in front of a shrink on a regular basis.

Can Sa Ngalan ng Ina be as timely and as relevant but original at the same time? The skeptic in me says--no. But Direk Mario during the post screening confab says “ang kapal kapal ng script namin.” Looks like my concerns have been checked way before I can publish them.

The story line’s originality and predictability set aside, Philippine TV viewers are in for the biggest tsunami shock of their life as Sa Ngalan ng Ina promises to stake a claim as the Greatest Philippine TV Drama of All Times.

Screenplay– with lines like “Hindi mo kailangan ng eskandalo sa panahon ng eleksyon” and “Hindi mabibilang ang luha na galing sa puso,” SNNI’s speaking lines are both memorable and straightforward. This is the biggest improvement over the rest of the Philippine made soaps and series. In SNNI’s pilot episode, the characters are talking in rich drama --not dramatizing their talks.

Production Value– world class. The church, the funeral, the bombing scene. Looks really expensive.

Editing – the pacing is fast and furious. You have to keep your eyes open and yourself alert because cutting from scene to scene, viewers have to understand the foundation of the film. Amazing. (My favorite is the cut from the bombing to the argument between Ian de Leon and Alwyn Uytingco, galing nila Direk dito)

Nora Aunor , Boyet De Leon , Bembol Roco – wala ka nang hahanapin pa. In street parlance, "chicken na chicken" ang mge eksena.

Ensemble Acting– this is for me the best part of the film. Usually young actors are used as decorations so that their good looks will draw the young fans but in this series, some of them actually shone so bright.  Let me cite the strongest and the weakest performances.

Osang – shines all throughout the episode as an Imelda Marcos archetype trying to protect her family from the aftershocks of their rival’s assassination. A simple misstep could make her a cheap parody of legendary screen bitches Rita Gomez and Celia Rodriguez. But Osang managed to control her performance and deliver a knock out. Osang’s path from a night club worker to one of the country’s premiere actress rivals that of Diablo Cody’s incredible journey. This deserves a separate article.

Alwyn Uytingco– where have you been hiding all these years boy? Your talent is so amazing and your rage so heartfelt. Bravo!!!

Ian de Leon– my initial fear that a family affair for the de Leon’s would be good for marketing but bad for the film’s quality due to Ian’s inexperience all vanished with the sight of the Ian-Alwyn confrontation. Goodness, this boy can deliver his line. So deep. So strong. Move over Luis Manzano, dami mo pang kakaining lalim.
I would also cite a few that needs improvements:

Uge– reduced to a Nora sidekick during the pilot. Hope to see more moments for her or her participation would be a waste if her talent not used well in the series.

Edgar Allan Guzman– the only Best Actor among the young stars is in danger of being eclipsed by colleague Alwyn if his Romeo and Juliet storyline with Karel does not develop into something more relevant.

Nadine Samonte– As a young beautiful daughter running for political office (think Shalani Soledad), she lacks power and depth. At times she looks forced to portray scheming and cunning.

If the rest of the series is as good as the pilot, Philippine TV can take a bow and beam with pride. This one’s for you!

Watch your back, my dear Tony Soprano. Here comes the widow in black--- DONYA NEGRA.

Ready for a red carpet premiere

All roads lead, as far as supporters of the Superstar are concerned today, to the red-carpet premier and press presentation of her much-awaited TV5 miniseries Sa Ngalan ng Ina at Cinema 2 of SM The Block. The cast, spearheaded by Ms. Nora Aunor, and the production team will join fans and enthusiasts of quality entertainment in watching the pilot episode of the political/domestic drama directed by award-winning filmmaker Mario O'Hara. 

The premiere showing will yet prove true to the testimony and prognosis of TV5 executive Perci Intalan via Twitter a few days ago: "Just saw the first edit... Wow. What a beautiful series this promises to be! Nora Aunor is amazing!"

In a Facebook post, Intalan echoes his effusive vibe about the miniseries since the recent airing of its teaser, which spawned "so much good feedback." Intalan  assures that "the cast, creative and production team are working very, very hard to make this show as awesome as it can be...you ain't seen nothin' yet."

No less ecstatic is Pol Del Mundo, a staff of the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB), after reviewing the initial episode: "Bongga ang husay ni Nora Aunor!"

For more details about the miniseries, here's an article from the website of Interaksyon public affairs program:

Compelling story of a mother's love unfolds in TV5's 'Sa Ngalan ng Ina'

When a simple woman who loves with all her heart gets enthroned in a seat of power coveted by many, will she embrace the commitment to cleanse a whole society bestrewn with greed, corruption and violence? Or will she succumb to the promise of a better life with the people she loves?

On October 3, the whole nation awaits the unfolding of the grandest political drama ever seen on Philippine television– Sa Ngalan ng Ina. The country’s first-ever mini-serye that will run for a month on TV5, Sa Ngalan ng Ina combines the work of the industry’s best minds and the top-notch artistry of its multi-awarded directors and cast.

