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: