Nora Aunor

Nora Aunor

Nora Aunor at the 69th Venice International Film Festival
Born Nora Cabaltera Villamayor
May 21, 1953
Iriga City, Camarines Sur, Philippines
Nationality Filipino
Occupation
  • Actress
  • Producer
  • Director
  • Product endorser
  • Singer
  • Recording artist
Years active 1967–present
Spouse(s) Christopher de Leon (1975–1980)
Children Lotlot de Leon
Ian Kristoffer De Leon
Matet de Leon
Kiko Villamayor
Kenneth Villamayor
Website
theartistryofnoraaunor.com

Nora Aunor (born Nora Cabaltera Villamayor on May 21, 1953)[1] is a Filipina actress, recording artist, and film producer. Aunor has also appeared in several stage plays, television shows, and concerts. She is known as Philippine cinema's Superstar and is regarded as the People's National Artist.[2]

Aunor started her career in the Philippine entertainment industry as a singer after she won an amateur singing contest.[3] She made her film debut with All Over the World (1967) and also guested in youth-oriented films produced by Vera-Perez Pictures and United Brothers Production. Aunor transformed herself into a serious actress and came to be regarded as an acting heavyweight, performing in films such as Tatlong taong walang Diyos (1976), Himala (1982), Bona (1980), The Flor Contemplacion Story (1995) and Thy Womb (2012) which gave her international and local awards and nominations.[4]

Aunor received 17 FAMAS Award nominations and was elevated to the "Hall of Fame" after winning five Best Actress Awards. She is the most nominated actress of Gawad Urian Awards with 18 nominations, winning seven. She has more nominations as Best Actress than any other Filipino actor in both FAMAS and Gawad Urian award giving bodies. She has won eight trophies from PMPC Star Awards for her work in television and movies, eight Metro Manila Film Festival, four Luna Awards, five Young Critics Circle Awards, a Cairo Film Festival award, an Asia Pacific Screen Awards, an Asian Film Awards, amongst others.

In 1983, Aunor was recognized as one of the The Outstanding Women in the Nation’s Service (TOWNS) in the Field of the Arts.[5][6] In 1999, Aunor received the Centennial Honor for the Arts awarded by the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP).[7] She was the only film actress included in the list of awardees. In 2010, she was hailed by the Green Planet Movie Awards as one of the "10 Asian Best Actresses of the Decade".[8] She received the Ani ng Dangal Award (Harvest of Honors).[9] from the National Commission for Culture and the Arts in 2013 and 2014. In 2013, she received the "Light of Culture Awards from Philippine Centre of the International Theatre Institute and the ITI-Earthsavers UNESCO Dream Center for pioneering in the integration of theater, television, and film.[10] In 2014, Aunor is the recipient of University of the Philippines College of Mass Communications, Gawad Plaridel.[11]

Aunor is also one of the few Asian actresses to be nominated as best actress in three Asian film awards namely: 6th Asia Pacific Screen Awards (APSA) in Australia (winner),[12] 55th Asia Pacific Film Festival (APFF) in Macau.[13] and in the 7th Asian Film Awards (AFA) in Hong Kong (winner)[14][15][16] for the movie "Thy Womb".


Early life and education

Aunor was born in Baryo San Francisco, Iriga, Camarines Sur in Bicol Region. Her parents are Antonia Cabaltera and Eustacio Villamayor. She has nine siblings, including Eddie Villamayor, a former actor.[17] When Nora was growing up, her grandmother (Lola Theresa) taught her to sing; the first song she learned was "The Way of a Clown." Mamay Belen (aunt) taught her diction, interpretation and expression while singing and took her under their custody and from whom she got her screen name.[18] Nora became a champion at the Darigold Jamboree singing contest singing her winning piece "You and the Night and the Music." After that she won another singing contest, The Liberty Big Show. Nora entered the national singing contest, Tawag ng Tanghalan, where she was defeated on her first try and became a champion on her second. The Grand National Finals of Tawag ng Tanghalan was on May 29, 1967, where she sang "Moonlight Becomes You."[19]

Nora went to Mabini Memorial College ('59-'60) when she was in grade I and transferred to Nichols Air Base Elementary School ('60-'62) when she reached grade II and III. She then entered Iriga Central Elementary School ('62-64') as a grade IV and V student. She went back to Mabini Memorial College ('65-'65) to finish her primary education and entered her first year in high school ('65-'66). She then transferred to Generosa de Leon Memorial School in Parañaque. The school is said to be a branch or adjunct of Centro Escolar University-Parañaque ('70-'71) where she graduated high school.[20]

Personal life

Aunor was married to award-winning actor Christopher de Leon on Jan. 25, 1975, in a civil ceremony. She and De León have five children: actor Ian de León in 1975, adopted daughters Lotlot De Leon[21] and Matet de Leon, and adopted sons Kiko and Kenneth. Aunor and De León renewed their vows on January 27, 1976, in a religious service officiated by Rev Alleysius Rodríguez.[22] The couple separated, and their marriage was annulled in 1996. According to Matet on her interview, Nora is very affectionate and tender as a mom and she treats them equally even though they are not blood related.[23] Aunor became a permanent resident of the United States in 2008, but she retains her Philippine citizenship. In 2011, she came back to the Philippines to resume her acting and singing career after 8 years on hiatus.[24][25]

Career

1960s
"Moonlight Becomes You" (1967)
Nora Aunor's winning song in "Tawag ng Tanghalan" Amateur singing contest.
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After winning the local talent search, Tawag ng Tanghalan in 1967,[26] Aunor made her first appearance as a guest in Timi Yuro’ s concert at the Araneta Coliseum. She made her first T.V. appearance as a guest in "An Evening with Pilita"[27] hosted by Pilita Corrales and "Carmen on Camera"[28] hosted by Carmen Soriano. Aunor also joined the evening program "Oras ng Ligaya." of Channel 13 and DZXL gave her a spot on "Operetang Putol-Putol," and "Fiesta Extravaganza" hosts Ike Lozada and German Moreno frequently invited her to guest on their radio program.[29] Alpha Records took a chance on the young singer and waxed the first Nora disc. It flopped. Alpha tried again and the second Nora recording did better. Since, then, Nora’s Voice LP’s have been runaway bestsellers.[30]

Inevitably, The doors of movies opened for Aunor, Dr. Jose Perez of Sampaguita Pictures asked comedian German Moreno to ask her if she would like to try the movies. Aunor wondered if this was a joke but she also wondered how she would look in the movies. On October 2, 1967, Aunor signed an eight-picture non-exclusive contract with Sampaguita Pictures, with the assurance that she would be given a singing part.[31] Aunor made several youth-oriented flicks like "All Over World"[32] and "Way Out of the Country" Aunor made several youth-oriented flicks like "All Over World",[33] her first two movie appearances.

Guy and Pip with Maria Leonora Theresa

In 1967, from September to December, Aunor did six movies, all in supporting and minor roles. As a recording star, she made several singles like "Moonlight Becomes You" and "There's Just Forever" for Citation Records. She also recorded songs like "No Return, No Exchange" and "You are My First Love" for Jasper Recording. 1968 was not a busy year for her, she only made 3 movies most of them are supporting and minor roles and most of them are for the musical Numbers.[34] Little did she know that her time will come soon in 1969.

By the beginning of 1969, she appeared in such movies as 9 Teeners,[35] a popular TV show that time, and Young Girl,[36] where she was teamed up for the first time with Tirso Cruz III. It was also this year when her contract with Sampaguita Pictures had expired. Nora is now considered as a freelancer, she then made movies with other movie outfits like "Banda 24" and "Drakulita for Barangay", "Oh Delilah and Karate Showdown" for JBC, and two Lea pictures, "Pabandying-Bandying" and "Adriana".[37] She's on her way of attaining full stardom on her next movie assignment.

Although Nora made movies with other movie outfits, it was Tower Records[38] which gave Aunor’s first starring role opposite Tirso Cruz III, the "D' Musical Teenage Idols"[39] by Tower Productions directed by Artemio Marquez was shown on September. 23, 1969 . Three days after, on Sept. 26, 1969, Sampaguita Pictures released its 34th-anniversary presentation, a Nora-Tirso movie as well the title is "Fiesta Extravaganza" directed by Consuelo P. Osorio. This was followed Tower’s Teenage Escapades, JBC’s Halina, Neneng Ko and Viltra Elk’s Nora, The Single Girl. Her movies were all box-office hits making her the Philippine Golden Girl and a certified box-office princess. It made her a "Superstar."[40]

She also starred in her own TV musical variety show that ran for over two decades, starting as the Nora-Eddie Show with Eddie Peregrina in 1967, becoming The Nora Aunor Show in 1968, and Superstar from 1971 to 1989. Aunor's "Superstar" show holds the record as the longest-running musical variety show that had aired on Philippine PRIME-TIME TV.[41] On December 19, 1969, during the coronation of Nora as muse of Sampaguita Family Club, Tirso gave her a doll "Maria Leonora Theresa"[42] making it the most popular doll ever in the Philippine showbiz history.

1970s

Aunor continued to make teeny-bopper movies alongside Tirso Cruz III like Orang; Nasaan Ka Inay?; I Dream of Nora; Young at Heart; Always In My Heart; My Blue Hawaii; A Gift of Love; Nora, Mahal Kita, and Winter Holiday.[43] They are known as Guy and Pip to their fans. Among all the movies that they starred together, it was the movie, "Guy and Pip" that tops them all. It stayed in the cinemas for 6 months and grossed an unprecedented record-breaking box-office gross and was seen by more than 4 million Filipinos. Adjusted for ticket price inflation, Guy and Pip’s P8 million gross in 1971 is equivalent to P560 million at 2009 average ticket prices.[44] Aunor was also paired to different young actors like Manny de Leon, Edgar Mortiz, Cocoy Laurel and international stars like Sajid Khan in The Singing Filipina[45] and Don Johnson for Lollipops and Roses. Nora Aunor made 18 films in the year 1970, most of them are youth oriented flicks.

On April 2, 1970, Aunor signed an exclusive contract with Tower Records and was sued by Sampaguita Pictures for Breach of Contract, she was only seventeen then. Nora eventually graduated from being a teen idol to dramatic actress, she received her first best actress award in 1972 for her film And God Smiled at Me from Quezon City Film Festival. She was first nominated as a best actress in FAMAS( Filipino Academy for Movies, Arts and Sciences) for the A Gift of Love. From 1972 to 1986, Nora Aunor was nominated consecutively for Best Actress by the FAMAS, the only actor or actress to ever achieve the feat.

