THY 'BANIG'

ARTWORK BY JOM PAP

A "banig" artwork by Noranian graphic designer Jom Pap in honor of THY WOMB in which Ms. Nora Aunor's character (a Bajau midwife) also weaves mats. Thy "Banig" - A weave of passion for true artists Direk Brillante and Nora Aunor. 

THY WOMB: HEARTBREAKING. DEVOUTLY HUMANIST WORK

BY: STEVE GRAVESTOCK

tiff.net

August 2012

Source:  http://www.torontointernationalfilmfestival.ca/filmsandschedules/tiff/2012/thywomb

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Filipino master Brillante Mendoza returns to the Festival with the moving Thy Womb, which focuses on Bangas-An (Bembol Roco) and his wife Shalena (Nora Aunor), a childless, aging Muslim couple who eke out a hardscrabble existence on a remote island. They fish by day while Shalena painstakingly sews elaborate tapestries at night, and, when necessary, serves as the community’s midwife. In addition to the tough labour they engage in every day, the couple must deal with the nearby guerillas who routinely rob unlucky travellers on the sea. Yet these hardships all seem minor in comparison to the difficulties they face in trying to adopt a child. All seems hopeless, until Shalena makes a startling suggestion: that Bangas-An should take a second wife capable of giving him a child.

Shot in a strict realist style, Thy Womb is on one level a record of this tiny, isolated community’s daily existence, attentively capturing the minutiae of their unique way of life. (Some of which are not for the faint of heart —particularly those involving the preparations for a wedding banquet.) There’s a sense of timelessness to these moments, which makes the incursions on the community from the modern, outside world all the more powerful and disturbing. But don’t be taken in by the seeming artlessness of presentation: as always, Mendoza is nothing if not rigorous in the construction of his narrative, and as Bangas-An and Shalena pursue their last-ditch plan to obtain the child that they yearn for, it becomes ever clearer that some dreams come with a price that may be far too steep.

Aunor, one of the Philippines’ biggest and most beloved stars, offers a moving portrayal of a woman determined to provide her husband with a child, while Roco (who was seen at last year’s Festival in Adolfo Alix Jr.’s Fable of the Fish) is equally good as her stoic husband. Directed by Mendoza with an unfailingly keen eye for detail and attention to the rhythms of rural life, Thy Womb is a heartbreaking, devoutly humanist work.

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*Steve Gravestock - Programmer of the 2012 Toronto International Film festival

The UNTOLD STORY of SR. THELMA L.

TV 5's Untold Stories will have its very special episode with SUPERSTAR MS. NORA AUNOR entitled "SISTER THELMA L". 

Ms. Nora is reunited with the veteran actress Angie Fierro ( who played her mother in "SIDHI" and her oppressor in "ATSAY") and actor-politician YUL SERVO (Ms. Nora's lover in "NAGLALAYAG"). 

Ms. Nora Aunor plays Sister Thelma L, a nun who decides to leave the convent to consummate a forbidden love affair-- a decision that costs her some misfortunes thereafter.

Directed by Argel Joseph, the true-to-life drama anthology will be shown on September 1, Saturday at 8:30 in the evening.

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MAY HIMALA!!! Restored film proves it's a real global classic

Iconic still from the Filipino classic, "Himala." (Courtesy of ABS-CBN Film Archives)

By GERRY PLAZA

omg! Philippines News Blog

August 16, 2012

Source:  http://ph.omg.yahoo.com/blogs/omgphnewsblog/may-himala-restored-film-proves-real-global-classic-013358351.html

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Filipinos will again take the spotlight when the 1982 movie, "Himala," shows at the prestigious Venice Film Festival from August 29 to September 8.

What's special about this screening is that the film will be presented in its fully restored version, along with other international film classics in the program "Venizia Classici." Other films in the program are acclaimed Hollywood classics such as Howard Hawks's "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes," which starred Marilyn Monroe, and Orson Welles's "Chimes at Midnight."

Above all, the inclusion of "Himala" reinforces the accolade it received from an online poll CNN conducted in 2008, naming it the best film of all time in the Asia-Pacific region.

Eloquent and powerful

"Himala" is notable because it starred Nora Aunor in a career-defining performance as Elsa, a young woman who attracts international attention to her small town when she claims she has seen The Virgin Mary and can heal the sick.

It was also directed by the late National Artist Ishmael Bernal, from a screenplay written by the multi-awarded Ricky Lee.

Variety Magazine, the American film industry's trade paper, called "HImala" "an eloquent, powerful film that is full of grandeur and simple segments."

It praised Nora Aunor for her "sensitive, polished and highly passive and consistently low key performance," making her "letter-perfect for the role."

'Great historical importance'

In choosing "Himala" to be part of the festival's "Venizia Classici," organizers said it would allow "contemporary audiences the opportunity to view again or see for the first time films of great historical importance."

ABS-CBN spearheaded the film's restoration after acquiring the rights to the acclaimed title, which was first produced by the Experimental Cinema of the Philippines in 1982 for the Metro Manila Film Festival.

It will also soon restore another film classic produced by ECP, Peque Gallaga's "Oro Plata Mata."

The restored print of "Himala" will show in local theaters in the coming months.

THY WOMB: SAILING TO INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVALS

VENICE INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL

Brillante headed bact to Venice Fest

Brillante Mendoza film to compete in Venice

BUSAN (SOUTH KOREA) INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL

8 Filipino Indies in Busan

TORONTO INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL

'Thy Womb', 'Bwakaw' join Toronto Film Fest

Toronto 2012

Harmony Korine, Kiyoshi Kurosawa, Choi Dong-Hoon, Sion Dono and Brillante Mendoza anchor TIFF Contemporary World Cinema Selections

THE NORA AUNOR TRIVIA

NORA AUNOR

By Mandy Diaz L. Jr.

Wednesday, June 6, 2007

Source: http://guyalkhobar.blogspot.com/2007/06/nora-aunor-trivia-by-mandy-diaz-jr.html

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SI NORA AUNOR ANG NAG-IISANG SUPERSTAR NG LOCAL SHOWBIZ!