Starring Superstar Nora Aunor in her first comeback project after her eight-year hiatus in the US, the much-awaited mini-serye does not only boast of a one-of-a-kind story of love, family and political responsibility; it also offers a new and advanced approach to TV viewing as the scenes are shot in full high-definition (HD) quality.

Sa Ngalan ng Ina tells the compelling story of Elena Deogracias (Nora Aunor), a quiet but intelligent and strong-willed woman who is elected Governor of their province. She never dreamt of getting into politics and she has to endure all the insults and discouragement thrown her way, but it is a position entrusted to her by the people and she vows to give it her all.

Portraying the role of the two most important men in Elena’s life are Bembol Roco as her husband Armando Deogracias, who is known as “Amang” in their town; and Christopher De Leon as Pepe Ilustre, a man from her past.

Completing Sa Ngalan ng Ina’s powerhouse cast are Rosanna Roces as Lucia Ilustre, Ian De Leon as Zaldy, Nadine Samonte as Andrea Deogracias, Alwyn Uytingco as Alfonso Deogracias, Edgar Allan Guzman as Angelo Deogracias, Eula Caballero as Elsa Toribio, Karel Marquez as Carmela Ilustre, Joross Gamboa as Ramoncito, Jay Aquitania as Manuel, and with the special participation of Eugene Domingo as Pacita Toribio.

Helmed by award-winning directors Mario O’Hara and Jon Red, Sa Ngalan ng Ina is set to make a historical mark for TV5. Sa Ngalan ng Ina airs weeknights after Wil Time Bigtime starting this October 3, only on TV5."

Scenes from a sneak preview

Love, murder, revenge, family intrigue, and political discord brew up a dramatic storm in the upcoming TV5 miniseries Sa Ngalan ng Ina. Eschewing the excess and cliche of soap opera, it is primed to stir up a potent fusion of cutting-edge narrative and characterization worthy of the best HBO productions.  Leading a stellar cast, Ms. Nora Aunor reunites with award-winning director Mario O'Hara whose artistic chemistry together in Tatlong Taong Walang Diyos, Bakit Bughaw ang Langit?, Bulaklak sa City Jail, Kastilyong Buhangin, and Condemned have become elixirs of filmic excellence. The same streak of collaborative genius appears patent in some of the highlights taken from the sneak preview:


Layout: Bernie Placido

A writer's perspective on the superstar's prospects

Optimism brims over as Ms. Nora Aunor shakes up anew the country's entertainment industry with a dramatic turn geared to be a trendsetter in Philippine television. Reconnecting with the Superstar, columnist Nestor Torre of the Philippine Daily Inquirer writes his impressions straight from the set of Sa Ngalan ng Ina, a political drama directed by the critically acclaimed director Mario O'Hara:


Hell hath no fury like  
a grieving widow  

"...We got the heartening feeling that Mario O’Hara’s miniseries would turn out to be a fine production, a comeback vehicle worthy of the guest Nora Aunor.

In the month-long miniseries, she plays the widow of a beloved mayor (Bembol Roco) who is convinced to run for governor by a crafty political “kingmaker”...who hopes to manipulate her for his own purposes—but the relatively inexperienced and “malleable” Nora surprises him by fending off his importuning. Hey, that sounds like a really promising modern-day political morality play.



I was surprised to see that Nora looked particularly good and in “fighting trim” for her month-long shoot and comeback. Outside the tent, it was similarly heartening to note that most of the fans waiting for hours to catch a glimpse of the Superstar were teenagers.

If even they could get excited by her, decades after the height of her stellar career, then her comeback could turn out to be a singular success.



Our visit with Nora lasted only 30 minutes, because we didn’t want to tire her before her afternoon shoot, but our “quality” interlude was made truly memorable by her sincere friendship, and the revitalized creative energy she exuded.

She’s back! Nora Aunor is really back with a bang – where she belongs." (To read more of Torre's column, click here.)

Below are images of Aunor as a woman out to affirm her worth and power in the face of political and domestic conflicts.  


The loneliness of being on top











Getting her voice heard 






In control and with conviction

(photos: William Reyes/Mell Navarro/Joel Leonor Quilang)

WATCH THE TEASER



Rapport and rhapsody from the set

Reports from the set of the upcoming TV5 miniseries Sa Ngalan ng Ina, a political/domestic drama helmed by ace filmmaker Mario O'Hara, continue to raise  expectations. Slated to be a showcase of fast-paced narrative and layered characterization worthy of the best HBO production, the taping for this primetime fare has been sailing smoothly en route to its month-long primetime telecast in October.


The Superstar shares a light moment with Eugene
Domingo during a break. (Photo: William Reyes.)   

The goodwill generated by Ms. Nora Aunor, who spearheads an all-star cast, has been running the whole gamut from awe to zest for her professionalism and performance. 