In 1973, Aunor established her own movie production company, “NV Productions”[46] and produced its first movie entitled “Carmela”.[47] She was again nominated in the 22nd FAMAS Awards for "Paru-parung Itim".[48] She also did “Fe, Esperanza, Caridad” (1974) another critically acclaimed movie which was directed by three different directors namely Cirio H. Santiago and two National Artists for film; Gerardo de Leon and Lamberto V. Avellana. This is a trilogy that tells the life stories of 3 different women; Fe - an emerging movie Superstar who has an invalid husband, Esperanza - a young wife living in a middle-class neighborhood in the city and Caridad - a young novice who was seduced by the devil himself.[49] This movie earned Nora her third nomination from the 23rd FAMAS Awards.

She also produced and starred in the movie “Banaue: Stairway to the Sky (1975)[50] which was directed by national artist Gerardo de Leon. This is a story about the tribe of Ifugao and their struggles to achieve the promised land. Aunor received her fourth nomination from FAMAS Awards( Filipino Academy for Movies, Arts and Sciences). Her co-star in this movie is the fast rising actor Christopher de Leon who later became her husband and a father to her only son.

In 1976, Aunor produced the movie Alkitrang dugo[51] through her own movie production company, NV Productions. This movie was based on the novel Lord of the Flies by the Nobel Prize-winning English author Sir William Golding. This film was directed by Lupita Aquino - Kashiwara and starred by among othersRoderick Paulate

Aunor continued making critically acclaimed movies like the period drama Tatlong Taong Walang Diyos. She played the role of a school Teacher, named Rosario, who experienced the atrocities of World War II. Her very convincing performance made her win the first ever best actress award from the Manunuri ng Pelikulang Pilipino (Gawad Urian Award)[52] and her first Best Actress Award from FAMAS. it was also considered by many as one of the greatest Filipino movies of all time.[53] The double victory is considered by many as the first acting grand slam since there were only two award giving bodies for movies at that time.

Before the year ended, Aunor did Minsa'y isang Gamu-gamo( 1976).[54] This is the story of Corazon de la Cruz, a nurse who wanted to go to America to give a better future for her family, but her brother was shot by an American soldier on the eve of her flight to America. Knowing that the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos would not allow the public showing of any films criticizing the American existence in the Philippines, the producers tapped Aunor to star in the film believing that the superstar has connection with the president and his wife former First Lady Imelda Marcos.[55] This film was the official entry of Premiere Productions to the 1976 Metro Manila Film Festival.

In 1977, Aunor had a chance to do a romantic-comedy movie with the king of the Philippine movies Fernando Poe Jr. The title of the movie is "Little Christmas tree.".[56] The film was shown on November 25, 1977, and it was a blockbuster hit. This is the only collaboration between the two of the biggest stars of the Philippine movies. On December 25, 1977, her movie "Bakya mo Neneng"[57] was the official entry of JE Productions to the 1977 Metro Manila Film Festival.[58] She was paired to then movie actor and former Philippine President Joseph Estrada.

In 1978 FAMAS Awards, Aunor received another nomination for her movie "Bakya Mo Neneng," this is her six straight nomination from the academy. However, she failed to win an award but the movie won Best Picture. She also did a movie with her arch rival Vilma Santos and her husband Christopher de Leon, The movie title is "Ikaw ay Akin".[59] This is a story about a modern love triangle. This is also a rare occasion that the two of the biggest leading ladies of the Philippine Entertainment Industry is in one movie. Who could ever forget the last scene where their characters finally met, there were no dialogue all throughout the scene but Aunor gave more emotions because of her expressive eyes.[60] To satisfy Aunor's and Santos' demand for top-billing, Ishmael Bernal the director of the movie, placed both their names in a revolving circle marquee. That way, both the stars' names are in the same plane and are seen at the same time by the audience. There were also two promotional movie posters, one is with Aunor and Deleon and the other is with Santos and De Leon. This film gave Aunor her second nomination as best actress from Gawad Urian.[61]

Later that year, her movie "Atsay"[62] was the official entry to the 1978 Metro Manila Film Festival. It is one of the two best entries of the film festival along with “Rubia Servios” directed by Lino Brocka. "Atsay" was the only film to have won the Best Performer in the Metro Manila Film Festival history. In that year, the organizers decided to give just one citation for performers (no best actor nor actress nor supporting actor nor actress award) but only the Best Performer Award. Nora Aunor was awarded the Best Performer award for her performance in this movie. Amy Austria who played a supporting role in this movie was also a nominee for the Best Performer award. The film festival organizers wanted to have a gender sensitivity by stopping such sexiest award. The move, however, was scrapped the following year. "Atsay" also received the Best Picture Award, Romeo Vitug for Best Cinematography and Eddie Garcia for Best Director.[63] Aunor was also nominated for the seventh time at the 27th FAMAS Awards.

Before the end of the decade, Aunor made two more movies for the 1979 Metro Manila Film Festival.[64] "Kasal-Kasalan, Bahay-Bahayan"[65] a romance-comedy movie with Christopher de Leon, Alma Moreno and Rudy Fernandez, the film was also the top grosser of the festival and Ina ka ng Anak Mo a movie with another movie queen Lolita Rodriguez and directed by Lino Brocka. It was also the first and the only collaboration and acting duel between two of the greatest actresses of the Philippine Cinema;[66] Both actresses were recognized as Best Actresses at the film fest award's night. The film also won best director for Brocka, Best actor for Raoul Aragon and the Best Picture. Nora was also nominated and won at the 28th FAMAS Awards for her role. This is Aunor's second FAMAS Best Actress Award.

1980s
"Moon River" (1985)
Nora Aunor's live rendition of the Academy Award winning song
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In 1980's Aunor continued to do quality films as well as commercial movies. 1970’s was a good decade for Aunor, she was dubbed as the Philippines Superstar, breaking box office records, movies after movies. Her first movie for this decade is “Nakaw na Pag-ibig”,[67] another collaboration of Aunor and the National Artist for film Lino Brocka together with Hilda Koronel and Phillip Salvador, both were Brocka’s protégé.[68] However, the movie didn’t do well in the box office. On the same year, Aunor made a movie with Mario O'Hara after so many years. They did “Kastilyong Buhangin”[69] with now Senator Lito Lapid as her screen leading man. The movie turned out to be monster hit. Before 1980 ended, two of Aunor’s film were part of the 1980 Metro Manila Film Festival as official entries. “Kung Ako Iiwan Mo”.[70] directed by Laurice Guillen with Christopher de Leon and Roly Quizon. She played the role of Beatrice Alcala a singing Superstar and how she showed her complex emotion through singing. The film won Best Sound Engineering and Best Cinematography.[71] The other entry is Bona, an internationally acclaimed and award winning film by Lino Brocka. Bona is a film about a young girl and her obsession to a movie bit player.[72] The movie gave Aunor another nomination from Metro Manila Film Festival but she lost to equally talented Amy Austria. During the 1980 MMFF, there were only three nominees for Best Actress: Nora Aunor for Bona, Nora Aunor for Kung Akoý Iiwan Mo and eventual winner Amy Austria for Brutal. However during the awards season the following year, Nora won her second Gawad Urian Best Actress for Bona tying her with Gina Alajar who won for Brutal and also earned her ninth Best Actress nomination from the 29th FAMAS Awardsfor the same movie. The film was also shown at the 1981 Cannes International Film Festival as an entry to the Director's Fortnight. In September 1982, the film competed at Figueira da Foz International Film Festival in Portugal and won the Premio de le Juri de la Federacion Internationale des Cine Clubs (Jury Prize of the International Federation of Cinema Clubs. It was the only Filipino Film cited as one of "The Best 100 Films in the World" by the Museum of Tolerance in Los Angeles, USA (1997). It is also the only Filipino film to be archived at The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York.[73]

In 1981, Aunor made six movies most of them are romantic-comedy like the blockbusters "Totoo ba ang Tsismis"[74] with Gabby Concepcion, "Ibalik ang Swerti"[75] with the ReyCards Duet, "Dalaga si Mister, Binata si Misis"[76] with Christopher de Leon and "Rock N Roll" which was the official entry to the 1981 Metro Manila Film Festival.[77] This film was also one of the top grosser of the said film fest. Aunor made just one heavy drama movie for this year and that is "Bakit bughaw ang langit?"[78] with then, upcoming actor, Dennis Roldan. This is a story of a young woman who cared for a young man suffering from a mental retardation and how she defied her family whose values were shrouded in hypocrisy. Noel Vera, a film critic called this movie as one of Aunor's finest performances, one of O'Hara's best works, and one of the great unknown—perhaps lost—treasures of Philippine cinema.[79] Aunor received her 10th FAMAS Best Actress nomination and 5th nomination from Gawad Urianfor her performance in this film. She won best actress from the Catholic Mass Media Awards. Unfortunately, no print of this film is known to officially exist, even if it was made only in 1981, a sad commentary on the state of film preservation in the Philippines.

Aunor and Sharon Cuneta at the 33rd FAMAS Awards both won the coveted Best Actress Award in 1985

Aunor, continued to make romance-comedy film in 1982, like "Annie Sabungera"[80] with Ace Vergel, "Palengke Queen"[81] with Matt Ranillo III. In that same year, Aunor gave 3 outstanding and unforgettable performances from her 3 drama movies. The first one is "Mga Uod at Rosas",[82] a story of a struggling artist who is frustrated with life and has been entertaining the thought of giving up his art. Aunor played Socorro, a landlady daughter who falls for the painter who is in love with a model.[83] The story, written by Edgardo Reyes is hardly original, yet Romy Suzara's film is laudable with a bounty of beautiful imagery, crisp editing and impressive performances from Aunor as Socorro, Johnny Delgado as Ding Daleno and Lorna Tolentino in a brief yet effective role as Nina. The art of painting plays a central and integrative role in this movie.[84] This film gave Aunor, her 11th nomination from FAMAS. The other one is in "T-bird at Ako",[85] Aunor essayed the role of a lesbian who falls for a woman. This is the third time that she did a movie with her friend Vilma Santos. If there is one unforgettable performance that Aunor has, that is in this movie "Himala" by the late National Artist Ishmael Bernal. Her portrayal is considered by most Filipino critics as a benchmark for acting and the movie is undoubtedly one of the best ever. She played the role of a young woman, who claimed to have seen the Virgin Mary. Aunor's performance here is restraint and subtle, yet very powerful. The film became the first Filipino film to be included in the "Competition Section" of the prestigious Berlin International Film Festival and received many international awards like Bronze Hugo Awards, 19th Chicago Film Festival (1983) (winner),[86] Asia-Pacific Film Festival Special Achievement for Best Depiction of Socially Involved Religion (1983),[87] and Best Asian-Pacific Movie of All Time, CNN APSA Viewers Choice Award (2008)[88]

In 1984, Aunor only made three movies but all of them were critically acclaimed and award winning films. Who could ever forget the portrayal of Aunor as an Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) who works as a nurse in America and her struggles to fight loneliness and homesickness in "'Merika".[89] The film also tackles the story of Filipino Illegal Aliens who will do anything just to get a Green card. Directed by Gil Portes, Aunor's performance in this film gave her the very first best actress trophy from, (PMPC) Star Awards for Movies and her eight (8) Gawad Urian best actress nomination. The next film was given an "A" Rating by the Film Ratings Board,[90] Condemned[91] is a story of siblings Yolly (Aunor) and Efren (Dan Alvaro), and how their lives changed when Efren worked as a driver and a hired killer for ruthless money laundering lady Connie played by (Gloria Romero). The best scene of the film is the final confrontation between Yolly and Connie over the missing half million dollars makes for a gripping film-noir drama. The third and the last of this 1984 Nora Aunor Classic is "Bulaklak sa City Jail",[92] the film depicts the bad and sad situation of women in the City Jail and the only way to survive this gruesome situation is to turn yourself from the hunted to a hunter.[93] The film was an official entry to the 1984 Metro Manila Film Festival, for her role as a pregnant prisoner and a victim of injustice, Angela Aguilar, Aunor won best actress from Metro Manila Film Festival, Catholic Mass Media Awards and her third best actress trophy from FAMAS. At the Gawad Urian that year, Nora Aunor was a double nominee for Best Actress for the movies Bulaklak sa City Jail and 'Merika, the first actor to achieve such. She was also nominated for Best Actress at the Film Academy of the Philippines for Bulaklak sa Ciy Jail.

