Nora Aunor's controversial magazine cover + Ang Babae sa Septic Tank: Official entry to Best Foreign Language Film category of Oscar Awards

The Philippine Medical Association has taken an issue over Nora Aunor’s photo in Yes Magazine which shows the actress holding a cigarette.

The PMA condemned the magazine cover as they launched a no smoking campaign together with the Optical Media Board, headed by Ronnie Ricketts.

Father Robert Reyes, a volunteer for PMA which is launching A Smoke Free Philippines, said, “Ate Guy, kung gusto mong sumikat ulit, project a wholesome image. Nakalagay pa rito ironically ‘A big change in the Superstar.’ The Filipino reading public is not dumb, is also very sensitive to messages that scandalize people.”

We don’t see anything wrong in Nora being photographed holding a cigarette. It’s not an endorsement for smoking nor an advertisement but just a concept for a pictorial. Besides, Nora is not the first star to be featured in a photo holding a cigarette. We are sure other stars have done similar concept for a pictorial.

Father Reyes should not be quick in saying being photographed holding a cigarette is scandalous. There are more scandalous matters than that.

There’s nothing wrong in advocating a Smoke Free Philippines. But how sure are you that everyone in the Philippine Medical Association agree with you 100 per cent? Besides, can you get the smokers to support your campaign?

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We had the chance to talk to Cinemalaya 2011 Best Actress awardee Eugene Domingo at the taping of their show Comedy Bar last Wednesday. One of the first things that we asked her was her thought on the selection of Ang Babae sa Septic Tank as official Philippine entry to the Best Foreign Language Film category of the Oscar Awards.

“When this was first asked of me at the presscon of Ang Babae sa Septic Tank held at the Dolphy Theater, I really had a big laugh. I said it was probably a joke. So when Direk Marlon Rivera told me that it was indeed chosen, I still laughed. I still consider it a joke,” she said.

“Kasi alam kong mahirap ito. Imahe ito na mahirap gawin. Suntok sa Pluto, hindi sa buwan pero siyempre gusto rin naman i-acknowledge ang ibinigay sa aming recognition but at the same time, realistic naman kami. It’s a long, long journey. And it’s an obligation. It’s an honor with a bigger responsibility and we have to raise P30 million for it. Malaking pera ang kakailanganin namin for the campaign.”

She said many people expressed intention to help like Kris Aquino who told Uge that she’s willing to help if there would be a fund-raising event to raise funds. And Uge is asking for prayers as well for their producer, Atty. Joji Alonso. They hope to meet the right people who might be willing to distribute Ang Babae sa Septic Tank in the US .

“Balanse naman ang feeling namin. May dream pero at the same time realistic ka rin, na yung opportunity na ibinigay sa iyo ay hindi mo sasayangin,” said the lead actress of the film written by the award-wnning Chris Martinez.

“It is not bad for us to dream to be there at the Oscar but I guess it won’t destroy our persona in case we don’t make it,” said Uge who added that she wants to be at the Oscar because she wants to see George Clooney.

“But it’s an inspiration to be there because they are taking notice of Asian films, those coming from Thailand, Indonesia, the Philippines. Who knows what could happen?”

Before their date with destiny as far as walking the red carpet of the Kodak Theater, Eugene and Direk Marlon are leaving for the Vancouver International Film Festival where the best picture awardee of the Cinemalaya is in competition. Direk Marlon could vie for the best director award and the movie for the Audience Choice Award.

“Let’s just hope for the best. Although I am saying that this movie going to the Oscar seems like a joke, gusto ko pa rin siyempre makarating tayo roon. And this definitely inspires me to do more movies, good movies, not only for the Oscar but also for our local award-giving bodies,” she said.

Set to air on October 3, Monday, is the new series on TV5 titled Sa Ngalan ng Ina which features Superstar Nora Aunor and casts Uge as Nora’s sister. “Ang nanay ko ang unang natuwa nang malaman niya na kasali ako sa show ni Ate Guy. Parang ngayon lang yata siya natuwa sa career ko,” said Uge with a laugh. “I won’t pass on the chance to work with Ate Guy."

“Ang nanay ko nga, ngayon lang yata natuwa sa buong career ko. Nabasa ng nanay ko sa diyaryo na makasama ko si Ate Guy sa TV show at tuwang-tuwa siya. Ngayon lang siya natuwa. OA siya sa tuwa na kasama ko si Ate Guy. Parang puwede na akong mag-retire kasi nakasama ko na si Ate Guy.”

Now that she had worked with Nora in a TV series, Eugene is hoping that she will be able to do a movie with her as well.

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“Ligo Na U, Lapit Na Me” lead actor Edgar Allan Guzman couldn’t hide his excitement when Nora Aunor arrived at the celebrity premiere of their movie held Sunday at the Gateway Mall in Quezon City.

“I am very happy and touched that Ate Guy came to the premiere tonight. It’s a big honor. Kuya Noel (Ferrer, his manager) and I really planned to invite her since we worked together in Sa Ngalan ng Ina. Nakakatuwa po talaga kasi dumating siya. Hindi niya kami binigo.”

Edgar said that Ate Guy was even teasing him when she saw the love scenes that he did with Mercedes Cabral (his leading lady). Ate Guy told Edgar she was surprised to see him doing the love scenes.

"Sagot ko naman po, kailangan lang po sa career ko eh. Nakakatuwa naman kasi every scene na may love scene, talagang nagre-react siya," he related. ‘It really felt good that Ate Guy came because her presence made our premiere night colorful and memorable.”

“Ligo Na U, Lapit Na Me” opens its commercial run today and the indie prince is hoping that the public would take time out to watch it. The movie was one of the most popular movies during the Cinemalaya last July but Edgar and the rest of the Ligo Na U, Lapit Na Me team is hoping more people would watch it now.

“I am hoping and praying for our movie’s success,” he said.