Nora Aunor gears up
for 50th birthday
Posted: 11:30 PM (Manila Time) | Mar. 07, 2003
By Nestor U. Torre
Inquirer News Service
UNLIKE many stars who don't admit to their real age and remain a perennial, petrified 29, Nora Aunor proudly declares that she's turning 50 this May.
She's marking the special occasion with a big birthday concert titled "Gold,'' an event that all Noranians should witness and be a part of.
In addition, Nora will be starring in the stage musical version of her celebrated film, "Himala,'' at the CCP later this year.
Nora's golden year is turning out to be a very good season for the country's Superstar. A couple of years ago, some people believed that her career could no longer be made to flourish, but ABS-CBN tapped her to topbill its new soap, "Bituin,'' which refuted the doomsayers' dire predictions by becoming the most popular teleserye on television.
In fact, the weeknight drama series is rating so well that it was first extended to May, and now to July. That'll have to be as far as it can go, because Nora's other commitments for the rest of the year preclude more extensions.
What about the movies? When we talked to her recently, Nora said she was raring to do another film, but it should cast her in a role that will further challenge her as an actress.
That's a tall order, since the Superstar has already played some of the most memorable female characters in Filipino movies, and has been directed by some of the most demanding film directors.
We asked Nora to look back on her film career and cite some of the most memorable roles she has essayed since she started acting in 1967. Her fondest recollections:
Her role as a mentally-disturbed girl in VP Pictures' "Maala-ala Mo Kaya,'' directed by Danny Holmsen.
"Tatlong Taong Walang Diyos'' with Christopher de Leon and Bembol Roco, directed by Mario O'Hara.
"Atsay,'' directed by Eddie Garcia.
"Ina Ka ng Anak Mo'' with Lolita Rodriguez, directed by Lino Brocka.
"Bona'' with Phillip Salvador, another Brocka film.
"Himala,'' directed by Ishmael Bernal.
"Bilangin ang Bituin sa Langit'' with Tirso Cruz III and Miguel Rodriguez, directed by Elwood Perez.
"Ang Totoong Buhay ni Pacita M.'' with Lotlot de Leon, another film by Elwood Perez.
"The Flor Contemplacion Story,'' directed by Joel Lamangan.
Despite these and other achievements, and the view of some people that Nora has lost her creative spark, we feel she still has more great performances in her.
Nora herself is raring to sink her teeth into a good and challenging film project this year, to further stretch her thespic muscles. No easy roles for her, thanks.
This will surprise people who think that Nora has become lazy. Well, the Superstar has periodically surprised people through the years, so why should she stop now? People who understand her know that Nora Aunor is full of surprises!
Source:
http://www.inq7.net/ent/2003/mar/08/ent_1-1.htm