1985 was a bountiful year as Nora Aunor made five films which all made a killing in the box-office. First was "Beloved",[94] where Aunor reunited with Christopher de Leon together with Hilda Koronel and Dindo Fernando. The movie is about Four people who are torn between the love of power and the power of love and Infidelity. The film was also serialized in King Komiks. Next was "Tinik sa Dibdib", a komiks novel serialized in Espesyal Komiks, where she plays Lorna, a long - suffering daughter of irresponsible parents (played by Eddie Garcia and Lucita Soriano) who drove her to marry a security guard (played by Philip Salvador), who himself is the breadwinner of a very dysfunctional family. Her next project, Till We Meet Again, was a reunion movie with her long time on-screen partner Tirso Cruz III. A very well made fan movie, Till We Meet Again broke box-office records during its run in the theaters. This was followed by a trilogy movie, Mga Kwento ni Lola Basyang which was even stronger at the box-office and finally, I Can't Stop Loving You, an entry to the year-end Metro Manila Film Festival, which was a top-grosser for that year.

For the next three years, Aunor slowed down in making movies releasing only a handful including her final team-up with Dolphy, My Bugoy Goes to Congress, which was a hit during the time that it was released. Other movies that she made were the hit family film I Love You Mama, I Love You Papa in which she co-starred with her estranged husband, Christopher de Leon and their children, Lotlot and Ian Kristoffer; the big box-office hit Sana Mahalin Mo Ako, co starring Tirso Cruz III and Lotlot de Leon; the underrated Tatlong Ina, Isang Anak with Gina Alajar, Celeste Legaspi, and Matet; and the critical and box-office disappointment Balut...Penoy with Tirso Cruz III and Roderick Paulate.

1989 was a bittersweet year for Aunor. She did Bilangin ang mga Bituin sa Langit, a story of a melodramatic and panoramic portrait of the rise and fall of a poor, hard-working, and determined barrio lass and her lifetime stormy relationship with a childhood sweetheart. Aunor and Tirso Cruz III are magnificent in dual roles, in a love-hate affair that spans generations, from their high school days in the province, to their twilight years in the big city. Bilangin ang Bituin sa Langit is the Guy & Pip love team's award-winning movie. Aunor won Best Actress for this film in Gawad Urian, FAMAS, and FAP while Tirso won Best Actor in Star Awardas, Famas, and FAP. On the other hand, her long time musical-variety show "Superstar" was cancelled on October 1, 1989. They tried to revive the show when then transferred to Channel 13 on November 25, 1989, but it didn't last long.

1990s

"Nora Aunor has now defined for us the meaning of a true triumph of the spirit.
No wonder she is much imitated but never equalled."

former Philippine Senate President Blas Ople, on Nora Aunor in 1996.[95]

In the 1990s, Aunor only made 10 movies a far cry from the 60's, 70's and 80's where she made up to 10 movies a year the most. Showbiz insiders and some people were saying that Aunor's popularity was going downhill. Although she made only 10 movies, most of these were critically acclaimed and award winning not only locally but internationally. Aunor also did three stage plays the first two were produced by Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA) She also had her first major concert.

For her first movie for this decade, Aunor played a woman activist who went to the mountains to search for her husband who has been killed by the military. In Andrea, Paano Ba ang Maging Isang Ina? Aunor delivers one of the fiercest performances of her career as an NPA rebel who goes pregnant and temporarily leaves her baby with her best friend (Gina Alajar, also bringing her A-game) as she goes back underground to seek the whereabouts of her husband, only to be detained and presumed by Alajar and husband (Lloyd Samartino) to be dead.[96] The film won for Aunor all the Best Actress Awards given by the five annual award-giving bodies in the Philippines at that time, Gawad Urian, Star Awards for Movies, Film Academy of the Philippines and her fifth FAMAS Award for Best Actress thus elevating her to the Hall of Fame. She was also the first best actress of Young Critics Circle The movie was also the official entry to the 1990 Metro Manila Film Festival and she also won the best actress award.

On May 18, 1991, few days before her 38th birthday, she staged her first major concert at the Araneta Coliseum. She has proven once again beyond all doubts that she can be called the "concert queen" as she filled the big dome with more or less 30,000 people that came to witness the momentous event.[97] Her guests include Gary Valenciano, Mon Faustino, The Hotlegs, The Operas and many more. Many showbiz personalities came to show their support to Aunor like Sharon Cuneta, Joseph Estrada, Regine Velasquez, Pilita Corrales, Danny Tan, Edgar Mortiz, Juan Rodrigo, Carlo Orosa, Ivy Violan, and a lot more.

Later that year, Aunor ventured into the world of theater. Considering that theater is a lot different from the movies, Aunor showed her versatility and her genius when she did the stage adaptation of her critically acclaimed movie, "Minsa'y Isang gamo-gasmo. It was staged by the Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA) and helmed by Socrates “Soxy” Topacio, then PETA’s artistic head. Rody Vera penned the stage adaptation of Gamu-Gamo.[98] She did two more stage plays, "DH" in 1992 and "Trojan Woman" in 1994. As a stage actress, Aunor’s resume may be comparatively short but all her theater outings have met artistic and commercial success.

On December 25, 1991, another Aunor movie was part of the 1991 Metro Manila Film Festival. Ang Totoong Buhay ni Pacita M. tells the story of Pacita M., a singer-entertainer in a seedy Quezon City nightclub. However, tragedy struck the family when Grace was accidentally shot in the head by a stray bullet just as she was about to go off to college.turning her into a human vegetable. Although initially Pacita holds out for a miracle and hopes for the recovery of her daughter, she relents and seeks to allow Grace a dignified death by turning off her respirator. The emotional battle accompanying this decision becomes a personal epiphany for Pacita. This highly acclaimed movie directed by Elwood Perez bravely tackles the sensitive issue of euthanasia. Aunor's performance from this movie gave her numerous awards including the Metro Manila Film Festival best actress, her fourth Gawad Urian, her third straight best actress trophy from the Film Academy of the Philippines. She was the first and the only actress to do that feat. She also won from Star Awards and from the Young Critics Circle

In 1992, Aunor was busy with her stage play, "DH" is a production of PETA. PETA toured the play in North America, Europe, and Hong Kong. On the same year, Aunor returned to television via a once a week drama anthology, "Star Drama Presents: NORA." She won the Best Actress Award from Star Awards for Television (Philippine Movie Press Club). In 1994, She won the Best Actress in a Single Performance award from Star Awards for Television (Philippine Movie Press Club)for her performance i "Spotlight" for the episode: "Good Morning, Ma'am." Aunor also went back into the recording studio to record bonus tracks for a compilation album to be released in co-operation with Alpha Records and Warner Brothers. The new songs were written by an American songwriter who was a San Diego, California neighbor of her sister, Tita, the songs were released as a single but sales suffered after a rumor of Aunor getting an abortion while in San Diego circulated. The song hit number 12 on the charts after two weeks and dropped off completely on its third week.

In 1994, Aunor received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Film Academy of the Philippines. She is the youngest recipient of this special award.

In 1995, Aunor once again found success in the box office when she did a biographical film about Flor Contemplacion, a Filipina domestic helper who was hanged in Singapore for allegedly killing her fellow maid. Aunor was brilliant as the fallen herione, Noel Vera, as film critic said in his review of the film; " This is the Superstar’s comeback film, and no one is getting in her way. Not even Flor Contemplacion. You watch with bated breath for Aunor to falter, but she maintains her intensity for the length of the film. It’s an impressive performance, but not once do we believe we’re seeing an ordinary woman caught in extraordinarily frightening circumstances.[99]" Aunor's performance in The Flor Contemplacion Story got rave reviews earning her first international best actress awards from Cairo International Film Festival, Aunor also swept all the best actress awards given by the different award giving bodies in the Philippines including the Best Performance by Male or Female, Adult or Child, Individual or Ensemble in Leading or Supporting Role given by the Young Critics Circle.

Aunor's other film of 1995 was Viva Films official entry to the 1995 Metro Manila Film Festival. Muling Umawit ang Puso is a story of a once-famous actress now struggling to regain her popularity but fails. Winner of 8 awards at the 1995 Metro Manila Film Festival including Best Picture, Director, Actress, Supporting Actor and Supporting Actress.

In 1996, Aunor won her second international best actress trophy from 1st East Asia Film and Television Award for her role as a psychotic woman and how she plans her revenge to the family of a person who killed her parents. in Bakit May Kahapon Pa?, La Aunor gave a fantastic performance as the villager who survived a massacre and went after the head of the platoon leader, who powerfully played by veteran Eddie Garcia.[100][101]

In 1997, Aunor did a movie with Judy Ann Santos and Nida Blanca. "Babae[102]", is the official entry to the 1997 Metro Manila Film Festival. Aunor was nominated for her role in Star Awards, Gawad Urian and Young Critics Circle.

