Bianca Umali on sharing a scene with Nora Aunor: 'It was magical'

BY CARISSA ALCANTARA

Feb 10, 2025 04:26 PM

  

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Bianca Umali 

Bianca Umali couldn't help but smile as she recalled one of the many memorable moments she shared with the one and only Superstar Nora Aunor on the set of ''Mananambal."

During a media conference held at Viva Cafe last Feb. 6, Bianca related how "magical" it was filming their final scene together.

"I was very nervous to do that scene and it was one of those days na kaming dalawa [Nora] lang po yung magkasama nun on set. It was not a comfortable situation to be in pero being there with her and seeing her acting as if she was as young as she used to be, it was magical," Bianca said. 

She added, "Ayun yung sinasabi ko na masterclass because I dream of being like that."

Apparently, Bianca wants to be an inspiration to others very much like Nora.

"No matter how cruel this world is you hold on to what you love doing and you do it to inspire people and to be kinder to the people around you," Biance said.

Bianca also shared how she learned to trust her co-actors through Nora. 

"The level of kung paano po siya magtiwala sa mga katrabaho niya, regardless kung ano po ang posisyon. Isa po kasi yun sa mga learnings ko as one of the new generation of actors dito po sa industriya, kung gaano po kahalaga ang healthy and collaborative working environment and isa po yun sa nakita ko kay Ate Guy," Bianca mentioned.

"Mananambal" follows a group of ambitious content creators in search of Lucia (Aunor), the “mananambal” whose extraordinary healing powers have recently gone viral. 

Their pursuit leads them to Alma (Umali), Lucia’s strong-willed daughter, who refuses to follow her mother’s path and is eager to live life on her own terms. 

The group’s persistence to use Alma as their way to Lucia crosses dangerous lines, leaving Alma broken and betrayed.

Upon returning to Manila, the content creators find themselves engulfed in a nightmare of inexplicable and horrifying events, with death relentlessly chasing them.

Directed by Adolfo Alix Jr, the riveting new horror masterpiece also stars Kelvin Miranda, Edgar Allan Guzman, Jeric Gonzales, and Martin Escudero. 

It hits cinemas nationwide on February 19.

MOVIEGOER: Nora survives health issues, stars in new film, writes book

Published February 9, 2023, 8:00 AM

by Nestor Cuartero, MB

Nora Aunor

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.”

Alfred Vargas, Nora Aunor, Gina Alajar and director Adolfo Alix Jr.

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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.

Alfred Vargas, Nora Aunor and Gina Alajar

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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.”

Marion Aunor Inks Star Deal

 

After winning second runner-up in the song writing competition "Himig Handog P-Pop Love Song" for her composition "If you ever changed your mind," Marion Aunor is now an official recording artist as she recently inked a deal with Star Recording, Inc. Marion's debut album will be released by the end of this month. 

"My album will include some songs that I composed and the other songs were composed by my mentor, Mr. Vehnee Saturno," she said. She will also be part of the world tour of ABS-CBN's top-rating daytime drama series "Be careful with my heart". Marion Aunor is a nice of great star Nora Aunor, which I was able to meet already personally during the 1980s, when she visited Berlin during the International Movie Fest.