Nora Aunor at 65: Memorable movies

By Ronald Constantino

ALL OF – Yes, the Superstar, Nora Aunor, turns 65 today, Monday, May 21. How times flies indeed. From “Tawag ng Tanghalan” national champion at 14 to the Philippine cinema’s greatest actress today.

All of 65 with a formidable list of memorable movies. Let’s look back at them…

ISHMAEL BERNAL – “Himala” and “Ikaw Ay Akin” ( with Vilma Santos and Christopher de Leon). “Himala” was voted by CNN viewers as the greatest film of Asia and the Pacific.

LINO BROCKA – “Bona” and “Ina Ka ng Anak Mo” ( with Lolita Rodriguez). “Bona” competed in Cannes and was released all over Europe.

GIL PORTES – “Andrea” and “‘Merika.” (“Andrea” gave Nora her fifth FAMAS best actress award, elevating her to the Hall of Fame.)

MARIO O’HARA – “Tatlong Taong Walang Diyos,” “Bulaklak ng City Jail,” and “Condemned.” Many critics consider “Tatlong Taon” as O’Hara finest film. It gave Nora the first Urian award for best actress.

LUPITA A. KASHIWAHARA – “Minsa’y Isang Gamu-gamo” and “Magandang Gabi sa Inyong Lahat.”

EDDIE GARCIA – “Atsay” and “Uod at Rosas.” (“Atsay” gave Nora the Metro Manila Film Festival best performer award, the only acting trophy given that MMFF year.)

BRILLANTE MENDOZA – “Thy Womb” and “Taklub.” (“Thy Womb” gave Nora the Venice International Film Festival’s best actress award – Golden Eel – coming from independent critics. It also gave her best actress award from the Southeast Asian film fest.)

GERRY DE LEON – “Banaue” and the trilogy “Fe, Esperanza, Caridad.” De Leon directed one episode, the other two by BERT AVELLANA and CIRIO H. SANTIAGO.

JOEL LAMANGAN – “Flor Contemplacion,” “Bakit May Kahapon Pa,” and “Sidhi” ( “Flor” gave Nora the best actress award – Golden Pyramid – at the Cairo International Film Festival and “Bakit May” the best actress award – Penang Pearl- at the Malaysian International Film Festival).

MARYO J. DE LOS REYES – “Naglalayag” and “Annie Batungbacal.” ( “Naglalayag” gave Nora best actress trophy in Belgium.)

ELWOOD PEREZ – “Bilangin ang Bituin sa Langit” and “Pacita M.”

DANNY ZIALCITA – “T-Bird at Ako” (with Vilma Santos.

The list is by no means complete as it does not include indies she’s been doing for the past few years.