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!

Scoops from the set, and some upbeat vibes from the cast

As the taping for TV5's grandest production Sa Ngalan ng Ina goes full-blast, no less loud is the buzz of anticipation that this Mario O'Hara opus will take the televiewers to a new high in primetime entertainment worthy of the most exquisite cinematic experience. 


Poster Layout: Bernie Placido



 For one thing, Sa Ngalan ng Ina features the Superstar in a role poised to prove once and for all why she's the country's greatest actress. As she portrays a widowed governor and a stepmother coping with an array of intrigues both in the political and domestic fronts, the excitement is in sync with her refurbished showbiz reign fresh from her return from an eight-year stay in the US. (Click here to read more.)

Not surprising that Ms. Nora Aunor's costars are in chorus with awe-struck anxiety about sharing scenes with her. Even though their thespic skills have been proven by their trophies as Best Actress, Rosanna Roces (who plays contravida to Aunor's character) and Eugene Domingo (who portrays the role of Aunor's feisty sister) have made it known why they are thrilled to fandom in the face of the Superstar's artistry. (Click here and here for more details.)

The young members of the cast, particularly Ian de Leon and Edgar Allan Guzman, have also won acting awards just like Christopher de Leon and Bembol Roco (the two powerful men in the life of Aunor's character). Nevertheless, they are also feeling the pressure of measuring up to her standard. (Click here and here to read more.)

Will the the miniseries primed as trendsetting in Philippine television live up to expectation? Let's wait and see when it starts airing this October. Meanwhile, hereunder are two recent coverages on the set of Sa Ngalan ng Ina:

Larger than television

It will be more like a film than a boob-tube fare. Or so revealed Benedict Mique, the head writer of Mario O'Hara's upcoming TV7  miniseries Sa Ngalan ng Ina topbilled by Ms. Nora Aunor.

When reached for comment by this blog's moderator, Mique replied, "If you are a fan of HBO series, parang ganun ang style nito, mas film ang approach ng script at mounting ni direk." As headwriter, Mique says "the challenge is to make all the characters relevant sa story at the same time to make twist and turns that are different from other soaps logical. The creative team is composed of writers from different background and influence so making characters that are not in the usual mode of soap operas was a welcome treat."

Regarding Ms. Nora's role as a grieving widow in search of justice for her assassinated husband and as governor in a province wracked by political turmoil, Mique said: "It was not hard to make a character for Ms. Nora Aunor because we know whatever we make she can pull off. Ibig sabihin walang limitation and, actually, kami ang naging cautious dahil baka hindi enough ang binibigay namin sa kanya, given that she's a great actress."

First day of taping

Still in her element, Ms. Nora Aunor shows her thespic magic in her first day of shooting for the political drama Sa Ngalan ng Ina, a TV5 miniseries helmed by ace director Mario O'Hara. As reported, the Superstar and the rest of the cast are set to treat primetime televiewers with a landmark production. (Click here and here for more details.)

Here's a clip taken from the Paparazzi show for a glimpse of the Sa Ngalan ng Ina set in Taal, Batangas.

Sneak peek: story conference and cast pictorial

Now that the cameras are rolling for the highly-hyped TV5 miniseries Sa Ngalan ng Ina, with a grandiose cast topbilled by Ms. Nora Aunor, the challenge is getting more fervid to exceed the expectations of the Superstar's legion of fans and lovers of quality primetime entertainment.

So far, so fine-- if the enthusiasm of the cast and the creative team is any indication. Hereunder are snippets from the recent story conference and pictorial session where the cast members, director Mario O'Hara, and head writer Benedict Mique provide a teaser for viewers. Ian de Leon, who plays a pivotal character in the show along with his famous parents (Aunor and Christopher de Leon), also speaks his mind in a panel interview with TV5 Paparazzi hosts and reporters. (Warning: If video won't play, saying "Embedding disabled by request," just click either the "Watch on YouTube" instruction or the YouTube logo at the right bottom part of the video panel, and you're good to go. :-) 

Sumptuous plot details, delicious spoilers, & some other tidbits!

With the excitement over the upcoming TV5 miniseries Sa Ngalan ng Ina, the revelations by one of the show's supervising producers Jo-ann Bañaga have only whetted the appetite for Ms. Nora Aunor's comeback acting vehicle under the helm of award-winning director Mario O'Hara. Here's the transcript of Bañaga's interview with

Mell T. Navarro of PEP Magazine: 


The Superstar in fine form: Ready
for yet another great performance

 Ano'ng update sa Sa Ngalan ng Ina? 

