It was a tearful moment for Christopher de Leon as he visited the wake of his ex-wife, the late Nora Aunor, as well as reunited with their children.

De Leon had a grim expression on his face as he shared tearful hugs with his colleagues before embracing his children Ian and Lotlot at the Heritage Park in Taguig, as seen in a clip shared by the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) spokesperson and publicist Noel Ferrer on his Instagram page on Saturday, April 19.

The clip also showed the screen veteran, who was joined by Ian, looking at Aunor’s coffin.

Aunor and de Leon tied the knot in a civil ceremony in January 1975, where they had one biological child, Ian. They also adopted four children, namely, Lotlot, Matet, Kiko and Kenneth. They renewed their vows in 1976, but their marriage was dissolved 20 years later. De Leon eventually went on to marry Sandy Andolong in 2001.

The National Artist’s wake is held at the Heritage Park in Taguig City, from April 17 to 21, with the public allowed to witness Aunor for the last time on April 19 and 20.

The National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) announced that a state funeral will be held for Aunor on Tuesday, April 22, and her internment will be held on the same day.

Aunor, who died at the age of 71 on April 16, will be laid to rest at the Libingan ng mga Bayani.

Nora Aunor reflects on failed marriage to Christopher de Leon

“If I hadn’t been stubborn, we wouldn’t have broken up.”
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 her 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 between Alwyn Uytingco and Edgar Allan Guzman were filmed.

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.

“Ian was still very young, 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 really makes Ate Guy hear, “I belong to 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 son laughed out loud.

Nora just laughed, who was pleased with Ian’s words.

Christopher de Leon, Lotlot de Leon, and John Rendez at Nora Aunor’s funeral | PEP Hot Story

“I know that. I don’t need to say it. I can feel it, you know.”

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 set,

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

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

“It was my fault too. 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 had separated, but, “We were still dating!”

Guy’s story: “He dated me, even though we were separated.

“He tells me about the people he was dating, and I also tell him about the people who were dating me.”

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

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

“They are a different breed of caretakers,” said Nora, who is even happier when she is preparing 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 of National Artist for Film Gerry de Leon. This is the first time Nora and Christopher worked together.

“My hair was the only thing covering [my chest]. I was the first to be bold!” Ate Guy joked, 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, we will pay homage 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 really like 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 are good and hardworking, disciplined,” said Nora.