Isa sa pinakaunang seryosong pelikulang Filipino na tumalakay sa buhay ng overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) ay ang pelikulang ’Merika (1984) ni Gil Portes, mula sa panulat nina Gil Quito at Clodualdo del Mundo. Ipinalabas ito sa panahong patuloy na lumalakas ang puwersa ng migranteng manggagawa. Panahon ito na nakakaranas na ang bansa ng krisis pang-ekonomiya. Panahon din ito nang unang narinig ang pagtukoy sa OFWs bilang “Bagong Bayani,” pagkilala ng rehimeng Marcos sa kanilang malaking ambag sa ekonomiya ng bansa.
Inilahad sa pelikula ang buhay ni Milagros Cruz, isang nars sa New Jersey na may limang taon na ring nagtatrabaho doon. Bahagi ng pang araw- araw niyang pakikipagsapalaran sa 'Merika ang pagsakay niya sa subway patungo sa pinapasukang trabaho. Makikita ang kahusayan ni Nora sa pagganap sa eksena habang nakasakay siya sa tren. Mababakas sa kanyang mga mata ang pangungulila, ang kalungkutan, ang paglalakbay na animo’y walang patutunguhan.
Nakatatak na sa isip ng manonood ng pelikulang Filipino ang hindi malilimutang eksenang ito. Maraming sumunod na mga pelikula na tumalakay din sa buhay ng mga Filipino sa ibang bansa ang gumamit ng katulad na eksena ni Nora. Sa Milan (2004) may eksena si Claudine Baretto na mag-isang nakasay sa tren. Sa Caregiver (2008) nag-aabang si Sharon ng tren habang nangangaligkig sa lamig; sa sumunod na eksena makikita siyang mag-isang bumibiyahe. Maging sa In My Life (2009) si Vilma Santos ay may katulad ring eksena. Ngunit hindi maikakaila na sa kanilang lahat si Nora Aunor ang nagpakita ng di-matatawarang husay sa paglalarawan ng pag-iisa, ng pagiging di-kabilang, ng kalungkutan na patuloy pa ring nararanasan ng mga Filipino sa lupang dayuhan. Ang pangungulila na hindi kayang tapatan o punan ng dolyar, masasarap na pagkain, o anumang karangyaan. Ang pangungulila na walang ibang solusyon kundi ang pagbalik sa lupang sinilangan. Dalawampu’t limang taon mula nang ipalabas ang ’Merika, makabuluhan pa rin ang mensahe nito hanggang sa ngayon. Marami pa ring Filipino ang tulad ni Milagros Cruz na bagama't nagkaugat sa lupang dayuhan, sa kanilang kaibuturan ay nananabik sa sariling bayan.
Nagbibigay-pugay ang manunulat sa ika-25 taong anibersaryo ng ’Merika. Gayundin sa mga Noranian na kahit matagal nang naninirahan sa ibang bansa ay Noranian pa rin mula noon hanggang ngayon!!!!!!
Tirso Cruz III and Nora Aunor winning the top acting awards in the 3rd Quezon City Film Festival, 1972
It was 1972. Back then as a 9-year old, I couldn’t care less. I watched Nora Aunor movies with my Lola and whether Nora was playing cutesy or serious roles, I enjoyed them regardless. I remember watching And God Smiled at Me that year. It must be fate. The year that Nora Aunor embarked on a serious dramatic role and won her first acting award was the same year that the National Artist award was created.
In the following year, Nora Aunor was not just the singer and the actress but also the movie producer. Her own NV Productions made three movies: Carmela, Paru-parong Itim and Super Gee. She was 20 years old. Her contemporaries did not have the same mindset (and talent). So young (so ambitious?) but already dead serious as to what she wanted to become. Very early on, she realized that for her to grow as an artist, she had to be in control. As well, her audience deserved much better films.
So in between those light “audience-friendly” movie projects, risky attempts for non-musical, more dramatic, quality-made films would emerge. Eventually, her audience acknowledged her refined acting talent. I did too. Nora learned to make better films, I learned to appreciate them. She is a Filipino, with typical Filipino looks and she portrays Filipino. When I watch her, I embrace and understand Filipino. Banaue, Minsa’y Isang Gamu-gamo and Tatlong Taong Walang Diyos, I watched these films intensely. I was quiet the whole time, afraid to blink even for a second as not to miss an arresting acting moment performed through perfect dialog delivery, minimal gestures, simple body movements, facial expression and those round eyes that speak a thousand words. Then came Bona and Himala. Even foreign audience took notice and they were in awe. There was no doubt in the world what Nora Aunor is capable of.
Nora did not just get better at acting. She showed mastery of the craft. When most popular actors were used to physical and “loud” acting, Nora did the opposite. In-depth “silent” acting became her signature style, the type that only a few artists can pull off with utmost credibility. When Nora did it, it looked natural and effortless and yet, totally affecting. One doesn’t see Nora Aunor in her films, you see her character instead and at times … you see a piece of your own self.
Music
Nora was first and foremost a singer. After all, that’s where everything started. I grew up hearing Nora’s old songs but only later when I got to really listen to them. Perhaps back then I was not paying much attention to her early ballads. As a child, the catchy familiar tunes of Pearly Shells, Kusinera, Darling etc. amused me more. It was not difficult to sing along with these songs too.