Eugene Domingo, Cinema-laya 2011 best actress who plays the younger sister and confidant of Aunor's character, reveals:  

“I’m still shy around her. Gusto ko s’ya chikahin, but her role is very serious and intense. Now I know why people call her Superstar. She’s a genius, but I don’t think she knows this. She’s very serious with her work. She listens intently to instructions. She doesn’t mind rehearsing scenes. Contrary to reports, she’s never late. She comes to the set already made up and prepared.

Eugene Domingo

That’s why I never arrive late, either. I don’t feel nervous working with her at all, but I feel giddy. I still couldn’t believe that I’m working with someone I idolized so much while growing up.” (Click here to read more.) 



“Ang aga-aga niyang dumating sa set at lagi siyang masaya! Nakakaloka nga lang talaga siya kapag umaakting na mata lang ang ginagamit, huh! Natutulala ako minsan dahil first time ko siyang makasama! Konting dayalog pero mas maraming beses niyang ginagamit ang kanyang mata! Sarap ng feeling ko kapag magkaeksena kami!” Domingo reiterates in another article. 

Rosanna Roces

Regarding her anti-heroine role vis-a-vis Aunor's part as a beleagured provincial governor and stepmom, Rosanna Roces is no less giddy about her chance to shine along with the legendary celebrity: “Now I understand why indeed, she’s local cinema’s one and only Superstar, and no one comes close. I’m humbled that she personally asked the Kapatid network to have me play as the main contravida in the story. When I first learned about it, I couldn’t believe! The Superstar’s personal choice, wow!” (Click here for more.)


If tried-and-tested performers like Christopher de Leon and Bembol Roco--who both reunite with Aunor after their memorable triumvirate in the 1976 classic Tatlong Taong Walang Diyos--are on their toes like Domingo and Roces in Aunor's presence, small wonder why neophyte actors Edgar Allan Guzman and Alwyn Uytingco try to keep their best thespic foot forward.

“Edgar Allan Guzman works hard to impress Ate Guy,” according to a write-up about the Cinemalaya 2011 best actor. “Alwyn Uytingco does first scene with Nora Aunor; says the Superstar is now his inspiration,” informs another article. "Dalang-dala ako ng presence niya!" raves Uytingco. Greatness begets goodwill, indeed.

Below is a video clip of Noramania from the set:
  

Power becomes her

With her aura of simplicity that ironically highlights the complexity of her larger-than-life status as the country's Superstar, Ms. Nora Aunor's public persona is a study in contradiction. Indeed, most of her celluloid portrayals--brilliant in its dramaturgy of the underdog--is backdropped with dark spots of controversy that continue to hound her supremacy as a multi-media artist.


Portrait of a powerful woman

That she exemplies the very essence of an enigma is without doubt. Though it's oppressive to her and could spell her undoing, it also unleashes a potential for strengthening and harnessing her survival instinct.

This fact may yet enrich her evocation of an influential figure in the forthcoming TV5 miniseries Sa Ngalan ng Ina. Directed by Mario O'Hara, whose collaboration with her has racked up a hefty filmography that counts among the best of Philippine cinema,  Sa Ngalan ng Ina may yet prove why Aunor is as unsinkable as her character, Doña Elena Deogracias: a woman out to prove her mettle as a mother to her troubled stepchildren and to assert her power as governor in a province mired in the morass of politics. 

That she will prevail is a foregone conclusion as far as Ateneo professor Tito Valiente is concerned. Observing her enduring phenomenon as a cultural icon, Valiente's recent opinion column about the politics of perception is an illuminating analysis of Aunor's dazzling impact. Despite the dross of  malicious demolition job against her resurgent popularity, Valiente waxes clear-eyed regarding the golden glow of her royalty:

"I believe that the small brains and petty prose of these inept writers, both from tabloid and broadsheet, will forever remain miniscule against the formidable psychology of Nora Aunor as an artist.

 

The Superstar poses for
a cover story of Preview
Magazine's forthcoming issue.

Nora was never a simple person. She never will be. The epiphany regarding Nora is that she has a mind of her own. She is not as sociable and as open as the other celebrities. I see nothing wrong with that. I am starting to believe that the reason I worship at the shrine of the arts of Nora Aunor is that while her person is inaccessible, her artistry is supremely available.

 

The “Ate Guy” may shortchange some with her volatility (always with reason as I found out years back) and tempestuousness (she has earned the right to have this trait) but the “Nora Aunor” never fails to deliver to us peerless pieces and priceless performances. Those who favor her art know that when her light and shadow cross the silver screen, she would create for us reflections, but more than the reflecting and the refracting, she could break the silver in that screen, and show us the lies and the truths, the shards and the brittle sordid facts behind the glistening surface. Contrary to what others say, great artists, like Nora Aunor, do not hide behind their arts; they reveal and open through the arts more and more realities.

These are more than I could ask for. These are already more than I could demand from this Diva Assoluta."  (To read more of Valiente's column, click here.)

Indeed, what Aunor is set to show in Sa Ngalan ng Ina and the rest of her upcoming projects will be no less absolute than the amplitude of her resilient grace and radiance both as a person and as a performer.

Viva, diva assoluta!