"Ang mase-share kong news, ang maganda e, lumaki ang role ni Ian [de Leon], na supposedly ay si Ryan Agoncillo [ang gaganap]. Ngayon, si Ian ang nag-take place sa role ni Ryan. 



"Mas malaki na ang role ni Ian.  Ngayon, it's more on the story of the family—Nora, Boyet [Christopher de Leon's nickname], and Ian." Matatandaang nag-desisyon si Ryan na hindi na tumuloy sa serye dahil hindi nito kakayanin ng tight schedule niya. May Talentadong Pinoy and Eat Bulaga regular shows si Ryan, at malapit nang mag-shooting ng pang-MMFFP movie niyang My House Husband with wife, Judy Ann Santos.

"Ryan's role is super special 'coz in the end, you will know na lahat ng kaguluhan sa istorya, siya ang may kagagawan." Katiwala ba ni Nora ang role ni Ryan na napunta kay Ian? "Hindi siya katiwala," pagtutuwid ni Jo-ann.  "Magugulat ka.  Hindi siya ordinaryong tao. Kamag-anak siya ng isa sa kanila..."

Ano ba ang istorya ng Sa Ngalan Ng Ina?   

"It's a political drama na nagpakita ng lakas ng isang ordinaryong ina para patakbuhin ang isang bayan... isang buong bayan, isang buong lalawigan, hindi lang hacienda. Probinsiya ang setting.  Yung buong lalawigan, siya ang nagpatakbo. Only to find out na noong tinanggap niya ang offer to take over yung position nu'ng husband [Bembol Roco] — na nanalo siya. Then she finds out na hindi pala ganoon kadali yung gagawin niya. Na sa tangka niyang linisin ang buong lalawigan, she has to make a big sacrifice involving her own family.  Kasi, nakita niya yung mga tao na kinakain na ng sistema, ng pulitika.  Na ayaw niyang gawin. Para maituwid niya ang lahat ng pagkakamali ng asawa niya na dating nasa gobyerno,  kailangan niyang [gumawa] ng isang malaking sakripisyo."

Ano ang kaugnayan ng character ni Boyet sa character ni Nora sa istorya?

"Dati silang may relasyon, noong wala pa sila sa pulitika.  They were high-school sweethearts.  Matalino si Guy.  Si Boyet, ambisyoso.  Matalino rin si Boyet kasi naging abogado siya, e. Si Guy, lumuwas ng Maynila.  Mas matalino siya.  Naghanap siya ng mas malaking karunungan. Kaso, she ended up as a nurse.  Si Boyet ended up as a lawyer. Mas malaki ang ambisyon niya [at] nag-asawa siya ng isang herederang laki sa political family sa probinsiya. Tapos, si Guy, galing Manila, pagbalik niya ng probinsiya —nurse na siya — binalikan niya si Boyet. Hindi na available si Boyet, nakapag-asawa na — kay Osang [Rosanna Roces]. So, umalis siya sa sama ng loob.  Noong bumalik siya after five years, nagkita sila uli ni Boyet pero may asawa pa rin ito, si Osang pa rin, kaya lang, na-reveal na hindi maligaya si Boyet. They [Nora and Boyet] have a one-night stand.  After that, umalis uli si Ate Guy, pagbalik niya, may dala na siyang bata. Nakapag-asawa siya sa Maynila.

In other words, hindi sila nagkatuluyan noong bumalik siya.  Tapos, in the end, nagkaroon pa sila ng political rivalry.  Kasi, noong bumalik si Ate Guy, napangasawa niya yung vice mayor... Si Boyet, governor na. Kumandidato yung vice mayor, pero na-assassinate.  Si Ate Guy ang kinuha ng political party para mag-assume ng position.  Nagwagi si Ate Guy, kalaban niya sa pulitika si Boyet. Tumakbo uli as governor si Boyet pero natalo.Yun naman ang bago, may pagka-political ang kuwento..."

NORA LOOKALIKE. May naikuwento rin si Jo-ann na nakakatuwang scenario nang naganap ang official pictorial ng cast with top photographer Pancho Escalar, kamakailan lang. "Ang nakakatuwa, sa pictorial, nakaupo si Ate Guy na ganyan, may bandera [ng Pilipinas] sa likod niya, [at] kamukha niya si GMA [Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo]!" tawa niya.