Week after week and almost two decades of viewing the Superstar show got me hooked to Nora’s singing. In her show, I have listened and watched Nora interpret varied songs. Kundiman and Pinoy folk (in both Pilipino and regional dialects), English, pop, Manila sound, jazzy, novelty, her own movie theme songs, even rock … you name it, she sung it. Of course singing ballads had to be where she excelled the most. She would sing them all from the heart. I remember listening to her “Kapantay ay Langit” version which haunted me for days. I watched her sing “What Now My Love?” in one of the film award ceremonies and I was floored. It was an electrically charged performance, hair-raising to say the least. Never seen and experienced anything like that before.
Nora’s golden unique voice is a given but it didn’t just rest there. She used her voice to touch people’s hearts. She does not just sing the song, she performs it. Much like her acting, her singing would bring out the right emotion that stays with you long after the music has ended. It is just good natured, pure, beautiful music. She does not even have to reach a single high note.
Years had passed. The raw and pure voice has matured, huskier but more full bodied. With age and experience, the song interpretation only gets better. But old songs still take a grasp, portal of sweet memories, not to let go and always … will be remembered.
The Artist
Pioneering and excellent acting skill, heartfelt and soothing music, extraordinary talent which is highly regarded by peers and critics, impressive and unparalleled body of work, local and international awards and recognitions, but most of all, an artist and artistry that created a deep-seated impact on the film and music industry, on Philippine culture and the Philippines, as a whole. With all these sparkling achievements and qualifications, pardon me if I have to ask: Are these not enough for someone to be named National Artist? Or could it be that she has overly exceeded the set criteria? By the way, she was also a record-breaking concert performer and a standout theatre actor, a complete multimedia artist.
More controversies hound the National Artist choices this year and Nora Aunor missed out again. Many have expressed despair and disappointment about the alleged undeserving winners and mistrust of the deliberation and selection process. Sadly though, people in the know refused to listen and to continue with the argument seems a lost cause. In any case, it was heartwarming to know that when a more deserving winner is mentioned by the disgruntled (but nonetheless) respectable artists and writers, the name Nora Aunor would always make the first cut. Not that there is a need for any more revalidation or proof. No sitting on the fence for me when it comes to Nora’s talent and artistry. No ifs and buts … just true excellence!
I doubt it that the Office of the President has watched many films and listened to a variety of music, yet it has the ultimate power to confer a National Artist for Film and Music. I am no President. I am just an ordinary citizen and definitely not an art connoisseur. But I watch good films and listen to beautiful music and I’d like to say that my own journey of appreciation for film and music was greatly influenced by one artist. That artist is Nora Aunor, my National Artist.
I will wait patiently for the official conferment of her National Artist award but if this does not happen in her lifetime or mine, it barely matters as I have long considered it DONE anyway.
In the truest sense of the title, Nora Aunor is already one National Artist.
Nora Aunor (NA) is National Artist (NA). The acronym suits perfectly. N.B. For 42 years, you have given us a legacy of films and music that will not be forgotten. Thank you, Ms. Nora Aunor.
Nasa Cubao kami noon. Kasama ko ang dalawang kabataang Noranians na sina Tess at Deo. Noon lamang kami nagkatagpo at nagkita nang personal pero ganoon yata talaga kapag dugong Noranian, ang pakiramdam ay parang napakatagal n’yo nang magkakilala. Papasyal daw kami sa tindahan ng mga antique at memorabilia. Masaya kaming nagkuwentuhan habang naglalakad. Nagkatanungan pa ng edad. Puwede ko na pala silang maging anak.
Iniisip ko, maraming taon na nga ang nakalipas. Matagal na ring hindi ako napapadako sa lugar na ’yon ng Cubao. Mahigit nang labinlimang taon siguro. Nakakapanibago. Nilagpasan namin ang dating Cinema 21. Ilang pelikula rin ni Ate Guy ang napanood ko roon.
Habang papalapit kami sa sadya namin ay nangingiti ako sa sarili pero hindi ako nagpahalata sa dalawang “bagets.” Kasi ba naman parang baligtad yata. Ang daming bago at naglalakihang malls sa Pinas, lahat ng makabagong paninda ay naroroon pero bakit heto kami, super excited na sadyain ang di hamak na mas maliit na tindahan para maghanap ng mga luma at pinaglumaan. Kakaiba ang interes namin.
Marikina Shoe Expo ang tawag sa lugar na ’yon noon. Kahawig pa rin ng dati ang ayos pero ngayon ang tawag dito ay Cubao Expo. Hindi lang sapatos ang tinitinda.
May dalawang antique shops kaming pinuntahan. Doon daw sila madalas magpunta ni Mandy noong nabubuhay pa ito, sabi ni Tess. Santambak ang mga lumang libro, komiks, at magasin sa labas pa lang ng unang tindahan. Nagbuklat-buklat kami. Masarap gunitain ang nakaraaan. Habang nagbabasa ay bumabalik ang mga lumang balita at kaganapan. Nagiging sariwa sa ulirat. Sina Tess at Deo naman ay tinutuklas ang nakaraan. May bonus pang alikabok sa bawat pagbuklat ng mga pahina.
