For the first time since their separation in 1986, Nora Aunor and her ex-husband, Christopher de Leon, were reunited on set to shoot a scene together for the mini-series Sa Ngalan Ng Ina on TV5. The scene, directed by Mario O'Hara and Jon Red, was filmed on September 2, 2011, in the picturesque town of Taal, Batangas.

Despite the emotional weight of the moment, Nora appeared relaxed, and when asked if she felt nervous about reuniting with Christopher on screen, she responded with a smile, “Bakit naman?” (Why would I be?). She explained that it was simply another scene to her. However, she admitted that she was more surprised by her son Ian's reaction. “Mas hindi ko ini-expect ang reaksiyon ni Ian… tuwang-tuwa siya,” she shared, revealing that Ian was thrilled by the unexpected reunion, as it had been a long time since the family was together in this context.
The scene, which depicted a dramatic moment between the estranged couple, captured the attention of the cast and crew. Ian de Leon, their son, who plays a role in the series, was particularly moved by the reunion, expressing his joy over seeing his parents share the screen again. Nora and Christopher’s scene took place in a grand church in Taal, adding an emotional layer to the series’ already intense storyline.
During the shoot, Nora and Christopher were joined by other stars, including Rosanna Roces, Eugene Domingo, and a talented ensemble of young actors from the Kapatid network. The cast also featured Karel Marquez, Jay Aquitania, Racquel Villavicencio, and Leo Rialp, among others.
The emotional reunion scene marked a turning point in the mini-series, with Nora's character, "Ate Guy," and Christopher’s character, a politician, reconciling at the funeral of Bembol Roco’s character, the town mayor. The plot revolves around the political turmoil and the bombing orchestrated by rival politicians.
Short Biography of the Characters:
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Nora Aunor: Nora Aunor, known as the "Superstar" of Philippine cinema, is a legendary actress, singer, and producer with an extensive career in the entertainment industry. Her powerful performances in films like Himala and Bona have earned her critical acclaim and numerous awards. Despite her personal challenges, Aunor’s impact on Filipino culture and cinema remains immeasurable. She passed away on April 16, 2025, at the age of 71. Her son, Ian de Leon, confirmed her death, revealing that she succumbed to acute respiratory failure following an angioplasty procedure. She had been hospitalized at The Medical City Ortigas in Pasig since April 10. President Bongbong Marcos declared April 22, 2025, as a day of national mourning, during which state memorial services were held at the Manila Metropolitan Theater, followed by a state funeral at the Libingan ng mga Bayani.
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Christopher de Leon: Christopher de Leon, known as "Boyet," is a prominent Filipino actor recognized for his versatile roles in television and film. He has been a fixture in the Philippine entertainment industry for decades, earning admiration for his performances in both dramatic and comedic roles. He was married to Nora Aunor for several years before their separation in 1986.
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Ian de Leon: Ian de Leon is the son of Nora Aunor and Christopher de Leon. Like his parents, Ian has pursued a career in acting and has appeared in various films and television shows. He has grown into a talented actor and is known for his family’s legacy in the entertainment industry.
The reunion of Nora Aunor and Christopher de Leon on screen serves as a poignant moment in both their careers and personal lives. The emotional weight of their shared history added depth to their characters in Sa Ngalan Ng Ina, showing that sometimes the most powerful performances come from real-life experiences. For their son Ian, seeing his parents together again, even if just for a scene, was a touching reminder of the enduring bond that continues to exist between them, despite their separation.