In 1999, Aunor made only one movie, "Sidhi[103]" was written by Rolando Tinio, a good friend of Aunor and a National Artist for Theater and Literature. Aunor also received in the same year the Centennial Honor for the Arts conferred by the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP). She was named "Actress of the Century"

2000s

In 2002, Aunor returned to Philippine television through her nightly drama show entitled, Bituin, a Filipino soap opera that was aired by ABS-CBN from September 23, 2002, to May 23, 2003. It starred Carol Banawa and Desiree Del Valle, Aunor and Cherie Gil. The story was about Laura Sandoval and her struggles to support her two daughters when her husband left her. When her eldest child, Melody becomes sick, Laura goes to her sister, Carmela asking for help, who says that she will help if she hands over Bernadette the youngest so she may raise her as her own. With no one left to turn to Laura does it. Carmela left for the US to raise Bernadette and soon returns as a singer. Ina concert, Laura knew their whereabouts. The kids grow up not knowing they are sisters. Melody notices that Laura is much closer to Bernadette, such as Laura teaching Bernadette to sing when she forbids Melody to do so. Bernadette becomes a star by recording Melody's voice and claiming it as her own. Both soon become singers. Melody finds her father and wins the heart of a young man named Dante.[104] The show is very consistent as one of the top rating shows of ABS-CBN, Its highest rating was 48.7% for the "Ultimate Showdown: The Diva VS The Supernova" of Melody and Bernadette at the Araneta Coliseum, while the lowest was 29.5%, its fifth episode. Bituin was shown in different countries like Malaysia, Ghana, Cambodia, and many more with the international title "Star"

On May 13, 2003, Aunor once again proved that she is still a force to be reckoned with when she had her 50th birthday concert at the Araneta Coliseum. The coliseum was full with her fans of all ages and she never disappointment them, She kept the whole show well-paced and eventful—very few performers, of whatever age, could have done as well.[105] Her guests include Zsazsa Padilla, Wency Cornejo, Carol Banawa and Desiree Del Valle. ABS-CBN celebrates Nora's 50th year by airing an exclusive broad-cast of her birthday concert, "Gold," on May 25 over "Sunday Family Cinema."[106]

In 2004, Aunor made her last film shot entirely in the Philippines before she went on hiatus for almost 8 years. Naglalayag tells the story of a May–December affair between a middle-aged judge and a young taxi driver. It sparkles because of superb acting by Aunor and Yul Servo. Aunor portrayed a judge who recently presided over a well publicized criminal case trial. Her character Dorinda is a 50-year-old widow with a twenty-something-year-old son, Yul Servo played Noah Garcia, a courteous and charming taxi driver who keeps a rosary in his pocket and shares stories from the Bible. Stranded with a non-operational taxi, the 23-year-old novice driver Noah offers shelter to his passenger.[107] Aunor'a and Servo's performances gave them their international acting awards at the 31st Festival International du Film Indépendant de Bruxelles and the film won the jury prize, they also received local recognitions

On December 1, 2005, Aunor received her own star on the Philippines Walk of Fame patterned after the Hollywood Walk of Fame. She was one of the first inductees. This project was spearheaded by German Moreno. For the first time after she was inducted, Aunor visited her star on August 7, 2011, she even laid down to her star as the TV cameras documented the event.[108]

While in the USA, Aunor did two independently produced movies namely Ingrata and Care Home. Even with only some limited run in few Metro Manila theaters, the movies, particularly Care Home, was still able to score for Aunor critical praise and even nominations for Best Actress, specially from PMPC STAR Awards for Movies in 2007.

2010s

Nora Aunor & German Moreno during her arrival at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport on August 10, 2011.

At the start of the decade, Aunor was still doing series of concert in U.S.A and in Canada performing to Filipino communities and to her fans as well. In February 2010, Aunor was shortlisted by the Green Globe Film Awards which was later renamed to Green Planet Movie Awards as one of the 10 Best Asian Actresses of the Decade.[109] On March 23, 2010, Aunor, has been named one of the 10 Best Asian Actresses along with Gong Li and Maggie Cheung. She garnered an overwhelming number of votes, ranked 1 in the category. She was selected by movie viewers and online from more than 100 countries.[110] She was the only Filipino actress to be shortlisted and won this award. She also reconnected with her 1970’s leading man, Sajid Khan who escorted her to the awarding ceremony. Aunor and Khan have great respect for each other, they are very comfortable with each other and the guests around them feel at ease.[111]

Nora Aunor underwent plastic surgery as part of her plan to return to show business. The legendary actress has been absent for years, and 2010 may be Nora's comeback year. She jumpstarted her career via two endorsement deals in Japan and one of them as an endorser of a Japanese Aesthetic and Lasix Center.[112] However, something went wrong, Aunor lost her “Golden Voice” which propelled her to superstardom in the Philippine Showbiz Industry.[113] During her concert in May 2010 in Toronto, Canada, Aunor tearfully announced that it will be her last concert since she will not be able to sing or even speak. Her voice was uncharacteristically hoarse and raspy. Onstage spiels included bits and pieces of information that hinted of a surgical procedure gone wrong and a subsequent lawsuit[114]

As early as December 2010, news of Aunor's comeback to the Philippines was all over the news in both TV and broadsheets but there were no formal confirmations yet. Finally on August 2, 2011, Tuesday, Nora finally came back to the Philippines via Philippine Airlines flight 103[115] On her interview, Aunor said that she was so excited to be back in the Philippines and she was also excited to see her screaming fans who came to see their idol back. On her return, Nora signed a 3-year contract with TV5, she did a mini series Sa Ngalan ng Ina and a historical movie with Gov. ER Ejercito entitled El Presidente a biopic of the first Philippine President Emilio Aguinaldo which is intended for 2012 Metro Manila Film Festival She played the role of the second wife. Also in 2011, she received a total of eight (8) Lifetime Achievement Awards for film and music from different award giving bodies.[116]

Nora Aunor in 2011

Sa Ngalan ng Ina was the first project of Aunor after her return, she starred with Christopher de Leon and Bembol Roco. It was also the last directorial job of the late Mario O'Hara. Sa Ngalan ng Ina is a movie made for television or a miniseries is a political drama about a widow that ran as a governor when her husband was assassinated. In his review, film critic Noel Vera point out that the show is rare creature in Philippine television, the political melodrama. Longer and more complex soap operas have been mounted on Philippine television before, and politics has been touched upon before, but far as I can recall there has never been a series (the exact name of the genre is, I believe, the teleserye) fully driven by politics, hinging upon the election into office and subsequent administration of the main character.[117] All of the performances were great especially Aunor which gave her a nomination from Golden Screen TV Awards and a best actress trophy from 2012 Star Awards for Television. This miniseries would be the last collaboration between Aunor and O'hara before his death.[118][119]

In 2012, Aunor collaborated with the Cannes best director awardee Brillante Mendoza for the movie Thy Womb which was part of the 69th Venice International Film Festival. In the film, Aunor plays Shaleha, a barren Badjao midwife who helps her husband look for a wife who can bear a child. The film was nominated for Golden Lion for Best Film and Volpi Cup for best actress for Aunor. On the eve of Venice awards rites, Aunor was chosen by an independent film critics, the “Premio Della Critica Indipendiente” as their best performer and gave her the Bisato d’Oro.[120] In November 2012, Aunor won the most coveted Best Actress Award from 6th Asia Pacific Screen Award and Best director for the same film. By virtue of her nomination from Asia Pacific Screen Award, she became the first Filipino actor to be inducted as a member of Asia Pacific Screen Academy. She was also nominated at the 55th Asia Pacific Film Festival,[121] Dubai International Film Festival, 43rd International Film Festival of India, and won Best Actress at the 7th Asian Film Awards. At the 2012 Metro Manila Film Festival, Aunor won her eight best actress award making her the only performer with the most win. Critics and movie reviewers were raving about Thy Womb especially the performance of its lead actress. It is considered to be at par with Aunor's performance in Himala and delivers a performance for the ages.[122] The movie continues to be invited in Film Festivals all over the world having been showed to at least 25 international film festivals as of this writing.

Also in 2012, Aunor guested in Enchanted Garden a fantasy-drama T.V. series. She played the role of Nana Sela a faith healer who happens to be Queen Oleya. She also guested in Third Eye. In 2013, Aunor returned to TV via her new soap opera, Never Say Goodbye along with Vin Abrenica and Sophie Albert both are grand winners of Artista Academy a talent and reality show.

In 2013,Aunor finished one movie, "Ang Kwento Ni Mabuti"[123] an official entry to the 1st CineFilipino film Festival directed by acclaimed director Mes de Guzman. The movie is a morality tale set in the rural areas of Nueva Vizcaya. It was the biggest box-office earner of the said film festival although no commercial run was held for the said movie. In the film, Aunor spoke her lines in straight Ilocano, a native language in Northern Philippines.

On May 21, 2013, Aunor celebrated her 60th birthday dubbed as "Nora at 60" at the Meralco Multi-Purpose Hall. The venue was transformed into a virtual museum as posters of her classic films adorned the lobby and the hallway leading to the ballroom. The venue was full of well-wishers, friends, members of the media, family members and loyal fans to celebrate another milestone of the life and times of the one and only Philippine Superstar.[124]

The highlights of the celebration is an audio-video presentation of her career highlights from being a small town girl selling water to being the one of the greatest actresses of the Philippines. Probably the biggest highlight of the celebration was the presence of Ate Guy’s longtime fans, many of whom are also now in their 60s. Coming from various parts of the country, these fans waited in line at the venue for as early as 4PM and bore 60 gifts which they personally presented to Nora herself in their emotional meeting.[125] Showbiz friends and family also send their birthday wishes through a videotaped birthday messages, they were son Ian de Leon, ex-husband Christopher de Leon, former in-law Pilita Corrales, former leading man Cocoy Laurel, “Superstar” choreographer Geleen Eugenio, former manager Boy Abunda, “Thy Womb” director Brillante Mendoza, Ricky Lee, and colleagues Gabby Concepcion, Gary Valenciano, Eric Quizon, Dawn Zulueta, Alice Dixson, Judy Ann Santos and the hosts of “Good Morning Club”.[126]

"It's great to win abroad but nothing beats being recognized by your countrymen."

- Nora Aunor on her acceptance speech at the 2013 Gawad Urian.[127][128]

"“I have won many awards, but each new one surprises me still.

- Nora Aunor on winning Gawad Tanglaw Best Actress.[129]

On June 18, 2013, Aunor won the most coveted Gawad Urian Best Actress Award for the movie Thy Womb. This is Aunor's 17th nomination and her 7th win. She was so thankful and she even said that it feels great being recognized by her own people.[130][131]

On August 30, 2013, Aunor won her 4th international Best Actress award from the 3rd Sakhalin International Film Festival in Russia for the movie Thy Womb. Aunor wasn't able to attend the awarding ceremony but the award was received on her behalf by her director Brillante Mendoza who attended the Festival together with his writer Henry Burgos.[132][133][134]

2014 is the busiest year for Aunor after she came back from her hiatus. She started the year by filming her second tele-movie/miniseries with TV5 entitled “When I Fall in Love”, The miniseries was directed by Joel Lamangan. Aunor portrays Fely, a devoted wife, who takes care of Armando (Tirso Cruz III), the husband who has pancreatic cancer.[135] The made-for-TV movie had its premiere showing in January 2014 and was seen on TV in February 2014. Critics were one in praising the movie, particularly its actors and noted as well that Aunor was a such a giving actress, allowing her co-star, Tirso Cruz III, to shine.