Binigay sa akin ni Tess ang isang bungkos ng mga lumang litrato. Mga litrato pala ni Ate Guy at kung sino-sino pang nakasama niya sa pelikula. May mga kuha sa eksena ng pelikula at meron ding mga private moments.
Nabusog ang mata ko sa katitingin. May ilang litrato doon ang paulit-ulit kong tinitingnan. Sayang at hindi ko naman kayang bilhin lahat. Pumili lamang ako ng kaunti. Narito po ang ilan.
Sweet Guy and Pip
Halos langgamin sa ka-sweetan sina Guy & Pip sa mga litratong ito. Walang sinabi ang mga bagong loveteam ngayon kuno. Kahit ang sweet “pose” nina Marian at Dingdong ay mapapahiya dito. Mahal na mahal nga raw ni Ate Guy si Pip. First love yata, siyempre pa. Pero si Pip, minahal niya nga ba nang tunay si Ate Guy? Kung pagbabasehan ang mga litratong ito, sasabihin kong “Oo naman.” Naalala ko tuloy ang kuwento ni Ate Luds aka Inday Badiday sa True Story ni Guy book (by Baby K. Jimenez). Eto ang sinabi nya:
“Pero nakita ko . . . Baby ni Pip si Guy. Andyan ’yung pati buhok ni Guy, inaayos, bina-brush. Pati wardrobe ni Guy, chine-check ni Pip. Minsan naglalakad si Guy nang nakapaa at natinik ang big toe niya. You know what Pip did? Nang nakita niyang nagdurugo ang big toe ni Guy, he ran to her, kinarga at ginamot. He sucked the blood from her toe nang ayaw huminto ang dugo. He was so worried . . . I believe na minahal rin niya si Nora. Na-develop iyon,” paniwala ni Inday.
Habang nakatitig ako sa mga litrato, bumalik ako sa panahon na nakikipagsiksikan kami ng Lola ko sa Sampaguita compound para lang masilayan ang dalawang ito. Diehard Guy & Pip fan kasi ang Lola ko. Ako naman, sumama lang sa kanya dahil gusto kong pumasyal at makakita ng artista. At saka wala siyang kasama, kawawa naman. Masasabi kong sina Guy & Pip ang mga artista na una kong nakita sa personal (nakita ko nga ba o naaninag lang?). Sila rin ang mga artista sa kauna-unahang pelikula na napanood ko sa sinehan, ang Always in my Heart. Ang mga unang engkuwentro ko sa “Guy & Pip” noong bata ako ay ang nagpasimula ng pagkilala ko sa isang Nora Aunor. Hindi man si Pip ang pinakapaborito kong katambal ni Ate Guy, hindi ko maikakaila na kinikilig din ako kapag nakikita silang magkasama. Hindi ko rin maitatatwa na sila ang pinakasikat na loveteam sa history ng Philippine showbiz. Number 1 loveteam, sabi nga. Sayang hindi sila nagkatuluyan pero hanggang ngayon mahal pa rin nila ang isa’t isa, bilang tunay na magkaibigan.
Kung napanood n’yo ang pelikulang Condemned, I’m sure matatandaan n’yo ang scene sa litratong ito. It was a poignant scene, which I think captured the whole essence of the film. Maihahalintulad ang imahe sa statue masterpiece ni Michael Angelo na La Pieta. Magkaiba nga lang ang relasyon ng magkaeksena. Sa La Pieta ay mag-ina (Virgin Mary and Jesus), sa Condemned naman ay magkapatid (si Nora Aunor as Yoly at si Dan Alvaro as Efren). Paulit-ulit kong tinitingnan ang litratong ito sa antique shop. Sino kaya ang kumuha nito? A piece of fine art . . .
Ang pinagsanib na NV Productions ni Ate Guy at Dragon Films ni Peter Gan ang matapang na nag-produce ng “Condemned”. Masasabing ito ang magandang halimbawa ng hindi sunod sa uso na tema ng pelikula pero nagustuhan ng manonood kaya kumita ito nang husto. Mahusay kasi ang pagkakagawa. One of Mario O’Hara’s best. Bagay na magkapatid si Ate Guy at Dan dito. Pareho silang magaling. Superb acting from Ate Guy. Hindi nga lang siya nanalo ng award para dito dahil sa parehong taon din niya ginawa ang ‘Merika at Bulaklak sa City Jail.
Sa pelikulang ito, napansin ko na mahusay nga palang aktres si Ms. Gloria Romero. Naiiba ang role niyang kontrabida. Kinilabutan ako sa death scene niya.
At malilimutan ko ba ang ang huling eksena sa Manila Bay? Si Ate Guy, nagtatapon ng dolyares . . . BRILLIANT!
Sa tuwing pinapakinggan ko ang awiting “Pearly Shell” na pinasikat ni Ms. Nora Aunor, laging bumabalik sa aking alaala ang kahapon.
Taong 1974. Grade 1 ako noon. Excited ako sa paghahanda ng aking costume. Bulaklaking salawal na kulay bughaw at tinuhog-tuhog ng karayom sa sinulid na puti ang puting bulaklak na kung tawagin ay calachuchi upang maging kuwintas ng hubad kong katawan. Oo, sa unang pagkakataon, sa mura kong edad, iindayog ang aking katawan sa saliw ng tugtuging “Pearly Shell.”
