Family, friends and fans of the late National Artist for Film and Broadcast Arts, Nora Aunor, gathered at Cinema 11 of Gateway 2 in Araneta City on Wednesday to commemorate what would have been the superstar’s 72nd birthday.
The occasion was marked by the special screening of “Faney,” a tribute film by director Adolfo Borinaga Alix Jr., headlined by Laurice Guillen and Gina Alajar — both acclaimed actresses and directors.
The emotional screening brought together generations of Noranians who laughed, cried and clapped along with a story that mirrored their own deep connection with the beloved actress, fondly known as Ate Guy.
Among those present were Nora Aunor’s sons, Kenneth and Ian de Leon, who warmly greeted longtime fans and joined them in honoring their mother’s enduring legacy. Also in attendance were cast members Gina Alajar and Althea Ablan. Laurice Guillen, who portrays the central role of Milagros (or Lola Bona), was unable to attend but was represented by her daughter, actress Ina Feleo.
Gina Alajar paid tribute to Nora with a heartfelt poem, recalling their work together in “Onanay” and “Pieta.” She celebrated the actress’ brilliance by referencing many of her most iconic roles:
“Walang himala, kaya’t kami’y umagos. Kung walang himala, siya ang nag-iisa. Isang milagro sa ilalim ng araw na kay ganda. Sa ‘Bona,’ siya’y tahimik ngunit matapang, sa kanyang mukha, pag-ibig na walang pag-aalinlangan. Sa ‘T-Bird at Ako,’ siya’y matatag at totoo, binasag ang handang lumipad. Sumulong ng buo. Bilang Andrea ipinakita ang sakit ng ina. Bawat eksena’y sugat na hindi nasayang, kundi dakila. Sa [‘Minsa’y Isang] Gamu-Gamo,’ umalingawngaw ang tinig niya. ‘My brother is not a pig’ — sigaw ng dignidad at bansa. Sa bawat papel, binigyan niya tayo ng paningin, ng tapang, ng buhay sa pusong malambing. Mula ‘Banaue’ hanggang ‘Thy Womb’ na payak ang ganda, si Flor Contemplacion may bigat ng mundo sa kanyang mukha. Sa ‘Tatlong Taong Walang Diyos,’ luha’y walang kapantay, hinubog niya ang kasaysayan sa kanyang mga kamay. Hindi lang siya umaarte, siya’y nabuhay, nag-alab. At sa kanya, puso ng bayan ay lumakad.”
Produced by Frontrow International, Intele Builders, Noble Wolf and AQ Films, “Faney” follows the story of Milagros, a devoted Nora Aunor fan devastated by news of her idol’s death. Despite recovering from angioplasty, Milagros insists on attending the public wake and enlists her granddaughter Beatrice, a P-pop fan, to help her sneak out. Their journey reveals generational gaps, old wounds and the power of fandom and cultural icons.
Frontrow’s RS Francisco, one of the producers, shared his own “faney” story. Abroad when Nora passed away, he was moved to help produce the tribute film when offered the chance by Direk Adolf.
“Hindi na ako nagdalawang isip,” he said. “Yung story mo sa fan gawin natin ‘yan para sa lahat ng nagmamahal sa National Artist natin sa buong mundo. ‘Yan ang legacy project natin kasama si SV (Sam Verzosa).”
RS also recalled a personal encounter with Nora in the 1990s, when he picked her up in a run-down car. While refueling, street vendors recognized her. Nora told him, “Kuya, ‘wag ka muna aalis,” stepped out, lined up the kids and emptied her wallet to give them something.
“Ako mismo nakakita kung paano ka-selfless ang superstar,” he said. “Doon ko na-realize kung bakit ang daming nagmamahal sa kanya.”
“Faney” is a moving portrait of love, legacy and how Nora Aunor lives on in the hearts of those she inspired. The film also features Bembol Roco, Perla Bautista, Roderick Paulate, Angeli Bayani, Bianca Tan and Ian de Leon as himself, with appearances by Bilib.