Aunor was honored as one of the "People of the Year" by People Asia magazine on January 21, 2014.[136] Also honored were: ABS-CBN Channel head Cory Vidanes, Miss World 2013 Megan Young, Shell country chairman Edgar Chua, RCBC chairperson Helen Yuchengco Dee, Sorsogan bishop Fr. Gerard Deveza, dentist Dr. Steve Mark Gan, veteran singer Kuh Ledesma, fashion designer Criselda Lontok, film director Brillante Mendoza, hotelier Tom Meyer, Cavite Gov. Jonvic Remulla, basketball coach Chot Reyes, actor Coco Martin and ace director Brillante Mendoza.

In the promotional news of TV5, Nora Aunor was announced to top-bill a TV5'smusical-drama entitled "Trenderas" that tells the tale of how three musically-gifted young ladies rise from being sidewalk vendors to YouTube-famous singers. Aunor will play the role of Celina Palomar, a famous singer who mysteriously disappeared at the height of her popularity. After years of living a life of a recluse, music finds Celina again through three young, talented, and hopeful singers.[137] Dingdong Avanzado, Sheryl Cruz, and Tina Paner will also be part of the show in the direction of Monti Parungan and John Red.[138]

On February 2, 2014. Aunor received her 2nd Ani ng Dangal Award from the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (Philippines) or NCCA. The Ani ng Dangal (Harvest of Honors) Awards recognizes artists who have earned international awards and accolades during the past year. in 2013, Aunor won 2 international Best Actress award from the 7th Asian Film Awards in Hong Kong and 3rd Sakhalin International Film Festival in Russia.[139] Among the awardees are Brillante Mendoza, Eugene Domingo and Eddie Garcia amongst others.

On July 18, 2014, the College of Mass Communication of the University of the Philippines announced that for the year 2014, the recipient of Gawad Plaridel is Nora Aunor for Television, Music and Film.[11] Gawad Plaridel bestows honor on Filipino media practitioners who have excelled in any of the media (print, film, radio, television, and new media) and performed with the highest level of professional integrity in the interest of public service. She is being recognized for her “unique artistry and versatility as a singer,” as well as for “portraying with keen intelligence and uncommon sensitivity an amazing range of cinematic roles.” UP CMC also cited Ms. Aunor for using her “tremendous popularity as an opportunity to (help) the masses…appreciate films and plays that dramatized and analyzed the abject conditions of the Filipino majority and the poor and powerless characters that she played with conviction.[140]”. The U.P. Gawad Plaridel consists of a trophy specially designed by National Artist Napoleon Abueva, which will be awarded to Ms. Aunor by UP President Alfredo Pascual and UP Diliman Chancellor Michael Tan in ceremonies on August 27, 2014 (Wednesday), 2:00 pm at the U.P. Film Institute Film Center’s Cine Adarna. Ms. Aunor will also deliver a lecture during the ceremonies.

Aunor made four (4) films in 2014 and one of them was Hustisya which is part of the 10th Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival. This is the first time that Aunor participated in the said Film festival. Hustisya is a story of a foul-mouthed woman fights for her soul in the belly of the city. Working for a human trafficking agency controlled by a powerful syndicate, she sees no evil, hears no evil. In a society like ours, you have only two choices – to be a victim, or a victimizer – she makes her choice.[141] The movie was directed by the award winning director Joel Lamangan and was penned by the Ricky Lee. The movie got mixed reviews from the critics and the film bloggers, but were unanimous in saying that Aunor was riveting on her performance in the film. Hustisya had their gala night on August 2, 2014 at the Tanghalang Nicanor Abelardo, Cultural Center of the Philippines which was attended the cast and crews of the film, fans and film lovers as well as showbiz personalities.[142] Attendees to the said gala became witness to the pandemonium reception that Nora Aunor received upon her appearance, prompting the older fans and writers to compare it to Aunor's halcyon days in the 70's and 80's. On August 10, 2014, during the awards night of the Cinemalays Independent Film Festival, Aunor won her first Best Actress award, she was so thankful for the award and promised to continue making meaningful movies and her movies will be an inspiration to the youth. The movie, was also declared by the Filmfest organizers as the box-office winner during its weeklong run.[143] On the other hand, the film won the audience award and the NETPAC award. Earlier, Aunor was also recognized as the Critic's choice for Best Performer by Brun's Philippines, an online magazine. The movie was invited as a noncompeting film at the Toronto Film festival and is set to be shown in several other Film Festivals around the world.

Before the middle of the year, Aunor has finished three other movies aside from Hustisya. One is a psychological horror drama entitled "Dementia" directed by newcomer director Perci Intalan. The other two movies, "Padre de Pamilya" and "Whistleblower",are both directed by the internationally renowned director Adolfo Alix Jr. Dementia is set for a late September 2014 playdate and has already earned Grade A by the Cinema Evaluation board while gathering praises from critics and test audience alike. Padre de Pamilya has an October 2014 playdate while Whistleblower is set to be shown on November 2014.

It was also reported that Aunor will be reuniting with her Thy Womb director, Brillante Ma. Mendoza for the movie Taclub, a film about the super-typhoon that devastated the Central Philippines in late 2013. Shooting for the movie is set to start before the year ends.

On August 27, 2014, University of the Philippines College of Mass Communication conferred to her the Gawad Plaridel for her excellence in film and television. Gawad plaridel is the sole award in the University of the Philippines System given to outstanding media practitioners. Aunor gave a speech about her achievements and shared her humble beginnings on how she started as a singer, an actress, and eventually as a movie producer. She said that receiving the award is one of the most important things to happen in her life[144]

In 2012, Aunor received the Asian Achiever Award as Asia's Best Actress Awardee by the Asia Pacific Awards Council (APAC) led by noted Filipino consumers advocate Jonathan "Jake" Navea. She will again receive the same prestigious accolade during the 26th Asia Pacific Excellence Awards on Araw ng Kagitingan on April 9, 2015 to be held at the AFP Theater commemorating the SAF 44 Heroes Tribute organized by the same organization together with Japanese performing artist Aisaku Yokogawa. On March 17, 2015, Nora publicly called for President Noynoy Aquino's resignation.

Multimedia Superstar

Cinema

Since the late 1960s up to the present, Aunor has made more than 180 films[145] in different genres, from Musicals, Comedy, Romantic Comedy, Romance and Love story. Later on, she engaged herself in making mature genres such as Dram, Biopics, Film noir, Action, Thriller, Horror and Art film. Aunor was also a crowd drawer, filling up the theaters whenever she has a movie shown. In fact, she was the first Box-Office Queen of the Philippine Cinema for having 18 films in 1970 and they were all box office hits.

However, as agreat actress that she is, she would later sacrificed her Box Office status in exchange of making films that matters, thus, her detractors would say that she is now obsolescent and that her moniker as the country's "Superstar" does not fit her anymore. Still, Aunor continues to make films that would received countless international accolades and brought pride and honor to the country. Since returning from hiatus in 2011, Aunor collaborated with independent film producers and directors in making quality films. among them were Brillante Mendoza, Adolfo Alix Jr., Perci Intalan, Mes Guzman.

Aunor has received numerous national and international awards and nominations. She is the first Filipino actress to win an International acting award in a major Film Festival (Cairo 1995 for the movie The Flor Contemplacion Story). She has been directed by four Philippine National Artist Awardees, Gerardo de Leon, Lamberto Avellana, Lino Brocka, and Ishmael Bernal.

Music

Aunor has released more than 360 singles and recorded more than 200 songs and over 50 albums. She has notched more than 30 gold singles and with an estimated gross sales of one million units, Nora's cover of "Pearly Shells" (1971) is one of the biggest-selling singles in the Philippines. due to a botched cosmetic surgery in Japan while endorsing a cosmetic surgery clinic based in shinigawa Japan and makati Philippines, her vocal chords were damaged and she cannot sing due to paralysis of her left vocal chords.

Television

Aunor started her career in television when she was given her own musical show via Nora-Eddie Show, with the late singer and former Tawag ng Tanghalan Champion Eddie Peregrina. The show later became, The Nora Aunor Show and eventually re-titled "Superstar". This was the longest Musical-Variety show in Philippine television.

She also did several soap operas and Drama Anthology that gave her numerous awards and recognitions in both local and international award giving group. Her most notable drama show includes: Nora Sinderela; (RPN-9's) Makulay na Daigdig ni Nora; La Aunor; (ABS-CBN's) Bituin; Star Drama Theater presents: Nora; Sa Ngalan ng Ina; and the latest was TV-5's Never Say Goodbye.

Radio

It will be very interesting to note that NORA AUNOR also was a big Radio hit in 1969 when she was one of the lead players of Johnny De Leon's OPERETANG PUTOL PUTOL, a variety radio show, aired over DZXL from 11 am to 12 noon every Sunday and followed by Fiesta Extravaganza. Operetang Putol-Putol was converted into a TV show then into a movie directed by Tony Santos Sr. Aunor can be heard in the said radio show along with Perla Adea, Richard Merck, Danny Taguiam, Dolly Favorito, Joe Alvarez, Esperanza Fabon, Ben David and Elizabeth Ledesma, a former Tawag Ng Tanghalan Champion and who eventually took over the spot of Nora Aunor when the latter became too involved in the movies and her schedule can no longer fulfill her the radio show.

Likewise, Nora Aunor was heard and guested in Fiesta Extravaganza and in the long running afternoon radio program of German Moreno (The Germiside Show where he had a Guy and Pip portion) and only songs of Nora Aunor and Tirso Cruz were played over and over again from 2 to 3 pm every Sunday aired via DZMM.

Stage

Aunor has performed in three plays: Minsa’y Isang Gamu-Gamo in 1991, DH (Domestic Helper) in 1992,[146] and Trojan Women in 1994. The first two were staged by the Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA) and helmed by Socrates “Soxy” Topacio, then PETA’s artistic head. Rody Vera penned the stage adaptation of Gamu-Gamo while renowned screenwriter Ricky Lee created DH. PETA toured both plays in North America, Europe, and Hong Kong. The third play, a Filipino adaptation of Euripides’ immortal tragedy, was produced by Cecille Guidote-Alvarez’s theater company, directed by a Greek national, and staged at the Ninoy Aquino Parks and Wildlife.[147] A lot critics had said that Aunor as a theater actress is just astonishing as if she was theater born even though she was surrounded by great theater actors, Aunor as a stage actress is just as stellar as she is in films.[148]

Product endorsement

At the peak of her career, Aunor was the top product endorser for television, print, and radio advertisements. Everybody wanted to buy everything that she endorsed. The sales of Dial bath soap, for instance, shot up after Aunor endorsed it. Originally imported from the US, Dial soap first catered the AB bracket. When it was eventually manufactured locally, it courted the CD market by making Aunor its product endorser. Aunor appeared in a television commercial of Dial soap taking a shower and singing, "Aren’t you glad you used Dial?". The television commercial proved successful as sales of Dial soap went up, and the masses, which comprise the bulk of her fans, patronized Dial soap.[149]

Aunor also endorsed other international and local brands such as Coca-Cola,[150] Colgate,[151] Philips transistor radio,[152]Kleenex, Pepsi Cola, RC Cola, Philippines Radio, Modess feminine napkin, Liberty Milk, Nivico TV, Spartan, Security Bank, Raid Katol, Good Earth Emporium, Winston Cigarette, Family Planning, Green Revolution, Super MI, Miyata Karaoke, Aids Hotline, Land Bank of the Philippines-DENR, Barangay Ginebra and PAGCOR.[153]

On Philippine Pop Culture

Aunor fanaticism has always been a part of Filipino Pop Culture. Her status was so legendary that no other actor who came before or even after her would equal nor surpass her achievements in the Philippine movie industry. she is a natural artist. A gifted singer, a born thespian, a creature made for show business.[154]

Aunor was idolized by the masses for she was the first Filipino actress that they can call as their own. Someone who look like them, came from the same background. She was the representation of every Filipino bakya crowd or shall we say the "D" crowd, a superstar of the masses, but later on was idolized by A and B crowd because of her artistry.