Hindi ko makakalimutan ang tagpong ito. Tandang-tanda ko pa. sa aming pagsasanay ng sayaw, isang aksidente ang nangyari.
Nauntog ang aking ulo sa “door knob.” Arraaayyyy!! !!! Waaaaaahhhhhhhhh! !!!!!! Ang lakas ng iyak ko as in. Siyempre, napahiya ako eh. At dumating ang ate ko para damayan ako sa kahindik-hindik na mga kaganapan.
Mula Grade 1 hanggang Grade six, folkdancer ako sa aming school. At wala nang door knob na umeeksena.
There is this new video shop located close to my Korean hairdresser. The shop (including my hairdresser’s) is outside the main mall. Hindi busy ang lugar. Sasadyain mo talaga. I was surprised to see that it is a Pinoy shop. I thought that the Pinoy owner should have known better and set up his business in another location. As well, I didn’t think that there are enough Pinoys in the area. Anyway, I went inside and found the shop owner in his lonesome. He must be delighted to see one customer walking in. We exchanged pleasantries. Then he asked if I work in the nearby hospital. Familiar daw ang face ko at may kamukha raw akong nurse doon. That was not the first time I heard that comment. Sa loob-loob ko, ang dami ko namang carbon copies!! At dito pa sa Australia na di naman karamihan ang Pinoy. I told him “No, I don’t work in any hospital at all” (ang taray! ha-ha).
Sinarvey ko ng tingin ang shop nya. There are Pinoy CDs, VCDs and DVDs ... all neatly tucked in the shelves. They are all original and, he said ... not for rent, only for sale. Tinanong niya kung meron daw ba akong hinahanap in particular. Siyempre Noranian ako kaya sabi ko ’yung mga movies ni Nora Aunor ... ni Ate Guy. Meron daw sya at sabay kuha ng isang DVD from one of the shelves. Aba eh sukat ba namang ipakita ’yung DVD ng Imortal! Sa totoo lang, hindi ko alam na movie pala ni Vilma ’yun; nalaman ko lang dahil nakita ko ’yung face ni Vi sa DVD cover. Nabigla yata ako dahil medyo tumaas ang boses ko nang mag-dialogue ako ng “Eh, aanhin ko ’yan? Si Ate Guy ang gusto ko, wala akong interes kay Ate Vi.”
Napangiti ang shop owner at nag-sorry. Eh ako naman patay-malisya at nagtanong ulit kung meron syang DVD ng Himala. Alam daw niya meron (Hello! at di pa sigurado eh shop niya ’yun? but at least he knows about Himala). Hinanap niya. Medyo natagalan pa nga. Sa isip-isip ko, lagot siya kapag Burlesk Queen ang inilabas niyang DVD (he-he). Maya-maya ay nag-dialogue siya ng “Ay, heto pala, nag-iisa na lang ang kopya.” Sabi ko naman, “Aba at may Himala nga! Eh bakit isa lang ang kopya mo? Dapat umorder ka pa ng marami dahil highly recommended ang movie na ’yan, CNN’s Viewers’ Choice Award for Best Asia-Pacific Movie of All Time.” “Ay ganu’n ba?” tanong naman nya. Sabi ko, “Oo naman tsaka dapat alam mo ’yan, dapat updated ka sa latest Pinoy movie news kasi ’yan ang business mo eh” (at pinangaralan ko pa daw ang may-ari, hahahaha). Eto na po at nag-sales talk na siya. Lima raw ang Himala copies niya pero nabili na ’yung apat kaya isa na lang ang natira. Nag-order na nga raw sya ng ilang kopya pero baka matagalan pa. $20 daw ang DVD at bilhin ko na (ang mahal huh!).
Magaling daw talaga si Nora kaya lang ... at ito ang malaking kaya lang, KAYA LANG DAW eh SAYANG. Hmp! Sa loob-loob ko eh hanggang dito ba naman ito pa rin ang maririnig ko. Sa Internet kasi eh nababasa ko rin ang ganitong komento and I admit, nakakapikon na rin. Alam ko naman ang punto nila, always sa personal na buhay ni Nora. Kesyo hindi raw kasi nag-ipon nu’ng kasikatan kaya nauwi rin sa wala. Kesyo tumanda nang walang pinagkatandaan dahil sa ganito at ganyan. Ewan! Nakalimutan na nila ang mga naiambag na sining nu’ng tao at ang mga natulungan niya (not to mention ang mga nanloko sa kanya). Nakakapagod na ring makipagtalo. Hindi ko na rin sana papansinin ang nakakairitang komento pero di ako nakatiis. Pinatulan ko na rin. Huminga muna ako nang medyo malalim bago sumagot ng “Hindi sayang si Nora. Ang sayang eh ’yung mga taong hindi pa nakakadiskubre ng extraordinary talent nya ... ng tunay na sining ... ng ibang level ng akting na kay Nora Aunor mo lang makikita at mararamdaman, ng ginintuang tinig sa pag-awit. Nasa Amerika na si Nora ngayon. Hindi siya mayaman pero so what?? Simpleng buhay siya ngayon at siguro mas mabuti ’yun para sa kanya. Nagagawa niya ang gusto niya nang walang maraming nakikialam.” Hindi kumibo ang shop owner. Buti naman at sinunod nya ang motto na “The customer is always right.” Sa isip niya siguro eh “Sobrang diehard Noranian pala ito.”
