As part of our "familiarization" with Nora, let's take a look back at Nora and the Metro Manila Filmfest:
1976 was the year that Metro Manila Filmfest brought us Ganito Kami Noon, Paano Kayo Ngayon; Insiang and Nora's entry, Minsa'y Isang Gamu-gamo. 1976 was the start of Nora's awakening as a serious actress. Although she was nominated, it was Hilda Koronel as Insiang that emerge victorious.
1977 - Nora's entry was Bakya Mo Neneng with Joseph Estrada and Tirso Cruz III. But this was the year of Vilma Santos as the Burlesk Queen. Celso Ad Castillo's movie swept the awards that year.
1978 - Nora has two entries: one a drama, Atsay directed by Eddie Garcia and the other a comedy with Dolphy, Jack N Jill of the Third Kind. This year the festival decided to give just one acting award, Best Performer. Vilma Santos was the favorite to win, after all she's playing a rape victim under the direction of Lino Brocka in Rubia Servios. "Mali ang hula nila," says Nora as she accepts the Best Performer Award, while her two movies compete for top grosser of the filmfest.
1979 - Nora, again has two entries, Nora and Lolita Rodriguez in Ina Ka ng Anak Mo under Lino Brocka and a comedy with Boyet de Leon and Alma Moreno called Bahay-bahayan, Kasal-kasalan. Vilma Santos was paired with Charito Solis in Modelong Tanso. I've always wondered if these pairings were planned or coincidence: Nora and Lolita vs. Vilma and Charito. Anyway, Nora and Lolita tied for Best Actress that year.
1980 - Nora's two entries that year were both dramas: Lino Brocka's Bona and Laurice Guillen's Kung Ako'y Iiwan Mo. Vilma was in Danny Zialcita's Langis at Tubig. The surprise winner that year was Marilou Diaz-Abaya's Brutal with Amy Austria winning Best Actress. Noranians complained that Philip Salvador had more screen time than Nora in Bona that's why she lost. I think Brutal was just a better movie.
1981 - Mike de Leon's Kisap Mata's year. Vilma - Best Actress in Karma.
1982 - Nora was back in the winner's circle with Himala, Ishmael Bernal's now classic movie and probably Nora's best movie ever.
She will win four more Best Actress awards from the filmfest: Bulaklak sa City Jail (1984), Andrea (1990), Pacita M. (1991) and Muling Umawit ang Puso (1995).