Ang tindera ng tubig sa riles ng tren na sumali sa Tawag ng Tanghalan ay sumira sa kalakaran ng showbiz.  Sino ang mag-aakala na sa pagka bansot niyang 'yon, sa mala-negtrita at payat niyang pangangatawan ay tatanghalin siya bilang isa sa mga higante ng Industriya ng Pelikulang Pilipino.

Mahigit na apat sa dekada na si Ate Guy sa showbiz, ngunit nananatili pa rin siyang Superstar at marahil ay wala ng papalit pa sa puwesto niya.

Paminsan-minsan ay lumalamlam ang kanyang career, ngunit nagagawa niyang makabalik. "Sleeping Dragon" kung siya'y tawagin.  Siya lang ang artistang laging may huling baraha. Siya rin ay tinaguriang "THE LIVING LEGEND", GOLDEN VOICE", " THE GREATEST ACTRESS OF ALL TIME", "FESTIVAL QUEEN", "ICON OF PHILIPPINE CINEMA" at "MULTIMEDIA ARTIST". Ang halos lahat ng tungkol sa kanyang pagkatao ay alam na ng publiko, lalo na ng kanyang matatapat na tagahanga.

Bawat kilos niya't galaw ay balita.  Nalalaman na ng publiko na ipinaaalam naming muli, mga bagay na maaring nakalimutan na nila, pero maaalala uli. May mga bagay rin sigurong hindi pa nila alam, kaya't ito ang pagkakataong malaman nila ang impormasyon tungkol sa kanya.  Narito ang aking hinalukay mula sa Encyclopedia Noraniana para sa kaalaman ng kanyang mga tapat na tagahanga.  Ang boung pangalan niya ay NORA CABALTERA VILLAMOR.

Ipinanganak siya noong May 21, 1953 sa Baryo San Francisco, Iriga, Camarines Sur.  Ang mga magulang niya ay sina Eustaquio Villamayor[SLN] at Antonia Cabaltera [SLN].

In 1974, the Mabini College was granted by the Department of Education
its University status and become known as the
University of Northeastern Philippines Today

Siya ay nag Grade I sa Mabini Memorial College ['59-'60];

siya ay nag Grade II & III sa Nichols Air Base Elementary School ['60-'62];

Siya ay nag grade IV & V sa Iriga Central Elementary School ['62-64'];

Siya ay nag Grade VI sa Mabini Memorial College ['65-'65];

Siya ay nag Firstyear High school sa Mabini Memorial College ['65-'66];

Nag second at third year school sa Centro Escoloar University ['66-'69];

At nag- fourth year high school sa CEU rin ['70-71].

Mater Dolorosa

Pinaglihi siya sa Birhen Dolorosa. Sampu silang mag kakapatid. Pampito si Nora. Apat na lamang silang nabubuhay ngayon. Sina Tita, Oscar, Nora at Buboy.

Ang pangarap niya'y maging Teacher.

Isang hilot ang nag paanak kay Mamay, ito ay si Agapita Layusa at katulong si Teresa Megistrado, lola ni Norasa mother side. After a week pagkaanak kay Nora ay bininyagan ito at ang tumayong Ninong at Ninang naman ay si Tarcial Beatriz at pagkaraan ng dalawang taon ay kinumpilan ito at ang ninang naman ay si Tia Castor.

When Nora was almost seven, alam ba ninyong pinakain ito ni Mamay ng champorado na halong maliliit na Alphabeto fron letter A to Z na cut out paper, sa paniniwalang magiging matalino at malinaw ang memorya nito.

Maraming tukso ang ikinapit kay Nora.  Tinawag siyang baluga, negra, bulilit at drakulita. Marami ring palayaw si Nora, "Baby", noong lumaki siya, " Bing-Bing", "Bok" at lalo siyang kilala sa palayaw na "Guy".

Si lola Theresa [Mother side] ang nagturo kay Nora ng pagkanta.  Ang una niyang tinuro dito ay "The Way of a Clown", at si Mommy Belen naman ang nagturo sa kanya ng diction, interpretation at expression.  Alam ba ninyong swerte kay Nora ang No. 7.  Ikapito siyang anak, sumikat siya sa pang pitong kanta [The Music Played] at Seventies din tanghalin siyang Supertar.  1997 doble siete, nang maghiwalay sila ni Christopher De Leon.

Alam, nyo ring bang 14 weeks na nag-Champion si Nora sa Darigold Jamboree Contest at Tawag ng Tanghalan.  Siya ay sumali sa Liberty Milk Contest sa Naga. Inawit niya ang "You and the Night and the Music", kung saan napagwagian niya First Prize.  Ito ang unang karangalan na nakamit niya.  Sinundan ito ng Darigold Jamboree Contest.

Tinanghal siyang "Mang-aawit ng Linggo" sa Tawag ng Tanghalan.  Inawit niya rito ang "You and the Night and the Music", subalit nang maglaban sa sila ng dating kampeon na si Jose Yap, siya ay natalo ng ilang puntos. Sumali siya sa Darigold Bulilit Contest na pinamamhalaan ni Leila Benitez. Dito siya hinirang na kampeon sa loob ng labing apat na linggo.  Bunga nito, naging palagian siyang mang-aawit ng Tita Betty's Children Show.  Nang sumali siya sa Tawag ng Tanghalan, binago na niya ang kanyang apelyido, ito ay ginawang Aunor. Ang kamyang talent scout ay si Victorino Bubay.

Nora Aunor was declared the champion,
Pinakamahusay na Tuklas ng Talino ng 1967,
during the Grand National Finals of Tawag ng Tanghalan.

Kinanta niya ang "People" at tinalo niya ang kampeon na isang pulis, si Oscar Antonio. Siya ay tinanghal na labing apat na linggong Kampeon at pagkatapos ay nagbitiw siya upang pagbigyan ang ibang talents. Siya rin ang naging kauna-unahang Over-all-champion sa Grand National Finals ng Tawag ng Tanghalan [May 29, 1967]. Dito ay inawit niya ang Moonlight Becomes You.

Ang unang labas nya sa Araneta Coliseum [1967] nang mag-guest siya sa pagtatanghal ni Timi Yuro. Nagustuhan siya ng Banyagang mangaawit at hinahangad na pa nitong ampunin siya.