I did not get anything from the shop. I already have two copies of Himala. There’s no need to buy another one. Tsaka mas mabuti na ’yung iba ang makabili at makapanood ng huling kopya para naman mas dumami pa ang mabiyayaan ng kakaibang husay ng pelikula, ng kakaibang galing ni Nora Aunor. Interesado sana ako sa DVD ng Oro Plata Mata (another classic movie) pero may kamahalan so in the end, I decided not to buy it. Sa Pinas ko na lang bibilhin kapag nakauwi ako ulit.
Before I left the shop, sinabihan ko na lang ang shop owner ng “Good luck” sa new business niya. Kailangan niya ’yun, I think. Hindi ako business expert pero I can tell na mahihirapan mag-survive ang business niya sa lugar na hindi naman karamihan ang Pinoy and with not so cheap prices. I’m sure the resourceful Pinoys will find other means to obtain movie copies even without spending a cent. Almost 30 minutes na pala ako sa shop and the whole time, walang ibang customer. Naisip ko, hindi kaya masayang lang ang investment ng shop owner?
While I was driving home, natawa ako sa sarili ko. Sa tanang-buhay ng pagka-Noranian ko, that was the first time na ipinagtanggol ko si Ate Guy ng harap-harapan sa hindi ko kakilala. Did I just make a fool of myself? Maybe ... whatever. It felt good though ... and as for the shop owner, perhaps now he would think twice before saying the word “sayang” when a “Nora Aunor” conversation comes up again.
The author holding the hand of the Superstar (Columbia University, 2006) (Photograph by Ting Aquino)
Dear Nora,
You're one of the women, along with my mother, sister, and wife, who have been an almost inseparable part of my life. At least since I was 12 years old, when I first saw you singing “I’ll Never Find Another You” in a movie where you played a bit part together with Tirso Cruz III. There definitely was something in you: true, you're not the mestiza type as Rosemarie Sonora who was the lead actress in that movie (if I remember the title right—Bittersweet), yet you stirred a strange kind of emotion in me. Was it your voice? Was it just the song? When I came home, I was profuse with praises for you as I told my elder sister about how good a singer that little girl was in the movie I had seen. That was in 1969.
Forty years have passed and everything is now history: how that sing-and-dance newcomer rose to become a phenomenal superstar and the Philippines’ Greatest Actress of All Time. I remember my teenage days when it seemed the whole nation knew of only one entertainment personality: you! During those dreamy days of my youth, everything seemed to revolve around you. Just hearing your songs was enough to make me stop whatever I was doing and listen intently to every lyrics you breathed into. My waking hours were never complete without the thoughts of you. The first time I ever had the chance to go to Manila, the Big City, my one fondest wish was to perchance see you! In my young mind, I thought: I could be lucky, you never know! And as years went by, I could not feel contented with just seeing you in the movies, on TV or in magazines. Seeing you in person had somehow become an obsession.
The first time I saw you was when you came to Legazpi City with President Marcos and his party campaigning for an election in 1980. It was one of those days I felt thankful to have been assigned in that far-flung area of the country. To see you! it was probably the reason why I was assigned in the Bicol region, your birthplace (of course, I did not pass the chance to visit your house in Iriga during one of my trips there!). Anyway, I was starstruck as I watched you from a distance; you were chewing gum but still I felt like I was staring at a royal figure whose every movement was nothing but regal and enchanting. I almost didn’t want to blink my eyes and watched your every move, the way you stared at the adoring fans in front of you, making me wonder if you were rather scared, the way you approached your colleagues and as you gave Mat Ranillo a light peck on his cheek while you were all onstage.
The next time I saw you was when I was already working in Saudi Arabia. In one of my vacations, I watched DH with my wife, an avowed Vilmanian, but whom you managed to win over with that incomparable performance of yours on stage. Who wouldn’t be? Just in front of us was the late Ishmael Bernal who blurted “P - - - ina, Nora, ang galing-galing mo talaga!” Then I saw you again in Riyadh, when you came with then presidential candidate Joseph Estrada. The fans could not be controlled as they mobbed, hugged and kissed you onstage.
After 12 years in Saudi Arabia, I decided to try my luck in the US, but before leaving the Philippines I exerted effort to watch your concert at the Music Museum. Somehow I was worried it may be my last chance to see you in person. But heaven must really know how much I admire you. Even here in the US, I was given opportunities to see you again. In June 2004, when you came for your concert with Kuh Ledesma, we met you at the Newark International Airport. You spoke so humbly to me that the words didn’t seem to come from the Philippine entertainment’s biggest star (“Kumusta naman po kayo? Kumusta ang misis ninyo?”) They still were the words of that little girl just starting in the movies! In the summer of 2006, I watched your concert in Columbia University in New York with my wife and my best friend. Both were Vilma admirers, but as I expected, you mesmerized them both by your presence. They even ran after you and urged me to take their pictures with you!
When my first major play was successfully staged in the US, it was around the same time when you won Best Actress awards for Naglalayag. I thought to myself that maybe my life was somehow intertwined with that of my favorite Superstar. This year, on your 56th birthday, just a few days after you received the PASADO Actress of Highest Honors award for your performance in Himala, my second child graduated from his Nursing course with a Gold Medal, the highest in his class and the first Filipino in his school to attain such honor!
