Published February 9, 2023, 8:00 AM
Reports of Nora Aunor’s failing health took a backseat when she gamely faced media Feb. 4 to announce she was making another screen comeback, her nth.
The superstar and National Artist admitted she had not been feeling well in recent past. She has breathing problems. She gets tired easily. She checks in regularly in hospital.
For a moment, Nora said she had thought that with her condition, she could no longer make another film. She also said she was ready to retire, yet it seems the industry won’t allow her.
That afternoon at Victorino’s in Quezon City, however, the superstar was pure energy, hale and hearty. Being with right company, the media included, she said, fueled her enthusiasm.
“I’m feeling so much better now as I talk to all of you. Bahala na how I will feel later when all this shall be over,” she made light of her state of health.
So, why did she decide to make another film considering her condition?
Nora said acting is her calling. She’s inspired to do more films when she watches other actors engaging in the craft that she has embraced and mastered through the years.
She said she couldn’t refuse the offer by QC Councilor Alfred Vargas, who personally came to see her at home to make a pitch. In Alfred’s words, umakyat siya ng ligaw sa superstar for his own Alternative Vision Cinema.
The film’s premise and promise seemed sound. The project immediately appealed to her, she said. And it was to be directed by someone she has known well, Adolfo Alix Jr., who has directed two of her recent films, “Padre de Pamilya” and “Kontrabida.”
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In Pieta, Nora plays mother to Alfred, an ex- convict accused of having murdered his father. Her character is half-blind in her old age. She is also on the threshold of dementia. “Pieta” is Nora’s first movie after having been named National Artist in 2022.
Alfred said Nora is his personal choice for the film, reflecting the sentiment of every other Filipino actor, he said, whose one big dream is to make a film with the superstar.
Nora, on the other hand, found the councilor and former congressman quite humble, easy to talk to. “I found him quite intelligent and understanding. I am happy that being a councilor, he easily understands the plight of other people.”
Pieta also stars Gina Alajar, Nora’s kumare and former director in the hit GMA series, “Onanay.”
The two best actresses previously acted together in five other films: My Little Brown Girl, Condemned, Bulaklak ng City Jail, Tatlong Ina, Isang Anak, Andrea.
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In the same Pieta event:
Nora also announced that the first tell-all book about her life will be published this year. Co-written by Adolfo Alix, it is being written in her own words for purposes of authenticity. That’s how Nora likes it told.
“Walang bawal-bawal, lahat pinagkukuwentuhan namin. Basta lahat, galing sa kanya,” said Alix.
Through the book, Nora wants to share her life experiences with the public, especially young people, so they may learn a thing or two on her life lessons.
Alfred is publishing the book, designed to be a series of no-holds barred confessions.
Gina Alajar spoke eloquently about Nora’s humility, a trait that hasn’t diminished through the years and despite her status.
“She’s not the type who will make her presence big on the set, like a diva. If she has something to settle with you, she talks to you privately.”
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