Nora’s unsolicited advice to young stars

MANILA, Philippines — Without a doubt, Nora Aunor is one of the pillars of the entertainment industry. Her colorful experience as an actress is enough for the young stars to take to heart every piece of advice that she would gladly give. She, too, is willing to share how to handle detractors without creating a negative image. In this day and age, young stars are easy targets of social media bashing.

“I think it’s a lot harder to deal with controversies during my time pero lumilipas din,” began Nora after the formal launch of the cast of GMA’s latest drama series Onanay. “Pero ang mas marami ngayon yata ay ‘yung mga bashers.”

Nora added that it is important to be strong amid whatever challenge an actor has to face. “A lot of things can happen in our life but, of course, you cannot really compare what you are going through to that of the others. Kaya kailangan lang kayanin natin.”

Nora, who is also popularly called as Ate Guy, also knows that a lot of the young stars are going through depression and she only had this to say: “They have to be strong and never take intrigues seriously. Sa akin yata naranasan ko na lahat na (ng klaseng intriga). Pwedeng may matinding ikasira pero di dapat pansinin. They should instead focus on their work.”

Another best thing to do, the veteran actress said, is to have faith in God.

“And one more thing, don’t forget the fans who believe in you, and of course, the press, dahil kung wala sila, wala din sigurong isang Nora Aunor,” she added.

Asked if she noticed some changes in the industry today, Nora said that not much has changed except during media call. “Ngayon, inaasikaso talaga ng network ‘yung mga artista, pinapagawan ng damit at pinapauyusan. Noong araw hindi; kanya-kanya.”

What would she remind newcomers so they could stay long in the industry?

“Like what I always say, they should never forget to look back where they started and to always love their work. Ako nga walang pagmamahal sa trabaho pag nai-in love, hahaha!”

Meanwhile, Nora is happy to be back on GMA 7 two years after her last drama series Little Nanay that saw her in poignant scenes as a mother to Kris Bernal. This time, the Superstar is once again portraying a mother role to newcomer Jo Berry in Onanay.

“I am thankful to GMA for giving me another opportunity to make a drama series with them. Okay itong aming bagong proyekto. If you loved Little Nanay, I am sure you will doubly like our new show that truly touches the heart.”

In Onanay, Nora is Nelia, Onay’s supportive mother who will do anything for her child. The story revolves around Onay, a woman with Achondroplasia or a bone growth disorder, which impedes her growth. Because of this, she is often the subject of ridicule but she chooses to remain positive in life. Onay gave birth to two daughters who are different from each other. Despite the tragedy and traumatizing events, Onay’s motherly love remains pure and unconditional.

“If you saw me as a cool mom in Little Nanay, here you will see me fighting for my daughter who is often belittled by the people around her. The show is more serious.”

Given her stature in the industry, is there anything Nora wishes to do?

“As an actress, there is nothing I could ask for because I’ve done so many movies that I can truly be proud of. Di man lahat pero meron na rin namang naipagmalaki natin sa ibang bansa. At dahil na din ito sa mga direktor na napunta sa akin. I’d also like to do an autobiography, naghahanap pa lang ako ng makakatulong sa akin.”

(Onanay, which is set to premiere tonight, also stars Mikee Quintos, Kate Valdez, Cherie Gil, Gardo Versoza, Wendell Ramos, Rochelle Pangilinan, Vaness del Moral, Enrico Cuenca and Adrian Alandy. It is under the direction of Gina Alajar.)