Ang dalawang unang TV appearance niya bilang guest ay sa "An Evening with Pilita" at "Carmen on Camera".

Ang kauna-unahang Radio program niya ay ang Operatang Putol-putol ng DZXL na maririnig mula ika 11 ng umaga hanggang 12 ng tanghali tuwing Linggo at ang Fiesta Extravaganza na kung saan at una silang nagkatambal ni Tirso Cruz III.

Ang first TV Program niya ay ang Oras ng Ligaya.  Ito at sa Channel 3 tuwing Martes mula 5:30 hanggang 7:30 ng gabi. Siya ay apat na beses tinangihan sa pelikula.

Si German Moreno ng nagdala sa kanya sa studio ng Sampaguita.  Siya ay pumirma rito ng non-exclusive contract noong Otc. 2, 1967.

Ang una niyang pelikula at "ALL OVER THE WORLD". Dito'y inawit niya ang "I ONLY CAME TO SAY GOODBYE" at "I ALMOST CALL YOUR NAME", pero sumikat siya sa " The Music Plated" at "Take My Heart" at nanalo pa siyang Most Promising Singer ng Awit Awards noong 1969.

Ang kauna-unahang single ni Nora at sa Citation Records, dito ay ni-rekord niya ang "Moonlight Becomes You", at "There's Just Forever", at sa Jasper Recording "No Return, No Exchange" at "You are My First Love". Hindi gaanong nag-click ito.Ang Tower Productions and nagbigay sa kanya ng First Starring Role, ito ang "D Musical Teen-age Idol", na ipinalabas noong Sept. 23, 1969 katambal niya si Tirso Crus III at sa Direksyon ni Artemio Marquez, at ang "Fiesta Extravaganza" with Tirso Crus III ng JBC Productions an halos kasabay [Sept. 26] sa direksyon naman ni Consuelo P. Osorio.

Ito ay tatlong araw lamang ang pagitan nang ipinalabas pero parehong kumita.  Dito siyan tinaguriang PHENOMENAL.

Isinilang ang Nora-Eddie Show noong December 1969. Ito ang napapanood every Monday at sa direksyon ni Ike Fernado.

Maria Leonora Theresa with Guy and Pip

Si Maria Leonora Theresa ang reaglo sa kanya ni Pip noong naging muse siya sa Sampaguita Family Club. Ito rin ang kauna-unahang at maaring wala na, na manika sa sumikat sa local showbiz. Ito ay noong 1969. Ginawan ng ng kanta na inawit ni Tirso.

Young Girl ['69] ang unang tambalan nila ni Tirso at "Nora, the Single Girl" [69] ang unang tamabalan naman nila ni Manny de Leon.Ang unang director ay si Conrado Conde, at si Artemio Marquez naman ang may pinakamaraming naidirek sa kanya.

Si Mar Torres na nagbigay sa kanya ng kauna-unahang Best Actress niya sa "And God Smiles at Me" ['72] sa Quezon Festival at si Mario O'Hara naman bilang serious actress sa "Tatlong Tanong Walang Diyos" ['76 sa Famas at Urian.  "Mannette" naman ang pangalan ng manika na regalo kat Guy noong birthday niya ["70'] ng Nora-Manny fans sa pangsagot kay Maria Leonora Theresa.  "Young Love" ['70] naman ang unang palikulang nagtampok kina Nora at Tirso, Vilma at Edgar sa bakuran ng Sampaguita Pictures at sa direksyon ni Tony Cayado."

Ang Munting Santa" ['70'] ang unang palikula ni Nora sa nagkarron ng premiere night at ito ay ginanap sa Wolrd Theater.  Sa "Nasaan ka Inay" siya nakatikim ng acting nomination.  Ito ay sa CAT Awards ng CCMM.  April 2, 1970 nang lumagda siya ng exclusive contract sa Tower Productions at sa edad na labing pitong taong gulang ay idinimanda ng Samapaguita Pictures sa salang "Breach of Contract".  Nagpunta siya sa Hongkong noong July 25, 1970 para gawin ang mga pelikulang "Around Asia with Nora" at "The Golden Voice of Nora", at ito ngang huli ay sinali sa First Quezon City Film Fest.

Siya ang kauna-unahang Philippines Young Star noon na nag-shooting sa Holywood. Ito ay noong Nov. 12, 1970.  Ginawa niya ang "Lollipos and Roses" kapareha niya si Victor Laurel at kasama si Don Johnson.  February 22, 1979 bang pumirma siya sa Kanlaon Broadcasting System [KBS].  Ito ay para sa dalawang TV program na tinampukan niya, ang Superstar at ang Nora Cinderella.  Mid April, 1971 nang ipinalabas ang "Nora Cinderella" na napapanood tuwing Miyerkules. Ang format nito ay Musical, Drama, Fantasy at Action, sa direksyon ni George Rowe.  Si Nora Aunor ang tinaguriang Ramon Magsaysay of flickerville dahil sa kanyang kasimplihan at ang mga masa at nakaka-identify sa kanya.

Siya ay lumabas na naka-wheel chair sa Aquarius '71 Show na ginanap sa Araneta Coliseum noong Feb. 28, 1971, kapareha ni Victor Laurel, at kinabukasan naman sa RC Cola Show sa Luneta na may kasamang Doctor at Nurse. Marami ang nagulat nang makita siyang nakasuot ng Hot Pants, lalo siyang tinaguriang "Gimikera".  Si Sajid Khan ang kauna-unahang aktor na nag-offer sa kanya ng kasal.  Ang una niyang kotse at Opel Kadette L.  Ito ang nagkakahalaga ng P 14,000. Ginamit niya ito mula Jan. '70 hanggang Oct. '71.  Nag Co-Emcee rin siya sa Miss Philippines noong 1971. Kapareha niya si Manny de Leon. Ito'y ginanap sa Rizal Memorial Coliseum.1970 nang manalo siyang Best Female Singer sa Awit Awards. Ang awiting pinanalo niya ay " Go Away", dito tinalo noya si Mercy Molina.

