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.
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 so stubborn back then, we wouldn’t have broken up.”
PEP.ph (Philippine Entertainment Portal) visited the set of the TV5 mini-series Sa Nama ng Ina last Wednesday, September 7, 2011.
And then we interviewed the star of the drama series, Nora Aunor.
Nasa Taal, Batangas sina Nora at co-actors, with Direk Mario O’Hara and staff, mula August 22 hanggang September 2.
Nasa Bosoboso, Antipolo City sila noong 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.
Aunt Guy (Nora’s nickname) had an early call time so she got home early, just before midnight.
Scenes between Alwyn Uytingco and Edgar Allan Guzman were mostly filmed.
But Nora and her son, Ian de Leon, who were spotted by PEP in the afternoon flirting with his mother, also had scenes.
Before dinner break ay nauna naming in-interview si Ian, with Ate Guy na may ibang kausap, in the same room.
But the latter is also talking 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 her, when she was a child, Lorna Tolentino.
It was mentioned in the conversation that Lorna was moving to TV5.
“He [Ian] was very young at the time, but he had a crush,” the Superstar reflected happily.
At the same time, he said, “My son wants to be an artist!”
On the other hand, Ian’s “Mother” was always “back” to his mother.
Like, ipaparinig talaga kay Ate Guy, “Kay Mommy ako. Loyalista ako, e!” Or, “I’m proud of both my parents…’”
Speaking about being “naughty” like his dad, Ian said, “I don’t know where I get my naughtiness… “Mom, I love you so much!”
And Guy’s son laughed out loud.
Natatawa na lang si Nora, who was pleased with Ian’s words.
Christopher de Leon, Lotlot de Leon, at John Rendez sa burol ni Nora Aunor | PEP Hot Story
“I know that. There is no need to say that. It feels good.”
NORA AUNOR ON CHRISTOPHER DE LEON
At the SNNI taping in Bosoboso, Antipolo City, the previous day, September 5, many scenes were filmed between Nora and Christopher.
The unit directors and technical staff of Mario O’Hara and Jon Red were back together that day.
Nora and Bobby were very professional. They have a lot to do on the set.
On a personal level, Nora also mentioned that even though they separated at the time, their friendship remained good.
“That was a big sacrifice for me,” Ian said, in the presence of Ian.
“It’s my fault too, e. I admit it. If I hadn’t been so stubborn back then, we wouldn’t have broken up.”
Nora smiled when she recalled that she and Bobby had been separated from each other, but, “We’re still dating!”
Guy’s story: “He dated me, even though we were separated.
“He told me about what he had done, and I told him about what he had done to me.”
NORA AUNOR, HAPPY WITH TV5
Meanwhile, with TV5 treating her so well and well, there’s no reason why Nora shouldn’t be happy.
He is very vocal in saying this, every time he talks to a media, such as PEP.
“They’re a different kind of nurturing,” says Nora, who is especially happy when she prepares something for her special dishes, such as Bicol express and ginataang santol, which are her favorites.
NORA AUNOR’S FIRST BOLD ROLE
Ano pa ang gusto niyang roles na gampanan?
“As usual, bold!” wika ni Ate Guy sa kanyang nakagawiang pagbibiro.
“Pero hindi niyo alam, ako ang unang-unang nag-bold—sa Banaue!”
Ang Banaue (1975) ay ang klasikong pelikula ng National Artist for Film na si Gerry de Leon. Ito ang unang pagtatambal nina Nora at Christopher.
“Buhok ko lang ang nakatakip [sa dibdib]. Ako ang unang nag-bold!” biro pa ni 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
Bukod sa press na nag-i-interview, may mga male celebrities din mula sa TV5 ang bumisita sa set ng Sa Ngalan ng Ina para sandaling makausap si Nora Aunor.
Nakita namin si Manila Councilor Yul Servo, na nakapareha ni Ate Guy sa pelikulang Naglalayag (2004).
Kasamang bumisita ni Yul ang co-star niya sa Bangis, ang young actor na si Rodjun Cruz.
Early evening nang dumating sina Yul at Rodjun.
“Aunt Guy, I’m going to pay tribute to you,” said Ms. Jo-Ann Banaga, supervising producer of Sa Nom ng Ina at Bangis.
My sister was very happy to see Yul. He introduced himself to Rodjun and they greeted each other for a while, taking pictures.
Fun fact: Rodjun is the nephew of Tirso Cruz III, who was Nora’s former love team and relationship partner.
Nora said of Yul, “Oh, her eyes are still shining. I was really impressed with that, a great artist. And he’s a very nice kid.”
In the film, Yul appears to be Nora’s last leading man, so far.
“It’s funny. He said, “Wow, I’ve won three awards there.” He’s really good,’” Nora also mentioned.
Meanwhile, among the Sa Nama ng Ina cast members, Nora mentioned that Alwyn Uytingco and Edgar Allan Guzman are the most promising and standout among the newcomers she has seen.
“They’re good and hardworking, they’re disciplined,” Nora said.