Matet shares secrets of Nora Aunor as Supermom

AUNOR (second from right), with Kenneth, Kiko and Matet.

So much has been written about Nora Aunor, but we seldom hear about her being a mother to Lotlot, Ian, Matet, Kiko and Kenneth. I had the rare chance to chat with Matet when she, along with younger brother, Kenneth, husband Mickey Estrada, and their two daughters, attended a Christmas get-together for her mother’s fan group, Nora’s Friends Forever (NFF). Excerpts:

What do you feel when you attend a get-together of Noranians?

I’m very happy. It’s as if we’re also part of the group, because we know most of the members –madalas kasi sila sa bahay  when we were kids. Many of them have become our friends at kabiruan. Kapag nakikita ko sila, I get overwhelmed, kasi ang dami pa rin nilang nagmamahal kay Mommy.

How old were you when you realized that your mom wasn’t a ‘regular’ mother?

At age 3, alam ko na, kasi ang daming tao lagi sa bahay. I knew that she was going to her “Superstar” show kapag marami siyang dalang damit at sapatos, at lagi siyang naka-makeup.

How do you react to the negative things said about your mom?

Nilalabas ko kung anong nararamdaman ko. If we don’t talk to defend her, sinong magtatanggol sa kanya? Lately, however, I have learned to shrug off the rumors about mom to avoid getting into trouble. ‘Yung mga writers na nagsusulat ng bad things about her, ‘di ko na binabasa. When I’m with her, we don’t discuss negative issues. But, I know when she’s hurting.

What’s the most serious matter you’ve discussed with your mom?

That I’m an adopted child. She told me when I was 10. Pero hindi na ako nagulat, kasi narinig ko na sa helpers namin, and Ate Lot also told me na si Kuya Ian lang ang galing sa tiyan ni Mommy, while the rest of us were ‘gifts from God.’ At saka, alam ko din because of our skin color – si kuya lang ang kayumanggi. I’m almost 30, but  I have no regrets. I don’t feel the need to look for my real parents. Kuntento na ako, wala akong ibang pamilya kundi itong kinagisnan ko.

How is Nora as a mother?

Hindi siya mahilig mamalo, but you’ll be punished if you do something wrong. Tuturuan ka n’ya ng leksiyon. Pagsasabihan ka niya, pero ‘di siya nananakit. Tapos, paluluhurin kami sa harap ng santo. Minsan lang niya ako napalo ng ruler – kasi nagmura ako when I was still in prep school.

Most endearing trait

What is her mother’s most endearing trait?

She’s very affectionate. Para siyang bata kung maglambing. Nagpapakarga ‘yan kay kuya, mahilig magpakandong at natutulog pa! Now that she’s here, gusto niya nasa kanya kami. She also treats us equally.

How did you feel when you didn’t see your mom for seven years?

I really missed her, especially when I became a mother myself! That was when I realized na kailangan ko talaga si Mommy. I prayed hard that she would finally come home, and I knew it would be only a matter of time. When she was away, we communicated through telephone calls and text messages. Kami lang ni Kenneth ang ‘di nakapunta sa kanya sa States, kasi mahal ang pamasahe , and I couldn’t leave my children.

What was your mom’s reaction when she saw your children for the first time?

Natatawa siyang naiiyak. We saw each other the day after her arrival, kasi busy siya nung una – ang dami n’yang interviews. ’Di kami makatulog, kasi gusto na namin s’yang makita!

How’s your relationship with your siblings?

Close kaming magkakapatid. Kenneth is staying with me, while Kiko is with Ate Lot. Kuya Ian has a pad near our dad Boyet’s compound. Every Sunday is family day, we eat together.

How’s is your acting career going?

Masaya naman ako. Hindi pa nga natapos ‘yung “Ikaw Lang Ang Mamahalin” sa GMA 7, may gagawin na naman ako early next year, ang “Broken Vow,” with Bianca King in the lead role.

What’s your wish for your mom?

I hope she’ll find real happiness and peace of mind – and also good health, kasi lately, naging masakitin siya. At, promise namin, ’di kami mawawala sa tabi niya!