Concerned sectors react on Nora’s National Artist snub

President Noynoy Aquino continues to get the flak for his snub of Superstar Nora Aunor who was not among those named as new National Artists despite the recommendations made by the CCP and the NCCA, the two bodies tasked with the process of selecting the honorees.

PNoy chose to drop Nora from the list, triggering a widespread discontent among her peers in showbiz, as well as from other sectors who felt the actress deserves to be feted as she passed the criteria needed.

National Artist for Literature Bienvenido Lumbera expressed his thoughts in a text message sent to an entertainment site. His text read: “The Office of the President owes the CCP and the NCCA an explanation for the insulting disregard of the choice of Nora Aunor for National Artist. I ask fellow National Artists and other artists to protest this insult to the rigorous process of choosing National Artists.”

The National Commission on Culture and the Arts (NCCA) chaired by Felipe de Leon, Jr. was the group that nominated Nora for National Artist together with the six others confirmed by Malacañang. In its official statement reacting to the Palace’s announcement, the NCCA said it was also taken aback by the controversial exclusion of the legendary actress dubbed as the one and only Superstar of Philippine movies.

“The NCCA is pleased at the proclamation of five new National Artists of the Philippines. While we still need to determine the basis for Ms. Aunor’s exclusion, the commission is prepared to review the processes of proclamation and formulate policies to strengthen procedure and to ensure that the determination of who finally gets the title of National Artist is free from political influences and elements unrelated to artistic accomplishments. Meanwhile, we congratulate the new National Artists,” the NCCA said.

In an interview with the state-run radio station dzRB, Communications Secretary Sonny Coloma did not give a specific reason why Nora did not get the prestigious recognition and only said, “It’s the duty of the President to decide who is deserving to be honored as National Artist. In making his decision, he considered how each measured up.”

Actor Robin Padilla took to Instagram to directly address Aquino and ask him to reconsider his decision. “Ako’y kumakatok sa puso at pangangatwiran ng aking Pangulo, kagalang-galang na ginoong Aquino, marahil po ay muling may pagkukulang ang mga nakatalagang hanay, hurado at komisyon sa pagbibigay sa inyo ng impormasyon kung sino at kung ano si ginang Nora Aunor sa ating Sining, Kultura at tradisyon bilang mga Pilipino. Let us learn how to give glory to those who earned it, when they are still strong and alive. Politics and propaganda have no place in arts and culture. Let the peaceful revolution of the great Nora Aunor continue. Her life spells Hope, her art spells Alive, her culture spells Filipino and her name spells HER•O•INE,” Padilla posted.

While Padilla’s sentiment is echoed by other groups and many Noranians, at least one group, the Nora Aunor for National Artist, of which Don Rapadas is identified, is already looking forward to the next president that will finally give Nora the recognition they believe she deserves.

“We are not asking President Aquino to reconsider his decision, because by now it is clear to us that he is not the right person to sign off on that paper declaring Nora Aunor as National Artist. We are glad that he will not be the one to proclaim her as such. We will wait for that time when we would have a Chief Executive who is more appreciative and supportive of the arts and the artistic community,” the group declared.

As for Ate Guy herself, she has yet to publicly react to the announcement of the new National Artists. In recent interviews, she had repeatedly reiterated what she feels about the prestigious honor. “Kung ibigay, magpasalamat tayo. Kung hindi naman, magpasalamat pa rin,” she said.

Other celebrities also expressed their sentiments regarding the snub, like TV host Boy Abunda, directors Jose Javier Reyes and Joel Lamangan, writers Jerry Gracio, Suzette Doctolero and Lualhati Bautista.

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Award-winning actress Sunshine Dizon and director Joel Lamangan are reunited in the movie “Kamkam” from Heaven’s Best Productions. The last time they worked together in a movie was 10 years ago in “Sabel” where Sunshine played the role of a lesbian.

Sunshine is very thankful to be working again with Direk Joel. She considers him as her mentor in showbiz. In “Kamkam,” she’s playing the role of Allen Dizon’s second wife. She was surprised when she learned she has to do a love scene with Allen where the actor will only be in his undies.

“But the love scene was not consummated because I became a religious person in the movie and I didn’t want to sin again that’s why our love scene didn’t materialize,” said Sunshine.

“Kamkam” opens in theaters on July 9. The movie also stars Jean Garcia, Jackie Rice, Elizabeth Oropesa, Jim Pebanco and Kapuso young stars Joyce Ching, Rita de Guzman, Lucho Ayala and Hiro Peralta.

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Former screen partners Manilyn Reynes and Janno Gibbs are reunited in the new GMA-7 series “My BFF” which starts airing on Monday, June 30.

When they were younger, Manilyn and Janno were a tandem in Regal Films where they did a number of movies. In “My BFF,” they will play parents to child actress Mona Louise Rey (who has a ghost for a playmate portrayed by Jillian Ward).

Manilyn shares she is very pleased that her reunion with Janno is fit for the whole family. “It has a different concept in the sense that the story revolves on two children – one is alive and other one is a ghost who will return to take care of the other. It has drama, comedy, fantasy, perfect ingredients for a good soap opera that is meant for kids,” she said.

Janno likewise reveals he is very thrilled to work with Manilyn and he believes that their on-screen chemistry is still there. “I feel that Manilyn is a big factor in my career. I became known because of Manilyn. When I started in the business, she was already a big star. When the idea came to work with her again, I felt we need to find a good material that would suit both of us. When the offer came to do ‘My BFF’; I felt this was the right vehicle since it caters to the whole family,” said Janno.

Under the direction of Rondel Lindayag, “My BFF” likewise emphasizes our faith and confidence in having a dependable best friend whom we also consider as family.