May 20, 1972 nang mabangga ang kotse ni Nora sa kanto ng Kanlaon at laong-Laan, sinugod siya sa Sta. Teresita Hospital.  Siya rin ay na-ban sa Liwayway Magazine dahil sa hindi nito pag sipot sa Coronation ng naturang publication.  Si Nora ang tanging bituing nagdaos ng kaarawan sa Quezon City Stadium noong 1971.  Kainailangang isakay siya sa helicopter upang makita ang libo0-libong niyang tagahanga.  Kinagabihan, isang marangal na kasiyahan ang idinaos sa maluwang na bakuran ng Sampaguita Pictures.  Makasaysayan kay Nora ang taong 1973. Itinatag niya ang NV Productions na ang unang palikulang ginawa ay ang "Carmela" at nakatambal niya sina Jay Ilagan at Rico Lopez at sa direlsyon ni Danny Holsem, ito ay pinalabas noong Jan. 20.

Itinatag ang mga sumusonod: NV Productions for Films [1972] unang pelikulang ginawa ay Carmela katambal si Jay Ilagan[SLN] at Rico Lopez, sa direksyon ni Danny Holsem.  NV Productions for Television [1971].  Nag -produce ng " Ang Makulya na Daigdig ni Nora" at "Pipwede".  Si\uperstar Productions [1986].  Nag produce ng pelikulang "Sa Lungga ng mga daga" , sa direksyon ni Adolf Mendoza.  NCV Productions [1986].

Unang pelikula ay " Halimaw", na pinangungunahan ni Lotlot at Ian de Leon, sa direksyon ni Mario O'haraBIG RecordsItinatag din niya ang NV Taxi at NV Garments.  1978 nang maaksients naman ang kanynag bunsong kapatid na si Boboy. Itong taong din ito nang nagawaran ng kauna-unahang [at marahil ay wala na] Best Performer Award [apat ang katumbas: Best Actress, Best Actor, Best Supporting Actress/Actor] sa pelikulang "Atsay". Kasabay sa mga tinalo niya sa Vilma Santos[ Rubia Servios] at Amy Austria [Atsay].  Siya ang kauna-unahang actress na binayaran ng isang Mliyong ng Experimental Cinema of the Philippines [ECP] para sa pelikulang Himala [1982].

Ang Superstar Show niya ay tumagal ng dalawanpu't dalawang taon sa TV.  Ito ang television show [Musical Variety] sa Pilipinas na nagkaroon ng pinakamahabang panahon sa himpapawid.At alam ninyo rin ba na noong nagka-Martial Law, tanging Superstar Show lamang ang mapapanood sa television. Hindi ito mapaalis ni Imelda Marcos noon baka magkaroon ng Civil War dahil kung ipapaalis niya ito ay mag-aalsa ang mga Noranians.

Nakasama na niya ang halos lahat ng artistang lalaki at babae sa pelikula, tulad nina [at ang mga pelikulang pinagsamahan nila]:Fernado Poe, Jr. - My Little Christmas Tree [1976], Dolphy - Kaming Matatapang ang Apog [1976], Joseph Estrada - Erap is my Guy [1973], Eddie Rodriguez - Pag-Ibig Ko'y Awitin Mo [1980], Lito Lapid - Kastilyong Buhangin [1980], Susan Rices - Ang Pangarap Ko'y Ikaw [1967], Lolita Rodriguez -Anak Ka ng Ina Mo [1979], Rita Gomez - My Beloved [1970], Amalia Fuentes - Adriana [1969], Nida Blanca - Batu-Bato sa Langit [1975], Eddie Garcia and Dawn Zulueta - Bakit May Kahapon Pa? [1996], Judy Ann Santos - Babae [1997].  Hindi nga siya Hall of Famer as Box Office Queen [dahil may mga mga taon na nadaya siya] pero siya ang kauna-unahang nagkamit ng award na ito noong 1971.  Siya pa rin ang kauna-unahang recepient ng mga sumusunod: URIAN - Tatlong Taong Walang Diyos [1976], STAR AWARDS - Merika [1984], YOUNG CRITICS CIRCLE - Andrea, Paano Ba Maging Ina? [1991], ATENEO GALIAN AWARDS - Ang Totoong Buhay ni Pacita M.[1991], BACOLOD PILIPINO FILM FESTIVAL - Banaue [1975].  Sa kasalukuyan ay mayroon siya sa 50 Long Playing Album at mahigit kumulang na sa 128 singles at Compact Dics.

Nakagawa na siya ng 166 na pelikula [1967-1999].  Ang first stage play niya ay noong Feb. 22, 1991 sa Rajah Sulayman sa Fort Santiago. Ito ang "Minsa'y Isang Gamu-Gamo". Hinangaan at pinapurihan siya rito.  Dahilan na din sa kahilingan ng mga tao, ito ay nagkaroon ng extension. Sinundan ito ng "D.H." [1993] at "Trojan Women" [1994].  Ang first major concert niya ay naganap noong May 18, 1991 sa Araneta Coliseum na may pamagat na "Handog ni Guy".  Ito ay naging isang malaking tagumpay at tinayang itong record-holder sa nasabing venue, dahil sa rami ng taong sumaksi dito {SRO].Nakapag-concert na rin siya sa isang Five Star Hotel at ito ay Captain's Bar [Madarin Hotel] noong June 14, 11, 25, 1993.

Sa history ng Captain's Bar ay wala pang sino man singer na makakatalo sa naitalang record ni La Aunor pagdating sa attendance.  Labing isang [11] beses ginamit ang pangalan o palayaw ni Nora na pamagat sa kanyang mga pelikula.  Nora, The single Girl [1969, ]Orang  [1970], Tomboy Nora [1970], Around Asia with Nora [1970], Nora, Mahal Kita [1972], Tell Nora I love Her [1970], Nora in Wonderland, [1970], I Dream of Nora [1970], Guy & Pip [1971], Erap is MY Guy [1973], Noong April 2, 1991, sa programang Tatak Pilipino ay naglabas ng listahan ng 100 "Most Outstanding Significant Filipinos in the 20th Century" kung saan naguna sina Nora Aunor[tinawag na "Munting Sinderela na may higanteng telento'] at Ninoy Aquino.