Ano naman ang character ni Rosanna Roces?

Pinahirapan ni Osang ang buhay ni Ate Guy.  Kasi, ang gusto niya, ang asawa pa rin niya ang gobernador.  Political family kasi si Osang, e.  Gusto niya, pamilya pa rin niya ang may hawak noon."

Nai-share rin ni Jo-ann ang sobrang excitement ni Osang sa pagkakasama nito sa cast ng serye, dahil katuparan raw ito ng pangarap nitong makasama sa isang project ang award-winning actress. "Nahirapan kasi kami mag-cast sa kontrabida.  Naku, alam mo, noong una kong kinausap si Osang, muntik-muntik na siyang himatayin. Yun pala, dream come true para sa kanya ang makasama niya si Ate Guy! Sabi niya, 'Totoo ba 'yan?' Sabi ko, 'Oo!'  Ako naman, surprised na surprised ako sa reaction niya. Sabi niya, 'Seryoso ka ba? Alam mo bang lahat halos ng artista, gusto siyang makasama?' Hindi pa raw niya kasi nakakatrabaho si Ate Guy.  At yun ang pinangarap niya.  Kaya sabi niya, 'Dyusko! Naku, pagdalhan mo ako ng ambulansiya!' Grabe, noong una pa lang nu'ng storycon, una niyang nakita si Ate Guy, kulang na lang talaga, sambahin ni Osang si Ate Guy! Kinikilabutan talaga siya."

REUNION. Reunion project nga ito nina Nora, Boyet, at Bembol with Direk Mario dahil noong 1976 ay ginawa nila ang classic World War II drama na Tatlong Taong Walang Diyos. Thirty-five years later (2011), heto, at muli silang magsasama sa isang proyekto — kahit sa telebsiyon lang, via TV5's Sa Ngalan Ng Ina.

Ano naman ang character na ginagampanan ni Bembol sa istorya?
"Actually, asawa ni Guy si Bembol — siya yung vice mayor na tumakbong governor. Asawa ni Ate Guy si Bembol na namatay. Tapos, simula nu'ng namatay ang asawa niya, hindi na siya nagsuot ng ibang kulay.  Parati siyang nakaitim. Dumating lang ang punto na nalaman niya ang katotohanan, 'saka siya nagsuot ng ibang kulay."

Kumusta ang una niyang pakikipag-usap kay Boyet tungkol sa proyektong ito? Okey naman. Hindi ako ang unang nag-approach.  Meron na, meron na kasi [na kumausap]... Nu'ng sinabi ko sa kanya na, 'Si Ate Guy ito!'... 'Oo naman,' sabi niya.  Hanggang sa dumating sa punto na yung kanta [theme song ng serye], sabi niya [Boyet], 'Si Guy na lang ang kumanta [ng theme song], Nora Aunor 'yan eh!' Meron siyang gano'n.



Nag-suggest si Boyet na si Nora ang kumanta ng theme song? "Nag-suggest siya.  Sabi niya, 'Ganda ng kanta, si Guy na lang!'  So, ibig kong sabihin, nakita niya yung... Nu'ng binanggit niya 'yun, sabi ko, 'Wow!' Wala pa kasing kakanta, pero hindi e, mahirap gawin [mag-record] ni Ate Guy, mahihirapan kami. Iba na lang..."

Reunited with Christopher de Leon 

GUY & BOYET. Going back sa story conference ng show sa Max's Restaurant kamakailan lang, kumusta naman ang atmosphere doon?

 

"Maganda.  Masaya.  Nakita niyo naman ang pictures sa Facebook.  Nakakatuwa! Kasi, kami lahat, nakatingin sa kanilang dalawa [Guy and Boyet] na nag-uusap, tapos, nagtatawanan... Nagta-tapik, gano'n...Ang ganda ng atmosphere.  Ang saya.  Nagbatian sila.  Nagkuwentuhan.  Siyempre noong una, ayaw naming lumapit kasi nag-uusap sila e.  Privacy.  May bulungan, gano'n...  Siyempre, kaming lahat, kinikilig! Aaayyyy!!!