It has been so many years since the day I first saw you in that 1969 movie. I have become a father of three kids, two of whom are now college graduates while the other one had been to different countries for work. But one thing has remained: I’m still your number one fan. And the 21st of May will always be a very significant date for me. Happy Birthday, Nora, and thank you for the joy you’ve brought into the life of millions. In my prayers always are wishes for you to find true happiness, especially the kind of happiness found in serving the Greatest Artist of All: our Father on Earth and Father in Heaven.
Take the best care of yourself for your family, for all of us who love you, but mostly, for you—because we truly care for you!
March 31, nagbigay-parangal at pagkilala kami sa mga taong mahal namin sa aming komunidad ng mga katekista. Sa pagnanais kong iparinig ang mga bagong awitin ni Ate Guy, gumawa ako ng simpleng videos na may lyrics ng kanta.
1. Sa mga kasamahan namin dito sa Manila na nagkaroon ng bagong assignment at dahil sa tawag ng paglilingkod at pagiging masunurin ay malilipat ng ibang lugar
ang theme song para sa kanila ay “Sa Iyo Pa Rin.”
2. Sa kapatid naming namayapa nitong nakaraang Marso, si Aldrin (please pray for him), isang katekistang nasa ilalim ng aking pangangalaga, biglaan ang kanyang pagkawala (na-heat stroke)
kaya theme song namin para sa kanya ay “Ganyan Nga Ba.” Puwede rin ang “Habang Panahon” pero gagamitin ko ito para sa susunod na susunduin (hehehe … joke).
At the end, komento ng aking kasamahang coordinator: “Bro, nadalawahan mo kami ah.” Natutuwa silang may paghanga. Angkop naman kasi ang mga awit.
At kinakanta na nila pagkatapos.
At ako naman ay mananatili sa Manila pero maa-assign sa ibang area. Kaya gagawa ako ng video para sa aking maiiwanan
na ang theme song ay “Friends.”
Sa aking pagtahak sa bagong assignment,
ang theme song ay “Starlight.”
At para naman sa mga kapatid ko na ayaw palipat ng parokya dahil ayaw ng pagbabago o komportable na (kung meron man),
ang theme song ay “Ligaya.”
Ang isa pang plano ko, tribute naman sa mga katekistang “SINGLE” pa (marami niyan dito; di na nakapag-asawa dahil kay Kristo, huh!)
ang theme song naman nila ay “Kailan.”
Ang iba sa kanila ay 50 years old na, umaasa pa (hehehe … joke uli). pero ako, nagdesisyon na: “single-blessedness” forever.
During advent, meron kaming special lesson: Advent and Christmas. Kaya ang awiting “Pasko” naman ang papasok.
O di ba ang saya!
Masaya ang maging katekista. At kung kayo ay nagnanais magkatekista o may kamag-anak, kaibigan, o kakilalang gustong maging katekista, makipag-ugnayan lamang po sa akin.
O kung may kakilala kayong gustong sumuporta sa pag-aaral ng sinumang gustong maging katekista, just let me know.
As a Noranian, I am overwhelmed to read all the news, articles, and commentaries about Himala’s latest conquer: the CNN APSA Viewers Choice Award for Best Asia-Pacific Film of All Time. It was an unexpected but nevertheless a sweet victory, especially that we were all involved in making it happen. It is a shame though that we had to wait for another international recognition to make us see again the light of day in terms of acknowledging the Filipino films that should make us proud but irrespective, and even with the presence of still nonbelievers, the Philippines and the great Filipino artists behind the film Himala had made another indelible mark in world cinema.
Notwithstanding all the geniuses, artists, and workers behind this great film, I would like to make a special tribute to the true “face” of Himala, the only exemplary figure that everyone instantly associates the film with. Mr. Ricky Lee already said it, “Si Guy ang Himala.” Finally, finally ... due credit is given. And who else would contest this when it was the writer/creator himself who proclaimed it? So much has been said about Nora’s acting or “non-acting” in Himala and we can go on for ages discussing this so l will stop here. Let’s just say that Nora definitely deserves all those praises. The film itself proclaimed this too in the words of Ricky Lee as sounded by the character of Orly in one of his dialogues: “Mahusay na artista si Elsa.” Nora is Elsa. Elsa is Nora. Nora Aunor ... the greatest Filipino actor of all time, so far as I’m concerned. Well, I am a true-blue Noranian so enough said ...
Noranians rejoiced as this indeed is one of the best Noranian times. Suddenly, we were engulfed with a barrage of free publicity and reawakening of highest level for our dear Nora Aunor. I cannot remember the last time we had a true cause for a celebration like this. What is amazing is that Nora herself didn’t have to do a thing for all these to happen, not even a finger for her to lift. No publicity machinery from the Big production companies. How and why is this so? Because Nora has done all the magnanimous work already, 26 years ago. She has planted the seed and I suppose we can call this as harvest time now, which will go on for more years and future generations to come. I’m sure that Nora is elated and grateful about this new recognition though she would not be the type to brag about it or anything really for that matter. So we will let her sit back, watch, and listen as others like me feel proud on her behalf.