Kabilang sa partial list ay sina Lamberto Avella, Flash Elorde, Emilio Aguinaldo, Nicanor Abelardo, Corazon Aquino, Dolphy, Lino Brocka, Larry Alcala, Fernando Amorsolo at Teodoro Agoncillo.  Si Nora ay nahirang na isa sa Ten Outstanding Women in the nation's Services [TOWNS] in the field of Arts noong 1983.  Kabilang sa mga naging TOWNS Awardee ay sina Rosa Rosal at Boots Anson Roa.Sa edad na 38 [1991] ay na-nominate na si Nora bilang National Artist.  Mula noong 1991 ay taon-taon na siyang nano-nomina, at darating ang araw ay mapapa sa kamay na rin niya ang karangalang ito.

Alam n'yo rin bang maraming artistang lalake na tinatawag na Nora Aunor.  Ito ay sina Andrew E., Romnick Sarmenta, Wowie de Guzman, Rico Puno, Lito Lapid at Robin Padilla.

Taong 1970 naman ng makagawa siya ng 18 palikula.

Taong 1972, tatlong libro tungkol sa kanya ang lumabas:

A] Nora Aunor, Yesterday, Today & Tomorrow ni Tony Villa

B] Nora, Aunor, Superstar ni Rustum Quinto

C] Getting to Know Nora ni Henry Vego

Si Nora Aunor ang kauna-unahang naging chairperson ng Barangay sa Quezon City nang itatag ni Pangulong Marcos [SLN] ang barangay noong 1973.

1975 nang magkaroon n kampanyang "Mamera kay Nora" ang national Mental Hospital. Ito ay nakalikom ng mahigit isang milyong piso.  Si Nora ang nag pauso ng love team gathering o anniversario.  Nagsimula ito sa Guy & Pip love team anniversary sa sinundan ng iba iba't- ibang pang love teams.  Kapag napakalaki ng problema ni Nora, siya'y nagpapaputol ng buhok sa sobra ang ikli. Pagkatapos, nagkukulong sa kanyang kwarto.

Ilang beses niyang dumadapa sa sahig at nagmumuini-muni.  Kinakausap niya ang kanyang imahen na Sto. Nino na parang isang matalik na kaibigan.  Ang height niya'y 4'11 ½, at ang paa2.  Mahilig siyang kumain ng may gata at mga maanghang na ulam.

Susan Roces and Nora Aunor

Ang paborito niyang artista noon ay si Susan Roces.  Ang hinahangaan niyang aktres at si Lolita Rodriguez.  Si Guy ay may phobia sa sementeryo.  "Banaue" [1975] ang una tambalan nila ni Christopher de Leon.  Kung ang simbolo ng pag ibig ni Pip kay Guy ay si Ma. Leonora Theresa, alam n'yo bang binigyan naman ni Boyet si Guy ng laruan na rabbit bilang simbolo ng pagmamahal niya dito.

Regarding affairs of the hearts, alam ba ninyong sa Baguio lagi ang setting ni Nora with people na na-lilink sa kanya romantically. Remember Boyet de Leon [Banaue] at Llyd Samartino [Annie Batingbakal].  Kinasal siya kay Christopher de Leon noong Jan. 25, 1975 sa huwes at ang nagakasal sa kanila ay si Fiscal Ernesto Bernabe.

Isinilang si Kristoffer Ian noong Dec. 11, 1975 sa Cardinal Santos.  Makalipas ang isang taon ay kinasal uli sila sa ni Boyet noong Jan. 27, 1976 sa isang dagat sa Bauang, La Union.  Ang nagkasal sa kanila ay si Father Alleysius Rodriguez.  Alam ninyo ba noon na ang tanging Marriage Contract lang nila ni Boyet ang alam miya kung saan nakatago, and the rest wala na.Mahilig sa malalaking bahay is Nora.  Yung maluwang ang living room and garden at kung tutuusin nga, dapat ay may swimming pool.  Simple lang ang gusto niya sa damit.  Kung saan nasa bahay ay naka t-shirt lang siya at maong pants.Hindi siya mahilig mag make-up at mag suot ng alahas.

Sa Fe, Esperanza Caridad [1974] ay nahawakan siya ng National Artist na sina Lamberto Avellan [Espreranza episode] at Gerry de Leaon [Caridad episode] at sa Banaue.  Noong 1975 ay nilagay siya sa Filipino Heritage [Vol. 5 p. 1237] ang kauna-unahang Philippines Pictorial Encyclopedia of History and Culture of the Bicolanas.  Siya, higit sa lahat, ang maipag-mamalaking representastyon ng kulturang Bicolano.

Inihanay siya sa mga promineteng Bikolano, tulad nila Governor Wenceslao Vinzon at Bishop Barlin.  Nakagawa siya ng commercials.  Ito ay TV print ads and voice over: Kleenex, Dial Soap, Philippines Radio, Clogate Toothpaste, Coke, Pepsi, Modess, Liberty Milk, Nivico TV, Spartan, Secuirty Bank, Raid Katol, Good Earth Emporium, Winston Cigarette, Family Palnning, Green Revolution, Spuer MI, Miyata Karaoke, Aids Hotline, Land Bank of the Phillpines-DENR, Barangay Ginebra at Pagcor.

Alam n'yo din ba na taning si Nora Aunor lamang [ noon at ngayon] na artistang local na pati ang pagpapagupit ng kuko [lumabas sa Kislap Mag.] at sa Blood Pressure [lumabas sa Bondying Movie Special] ay naisulat.Ang mga director niya sa Superstar Show ay sina: Ike Fernando, Kitchie Benedicto Paulino, Rollie Grande, Lupita Kashiwara, Al Queen, Roland Adriane at Fritz Infante.Musical Director naman sina Doming Valdez [SLN], Sammy Climaco, Danny Tan, Jun Latino, Homer Florez, Menchu Apostol, Tats Faustino at Bobbt Taylo.Choroegrapher naman sina Lito Calzado, Geleen Eugenio at Mell Francisco.  Writer naman sina Lito Fernadez, Edith del Rosario, Cezar Cosme at German Salvador.