Kasi, hindi namin nakikitang nag-uusap ever, e.  Ang alam ko, that was the first time na nagkita sina Boyet at Guy mula no'ng dumating sa bansa si Nora.  Yun ang alam ko. Siyempre, yung production, yun ang inaabangan naming lahat.  Noong dumating si Guy, hinalikan niya [Boyet]... Chika sila. Kuwentuhan.

Hindi naman nailang sa isa't isa ang dalawa o naging uncomfortable dahil ilang taon ring silang hindi nagkita at nagka-chikahan? "Hindi ah, nagbibiruan nga sila e.    Naku, eto nga ang nakakatawa, sa pictorial, lahat ng video, umalis na... Wala na ang mga TV cameras... Kinunan sila ng picture, silang tatlo, pati si Ian. "Kinandong nila si Ian! Napaka-touching! Sobrang nakakatuwa! Sabi ko, 'Putcha! Wala ba kayong video?!' Kinuha ko yung camera ko, yung phone ko, yun ang ginamit kong pang-video...! Ako lang ang may kopya! Nagbibiruan pa sila, nagkukuwentuhan."

VILMA MIGHT VISIT. Ayon kay Jo-Ann, handang-handa na ang first taping day ng Sa Ngalan Ng Ina sa Lunes, sa location set sa Taal, Batangas.

Take note na ang gobernadora sa nasabing bayan ay ang kumare ni Nora na Star for All Seasons, si Governor Vilma Santos. "Oo, all set na sa Monday.  Ready na... Nakakatawa lang, kasi, sabi namin, 'What if dumating si Ate Vi?' Sa Taal, Batangas nga kasi kami sa whole series. Since it's a political drama, doon kami sa churches, yung munisipyo doon, gagamitin namin.  "'Di ba siyempre, 'pag nalaman ni Ate Vi yun, na nandiyan si Ate Guy? Go na! Baka dumating, 'di ba? Masaya ito!" tili ni Jo-ann.

Samantala, totoong nagkasakit si Nora recently dahil sa overfatigue. Magmula nang dumating ito sa Pilipinas noong August 2 ay walang humpay ang trabaho nito. Dumating pa rin ito sa set ng El Presidente kahit mataas ang lagnat, pero ang doktor na umano ni Governor ER Ejercito ang nagsabi na huwag nang ituloy ang shooting at in-advise itong mag-bed rest. "Totoong nagkasakit siya," ani Jo-ann.  "Nakita ko e. 'Saka, andun yung doktor sa tabi ko.  Hawak-hawak ko nga yung reseta. "Kasi, ang tagal na niyang ratsada di ba, so bumigay ang katawan.  Nag-ano yung katawan niya, pero okey na naman ngayon."

DIREK MARIO O'HARA.  Ilang award-winning classic Nora Aunor films rin noong 1970s to 1980s ang dinirek ni Mario O'Hara, tulad ng Tatlong Taong Walang Diyos, Condemned, Bulaklak Sa City Jail, at Bakit Bughaw Ang Langit.

Kumusta naman ngayon sina Nora and Direk Mario O'Hara—after more than three decades na hindi pagta-trabaho?


Ay naku, noong una silang nagkita, nagyakapan nang matagal na matagal!  First time nilang nagkita noong private conference pa lang namin." Sa kauna-unahang pagkakataon, napapayag ang isang Mario O'Hara na mag-direk ng isang teleserye.  Paano niya ito napapayag? "Naku, si Direk Mario, walang tinanggap na work 'yan for TV.  Tinawagan ko siya noong wala pa si Ate Guy... Sabi ko, 'Direk, gusto mong mag-TV?' Sagot niya, 'Ahhmm, depende.' Sabi ko, 'Direk, nasa TV5 na ako,' etcetera, ganoon... Tapos, sabi ko, 'Direk, mag-TV ka.' Sabi niya, 'Alam mo, ayoko kasing mag-TV dahil ganito-ganyan...' "Kasi daw, ang daming nakakaalam.  Ang daming kumukuwestiyon.  Ang daming tsu-tsu-tsu!  Maraming nangingialam, ayaw noon ng ganoon.

Alam mo naman yun, kung ano ang gusto niya, yun ang dapat... Tapos, sabi ko, 'E, Direk, Ate Guy ito!' "Sabi niya, 'Talaga?' Tapos, biglang sabi niya, 'Sigurado ka?' Sabi ko, 'Oo, Direk! Darating na [galing Amerika].'  Sagot niya, 'E, di mag-usap tayo 'pag nandiyan na. 'Pag lumapag na ang eroplano!' Ayaw niyang maniwala noong una.

