Superstar Nora Aunor, or Ate Guy to her hordes of Pinoy fans, may have just wanted a fresher look for her supposed local showbiz comeback, but it is now learned that the star has gotten more than she bargained for.

In a report on “TV Patrol World” on May 25, it was stated that Aunor’s vocal cords have been damaged after a recent "sur gical procedure." In fact, during last Saturday’s concert in Toronto, Canada—one that was purportedly originally scheduled in March this year— the Superstar had to make do with lip-synching her songs.

Aunor reportedly was advised by her doctor not to sing nor speak, but Ate Guy managed to do her spiels, which the report said hinted of something going wrong with a surgical procedure. Sources say Aunor’s camp is also preparing to file a lawsuit. However, they have yet to release an official statement regarding the matter. But in the same report, it was said that Aunor’s concert in Canada would be her last.

Aunor was reported to have undergone cosmetic surgery in preparation for her comeback. In February, Aunor traveled to Japan to undergo beauty enhancement procedures prior to her homecoming. As also reported, the Superstar was able to travel out of the U.S. when the 5-year travel ban in connection with a 2005 drug case for possession of methamphetamine (shabu) had finally been lifted by authorities there.

It remains unclear, however, if the said beauty enhancement that she reportedly had in Japan is the cause of her vocal cords being damaged; nor if it is the subject of the possible lawsuit.

Aunor could not hide her joy when the concert in Canada finally pushed through, with reports that she even shed tears back stage. “Natuwa ako sapagkat ang mga tao noon hanggang ngayon ay hindi pa rin nawalan ng pag-asa. Kaya masayang masaya ako ngayon sapagkat sila ay nandito pa rin,” she shared.

Her fans, meanwhile, were very vocal with their support.

“I’m willing to help her in prayers… and in monetary [matters],” said one.

“I’ve always loved Nora Aunor. I’ve always admired her talent. She’s a real phenomenon,” expressed another.

“Napakabait na tao,” another one interjected.

When asked about her impending legal fight, Aunor became more cautious in her reply. “Hindi ko pa pwedeng sabihin ang lahat ng katotohanan sapagka’t may grupo ako ng lawyers na ang advise sa akin… dahil sa itong usaping ito ay napaka delikado.”

Nora Aunor (born Nora Cabaltera Villamayor) remains one of the country’s most awarded actresses. Aside from top-billing critically acclaimed movies, one of which was “The Flor Contemplacion Story” that made her the first Filipino actress to win an international acting award in a major film festival (in Cairo, 1995), Aunor is said to have appeared in about 170 films since she started in the late '60s.

Aunor has also made her mark on television with “Superstar,” a long-running musical variety show that ran for over 20 years. She has also appeared on several drama shows and soap operas.

However, Aunor is also known for her musical career. She is said to have released roughly 260 singles and recorded over 500 songs, with a reported 40 albums to her name.  Obviously, it is this aspect of her multi-faceted career that suffers the most with this damage to her vocal cords; needless to say, so will her ability to draw income from concerts here and abroad.

Aunor was reportedly expected to return to the country in April to jumpstart her career, with several projects already lined up for her. With this major setback, it is now unclear when the Superstar will make her much-awaited comeback. However, the star waxes optimistic when she told “TV Patrol” that she has plans to do a movie while in Canada.