Superstar and National Artist Nora Aunor, 71, passed away on April 16, 2025, Holy Wednesday.
On April 22, Tuesday, her remains were laid to rest at the Libingan ng mga Bayani.
On Monday, May 12, a holiday, the first shooting day of the tribute film to Nora titled Faney, directed by Adolf Alix Jr., began in Antipolo City.
The full-length film Faney stars Gina Alajar, Angeli Bayani, Althea Ablan, and Laurice Guillen.
Faney is set to premiere on Ate Guy's birthday - May 21, Wednesday at 7:00 P.M., at the Gateway Cineplex in Cubao, Quezon City.
Laurice Guillen on playing an avid of the late National Artist Nora Aunor: "That's actually the reason why I hesitated! Because I know what they're about. But if I were to play them myself, I'm having a hard time putting myself in their shoes. Because I've never been like that with anyone." PHOTO/S: Jerry Olea / File
LAURICE ON PREPARING FOR HER ROLE IN FANEY
Did Director Laurice prepare enough for her role as faney Lola Milagros aka Lola Bona in the tribute film to Ate Guy?
Director Laurice laughed in an exclusive interview with PEP Troika on the first shooting day: “You said, there was no preparation. Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha!
“Of course, right, of course I know about Nora’s fans. Who doesn’t? Then she just d:ied.
“So, I was there. I saw her.
"I wasn’t there on fan day but I hear a lot of stories, like how was that day when the fans went around so they could get close to the coffin a few times, like that.
“But there was no preparation in the sense that all of a sudden, oh, there’s a movie. Then I’ll play a fan or a long-time fan.
“Or I don’t know about fans, but I don’t know how to be a fan, especially a Nora Aunor fan. Nora Aunor’s fan is different. So that’s it.”
Did she immediately accept the title role of Faney when the project was offered to her?
“Well, yes. It seems… actually I was reluctant. It's like I'm going to make a movie right away, you know,” explained Director Laurice.
“Then what am I, especially lately, right, the weather has been so hot. So, I'm careful.
“Even though I'm directing a show, when I'm directing, I really avoid being in the sun. Because, right?
“The temperature is so high now, climate change, you know. Then there's really a significant increase in heat. So, it seems like a lot of people are fainting or dying because of the heat.
“So that was the main reason I didn't want to do anything. Because I thought, ‘The life of a fan, how hard it is!’
Laurice Guillen (second from right) with Faney co-stars Angeli Bayani, Gina Alajar, and Althea Ablan.
“It's nice for them. But if you're not a fan, it's hard.”
Is he a fan too? Does he idolize any local artists, or fellow directors?
“I don’t idolize anyone but I have jobs they like,” replied Direk Laurice Guillen.
“Some I like the job. There are some I want to work with. Things like that.
“I’m a fan too but it’s not like… the Noranian is different. As in leaving the family, or it’s like the family just tolerates it.
“Because if not, they’ll choose Nora. Not the family.”
Can he relate to that? That’s how Lola Bona is in Faney!
“No! That’s actually one reason why I hesitated!” exclaimed Direk Laurice.
“Because I know what they’re like. But if I were to act myself, I’m having a hard time putting myself in their shoes.
“Because I’ve never been like that with anyone. I mean, I have something I admire, I have…once in a while, Lee Min Ho, came to the Philippines.
“I paid. We were there, really applauding and everything, because I watch everything he does.
“But I’m not going to Korea to find him, and really act like that in front of his house. Different. Different.”
Lee Min Ho is a famous Korean actor.
Laurice Guillen was the perfect choice to play Grandma Bona in the movie Faney.
When Bona was just a teleplay, Laurice played it.
The 1980 drama film Bona, directed by Lino Brocka and starring Nora Aunor, was produced by Nora herself under NV Productions.
Nora and Laurice first worked together in the “Caridad” episode of the 1974 trilogy film Fe, Esperanza, Caridad.
Nora and Laurice both played the roles of nuns in this film, and Ronaldo Valdez played the role of a gardener at the convent.
Laurice first directed Nora in the MMFF 1980 official entry Kung Ako’y Iiwan Mo, where Nora played the role of singing superstar Beatrice Alcala.
Bona was also a participant in the MMFF 1980.
Nora was nominated for best actress in the MMFF 1980 for Bona and Kung Ako’y Iiwan Mo.
Another nominee won, Amy Austria for Brutal directed by Marilou Diaz-Abaya.
At the 1981 Gawad Urian, Nora Aunor tied for best actress for Bona and Gina Alajar for Brutal.
NORA AUNOR MOVIES FOR FREE
In honor of Ate Guy on her upcoming birthday, three of her films will be screened for free on May 18, Sunday, at the Metropolitan Theater in Manila.
10:00 A.M. is the screening of Atsay directed by Eddie Garcia.
1:00 P.M. is the screening of Tatlong Taong Walang Diyos directed by Mario O’Hara.
And 4:00 P.M. is the screening of ‘Merika directed by Gil Portes.
The premiere screening of Faney will also be free on May 21, Wednesday at 7:00 P.M., at the Gateway Cineplex in Cubao, Quezon City.
When will the films Kontrabida and Laro starring Ate Guy, both directed by Adolf Alix Jr., be released?
Director Adolf said that he has already spoken to the producer of Kontrabida at Ovations, and that it will be reviewed by the MTRCB.
“Kontrabida is coming soon after being reviewed by the MTRCB. They also plan to release it in June,” announced Director Adolf.
“Because it’s so close… so it seems they will also plan it in consideration of the theaters and all.
“After Laro, I said, it will be in October or November for Ate Guy’s anniversary.”
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Laurice Guillen (born January 31, 1947, in Butuan City, Philippines) is a distinguished Filipino actress, director, and educator whose career spans over five decades. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in English from St. Theresa’s College in Cebu City, followed by a Master’s degree in Communication from Ateneo de Manila University. Guillen began her career in theater, notably starring in productions like Mrs. Warren’s Profession, before transitioning to film and television. She gained prominence for her role as a seductress in the film Tinimbang Ka Ngunit Kulang (1974) and portrayed Corazon Aquino in the drama A Dangerous Life (1988). As a director, Guillen is celebrated for her compelling storytelling and nuanced character development. She was mentored by the legendary Lino Brocka and made her directorial debut with Kasal? (1980). Her film Salome (1984) was showcased at the Toronto International Film Festival and won her the Gawad Urian Award for Best Direction. Guillen's other notable works include Ipagpatawad Mo (1991), Dahil Mahal Kita: The Dolzura Cortez Story (1993), and Tanging Yaman (2000), which garnered multiple awards, including Best Director at the Metro Manila Film Festival . She has also made significant contributions to television, directing acclaimed series such as Akin Pa Rin ang Bukas (2013) and Apoy sa Langit (2022–2023) . |
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