NORA AUNOR: INSIDE THE SUPERSTAR, INSIDE THE ARTIST, INSIDE THE CINEMA

Ever since Inside The Cinema hosted by Boy Abunda premiered on Cinema One, I always hoped that the cable show about the Philippine Movie Industry's most respected Icons would someday feature Superstar Nora Aunor. After all, what would a program about actors discussing the craft of acting in film be without Ate Guy? Unlike previous episodes, tonight's telecast deliberately used a slower pace in the interview focusing on the Superstar's most significant films with some of the country's finest filmmakers. This was the first time I saw Ate Guy answer each question thrown at her candidly and with much confidence. Sure, a bit of the old Nora Aunor is still there but during certain parts of the program, she would say something unexpected like "Lasing ako nung sinu-shoot namin yung scene na nabaril si Dan Alvaro sa Condemned (1984)." Later, she would also confess that "Uminom din ako bago kunan yung eksena sa burol sa Naglalayag (2004)."

The best part of the show were the interviews with her directors. Mario O'Hara talked about his experience working with Ate Guy in Tatlong Taong Walang Diyos (1976), Bakit Bughaw Ang Langit? (1981), Condemned and Bulaklak Sa City Jail (1984). Maryo J. de los Reyes reminisced on his special friendship with Ate Guy which resulted in films such as Annie Batungbakal (1979) and Bongga Ka Day! (1980). It's unfortunate that they left out one of my favorite films, Minsan, May Isang Ina (1983). I would have loved to hear her thoughts on making the movie. "Feel beautiful..." was how Ate Guy described working with Elwood Perez. I know all of Direk Elwood's stories about working with the Superstar. He mentioned that it was with Bilangin Ang Bituin Sa Langit (1989) that the critics started taking his work seriously. The most fascinating anecdote of all came from Gil Portes who directed Ate Guy in 'Merika (1984) and Andrea, Paano Ba Ang Maging Isang Ina? (1990). Before they started working, the late Ishmael Bernal advised him to shoot all the difficult scenes first because it enables her to get into the character she's portraying. When Ate Guy started talking about Lino Brocka, she mentioned the competition between Brocka and O'Hara on whose film will she win an award. I must say that this telecast of Inside The Cinema was worth the wait. Catch it again this Saturday, May 12 on Cinema One Global.