Executive producers naman sina Alice Saballones, Angie Magbanua, Lyke Benitez-Brown, Rockie Servoulakes, Susan Trinidad at Edith del Rosario.  Isa si Nora na lumabas sa survey mula sa 540 high school at college students mula sa Lyceum of Batangas, St. Thomas Academy, Montesspro, Letran Calamba, Colegio de los Banos, Laguna College, at Pup Sto. Tomas, Batangas na 10 Most Admirable Filipinos for the last four centuires.  Dito ay kahanay sina Jose Rizal, Ninoy Aquino, Fidel Ramos, Cory Aquino, Gloria Macapagal, Gabriella Silang, Manuel Quezon, Loren Legarda, at Lea Salonga.  Ito lumabas sa Isyu Newspaper noong Jan. 27 1997.

Siya lamang ang artistang babae ang binigyan ng Haligi ng Industriya Award noon Jan. 31 1997 sa Manila Hotel. Ang mga iba pa niyang kasama ay sina Fernado Poe Jr., Dolphy, Eddie Garcia at Joseph Estrada.  Pinagakalooban naman siya ng Circle of Excellence Award mula sa Famas noong April, 30 1996 para sa mahusay na niyang pagganap sa pelikulang "The Flor Contemplation Story".  Isa rin siyang Araw ng Maynila Awardee noong June 22, 1995.  Siya ay pinagkalooban ng Taning Pagkilala sa larangan ng Sining sa pag-ganap sa pelikula, telebisyon, pag-awit at sa entablado.

Naging FAMAS HALL of Famer siya noong 1991.  Pinagkalooban siya ng Gawad ng Natatanging Pagkilala ng MMFF noong Dec. 28, 1992 sa PICC Reception Hall, dahil sa pagkakapanalo niya sa 6 Best Actress Awards mula sa samahan.Lifetime Achievements Award naman siya sa mula sa FAP noong March 28, 1993.  Siya ang panakabatang tumanggap ng nasabing karangalan.  Decade Best Actress naman siya noong 1995 mula sa Star Awards.Pinagkalooban naman siya ng PMPC Star Awards ng Vic Silayan Memorial Acting Award noong 1997.  Siya ang kauna-unahang nanalong Filipino Artist ng International Best Actress Awards na ginanap sa Cairo Fil Festival pra sa pelikulang "The Flor Contemplacion Story".  Sinundan kaagad uli ito ng Malaysian Best Actress Award sa pelikulang " Bakit May Kahapon Pa?' noong 1996.Ang kanyang oa ring pelikulang " The Flor Contemplacion Story" ay nanalong Best Picture sa 19th Cairo International Fil Festival noong Dec. 1995.

1997 naman ng ilabas ni Quijano de Manila ang librong Nora Aunor and the Other Profiles.  Alam n'yo ring bang inilagay ni Edgar San Diego ang image ni Nora Aunor sa Cocktail Dress[1992].  Ito ay minodel ni Tweety de Leon bilang tribute kay Nora ni Edgar na para sa kanya ay isang pop icon ng Philippine Showbiz.Na-nominate na rin si Nora sa Ramon Magsaysay Award.Sa pagdiriwang naman ng 100 years of World Cinema noong 1995, nagbigay tribute sa kanya ang Wolrd Cinema Celebration Secretariat at Mowelfund Film Intitute ng " Spotlight on the Superstar", "The Film of Nora Aunor", "Banaue", Minsa'y May Isang Gamu-Gamo', Bulaklak ng City Jail", Himala", "Magandang Gabi sa Inyong Lahat".  Ito ay boung araw na pelikula ni La Aunor ang ipinalabas sa SM Centerpoint noong Sept. 26. Hindi lamang iyon, ipinalabas din ang "T-Bird at Ako", "Tatlong Taong Walang Diyos" at "Flor Contemplaction Story".

Taong 1996 nang ma-annull ang kasal nila ni Boyet.Ang last telecast ng Superstar Show ay noong October 1, 1989.  Isinilang uli ito noong Nov. 25, 1989 sa Channel 13 pero hindi nagtagal dahil hindi siya nababayaran ng naturang istasyon.  Isinilang uli ito noong Nov. 16, 1994.Taong 1996, sa pagdiriwang ng Taon ng mga Bayani, sa pakikipagtulungan ng National Commission for Culture & Arts Academy of the Philippines at Mowelfund Film Intitute, inihihandog nila ang Pelikula at Lipunan. Dito ay pinalabasnoong nila ang mga pelikula ni Nora na "Ikaw and Akin", Ang T-Bird at Ako", " Himala", at " Flor Contemplacion Story".

Ito ay pinalabas noong Feb. 23 to 29 sa Shangrila Plaza, Level 6.Sept. 24, 1995 nang makatanggap ng Warrant of Arrest si Nora thru NV Office regarding her BIR problems.Alam n'yo ba may mga komiks na isinunod sa pangalan ni Nora gaya ng Supertar Nora Aunor, Hit Noranians, Pip & Guy, Guy & Pip at madalas ay magkaroon pa nga mga Nora Specials.  At ang bawat lakad niya sa Ibat-ibang bansa ay ginawan pa ng Special Issue gaya ng pumunta sila sa Hongkong expo '70, sa Hawaii, Nora in Disneyland, Guy & Pip, Nora in Las Vegas, maging ang kanyang debut at love story nila ni pip, Siya lamang ang artistang bukod-tanging pinagkalooban ng ganoong pagpapahalaga.Flame at Wells Fargo ang bahay aliwan na madalas puntahan ni Nora.

Madalas ma-ospital si Nora sa ABM Sison [Makati Med].  Na ngayon]Philippiine President Lines ang madalas niyang sakyan noon.  Ang first three cars ni Nora ay nagkakahalaga ng:Opel Kedett L P 14,000.00Ford Escort GT 1600 P 22,000.00Mercedez Benz 220 P 63,000.00.  Alam n'yo bang tanging si Nora Aunor lamang ang may pinakamaraming fans club. Ang pinakamalaking fans club niya noon ay ang "The National Nora Aunor Funs Limited, Wider Noranians at Guy & Pip Fans Club.Civil case # Q14657 an demanda sa kanya ng Sampaguita.  Siya pa rin ang kauna-unahang naging Pilipino na umupo bilang hurado sa Hinolulu, Hawaii International Film Festival Nov. 1996.

