MS. NORA AUNOR

If the statements of her co-stars are to be considered, Ms. Nora Aunor commands so much respect without even knowing about it because she is so simple and unassuming.

However, when interviewed on the set of her latest project under TV5, “Never Say Goodbye,” Ms. Aunor said, “I am just myself, nothing more or less.”

But her being a phenomenon as an actress, achieving honors beyond the dreams of the other artists, radiates from herself and warmly affects the other stars.

Vin Abrenica, who plays the son of Ms. Aunor in the drama series, confessed that he got star-struck when he first met the multi-awarded star, and that he was almost intimidated by her.

“Then I felt her warmth, her compassion somehow easing my nervousness,” Vin added. “Ms. Aunor, I found out, was ever ready to help us new stars.”

Vin narrated how Ms. Aunor slapped her in one scene. “It was real and I felt the pain.” Vin even touched his cheek. “But I did not mind it. It was for realism that Ms. Aunor slapped me.”

“But I am surprised when Ms. Aunor approached me after the take and apologized,” Vin stressed. “She is indeed a great actress and it was a profound honor that I play her son.”

In a similar situation, a scene calls for Ms. Aunor to push Sophie Albert, and it was done so realistically that Sophie felt some pain.

“I did not mind it,” Sophie said. “That was a great scene for me – imagine having a very dramatic scene with Ms. Aunor. And that was even our first scene together.”

Vin is a product of “Artista Academy,” and “Never Say Goodbye” is his first project with TV5, as with Sophie.

During their first scene together, Vin and Sophie already had a kissing scene. Her lips are so soft, Vin revealed, referring to Sophie.

The two are being asked if this early their loveteam will develop into a commitment for each other. “Maybe in the long run, no one can tell,” Vin said. “But as of now, my focus is on my craft. I have to give my best. I have to give justice to the opportunity given me by TV5.”

Vin added that he has excellent work relationship with Sophie.

Sophie echoed Vin’s statement. “I have so much respect for him. I don’t think our close relationship now will develop into a serious commitment to each other. We are here for our career, and we are just starting. I think that is our priority now.”

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Saint Pedro The Musical Stages Repeat

The High School Seniors 2013 of St. Paul College Pasig and the Sisters of St. Pauls Community will sponsor the New Year’s repeat performance of “Faith... Teen Saint Pedro,” an original Filipino musical based on the young life of St. Pedro Calungsod of Cebu, the second Filipino saint who was canonized last Oct. 21, 2012 at the Vatican.

Calungsod’s life is an example of what faith in the Lord can do, of how one life can move others and of how the glory of God can be honored.

Young actor Makisig Morales plays Pedro, with Maliksi Morales as little Pedro, Cerrise Balatbat as Pedro’s mother, Bubi Camus as Padre Diego, Emer Guingon as Choco, Dayloe Ranario as Upe, Panyong Umaguing as Matapang, Gretchen Yaoyao as Alula, and the 29 AD Musicionaries. Special guest is Fr. Peter, the singing priest who coaches the Paulinians’ GIFT performing artists.

Music and lyrics are by Bob Serrano and Nonong Sampang, and most of the songs are from the musical “Scenes From a Martyrdom” by Msgr. Rudy Villanueva.

Tickets are available at http://www.ticketnet.com.ph. For further inquiry, you may access http://www.facebook.com/teensaintpedrothemusical. 

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Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings today, Jan. 2, go to former actress/producer Laila Dee, composer Nonoy Gallardo, civic leader Lina Aurelio, Precy Mathay, Nelly Cabral, Alice Samaniego, Mayor Eddie Dimacuha, Ricky Gargantiel, Gil Manimbo, Dotsie T. Vinuya, UK-based Cesar Roxas, actor-writer Ogie Diaz, Michelle Sacay, Mrs. Marcelina Venzon Tiu, Bernadette Johnson, Roberto Reyes, Christy Bagatsing, Jesus Jacinto, Ofelia Baloais, Nela Sebastian, Grant L.C. Brooke and Dadi Wowie Roxas…