Nora Aunor flanked by Perci Intalan and German Moreno at the superstar’s welcome press conference. (Photo by Shielah A. Martinez)

MANILA, Philippines -- At her emotional meeting with the entertainment press upon her arrival last Tuesday noon (Aug. 2), at the Boracay Room of Edsa Shangri-La Hotel where she was billeted, superstar Nora Aunor said that she knew she was only second choice for the role of Maria Agoncillo in the film project “El Presidente.” But she liked the project so much, being historical and all, that she didn’t mind being second choice at all.

(In a telephone call to us the other day, Gov. ER clarified that there was actually no first or second choice, he just wanted any one of them, Nora or Vilma Santos, for the project, “Kung sino sa kanila ang may time to do it. Nagkataon na uuwi si Nora, at si Vilma naman said she has two movies to do eh hindi na ako makapaghintay, so si Nora na,” he said.)

They will start shooting “El Presidente,” a pet project of Laguna Gov. E.R. Ejercito (he plays the title role) on Monday in Cavite. Nora has given E.R. 10 days to do her scenes, after which she will start taping her mini-serye for TV5. Taping will most probably take 20 days for Nora who said she could only stay for three months. “May mga dapat akong ayusin at tapusin du’n kaya di ako makakapagtagal dito.” On her much-awaited return, Nora was accompanied by immigration lawyer Michael Gurfinkel and wife Millie.

According to Perci Intalan, TV5’s head of creative production, “This is a teleserye na matatapos in one month. Short as it is but it’s as big and could even be bigger than the usual teleserye. This could even create a new genre, or set a trend…” The mini-serye will be directed by Mario O’Hara who directed the superstar in the much-awarded movie “Tatlong Taong Walang Diyos.”

Perci did not say with whom Nora will be cast, but they are looking into the possibility of tapping the services of much-awarded dramatic actor Christopher de Leon, former husband of the superstar. For sure, some of TV5’s contract artists will be cast in the mini-serye.

But is it true, Nora will be paid no less than a million pesos per taping day? She did not categorically answer in the affirmative, saying, “Lahat tayo nangangailangan ng pera, pero sana [let’s not dwell on talent fee numbers].”

During her heyday, Nora was given to rumors of unprofessionalism.

Lily Monteverde one time had to fetch her for a shooting, but she waited for naught the whole night at the sala of Nora’s Valencia home, which the producer later bought.

However, the other night, the producer said, “Let bygones be bygones.”

Mother Lily now intends to co-produce with TV5 a Nora movie which they are now conceptualizing.

On her part, Nora admitted her faults and bad behavior in the past and even apologized to those she had hurt, including former Pres. Joseph “Erap” Estrada. “Ayokong mapahiya si Kuya Germs at ang TV5 na sumugal sa pagbabalik ko. I promise na hindi sila mapapahiya sa akin. Hindi ko sila bibigyan ng anumang problema.”

By the way, there will be a Nora Aunor Fans’ Day on Aug. 7 at 1 p.m. at Broadway Centrum.

Edgar Allan Guzman joins Regal

Edgar Allan Guzman, 2011 Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival’s Best Actor awardee (for his impressive performance in Noel Ferrer’s movie project “Ligo Na U, Lapit Na Me”) has finally realized his dream to be a Regal Baby.

The other night, he signed a 10-picture contract with Mother Lily who saw his potential as an actor when she watched “Ligo Na U…” at the CCP. She described Edgar Allan as full of charisma and who has excellent acting skills.

Mother Lily also confessed to having become a movie fan again during the Cinemalaya filmfest. “I was there every day and one of the films I really enjoyed was ‘Ligo Na U…’

Regal Films is releasing “Ligo Na U, Lapit na Me” starting on Aug. 17 in theaters nationwide.

Edgar meanwhile said, “Sobra-sobra ang mga blessings na dumarating sa akin ngayon. Imagine, natupad na ang long-time dream ko to be a Regal Baby. Tapos, makakatrabaho ko pa ngayon si Ate Guy…”

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Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings for Saturday, Aug. 6, go to Gary Valenciano, Sen. Antonio Trillanes, Amb. Baby Puyat, Consul Evie Luz Costa, former PLM Pres. Dr. Benjamin Tayabas, former QC Mayor Adelina Rodriguez, Audie Gemora, Say Alonzo, Tara Tambunting, Alma Alba Dinoy, Linda Bertol, Francis Montinola, Noli Veradico, Mafae Verdadero Yumon and Sophia Celine Roxas of London… This Saturday, Spooky Nights Presents “Da Mami” topbilled by Dingdong Dantes. With Senedy Que as head writer and Uro Q. dela Cruz as director, “Da Mami” also stars Solenn Heussaff, William Martinez, Tia Pusit, Tess Bomb, Benjie Paras, and Yogo Singh. “Da Mami” airs after “Manny Many Prizes” on GMA-7...