The gospel according to Nora

It was the teleserye that somehow started it all. After consistently dominating the ratings game for almost two years since its debut after winning many awards and after changing the viewing habits of many Pinoys who rushed home to see if Angelo and Yna were all right, the pioneering teleserye Pangako Sa ‘Yo is airing its final episode today.

From the time it debuted on ABS-CBN in November 2000, Pangako Sa ‘Yo has become one of the most loved soap operas of all time. It boasted of glossy production values, expansive film-quality vistas, grand locations, charismatic moving performances and a fascinating creative story line.

Replacing it is one that is expected to be just as riveting: Bituin. It stars no less than Nora Aunor, the country’s one and only superstar. I have always been a fan of Ate Guy. I remember growing up in Borongan, Eastern Samar overwhelmed by a woman whose presence was larger than the planet Jupiter and whose voice had the power to heal. I would fight with my elder sister Mana Fe (a die-hard Vilmanian) as to who was the better actress, or who was the prettier one. My teachers, in the meantime, would commend me for singing fervently the National Anthem, clueless that I was actually singing Maria Leonora Teresa.

I and the millions of others who believe in the gospel according to Nora, are glad that Ate Guy is back. This soap opera is a fitting "comeback" vehicle for the country’s one and only superstar and I can hardly wait to watch its first episode on Sept. 23. In Bituin, Nora plays Laura, the adopted daughter of a rich family. While blessed with an exquisite voice, Laura decided early to put her dreams of music stardom by the wayside to help her foster sister achieve hers.

La Aunor will be joined by Cherie Gil, Carol Banawa, Desiree del Valle, Michael de Mesa, Gardo Versoza, Ricardo Cepeda, Emilio Garcia, Jessa Zaragoza, Efren Reyes, Carlo Muñoz and Celia Rodriguez.

When Manay Celia was offered the part, she says that she was thrilled to work with Nora. "Hay naku, stars may come and go but you cannot dispute the fact that there is only one superstar and that is Nora Aunor," she says in her trademark voice. "I told myself, ‘Behave!’ kasi nakaka-tense. And when I reported for my first taping, in fairness, behave naman ako. At lahat din ng tao kay Ate Guy, behave! Napaka-galing niya kasi. Behave talga kami kay Nora!"

Frank Garcia and Geoff Rodriguez, two of the Powerboys also join the cast of Bituin. Both Frank and Geoff are overwhelmed that they’ll be working with Nora Aunor. "Nagulat ako when they offered me a part in the soap opera," shares Frank. While Geoff relates that he called his mom in Australia to tell her the exciting news. "And when I called her, she was screaming her head off. You see, she’s a Filipina and she’s been a fan of Nora Aunor ever since. She was so happy and so proud of me. Even my lola, who hails from Bicol like Nora by the way, is equally excited."

It has been barely more than a month since Geoff, Frank and the rest of the Powerboys have been introduced as contract stars of ABS-CBN. So far, Geoff has been having a blast guesting in different shows of the network. He says that he’s having so much fun that he doesn’t mind the intrigues about the Powerboys being jealous of others ("It’s definitely not true"), to the talks that they’re just good-looking muscle men who just take off their shirts ("I have no problem doing it. It doesn’t make me uncomfortable. But I’m sure people will see us as men who can do so much more.").

To Ate Guy, Frank, Geoff and the rest of the cast, break a leg guys! We shall be in front of our TV sets when Bituin starts to shine.

New singles from Harmony

Harmony Music, the OPM label of Alpha Records has recently released the new singles of its contract artists.

Aegis is back with Ang Pagbabalik from their soon-to be-released album Ating Balikan while REtroSPECT goes disco in the Luv Bug, their single lifted from their newest album of the same title. Sultry singer and award-winning actress Glydel Mercado goes sentimental with Pa’no Naman Kaya Ako while upcoming balladeer Ronald Navarro’s Isang Ngiti Mo Lang is currently enjoying good radio airplay. Finally, rap sensation Pariente just released Crazy.

Their singles are released by Harmony Music under Alpha Records.