According to the stories, there were only two reasons when they see a large group of people rallying on the streets in the early 70's. it's either a demosntration against the government or hordes of Aunor fans off to see her latest movies. She was well loved that fans would put her picture beside Jesus Christ or Mary and put leis and jasmine around it and even prayed.[155]

"Ate Luds" a well known TV host in the Philippines said in her interview with "The Daily Tribune" in 2001, that Aunor and her love team Tirso Cruz III were herded in a man-sized safe to keep them from being mobbed. On one intance, fans from near and far would line up in front of her house just to see and touched the sleeping superstar. Others would wipe her face with their handkerchief and kissed it as if she was a saint. It was a hair raising scene. On one of her movie premiere, the entrance to the theater was jampacked that she needs to ride a forklift to cross the sea of people and she needs to enter the theater at the backstage.[156]

The most popular recorded Nora-fanaticism was during her 18th birthday, she was hoisted on the roof of sampaguita Pictures bus so that she could be seen by the screaming, pushing, crying, clapping fans who wanted to get a glimpse of her and a firetruck was needed to disperse the crowd. Others were waiting in front of Sampaguita Pictures compound, chanting and yelling for her name. Noramania was so intense that on one occasion she had to be lifted by helicopter just to go through a very large crowd, that nora look-alikes or double were sometimes used just to sneak her out of a rowdy and unruly crowd.

Acting style

Aunor is one of the best actresses not only in the Philippines but in the world, this is evident to her numerous acting awards and nominations received in the Philippines and abroad. Her brand of underacting is incomparable, she could act through her eyes, she says everything that needs to be said without uttering a word. Her silence hits the ground like thuds and words would only cheapen the moment.[157] Throughout her film career, Aunor followed the Stanislavski Method of Acting a method wherein actors have to take their inner selves and use them as their device for character internalization.[158] This was evident in her very first serious role, Mario O’Hara’s Tatlong taong walang Diyos. A perfect example would be the scene wherein Rosario (Aunor) is standing near a cliff, wanting to kill her newborn child. The camera zoomed into a closeup of her, making us the viewer feel the confusion, anger, and despair through her eyes. Her face registered all those emotions effectively that what we are watching on the screen is Rosario and not Nora Aunor. Himala, is also one of the examples of Aunor's brand of acting; silent, subtle yet very powerful. She showed the same acting style in Thy Womb it was practically a wordless performance, her face alone registering a tidal wave of emotions — sadness and joy, resentment and resignation, pain and ecstasy, defeat and triumph, often all at once.[159] Perci Intalan, one of her director also agree on this that Nora's eyes is so soulful that it can have their own Lifetime Achievement award.[160] Surprisingly, Aunor was not a product or part of any acting schools or institution. She never had any formal training but she learned it on the job, collaborating with the best directors in the industry like Lamberto Avellana, Gerardo de Leon, Lino Brocka, Ishmael Bernal, Mario O'Hara, Brillante Mendoza and the list would go on.

Awards and nominations

International Awards
Year Film Group Category Result
2014 Hustisya 8th Asia Pacific Screen Awards[161] Best Actress Nominated
2013 Thy Womb 3rd Sakhalin International Film Festival Won
7th Asian Film Awards[162][163][164][165][166] Won
2012 6th Asia Pacific Screen Awards[167][168][169] Won
55th Asia Pacific Film Festival[170] Nominated
2012 Dubai International Film Festival[171] Nominated
43rd International Film Festival of India (India) Nominated
Premio Della Critica Indipendiente(Italy)[172][173] Bisato d'Oro for Best Actress Won
2010 Green Planet Movie Awards[174] 10 Asian Best Actresses of the Decade Won
2004 Naglalayag 31st Festival International du Film Indépendant de Bruxelles (Belgium) Best Actress Won
1999 Sidhi 23rd Cairo International Film Festival (Egypt) Nominated
Singapore International Film Festival (Singapore) Nominated
1997 Bakit May Kahapon Pa? 1st East Asia Film and Television Award (Malaysia)[175][176] Won
Singapore International Film Festival Nominated
1996 The Flor Contemplacion Story 1996 Fukuoka International Film Festival (Japan)[177] Nominated
1995 19th Cairo International Film Festival (Egypt) Princess Pataten Statue for Best Actress Won
1981 Bona 34th Cannes film Festival (France) Certificate of Honor Won

Aunor has been awarded, recognized and received multiple nominations from different organizations, academe, institutions, critics and award giving bodies for her work in film, television, music and theater. She is the most nominated actress for the leading role in the long history of FAMAS Awards, having nominated 17 times since 1973 when she was first nominated for “Gift of Love” but only second to Eddie Garcia with 23 nominations both in leading and supporting role. With her fifth FAMAS Award for Best Actress in 1991, Aunor became the sixth performer to be elevated to the FAMAS Hall of Fame joining the likes of Eddie Garcia, Joseph Estrada, Charito Solis, Fernando Poe Jr. and Vilma Santos. This award is given to the person who won more than five times in its particular category. Aunor is the only performer in the long history of FAMAS Awards to be nominated for fifteen (15) straight years from 1973 to 1987.

As of 2014, Aunor is still the most nominated actress of Gawad Urian with 18 nominations and 7 wins and the very first best actress awardee. She is also the most awarded and the most nominated actress of Metro Manila Film Festival with eight (8) best actress trophies and from Young Critics Circle with nine (9) nominations and five (5) wins. She is also the only actress to win the best actress trophy from the Film Academy of the Philippines for 3 straight years. A feat yet to be equaled or surpass by a Filipino actress.

Aunor has the most number of international best actress awards and nominations more than any other Filipino actors. She is the only Filipino actress who have won international awards from 5 different continents. 19th Cairo International Film Festival in 1995 (Africa), 1st East Asia Film and Television Award in 1997 and Asian Film Awards in 2013 (Asia), 31st Festival International du Film Indépendant de Bruxelles in 2004 and Premio Della Critica Indipendiente in 2013 (Europe), Asia Pacific Screen Award in 2013 (Australia) and from the Green Planet Movie Award (North America).

Aunor, has the most Lifetime Achievement Awards received locally and internationally for her contribution in film, television, music, and theater.

Notable citations as an actor

Notable citations as a recording artist

In 1968, Nora Aunor was contracted by Alpha Records upon the recommendation of singer Carmen Soriano. Although Aunor's first singles were not major hits, she subsequently went on to smash local record sales with songs like "It's Time to Say Goodbye", "Silently", "Forever Loving You", "It's Not Unusual", and countless others. In her seven years with Alpha Records, Aunor was able to set all-time high record sales which up to this day has not been surpassed.[191] At the height of her popularity as a recording artist in the late 1960s and early 1970s, local records soared up to 60% of national sales according to Alpha Records Philippines.[192] She is the artist with the most singles in Philippine recording history (with more than 260 singles). Over-all she has recorded more than 500 songs. She has notched more than 30 gold singles, a record in the local music industry. With estimated sales of one million units, Nora's cover of "Pearly Shells" (1971) is one of the biggest-selling singles in the Philippines ever. Nora has also recorded some 46 hit long-playing albums, and several extended plays.

Artistry

As a recording artist, Nora Aunor possessed a Lyric Contralto and Mezzo-soprano vocal range.

Discography

Selected filmography

year film role Notes
1972 And God Smiled at Me Celina Winner - Quezon City Film Festival for Best Actress
Gift of Love Nominated—FAMAS Award for Best Actress
- First of a Record 15 Consecutive Nominations
1973 Paruparong Itim Nominated—FAMAS Award for Best Actress
1974 Fe, Esperanza, Caridad Fe, Esperanza, Caridad Nominated—FAMAS Award for Best Actress
1975 Banaue Banaue Nominated—FAMAS Award for Best Actress
Batu-bato Sa Langit Orang Winner - 3rd Best Picture, First Metro Manila Film Festival (NV Productions)
1976 Tatlong Taong Walang Diyos Rosario Winner - FAMAS Award for Best Actress
First Ever Winner - Gawad Urian for Best Actress
Minsa'y Isang Gamu-gamo Corazon de la Cruz Nominated—Metro Manila Film Festival for Best Actress
Kaming Matatapang ang Apog Potenciana Barada Blockbuster Hit, first film collaboration with Dolphy
1977 Bakya Mo, Neneng Neneng Nominated—FAMAS Award for Best Actress
Winner—FAMAS Award for Best Picture
Little Christmas Tree First and only film collaboration between Nora Aunor and Fernando Poe, Jr.
1978 Atsay Nelia de Leon Winner - Metro Manila Film Festival Best Performer (equivalent to Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Supporting Actor, Best Supporting Actress Combined)
Nominated—FAMAS Award for Best Actress
Ikaw Ay Akin Tere Nominated—Gawad Urian for Best Actress
Mahal Mo, Mahal Ko Nora Blockbuster Hit, Co-Starring Christopher de Leon and Tirso Cruz III
Jack n Jill of the Third Kind Top Grosser, 1978 MMFF, Co-Starring Dolphy
1979 Ina Ka ng Anak Mo Ester Winner - Metro Manila Film Festival Best Actress tied with Lolita Rodriguez also for the same movie
Winner - FAMAS Award for Best Actress
Nominated—Gawad Urian for Best Actress
Nominated—Catholic Mass Media Awards for Best Actress

