Aunor, national treasure

NORA Aunor shows the Inquirer her 2012 Bisato d’Oro prize, which she won at the Venice fest for Brillante Ma. Mendoza’s “Thy Womb.” ARNOLD ALMACEN

Ate Guy (Nora Aunor) and my late Mom (Inday Badiday) rose to fame together. They were sparring partners. La Aunor practically watched me grow up. Now, every time she sees me in show biz parties, she says,  “Dati Mommy mo ang ka-gimik ko; ngayon ikaw na.”

Yes, the Superstar is like family to me, and so it makes me sad that she has been deprived of the national artist honor, which she more than deserves. Although it’s the President’s prerogative to proclaim the final choices from a list drawn up by the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) and the  National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), we think we deserve an explanation on this one, if President Aquino remembers his pledge to the taumbayan: “Kayo ang boss ko.”

Nora’s body of work speaks for itself. With or without the national artist honor, Ate Guy will forever be a national treasure of Philippine cinema.

No wonder Aunor sounds very much like “honor.” The petite Bicolana with humble beginnings was destined to bring honor to the country. Too bad, some of our countrymen refuse to acknowledge that. To paraphrase one of Nora’s famous movie lines, “Kailangan natin ng himala!”

I’ve gathered the sentiments of some of the biz’s movers and shakers:

Eugene Domingo
All that I know about national artists is that they are applauded when attending any event. That’s obviously a great honor. But Nora commands just as much attention and recognition wherever she goes! Nora, as an artist, has served the industry for a very long time … up to now. She continues to serve the arts by choosing projects that are unique and truly Filipino. Simply put, she is a blessing to the industry—and she is appreciated overseas! She is simply great. As an actress, I am inspired by her integrity and I will continue to be, whether or not she is granted a national artist honor.

Boots Anson-Roa

Notwithstanding my deep admiration and reverence for my kumare, Nora’s artistry and contribution to the film industry, I say that moviedom should take cognizance of the due processes in the selection of national artists, and respect the President’s considerations and decision, which prevail over those of the recommending bodies.

Jose Javier Reyes

The disappointment stems not merely from the evident executive disregard of the CCP-NCCA  recommendation, but also from the cavalier treatment extended Nora, and the absence of any explanation as to why the Palace did not deem her deserving of the title and honor. Truth to tell, her body of work in both film and TV will outlive this controversy. Greatness in art is not measured by affirmations and citations, whether local or international. History will be the final judge as to who is truly deserving of immortality for a lifetime’s work.

Joel Lamangan
What they snubbed is not Nora, but the artistic expression she represents—artistic expression that depicts the common man’s aspirations, hopes and ambitions, which she gave life to through her art. It is clear snobbery of the voice of the downtrodden. It is clear snobbery of Filipino cinema, which she represents. When given by a government that cannot distinguish greatness from mediocrity, recognition and awards are worthless. It is unfortunate that this regime is so blind, that it cannot see the greatness of Nora’s work. Or is this a political judgment?

Winning streak

ABS-CBN’s winning streak continues. This year, the Kapamilya network is the only Filipino company to receive the Grand Stevie Award, formerly known as American Business Awards, then International Business Awards.

Specifically cited was the network’s public service efforts, especially the “Tulong Na, Tabang Na, Tayo Na” campaign for Supertyphoon “Yolanda” survivors. (The same campaign won gold and silver awards in the advocacy category and innovative and integrated media category at the UA&P Asia-Pacific Tambuli Awards 2014.)

Said ABS-CBN president/CEO Charo Santos-Concio: “As a service-oriented company, we have been in the forefront of public service for over 60 years. Public service for Filipinos, wherever they are, has always been, and always will be, our mission and reason for being.” Arriba, Kapamilya!

Personal

Thanks a mil to my dear “Sis” Mikee Dava for being a friend over and beyond the call of duty.