How Nora Aunor shaped my life…

By Felix Manual

NY-based blogger and RN

This will be a long post.

I was born a year after Nora Aunor celebrated her eighteenth birthday. It was the height of Noramania. I never experienced those crazy Years, but I can only remember that she was the first “artista” I idolized. I can remember my neighbors debating over her and Vilma. My mom was a staunch Vilmanian.

In 1978 while watching TV, I saw a statuesque girl being crowned by a petite black beauty. I asked my mom who they were, and my mom replied that the black woman was Nora Aunor! I believed my mom… I was fascinated that Nora was a Miss Universe winner. A few years later I realized that it was not true, but I was already a staunch pageant fan by then!
I kept my love for Nora and the pageant scene. I became a beauty pageant enthusiast who was given the chance to write about the pageant scene in several newspapers and publications, most popular of them was for Mr. Ricky Lo’s Funfare Column in the Philippine Star (1998-2021).

The writer with his only photo of Ms. Nora Aunor.

During my grade school years, I was ostracized for being gay and a Noranian. I always found strength in Ate Guy’s characters in the movies. It made me feel positive. She was indeed a reflection of our lives! I had a classmate who I have ignored since 1980 because he told me Nora was ugly!

During the 1982 Metro Manila Film Festival, I was able to witness the greatest Filipino Film for me! “Himala” opened my eyes to many of life’s realities! I can vividly remember a packed cinema and people clapping thunderously after the screening. It was a bit traumatic for me seeing all those who were “injured” during the final scene!
I can never forget some of the reactions after the MMFF Awards Night! “Lutong Macaw” daw! I surmise that the CNN Award decades later has vindicated this great work of art!!

1984 Came ang I was able to watch ‘Merika” this “quiet” movie made me want to pursue a career in Nursing! I wanted to live and work in New York! Two dreams whose nidus was instilled by the Superstar! I became a Nurse ten years later and eventually settled in New York in 2008. I remember going to 193 Manila Avenue in New Jersey, the house where Nora lived in the movie “‘Merika”. I made an album where her stills in the movie reflected my own “American Dream”!

During High School i kept following her and Lollot eventually entered showbiz…She and I shared the same birthday and birth year! I felt Ate Guy was my Mama Guy…I remember going to RPN 9 ‘s Broadcast City alone as a teenager. I watched Lotlot and Friends and Superstar together with fans of Ate Guy…Being one of the youngest there, they made sure I was eating and that I felt safe. I met a lot of Noranians…I only remember Lady Guy, Ivy and Gemma Aguilar…there were a lot of lolas and nanays who looked after the younger fans.

The young superstar

In 1989, I nearly missed my graduation because Lotlot was set to marry Ramon Christopher on the same day! My mom was so upset when I said I would rather attend Balot’s wedding! Of course, I had to attend my graduation.

I was so amused whenever I saw pictures of the gargantuan crowd that usually greeted our Superstar during the height of her popularity…I witnessed the same thing in 1991 during her “Handog ni Guy” concert! Araneta Coliseum was packed to the brim! I have never seen so much love and respect from her fans! I saw old fans with their children beaming with pride knowing they made their parents happy upon seeing their one and only Superstar! I was just so lucky that I had 2nd row tickets from Mr. Mike Enriquez! Tito Mike, my best friend’s uncle, usually gives us tickets to concerts.

I would not have the money to buy those during that time. It was also the first time to miss the evening telecast of Miss Universe! After watching the morning telecast of the pageant, we had to proceed to the Big Dome! One scene that was edited from the tv telecast was the part when fans were allowed to give her flowers, this was so poignant for me. La Aunor nearly drowned in flowers! This was the first time I saw the Big Dome so full.The next event that I saw the Big Dome packed was during the 1993 UAAP Men’s Sr Basketball Championship between UST and Adamson.

Nora Aunor, national artist

I was able to meet the Superstar in person, but I never had an opportunity to take a picture with her. One missed opportunity was during the Awards Night of the Manila Film Festival when she won for “Naglalayag”! I bought a 36 shots film and my friend who was holding the camera tried to take pictures but was so star-struck that he was not able to take a single picture. I was beside La Aunor as she walked from the stage to the stairs! I wanted to slap my friend!

Last year I was able to meet her again during the 40th Star Awards for Movies and I was able to take a selfie while she was onstage with Maricel. Ok na sa akin yun!

When I saw the news of her death, I thought it was fake news…i hoped it was fake! I confirmed with friends from the industry and was devastated when they confirmed it…

It is only now that I mustered enough strength to write my tribute to my La Aunor…I will forever be grateful for the inspiration and courage you have given me in shaping my life! I am forever indebted to you!

#haranganmanngsibatmananatilingtapat #NoraAunor #noranians #superstar #NationalArtist