Noong 1997, ang kanyang pelikulang "Bona" na siya rin an nag-produce ay na-cited one of "The Best 100 Films in the World" sa Museum of Tolerance, Los Angeles USA.Siya pa din ang kauna-unahang artistang Filipino ng pinarangalan sa kanyang mga tagahanga [ GANAP] at hinadugan ng Lifsize stataue noong May 2, 1992 sa Metropolitan Theatre.  Pinarangalan siya ng Awit Awards ng " Dangal ng Musikang Pilipino" noong June 1998 sa UP Theater.Noong 1991 ay nagkaroon siya ng Provincial Concert Tour entitled "Mula sa Aking Puso - Guy".   Ito ay ginanap sa Davao at Cabanatuan.

1992 nang magkaroon siya ng birthday concert sa Vera-Perz Garden.  Pinamagatang naman itong " You've Got a Friend".  Nagkaroon naman siya ng proyektong " {Piso para sa Pinatubo" sa pakikipag tulungan ng Phil. Rural Reconstruction Movement [PRRM] at the Philippines Educational Theater Asscciation [PETA] noong 1992.  Ang proceed nito ay napunta sa mga biktima ng Mt. Pinatubo.Nahirang naman siyang Star of the Night noong 1992 sa PMPC Star Awards for TV.

Inilibot ang kanyang "DH" stage play sa Europa, USA at Hongkong noong 1993.Isinilang naman ang Star Drama Presents…..Nora noong Feb. 18, 1993 sa Channel 2.  Ang kanyang ikatlong stage play na pinamagatang "Trojan Women" ay ginanap sa Wildlife Ampitheater noong 1994.Nagkaroon din siya nf weekly series sa Channel 7 na pinamagatang "Modern Romance" noong 1994. Dito ay siya naman ang narrator/host at pa-minsan minsan ay artista din.1994 din angi-release ng AMP ang kanyang album na "Langit Pala ang Pag-Ibig".

1983 nang ilabas ni Baby K. Jimesnez ang librong " True Story ni Guy…"  Ito ay nilabas ng Book I & II na pinablish sa Mass Media Promotions noong 1979 hanggang 1981.  Sa ginanap na kasaysayan at Pelikula [100 Years of Cinema in the Philippines] na pinalabas noong June 17-23, 1998, limang pelikula ang nasali kay Nora at ito ay ang mga sumusunod: Banue, Minsa'y May Isang Gamu-Gamo, Atsay, Himala at Uod at Rosas, at tatlo lamang ang kay Vilma: Pagputi ng Uwak, Relasyon at Sister Stella L.

Ito ang pagpapatunay lamang na napakagaling na artista ni Nora at ang kanyang mga pelikula ay matatawag na na Obra Maestra.  Alam n'yo bang nasa page 215 si Nora sa libro ng Art & Society ng UP na may caption na ganito: "Nora Aunor…Much myth has been woven Nora Aunor, the little woman from Iriga who virtually roused mass heyteria in the 70's. She has to her credit a study corpus of work in popular music, film and television and legions of fans who see her in their dreams for a better life.

Seemingly guided by a peasant sensiblity and oftentimes losing out to failed romances and a wearying lifestyle. Nora's destiny has been nowhere near rosy, though. But she endured. Through the years, she has proven her capacity as an actress abd activist, exploring roles in film, theater and televesion which have enabled her to speak for justice on behalf of her followers.  Sa ginanap na Superwheel Show sa Luneta, inimbitahan si Norang kumanta ng " Kapantay ay Langit", alam n'yo bang binayaran siya dito ng P 120,000.00, making most expensive live performance ever.

Siya lamang ang tanging artista natin na napag-ukulan nga mga composera ng igawa ng kanta in her honor…

Nora, Nora - Words & Music by: Manny de Leon-Nora,

My Love Lyrics by Tirso Cruz III, Music By Robert Medina

Darling, Please Come Back - Words & Music by Tirso Cruz III

Maria Leonora Theresa - Words & Music by Tirso Cruz III

Forsaken Doll - Words & Music by George Canseco & Robert Medina

When Nora Comes Around Sung by Ed Finlan-Nora,

My Supertar - Words & Music by Bert Dominic-Nora,

I Still love You - Words & Music by Victor Laurel-Nora,

Life is You - Words & Music by Victor Laurel

Nora - Words & Music by Grandels

The Ballad of Nora & Tirso - Words & Music by Ike Lozada

Impossible Poem by Bubay Malapitan

Noong 1999, sa pagdiriwang ng 100 taong ng kalayaan,pumili ang CCP ng namumukod taning Pilipino sa larangan ng sining [Music Dance, Theater Arts, Architecture, Literature, Films and Broadcast arts at multi-disciplinary].  Isa si Nora Aunor na pinagkalooban ng " Centinnal Award".  Dito ay kahanay niya sina Juan Luna, Nicanor Abelardo, Fernado Poe, Jr. Vic Silayan at iba pa. Apat lamang silang artistang napili at bukod taning si Nora lamang ang babae.  Ang kanyang karibal na si Vilma Santos ay hindi man lamang nanomina.

Si Nora ang most nominated at recognized Filipino actress sa iba-ibang International Film Festival, sa Best Actress Category:

1980 Bona, Cannes, France Certificate of Honor1983

Himala, Berlin, Germany Certificate of Honor1195

Flor Contemplacion Story Cairo, Egypt

Winner1996 Flor Contemplacion Story Fukoka,

Japan Nominee1997 Bakit May Kahapon Pa?

Singapore Nominee1997 Bakit May Kahapon Pa? Winner

BONA: BROCKA - AUNOR MASTERPIECE

A Review on Bona

By: Ivan Descartin

April 27, 2011

Source:  http://ivan-thoughts.blogspot.com/2011/04/bona-lino-brocka.html

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3 times. I have already seen "Bona" 3 times yet its emotional wallop never falters. Beyond its narrative simplicity mainly set in a destitute slums lies the emerging complexity from a character which may seem symbolic rather than true molds from reality at first sight, but whose conflicts, choices and behavioral preferences leads her to the truest form of inescapable existential mishaps that prove to be in touch with the reality of mindless idolatry.