There were skeptics, sour grapes, and plain whiners. Better to ignore them, I think. I’d rather pay attention to what the more credible, reliable, intelligent, and most of all unbiased people have to say about Nora, especially those who even came forward to declare that they are Noranians, not in the fan-like way as I do, but in the name of true honest respect for Nora’s artistry. And their names will be added to the “elite” list, which by the way already included some National Artists.
An official “Noranian” admission from Ms. Imee Marcos is most welcome. She studied arts. Surely she would recognize a genuine artist when she encounters one. Also last night, I was able to listen to Ricky Lee’s interview in DZRH. The interviewer, the founder of the Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA) herself, Ms. Cecile Guidote Alvarez, announced it for everyone to hear that she is also a Noranian.
But more than that, Ms. Alvarez recalled fond memories of working with Nora in theater during the times when they did Trojan Women. According to her, Nora did the play in an alternate actress role for FREE ... and this is in the interest of helping some organization. Also goes without saying—her passion for doing what she loves to do and doing it as one true artist would.
Hearing this sounded like music to the ears of a Noranian like me for this basically is what Nora’s detractors and nonbelievers have taken for granted all these years. Despite all Nora’s follies, she has that genuine concern to help. It was not put-on. And she will not tell. It will just unfold by its own free will. In time, I hope that more Nora anecdotes like this will be discovered and written. The True Life story of La Aunor—that’s what I yearn to read because then, I believe that it will all make more sense ... kung bakit “si Guy ang Himala.” I can’t wait for Mr. Ricky Lee, another humble artist himself and Nora’s official biographer, to start writing the first page.
Alam iyan ng malalapit kong kaibigan. Hindi naman ako die-hard na talagang makikipagpatayan kapag inaalipusta si Nora, hindi rin naman ako closet Noranian na itinatago ang paghanga sa kanya. Kumbaga, nasa gitna ako.
Recently, nagkaroon ng feature sa PEP (Philippine Entertainment Portal) tungkol kay Nora. Yung mga myth sa kanya. Binasa ko iyon. At nagbalik sa isip ko ang kasikatan ni Nora noong kabataan ko.
Natatandaan ko noong elementary ako, nakatira kami sa Krus na Ligas, isang maliit na komunidad sa UP Diliman. Naabutan naming wala pang kuryente noon sa Krus na Ligas at ang tubig ay sinasalok pa sa poso sa di-kalayuan ng bahay na inuupahan namin. Dumadayo kaming magkakapatid (ako, ang nakatatanda kong kapatid na si Baby, at ang bunso na si Cecil) para manood ng Superstar tuwing Linggo. Siyempre, hindi sumasama ang kuya ko. Care niya kay Nora!
Alam na ni Tita Carmelita na ang sadya namin sa kanila ay ang Superstar show kaya pinapanood na rin niya iyon para makapanood kami. Binabalikan ko kung Noranian ba ang ate ko, pero parang hindi naman. Ewan ko kung bakit namin dinadayo ang Superstar. Pero ako, doon nagsimula ang pagiging Noranian ko.
Gustong-gusto ko siya. Gandang-ganda ako sa boses niya. Galing na galing ako sa pag-arte niya. Pero tingin ko, ang pinag-uugatan ng pagka-Noranian ko ay ang mismong kuwento ni Nora Aunor. Alam nating lahat na tindera lang siya ng tubig sa riles ng tren sa Bicol. Pero dahil maganda ang boses ay hindi siya natalo sa Tawag ng Tanghalan. Sumikat siya nang husto. Sikat na sikat.
Grabe ang mga kuwento ng kasikatan ni Nora noon. Hindi ko siya personal na nasaksihan dahil hindi naman ako dumayo sa studio para panoorin siya, hindi rin ako nakipagsiksikan sa premiere night ng mga pelikula niya. Kokonti lang ang napanood kong pelikula niya sa sine (Bilangin ang Bituin sa Langit, Himala, Till We Meet Again, Mga Kuwento ni Lola Basyang, I Can’t Stop Loving You—medyo marami rin pala). Wala rin akong mga plaka niya noong araw (although may mga long playing ang lola ko dahil die-hard Noranian din siya. May anekdota ako sa pagiging Noranian ng lola ko. Minsang nakasabay ko siyang manood ng Superstar show kung saan kumakanta si Nora kasama sina Kuh Ledesma at Zsazsa Padilla. Sabi ba naman ni Lola Pacing: “Wala pa rin talagang tatalo sa galing ni Nora sa pagkanta.” Napatango ako. “Saka sa ganda niya!” pahabol ni Lola. Napatingin ako sa kanya. Sobra naman!!! Magaling pa rin si Nora, oo, pero mas maganda naman sa kanya sina Kuh at Zsazsa.
Anyways, balik ako sa kuwento ng kasikatan ni Nora. Hindi ko nga nasaksihan iyon, pero nabasa ko naman. Mahilig kasi ako sa showbiz magazine at dahil sikat si Nora, maraming articles tungkol sa kanya. At lahat iyon binabasa ko (sabagay, binabasa ko lahat ng articles tungkol sa lahat ng artista). Talagang amazed ako sa kasikatan niya.
