Nora Aunor reflects on failed marriage to Christopher de Leon
“If I hadn’t been stubborn, we wouldn’t have gotten divorced.”
PEP.ph (Philippine Entertainment Portal) visited the set of the TV5 mini-series Sa Ngalan ng Ina again last Wednesday, September 7, 2011.

And once again, we interviewed the star of the drama series, Nora Aunor.

Nora and co-actors were in Taal, Batangas, with Director Mario O’Hara and staff, from August 22 to September 2.

They were in Bosoboso, Antipolo City on September 5.

The cast and crew also shot at the Salve Regina General Hospital in Marikina City all day and until past midnight on September 8.

Ate Guy (Nora’s nickname) had an early call time so she got home earlier, before midnight.

Most of the scenes filmed were between Alwyn Uytingco and Edgar Allan Guzman.

But there are also scenes with Nora and her son Ian de Leon, whom PEP caught in the afternoon messing around with his mom.

Before dinner break, we interviewed Ian first, with Ate Guy talking to someone else, in the same room.

But the latter also talks about Nora and Christopher de Leon, Ian’s dad.

At one point, Nora was happy to mention that her son Ian had a crush on Lorna Tolentino when he was young.

It was mentioned in the conversation that Lorna would be moving to TV5.

“He [Ian] was very young then, but he already had a crush,” the Superstar happily recalled.

He also said that he thought back then, “My son wants another artist!”

But Ian kept “getting back” to his mom.

Like, he’ll really make Ate Guy hear, “I’m with Mommy. I’m loyal, huh!” Or, “I’m proud of both my parents…’”

Regarding being “naughty” like his dad, Ian said, “I don’t wonder where I get my naughtiness… Mommy, that’s it, I love her so much!”

And Guy’s daughter laughed out loud.

Nora just laughed, who was pleased with Ian’s words. “I know that. No need to say that. You can feel it, eh.”

NORA AUNOR ON CHRISTOPHER DE LEON
During the SNNI taping in Bosoboso, Antipolo City, the previous day, September 5, many scenes were shot with Nora and Christopher.

The unit directors and technical staff of Mario O’Hara and Jon Red worked together again that day.

Nora and Boyet were very professional. They had very little to do on the set,

On a personal level, Nora also mentioned that even though they broke up before, their friendship remained good.

“That was a big sacrifice for me,” said Ate Guy, in the presence of Ian.

“It’s my fault too, eh. I admit it. If I hadn’t been so stubborn back then, we wouldn’t have broken up.”

But Nora smiles when she remembers during those years that she and Boyet separated, but, “We’re still dating!”

Guy’s story: “He dates me, even though we’re separated.

“He tells me about the guys he’s dating, and I also tell him about the guys who were dating me.”

NORA AUNOR, HAPPY WITH TV5
Meanwhile, with TV5 treating her well and properly, there’s no reason for Nora not to be happy.

She’s very vocal in saying this, each time she talks to a media person, like PEP.

“They’re a different breed of person to take care of,” Nora said, who gets even happier when she prepares one of her special dishes, like Bicol express and ginataang santol, which are her favorites.

NORA AUNOR’S FIRST BOLD ROLE
What other roles would she like to play?

“As usual, bold!” said Ate Guy in her usual joking manner.

“But you don’t know, I was the first to be bold—in Banaue!”

Banaue (1975) is the classic film by National Artist for Film Gerry de Leon. This is the first time Nora and Christopher have teamed up.

“My hair is all that covers [my chest]. I was the first to go bold!” joked Ate Guy, referring to her costume in the epic masterpiece about the legend of the world-famous Banaue Rice Terraces in Ifugao.

YUL SERVO AND OTHER GUESTS
Aside from the press who were doing interviews, some male celebrities from TV5 also visited the set of Sa Ngalan ng Ina to briefly talk to Nora Aunor.

We saw Manila Councilor Yul Servo, who starred with Ate Guy in the movie Naglalayag (2004).

Yul was accompanied by her co-star in Bangis, the young actor Rodjun Cruz.

It was early evening when Yul and Rodjun arrived.

“Ate Guy, they are going to pay their respects to you,” said Ms. Jo-Ann Banaga, supervising producer of Sa Ngalan ng Ina and Bangis.

Ate Guy was very happy to see Yul. He introduced Rodjun to her and they briefly greeted each other, taking pictures.

Fun fact: Rodjun is the nephew of Tirso Cruz III, who was Nora’s former love team and relationship partner.

Nora said about Yul, “Oh, his eyes are still twinkling. I’m really excited about him, he’s a great actor. And he’s a very kind boy.”

In the movie, it appears that Yul is Nora’s latest leading man, so far.

“It’s funny. He said, ‘Ate Guy, I won three awards there…’ He’s really good,’” Nora also mentioned.

Meanwhile, among the Sa Ngalan ng Ina cast members, Nora mentioned that Alwyn Uytingco and Edgar Allan Guzman are the most promising and stand out among the newcomers she has scenes with.

“They’re good and hardworking, disciplined,” said Nora.