The film opens with the haze of confusion during the 'Feast of the Black Nazarene'. Countless people grabbing the traditional rope, wiping their towels on the black statue and others watching curiously as they converge for an unhindered faith in hopes of blessings. Brocka shot this 'cinema verite' sequence with a great intent to expose the rawness and spontaneity of Filipino culture yet it's also his powerful initial statement to the pseudo-romantic fable that is about to unfold: The worship for something fantastically adamant and emotionally inanimate to even feel it.

The waves of the mob wants the mercy and guidance from the Black Nazarene, Bona wants love from movie bit player Gardo. Religion and romance. Not your typical, close-necked comparison, but I can see where director Lino Brocka is coming from. He wants to show the blinding extent of devotion both from an immense display of it (the feast), its miniature counterpart (Bona's enclosed self-depreciation in the name of 'love'), and even more so, its occasional futility.

Nora Aunor is Bona in one of her most mystifying and logically puzzling characters to date. The narrative never even showed us how she has developed her bizarre infatuation with movie extra Gardo (Phillip Salvador in a role that, as what my review of "Jaguar" states, showcases his acting talent of differentiating transitionally contrasting qualities of a character) and instead started somewhere in the middle. We see Bona do meager things any die-hard fans would do for their idol. She gives him food and drinks and even shelters him with her umbrella during a rain. Her actions were understandable yet the man it was all done to is questionable at best.

We may ask ourselves, what did Bona saw in this man? Is it his stature as a showbiz figure? No, he's merely an extra. Is it his looks? Maybe, but she sees him many times groping with many women. Why bother? That's the ultimate question that came into my mind. It may seem a mundane inquiry, but it is from this that comes the profundity of Brocka's stirring commentary about who Bona may really be: An epitome of a confused woman helplessly testing her ability to dare declare her misguided independence and try her luck and flirt with her idea of loyal love.

Gardo, on the other hand, takes advantage of her innocence and treats her almost as a maid and as his mother's second coming. And finally, after living with each other for a considerable time, Gardo executed his sexual advances, to which Bona welcomed in confusion. The morning after, as she mends the chores, she also consciously hopes to squeeze out love from whatever happened the night before.

This is the sequence where Nora's mark was indelibly left with the power only SHE can muster. After the night of their bodily contact, as Bona prepares Gardo's breakfast, Nora expressed her character's longing, aspirations and expectations for a potential development of a romance through her ever-impressive eyes. As Gardo eats, Bona waits. She's hoping for him to return a bright gaze for her countless pleading glances, but ultimately, there was none. The night was forgotten, after all.

Brocka handled it (story written by Cenen Ramones) without highlighting the glances but instead diluting it through Phillip Salvador's trivial dialogue. Brocka manipulated the screen by letting not just Bona to taste the bitterness of romantic defeat, but also us. We may never know of Bona's motivations to live with such an uncaring man in exchange of her family, but her recurring dream of being entrapped by flames and a moment in the wedding scene (of Bona's friend and former suitor, Nilo, played by Nanding Josef) may have given an answer.

While drinking a beer, as the other people shout "Sayaw, Bona! Sayaw!" ("Dance, Bona! Dance!"), she obliged. As she is dancing in half-drunk ecstasy, a bonfire blazes in her background. All her perceptions of happiness may have rooted out from her innocence, but ultimately, her joy is to be always near the 'fire'. Brocka in one of his finest, and so was Nora.

FINAL RATING:  5 STARS

BONA: Lino Brocka's Film Gets Stage Adaptation

By: Jude Cartalaba

August 13, 2012

Source:  http://philippines.broadwayworld.com/article/BONA-Lino-Brockas-Film-Gets-Stage-Adaptation-824-923-20120813

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A past entry to both Metro Manila Film Festival and Cannes Film Festival, “Bona,” a critically-acclaimed work of Catalino Ortiz Brocka aka Lino Brocka (1939-1991) that gave the “superstar in Philippine entertainment industry,” Nora Aunor, her Best Actress trophy at the Gawad Urian in 1980, will soon come alive through a stage adaptation by Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA) starting Friday, August 24 until Sunday, September 23 at PETA Theater Center. The stage production stars multi-award-winning theater, movie, and television actress Eugene Domingo.

“It has a different take,” according to Layeta Bucoy, the stage version’s writer.

“She’s [Bona] older [more mature] and financially independent; she’s supporting her sister, who takes care of five children from five different fathers. But Bona falls for a younger guy, a contestant in a talent search, unlike the film's Bona who willingly turned herself into a personal assistant or an alalay, and eventually became the producer of rising star Gardo.”

“Domingo’s Bona is a call center agent and an avid fan of Gino Sanchez, a contestant in the talent search ‘Star of Tomorrow.’  Blinded by her obsession on Gino, Bona turns her back on everything she values and gives up nearly everything she has. Caught in a quicksand of worship, passion, and pity, Bona proves how obsession may overpower love, and may even lead to a person's demise,” says the production notes.

Gardo, who was portrayed in the film by Philip Salvador, has a different name now — Gino, who will be played by Cinemalaya Best Actor Edgar Allan Guzman. There is another stark difference between the two characters — Gardo in the film was an aging gigolo; Gino in the stage play is a young lad. This time around, the production explores more of a May-December romance between a fan and an up-and-coming male talent.

“Bona’s” original essence is not lost in this modern-day take, but Bucoy is excited to say, “Watch for the twist in the end.”

Joining the cast are Phil Noble, Joey Paras, Jeff Henson-Dee, She Maala, Olive Nieto, Dudz Teraña, Junevir Tabor, Juliene Mendoza, Raffy Tejada, Jason Barcial, BJ Forbes, Anna Luna, and Gabs Santos.

The stage play is directed by theater stalwart Soxie Topacio.

For more information, call (632) 725-6244, 891-9999 or visit www.petatheater.com.

Purchase tickets on www.ticketworld.com.ph.