Merong isang mahabang article na hindi ko makakalimutan. Sabi roon, kapag nakakita ka ng tren, maaalala mo si Nora. Kapag nakakita ka ng tubig, maaalala mo si Nora. Kapag nakakita ka ng maitim, maaalala mo si Nora. Kapag nakakita ka ng nunal, maaalala mo si Nora. Kapag nakakita ka ng uling, maaalala mo si Nora. Kapag uminom ka ng Coke (naging endorser kasi si Nora ng Coke at may jingle pa itong ganito: It’s the real thing … si Norang maitim … pumasok sa dilim … paglabas ay uling) maaalala mo si Nora. Kapag gumamit ka ng Dial, maaalala mo si Nora.
Maaalala mo rin daw si Nora kapag nakita mo si Tirso Cruz III, si Manny de Leon, si Christopher de Leon, si Erap, si Sajid Khan. Kung sino-sino pa ang binanggit at kung ano-ano pa ang na-enumerate na makapagpapaalala sa iyo kay Nora. Pero ang talagang hindi ko makakalimutan ay ang huling linya ng article. Ito ang sabi. Kapag daw nakita mo si Vilma, maaalala mo si Nora.
Windang ako. Ang sakit-sakit nu’n kay Vilma dahil poor second lang siya kay Nora noon. At napaka-ironic, di ba? Maski sa karibal, si Nora pa rin ang maalala. Meron pa ngang cover noon ng isang magazine. Magpa-Pasko noon, nagsasabit si Nora ng mga palawit sa Christmas tree, nakatingin sa camera, nakangiti. At si Vilma? Naka-crop sa isang bolang sinasabit ni Nora sa Christmas tree. Ganoon kaliit si Vilma noon kumpara kay Nora. (Hala, lumalabas ang pagka-Noranian ko! Hindi raw die-hard, o!)
Karamihan ng pelikula ni Nora, sa TV ko lang napanood. Pero talagang kapag pinapanood ko siya, mesmerized ako sa kanya. Ang galing niya talaga! Lalo na sa Ina Ka ng Anak Mo. Hindi lang doon sa natuklasan niyang naanakan ng asawa niya ang sarili niyang ina, kundi doon sa mga sumunod pang eksena, pagkatapos niyang bitawan ang linyang “Idedemanda ko kayo.” Dahil pagkaraan ng mga bente minutos, mari-realize mo, Teka, wala nang dialogue si Nora, a. Kurek, ’yung mga eksena niya, mata na lang niya ang pinaarte niya.
May patawang anekdota rin sa kagalingan ng mga mata ni Nora sa pag-arte. Noong kasikatan daw niya, laging dinudumog ang mga shooting niya. Sigawan ang mga fans, balyahan. Kaya ang hirap-hirap mag-shooting. Kaya napagpasyahan nilang sa probinsiya mag-shooting. At inilihim talaga nila, para hindi sumugod ang mga fans.
Pero kakaiba ang mga fans ni Nora, parang mga insektong may antena, ang lakas ng pang-amoy sa Superstar. Pagdating ni Nora at ng production sa location sa malayong probinsiya, hindi na magkamayaw ang mga tao. Ang dami-dami raw talaga. Pero wala na silang magagawa, kailangan nilang mag-shoot.
Eto ang eksena: nagwawalis is Nora sa bakuran. So ayun, take na. Pero dahil sa dami ng tao, nahahagip sila ng camera, at kahit anong sabi at galit ng direktor at ng production, hindi sila masaway. Wild talaga. Parang mga hayok kay Nora.
Ang solusyon? Imbes na extreme full shot kung saan makikita ang kagandahan ng provincial setting, full shot na lang. Buong katawan ni Nora ang makikitang nagwawalis. So take na! Kaso ang mga fans, nadagdagan pa. Dahil ’yung mga nasa karatig-probinsiya, nagdatingan pa. Kaya maski full shot lang, nahahagip pa rin ang mga fans sa background. Nasira nga ang bakod.
Galit na galit si direk, gusto nang i-pack up ang shooting. Pero hindi puwedeng mag-pack up, dahil ipapalabas na next week ang pelikula (tatlong araw lang ginagawa ang pelikula ni Nora Aunor noon tapos the following week, palabas na). Kaya walang choice si direk kundi ituloy ang shooting.
At ang solusyon? Medium shot na lang. Ang kuha, mula sa bewang paitaas na lang. Mahagip lang ang walis. Pero maski iyon, hagip pa rin ang mga fans na lalong nadoble. Kaya ang solusyon, close up na lang ng mukha ni Nora. Ipakita na lang daw ni Nora sa pamamagitan ng kanyang expressive eyes ang pagwawalis. Game naman si Nora.
So ayun, action! Shooting. Natapos naman ang eksena.
Pero sabi ni Direk, take two!
Taka ang lahat! Bakit daw? Hindi ba naipakita ni Nora sa pamamagitan ng kanyang expressive eyes na siya ay nagwawalis.
Sabi ni direk, naipakita naman daw. Kaya lang, ang nagamit daw ni Nora ay walis-tambo imbes na walis-tingting!
****** Noranians are people smitten by a talent extraordinaire: Ms. Nora Aunor, a singer with golden voice, world-class film artist, cultural icon, living legend—the ultimate multimedia Superstar of the Philippine entertainment industry.
Noranians are SUPERSTARstruck.
This is their page to celebrate their identity as Noranians.
****** Noranians may share here their impression of Nora Aunor; any trivia on her music, performances, or other works; their own stories as Noranians. E-mail contributions to superstarstruck@gmail.com.
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