Until finally, noong dumating na, andiyan na si Ate Guy, sabi ko, 'Direk, andiyan na!' Sabi niya, 'O, sige, isa lang ang gusto kong itanong:  Ilan ba dapat ang kakausapin ko dito?' "Sabi niya, 'Kasi, ang ayaw ko sa lahat sa dalawang networks [ABS-CBN at GMA-7], meron ka nang kinausap, siguro, may pitong levels pa ang kakausapin mo pa rin.'

Sabi ko, 'Direk, hindi po. Pagkatapos nating mag-usap, isa na lang.'  "At siya ay si Percy [Intalan, TV5 Head for Creative and Entertainment].  So, after naming mag-usap with the creative team, si Percy na.  "Sabi ko sa kanya, 'Wala na Direk!' Tama na yun. Sabi ni Direk, 'Okey! Go tayo!'  So, after that, tinext ko na sina Percy, sabi ko, umoo na si Direk Mario.  Sabi nila, 'Yeheeeeyyy!' Nagsaya silang lahat.  Kasi, 'di ba, hindi pa nagti-TV si Direk."

 Ang kuwento originally ng Sa Ngalan Ng Ina — na dating Donya Negra — ay may sinasabing original scriptwriter na si Rey Castro.  Ano ba ang nangyari at na-revise ito? "Donya Negra dati 'yan e.  Nandoon pa rin si Rey, doon pa rin ang pinaka-kuwento, doon pa rin binase yun e.  "Political drama rin yung Donya Negra, na kaya ganoon ang title e, dahil sa nagluksa siya, nu'ng mamatay ang asawa, lagi na siyang naka-itim.  Kaya Donya Negra.  

"Ni-revise ang script. Nilawakan. Kasi, medyo dark nang kaunti e.  Hindi naman tatanggapin yung gano'n sa TV audience, kaya ginawa naming medyo mas melodrama.   "Pero si Direk, ayaw niya noong... Nagbi-veer away siya sa mga soapy-soapy type of serye. "Ang gusto niya, a good story.  Kasi, 'di ba, may formula ang soap?  Ayaw niya noon.  Natatawa siya kapag nilalagyan namin ng soap material... Ay, ang galing!


Glad to work again with the great Mario O'Hara



Ang gusto niya, what is logical sa totoong buhay.  Sasabihin niya, 'Alam niyo, mali rin naman ang ginagawa niyo sa audience, pagka-tinuturo niyo ang ganyan... Yung totoong katotohanan ang ibigay natin.  "Sabi ni Direk, 'We must make a statement.  This is a mini-series.  It has to be compact, it has to be condensed. Sa soap, pinapahaba niyo, maski na konting iyak lang, 30 minutes niyong paiiyakin!' Nawawala yung istorya.  Nawawala yung laman.  Nawawala yung essence of the story.  Siya, gusto niya, parating may logic.  Kaya five weeks lang kami, kasi, compact yun."

Ilang araw sa isang linggo ang taping ni Nora? 

MORE SPOILERS. "Three times a week siya.  Siya ang bida e! Sa kanya lahat.  As is siya. Dito, siyempre, ordinary housewife... Actually, naging yaya muna siya ng asawa ni Bembol.  Naging nurse siya ng buong family ni Bembol.



May asawa sa una si Bembol, namatay.  Noong ipinanganak si Edgar Allan, namatay yung nanay [asawa ni Bembol sa simula]... So, siya [Nora] yung nurse, hanggang sa inalagaan na rin niya ang dalawa pang anak [Alwyn and Nadine]. Si Edgar, paborito siyang stepson ni Ate Guy. In the process, na-in love na si Bembol kay Guy, pinakasalan siya.  Si Nadine ang anak ni Bembol sa unang asawa.  Siya ang nagpahirap kay Ate Guy, ayaw niya kay Nora.  Bida-kontrabida ang role ni Nadine.  Si Nadine, Alwyn, at Edgar Allan ang magkakapatid.  Mga anak ni Bembol sa unang asawa.  Ang anak ni Guy, si Eula [Caballero]... Sikreto kung sino ang ama nito," pagwawakas ni Jo-ann Bañaga.