2nd Best Picture - 1979 MMFF

Kasal-Kasalan, Bahay-Bahayan Topgrosser, 1979 MMFF
Winner - 1979 MMFF Best Picture
Co-Starring Christopher de Leon, Alma Moreno, Rudy Fernandez
Annie Batungbakal Annie One of the biggest blockbuster hits of 1979
1980 Bona Bona Winner - Gawad Urian for Best Actress
Nominated—FAMAS Award for Best Actress
Nominated—1980 Metro Manila Film Festival for Best Actress
Kung Ako'y Iiwan Mo Beatrice Alcala Nominated—1980 Metro Manila Film Festival for Best Actress
1981 Bakit Bughaw ang Langit Babette Winner - Catholic Mass Media Awards for Best Actress
Nominated—FAMAS Award for Best Actress
Nominated—Gawad Urian for Best Actress
Rock n Roll Nominated—1981 Metro Manila Film Festival for Best Actress
1982 Himala Elsa Winner - Metro Manila Film Festival Best Actress
Winner - Parade Magazine Awards for Best Actress
Nominated—Gawad Urian for Best Actress
Nominated—Film Academy of the Philippines Awards for Best Actress
Nominated - Catholic Mass Media Awards for Best Actress
Mga Uod at Rosas Socorro Nominated—FAMAS Award for Best Actress
1983 Minsan May Isang Ina Ruth Nominated—FAMAS Award for Best Actress
1984 Condemned Yolly Nominated—STAR Awards for Best Actress
'Merika Milagros Cruz First Ever Winner - STAR Awards for Best Actress
Nominated—Gawad Urian for Best Actress
Bulaklak sa City Jail Angela Winner - Metro Manila Film Festival Best Actress
Winner - FAMAS Award for Best Actress
Winner - Catholic Mass Media Awards for Best Actress
Nominated - Star Awards for Best Actress
Nominated—Gawad Urian for Best Actress
Nominated—Film Academy of the Philippines Awards for Best Actress
1985 I Can't Stop Loving You Amy Mercado Nominated—FAMAS Award for Best Actress
Nominated - 1985 Metro Manila Film Festival for Best Actress
1989 Bilangin ang mga Bituin sa Langit Noli / Maggie Winner - FAMAS Award for Best Actress
Winner - Gawad Urian for Best Actress
Winner - Film Academy of the Philippines Awards for Best Actres
Nominated—Star Awards for Best Actress - Movies
Nominated—Catholic Mass Media Awards for Best Actress
1990 Andrea, Paano Ba ang Maging Isang Ina? Andrea Winner - Metro Manila Film Festival Best Actress
Winner - FAMAS Award for Best Actress
Winner - Gawad Urian for Best Actress
Winner - Film Academy of the Philippines Awards for Best Actres
Winner - Star Awards for Best Actress - Movies
Winner - Young Critics Circle Awards for Best Performance
Winner - Movie Magazine Awards for Best Actress
1991 Ang Totoong Buhay ni Pacita M. Pacita Macaspac Winner - Metro Manila Film Festival Best Actress
Winner - Film Academy of the Philippines Awards for Best Actress
Winner - Star Awards for Best Actress - Movies
Winner - Young Critics Circle Awards for Best Performance
Winner - Movie Magazine Awards for Best Actress
Winner - Ateneo Galian Awards for Best Actress
Winner - KRITKA Awards for Best Actress
Nominated—Gawad Urian for Best Actress
1993 Inay Sally Murillo-Corcuera Winner - Young Critics Circle Awards for Best Performance
Nominated—Metro Manila Film Festival Best Actress
1995 The Flor Contemplacion Story Flor Contemplacion Winner - Princess Pataten Statue for Best Actress (Cairo International Film Festival)
FAMAS Awards for Circle of Excellence
Winner - Gawad Urian for Best Actress
Winner - Film Academy of the Philippines Awards for Best Actress
Winner - Star Awards for Best Actress - Movies
Winner - Young Critics Circle Awards for Best Performance
Winner - Movie Magazine Awards for Best Actress
Winner - (PPC Publication) People's Choice Awards for Best Actress
Nominated—1996 Fukuoka International Film Festival Awards for Best Actress
Muling Umawit ang Puso Loida Veranno Winner - Metro Manila Film Festival Best Actress
Nominated— Young Critics Circle Awards for Best Performance
1996 Bakit May Kahapon Pa? Helen/Karina Salvacion Winner - 1st East Asia Film and Television Awards for Best Actress (Penang, Malaysia)
Winner - Gawad Urian for Best Actress
Nominated - Singapore International Film Festival awards for Best Actress
Nominated - Film Academy of the Philippines Awards for Best Actress
Nominated—Star Awards for Best Actress - Movies
Nominated—Young Critics Circle Awards for Best Performance
1997 Babae Bea Nominated - Gawad Urian for Best Actress
Winner - (PPC Publication) People's Choice Awards for Best Actress
Nominated—Metro Manila Film Festival Best Actress
1999 Sidhi Ana/ Ah Nominated—Princess Pataten Statue for Best Actress (Cairo International Film Festival)
Nominated—Singapore International Film Festival Award for Best Actress
Nominated—Gawad Urian for Best Actress
Nominated—Film Academy of the Philippines Awards for Best Actress
Nominated—Star Awards for Best Actress - Movies
2004 Naglalayag Judge Dorinda Vda. De Roces Winner - 31st Festival International du Film Indépendant de Bruxelles Awards for Best Actress
Winner - Manila Film Festival Awards for Best Actress
Winner - PASADO (Pampelikulang Samahan ng mga Dalubguro) Award for Best Actress
Winner - 2nd Gawad Tanglaw Awards for Best Actress
Winner - S Magazine People's Choice Awards for Best Actress
Winner - BALATCA (Batangas Laguna Teachers Association for Culture and the Arts) Awards for Best Actress
Nominated—Gawad Urian for Best Actress
Nominated—Film Academy of the Philippines Awards for Best Actres
Nominated—Star Awards for Best Actress ~ Movies
Nominated—Young Critics Circle Awards for Best Performance
Nominated—Golden Screen Awards for Best Actress
2012 Thy Womb Shaleha Winner - Asian Film Award for Best Actress
Winner -Asia Pacific Screen Award for Best Performance by an Actress
Winner - Bisato d'Oro for Best Actress
Winner - 3rd Sakhalin International Film Festival for best Actress
FAMAS Awards - Presidential Award for Cinematic Excellence
Winner - Gawad Urian Award for Best Actress
Winner - Young Critics Circle Awards for Best Performance
Winner - PASADO (Pampelikulang Samahan ng mga Dalubguro) Award for Best Actress
Winner - Gawad Tangi For Films for Best Actress
Winner - Gawad Tanglaw for Best Actress
Winner - BALATCA (Batangas Laguna Teachers Association for Culture and the Arts) for Best Actress
Winner - Metro Manila Film Festival Best Actress
Winner - Philippine Edition Movie Awards for Favorite Actress- Drama
Nominated—Asia Pacific Film Festival Awards for Best Actress
Nominated—Dubai International Film Festival Awards for Best Actress
Nominated—International Film Festival of India Awards for Best Actress
Nominated - 3rd Sakhalin International Film Festival - Best Ensemble Acting


Nominated—Star Awards for Movies for Best Actress
Nominated—Golden Screen Awards for Best Actress
Nominated—Film Academy of the Philippines Awards for Best Actress

