Ricky Lee convinces Nora Aunor to be part of Isang Himala
Ricky Lee will “pull” Nora Aunor to attend MMFF 2024 awards night.
National Artist Ricky Lee on what he told National Artist Nora Aunor: “Let’s face it, Guy, from then until now, you’ve been a part of Himala the film. That can’t be changed and it can’t be removed. ‘If the film continues to live on up to now, even in different reincarnations, you’re a part of it. You’re carrying it. We’re carrying it with us, Ishma, so. So, let’s well take part. National Artist Nora Aunor was excited when she heard that Himala The Musical, starring Aicelle Santos as Elsa, would be made into a movie.

The rock musical Isang Himala is based on the MMFF 1982 official entry Himala starring Nora, directed by National Artist Ishmael Bernal. In 2019, I took her [Nora] to the preview of the musical,” scriptwriter National Artist Ricky Lee said during the mediacon of the MMFF 2024 entry Isang Himala on December 4, Wednesday, at the VS Hotel in EDSA, Quezon City.

“He was so happy, e. He was impressed by Aicelle. He said, Aicelle was so good.

“And then, that, years passed. And then when we were doing it, we approached her.

“I talked to her, ‘Can you participate in this movie?’ We didn’t hesitate, e.

“He said yes right away. He said, ‘Yes, Kuya. That’s important, e. That’s a legacy.’

“I said, ‘You didn’t hesitate like you were going to do it again, do the first one?’ ‘No, Kuya. That’s intact, e. That was the movie before. This is now, new.’” NORA AUNOR WILL ALWAYS BE PART OF HIMALA
Your last line in the trailer for the rock Isang Himala is the voice of Ate Guy (Superstar Nora’s nickname).

Sir Ricky added, “Because, I told Guy, ‘Let’s face it, Guy, from then until now, you’re part of Himala the film. That can’t be changed and can’t be removed.

“‘If the film, continues to live up to now, even if it’s in different reincarnations, you’re part of it. You’re carrying it. Ishma and I are carrying it, so. So, let’s well take part. Was it only Sir Ricky who encouraged Ate Guy to participate in Isang Himala?

“I talked to him, Madonna [Tarrayo, producer] talked to him, but I really focused on him and we talked about what to do, what exactly et cetera,” Sir Ricky said.

“What if it’s like this? What if it’s like this? It just doesn’t seem right, so don’t do it. What if it’s like this?

So, we processed it. We discussed carefully what your best participation would be without being too small.

“But on the other hand, it doesn’t seem like you’re interfering.”

Isang Himala is directed by Pepe Diokno, who won best director at MMFF 2023 for GomBurZa.

Aside from Aicelle Santos, Isang Himala also stars David Ezra as Orly, Kakki Teodoro as Nimia, Bituin Escalante as Aling Saling, Sweet Tiongson as Mrs. Alba Floyd Tena as the priest, Neomi Gonzales as Chayong, Vic Robinson as Pilo, and Joann Co as Sepa. When it was announced that Himala The Musical would be made into a movie, people immediately asked if Nora Aunor would have a cameo in it.

Sir Ricky Lee said, “First of all, many Noranians are asking, ‘Will Guy participate? Hopefully, Guy will.’

“They expect Guy to always be there when Himala is on. So, many are asking.

“And then secondly, I believe in what I said earlier, that wherever Himala goes, the three of us and Ishma will never be separated from there.

“So I told him, ‘Let’s participate, Guy.’ Guy was shy, eh, typical Guy, shy, ‘Oh, Kuya, what will people say. Interfering. Like this, et cetera, et cetera.’

“I said, ‘No, Guy. It’s your right. When it comes to Himala, that’s you. You can’t be compared.’”

Me, I believe there is a Himala. That’s Ate Guy!!!

The MMFF artists will reunite at the awards night of the 50th MMFF on December 27, Friday, at the Solaire Resort in Parañaque.

In the history of the MMFF, Nora is the only one to win the award as best performer for Atsay (1978).

Nora also has the most best actress trophies in the MMFF… seven.

These are for the following films:

Ina Ka Ng Anak Mo (1979), tied with co-star Lolita Rodriguez

Himala (1982)

Bulaklak sa City Jail (1984)

Andrea, Paano Ba Ang Maging Isang Ina (1990)

Ang Totoong Buhay ni Pacita M. (1991)

Muling Umawit Ang Puso (1995)

Thy Womb (2012)

The question is, will Ate Guy attend the 50th MMFF Gabi ng Parangal?

They say that Ate Guy is sulking because his Pieta didn’t make it to MMFF 2023, and this year his Mananambal is also a failure?

“I’ll pull him…”

They say that only Sir Ricky has the power to pull Ate Guy to attend the 50th MMFF Gabi ng Parangal.

“This [Isang Himala], he knows this is an MMFF entry. And yet, he participated,” said Sir Ricky.

“He didn’t hesitate when I talked to him. He didn’t say… because, Guy, he’d be blunt, ‘Brother, don’t do it.’ He’d be like that.

“He didn’t do it like that, eh. So, I guess I’m brave. “If I can’t do it, don’t blame me. I’ll try to convince him.