See also

References

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  2. ↑ News about Aunor's as the People's National Artist
  3. ↑ "RIDING A MOONBEAM TO FAME By Alex D. Allan, Manila Chronicle Entertainment Guide,June 17, 1967". 2013-06-29. Retrieved 2013-07-23.
  4. ↑ "Nora Aunor Biography". Retrieved 2013-01-16.
  5. ↑ "NORA IS OUTSTANDING WOMAN (Movie Flash, May 12, 1983)". Retrieved 2013-01-28.
  6. ↑ "The Outstanding Women in the Nation's Service website". Retrieved 2013-05-27.
  7. ↑ "CULTURAL HEROES: THE CCP'S CENTENNIAL HONORS FOR THE ARTS (Inquirer Sunday Magazine, January 17, 1999)". Retrieved 2013-01-28.
  8. ↑ "La Aunor is 'Greatest Asian Actress of the Decade'". Retrieved 2010-03-22.
  9. ↑ "Philippines' best artists honored at 5th Ani ng Dangal". Retrieved 2013-03-09.
  10. ↑ "Light of Culture Awards". Retrieved 2013-03-25.
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  12. ↑ "Nora, Brillante win at Asia Pacific Screen Awards". Retrieved 2012-11-25.
  13. ↑ "Nora Aunor, Eddie Garcia get Asia-Pac fest nods". Retrieved 2012-12-01.
  14. ↑ "Nora Aunor, Eddie Garcia win acting honors at 7th Asian Film Awards". Retrieved 2013-03-18.
  15. ↑ "Nora Aunor, Eddie Garcia win in Asian Film Awards". Retrieved 2013-03-18.
  16. ↑ "Mystery, Gangster head Asian Film Awards nominations". Retrieved 2013-01-18.
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  19. ↑ "NORA AUNOR SINGS "MOONLIGHT BECOMES YOU"". Retrieved 2013-01-19.
  20. ↑ "NORA AUNOR TRIVIA". Retrieved 2013-01-19.
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  23. ↑ "Matet Shares secret of nora as supermom". Retrieved 2013-01-16.
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  33. ↑ "Way Out in the Country (1967)". Retrieved 2013-02-20.
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  38. ↑ "Tower Records". Retrieved 2013-02-03.
  39. ↑ "D' Musical Teenage Idols! (1969)". Retrieved 2013-02-20.
  40. ↑ "Nora Aunor Circa 1969 part 2". Retrieved 2013-02-03.
  41. ↑ "Nora Aunor's Superstar Show by JOSE GUESE". Retrieved 2013-02-13.
  42. ↑ "Maria Leonora Theresa: The Symbol of Guy and Pip's Real Love by Rommel Llanes". Retrieved 2013-02-03.
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  48. ↑ "Paru-parung itim (1973)". Retrieved 2013-02-03.
  49. ↑ "Fe, Esperanza, Caridad (1974)". Retrieved 2013-02-03.
  50. ↑ "NORA AUNOR & CHRISTOPHER DE LEON IN GERRY DE LEON'S "BANAUE" (1975)". Retrieved 2013-02-03.
  51. ↑ "Alkitrang dugo". Retrieved 2013-02-13.
  52. ↑ "Gawad Urian Awards 1977". Retrieved 2013-02-13.
  53. ↑ "Twelve great Filipino films (1975)". Retrieved 2013-02-03.
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  55. ↑ "Review: Minsa'y Isang Gamu-gamo". Retrieved 2013-02-03.
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  57. ↑ "Bakya Mo Neneng (1977)". Retrieved 2013-02-14.
  58. ↑ "1977 Metro Manila Film Festival winners". Retrieved 2013-02-14.
  59. ↑ "Ikaw ay Akin 1977". Retrieved 2013-02-14.
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  65. ↑ "Kasal kasalan, Bahay Bahayan 1979". Retrieved 2013-02-14.
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  79. ↑ "Noel Vera reviews Mario O'Hara's lost masterpiece". Retrieved 2013-03-29.
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  92. ↑ "Bulaklak sa City Jail (1984)". Retrieved 2013-03-30.
  93. ↑ "Si Angela Aguilar... BULAKLAK SA CITY JAIL". Retrieved 2013-03-30.
  94. ↑ "Beloved (1985)". Retrieved 2013-03-30.
  95. ↑ "The Queen Returns". Retrieved 2013-06-13.
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  98. ↑ "A PORTRAIT OF THE SUPERSTAR AS THEATER DIVA". Retrieved 2013-04-01.
  99. ↑ "The Flor Contemplacion Story Review". Retrieved 2013-04-02.
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  101. ↑ "Bakit may kapahon pa? reviews". Retrieved 2013-01-27.
  102. ↑ "Woman 1997". Retrieved 2013-04-02.
  103. ↑ "Sidhi 1999". Retrieved 2013-04-02.
  104. ↑ ABS-CBN International: 'Star'
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  106. ↑ "FAMILY REUNION AT NORA'S GOLDEN CONCERT". Retrieved 2013-04-05.
  107. ↑ "Naglalayag (2004, Maryo de los Reyes)". Retrieved 2013-04-05.
  108. ↑ "Nora Aunor visits her star in Walk of Fame". Retrieved 2013-07-27.
  109. ↑ "Nora Aunor nominated in the Green Globe Film Awards". Retrieved 2013-02-09.
  110. ↑ "Nora Aunor wins at 2010 Green Planet Movie Awards". Retrieved 2013-02-09.
  111. ↑ "Nora reconnects with 70s screen partner Sajid Khan". Retrieved 2013-02-09.
  112. ↑ "The new Nora Aunor explains why she underwent plastic surgery". Retrieved 2013-02-09.
  113. ↑ "Is Nora a victim of botched surgery?". Retrieved 2013-02-09.
  114. ↑ "Nora Aunor Lost Golden Voice Due to Cosmetic Surgery". Retrieved 2013-02-09.
  115. ↑ "Nora Aunor back in the Philippines". Retrieved 2013-02-09.
  116. ↑ "Nora Aunor starts filming 'El Presidente'". Retrieved 2013-02-10.
  117. ↑ "Sa Ngalan ng Ina (Mario O'Hara, 10/3/11 - 10/14/11)". Retrieved 2013-04-05.
  118. ↑ "Mario O' Hara dies of leukemia". Retrieved 2013-04-05.
  119. ↑ "Death of actor-director Mario O’Hara stuns filmdom". Retrieved 2013-04-05.
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  121. ↑ "The 55th Asia Pacific Film Festival announces its nominees". Retrieved 2013-02-11.
  122. ↑ "The miracle of ‘Thy Womb’: Nora Aunor delivers another performance for the ages". Retrieved 2013-04-15.
  123. ↑ "Nora Aunor topbills CineFilipino entry ‘Ang Kuwento ni Mabuti’". Retrieved 2013-04-15.
  124. ↑ "Still fabulous at 60!". Retrieved 2013-05-24.
  125. ↑ "Nora Aunor celebrates 60th birthday with career retrospective". Retrieved 2013-05-22.
  126. ↑ "Nora Aunor celebrates 60th birthday". Retrieved 2013-05-23.
  127. ↑ "Nora Aunor, Jericho Rosales, Brillante Menoza lead the 36th Gawad Urian Awards". Retrieved 2013-09-08.
  128. ↑ "Nora wins 2013 Urian Best Actress award, Jericho Best Actor". Retrieved 2013-09-08.
  129. ↑ "Because teachers take media arts seriously".
  130. ↑ "Nora Aunor wins 7th Urian Best Actress". Retrieved 2013-07-26.
  131. ↑ "Superstar Nora Aunor, Jericho Rosales win top acting awards in this years Gawad Urian". Retrieved 2013-07-26.
  132. ↑ "Nora Aunor wins best actress award in Russian filmfest". Retrieved 2013-08-31.
  133. ↑ "Nora Aunor scores 4th int'l award for 'Thy Womb' role". Retrieved 2013-08-30.
  134. ↑ "Superstar Nora Aunor in "Thy Womb", Once Again a Contender for Best Actress in Russia’s 3rd Sakhalin International Film Festival (On the Edge)". Retrieved 2013-08-30.
  135. ↑ "Welcome back the Guy & Pip love team, Dollywood, The Philippine Daily Inquirer, June 25, 2013". Retrieved 2014-01-22.
  136. ↑ "Coco, Megan, Nora honored as 'People of the Year'". Retrieved 2014-01-22.
  137. ↑ "Dingdong Avanzado joins Nora Aunor in TV5's upcoming musical-drama Trenderas". Retrieved 2014-01-24.
  138. ↑ "Nora Aunor joins fresh talents in TV5's musical-drama Trenderas". Retrieved 2014-01-24.
  139. ↑ "Nora Aunor leads ‘Ani ng Dangal’ awardees, The Manila Times, January 25, 2014". Retrieved 2014-02-04.
  140. ↑ "Nora Aunor receives UP Gawad Plaridel award". Retrieved 2014-07-18.
  141. ↑ "Movie Review: Hustisya". Retrieved 2014-08-05.
  142. ↑ "Nora Aunor graces Cinemalaya gala of Hustisya". Retrieved 2014-08-05.
  143. ↑ News about Aunor's win at the 10th Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival
  144. ↑ News about Aunor's Gawad Plaridel
  145. ↑ Nora Aunor
  146. ↑ "‘DH’: NORA AUNOR TIMES FOUR". Retrieved 2013-01-21.
  147. ↑ "NORA AUNOR’s "DH": A MUST by Doreen G. Fernandez". Retrieved 2013-01-21.
  148. ↑ "Nora Aunor on stage–where she was just as stellar". Retrieved 2014-07-27.
  149. ↑ "SOAP COMMERCIALS THROUGH THE YEARS". Retrieved 2013-04-14.
  150. ↑ "The phenomenal Nora Aunor as Coke endorser". Retrieved 2013-04-14.
  151. ↑ "Nora Aunor for Colgate". Retrieved 2013-04-14.
  152. ↑ ""GUY AND PIP" IN A RARE PRODUCT ENDORSEMENT". Retrieved 2013-04-14.
  153. ↑ "Nora Aunor trivia". Retrieved 2013-04-14.
  154. ↑ "Nora Aunor: A National Artist we deserve". Retrieved 2015-02-23.
  155. ↑ "Bench Pinoy Pop Culture by Gilda Cordero-Fernando and M.G. Chaves". Retrieved 2015-02-23.
  156. ↑ "Superstar Nora Aunor's Urban Legends, Part 3: The Superstar Phenomenon, Pep.Ph". Retrieved 2015-02-23.
  157. ↑ "Jessica Zafra review". Retrieved 2013-04-04.
  158. ↑ "NORA AUNOR'S ACTING STYLE by Jojo Devera". Retrieved 2013-04-04.
  159. ↑ "REVIEW: The miracle of ‘Thy Womb’: Nora Aunor delivers another performance for the ages". Retrieved 2013-04-04.
  160. ↑ "Only Nora. Business Mirror, September 25, 2014". Retrieved 2014-10-10.
  161. ↑ "Nora Aunor, Dagitab nominated in 8th Asia Pacific Screen Awards". Retrieved 2014-10-28.
  162. ↑ "Film professionals and celebrities gather at the 7th Asian Film Awards as MYSTERY wins Best Film". Retrieved 2013-03-18.
  163. ↑ "China's 'Mystery' Leads Asian Film Awards Winners". Retrieved 2013-03-18.
  164. ↑ "Nora Aunor, Eddie Garcia win acting honors at the 7th Asian Film Awards". Retrieved 2013-03-18.
  165. ↑ "7th Asian Film Awards Nominees". Retrieved 2013-01-16.
  166. ↑ "Nora, Eddie Garcia nominated in Asian Film Awards". Retrieved 2013-01-17.
  167. ↑ "Winners of the sixth Annual Asia Pacific screen Awards". Retrieved 2012-11-29.
  168. ↑ "Nora Aunor, Brillante Mendoza adjudged the best at Asia Pacific Screen Awards". Retrieved 2012-11-23.
  169. ↑ "Nora, Brillante win big at Asia Pacific Screen Awards". Retrieved 2012-11-23.
  170. ↑ "Nora Aunor, Eddie Garcia nominated at the 55th Asia Pacific Film Festival". Retrieved 2012-11-29.
  171. ↑ "Thy Womb nominated at Dubai Film Fest". Retrieved 2012-10-25.
  172. ↑ "Bisato d'Oro 2012 al Bar Maleti". Retrieved 2012-11-29.
  173. ↑ "Bisato d'Oro 2012 winners". Retrieved 2013-02-06.
  174. ↑ "Green Planet Movie Awards Results". Retrieved 2010-03-23.
  175. ↑ "PENANG'S 1st EAST ASIA FILM AND TELEVISION FESTIVAL". Retrieved 1997. Check date values in: |accessdate= (help)
  176. ↑ "B R Chopra bags Pearl Legend award". Retrieved 1997. Check date values in: |accessdate= (help)
  177. ↑ http://www.city.fukuoka.lg.jp/fu-a/en/film_archives/detail/232.html
  178. ↑ "The 15 Best Filipino Actresses of All Time". Retrieved 2013-02-15.
  179. ↑ "S Magazine 15 Best Filipino Actresses of All Time". Retrieved 2013-02-15.
  180. ↑ "Nora Aunor in Manila Bulletin's List of Notable Filipinos in the Last 110 Years". Retrieved 2013-01-23.
  181. ↑ "Best Ever Filipino Film Actresses Cited". Retrieved 2013-01-23.
  182. ↑ "Asians in Film:Ten Timeless Filipina Actresses". Retrieved 2013-03-26.
  183. ↑ "Nora Aunor Day Proclamation". Retrieved 2013-01-23.
  184. ↑ "PROGRAMME 1983". Retrieved 2013-01-23.
  185. ↑ "1983 Chicago International Film Festival". Retrieved 2013-01-23.
  186. ↑ "the CNN APSA Viewers Choice Award". Retrieved 2013-01-23.
  187. ↑ "Filipino film 'Himala' wins CNN APSA Viewers Choice Award". Retrieved 2013-01-23.
  188. ↑ "Restored Version Of ‘Himala’ Premieres At 69th Venice Film Festival". Retrieved 2013-01-23.
  189. ↑ "1995 Cairo International Film Festival". Retrieved 2013-02-15.
  190. ↑ "The Collection". Retrieved 2013-03-18.
  191. ↑ Billboard Magazine December 18, 1971. Retrieved 2013-02-06.
  192. ↑ ALPHA MUSIC CORPORATION. Retrieved 2013-04-14.
  193. ↑ Billboard Magazine February 26, 1972. Retrieved 2013-02-06.

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