Nora Aunor likely to sign 3-year deal with TV5

CHRISTOPHER de Leon and Nora Aunor at the red carpet screening of “Sa Ngalan Ng Ina” ROMY HOMILLADA

Fans of Superstar Nora Aunor have a lot to look forward to, after the award-winning actress announced that she is likely to accept TV5’s offer to be its exclusive talent for three more years.

The Kapatid network’s warm and fair treatment of its stars, she said, won her over.

“Gusto ko ring ipakita sa TV5 ang aking pasasalamat sa pamamagitan ng pagtatrabaho ko,” she said after the red carpet screening of her coming drama miniseries, “Sa Ngalan Ng Ina,” at Cinema 2 of SM City’s The Block last Thursday.

Despite round-the-clock taping hours in Antipolo, Rizal and Taal, Batangas, Aunor said she rarely gets tired, and has never felt happier. “Kapag gusto mo ’yung trabaho mo at gusto mo ’yung mga kasama mo, hindi ka mahihirapan. Hindi mo mararamdaman ang pagod,” she said.

Aunor initially inked a three-month deal with TV5 upon her arrival in the country last August, but it seems the Kapatid network can’t get enough of the Superstar.

“Interesado pa rin kaming makatrabaho siya,” TV5 head of creative and entertainment production Perci Intalan told the Inquirer. “Alam na namin more or less kung ano ang gusto niya, ano’ng bagay sa kanya, at sino’ng mga gusto niyang makatrabaho.”

Asked for details about the new contract, Intalan said they’re still ironing things out. But should Aunor finally sign the deal, a full-length drama series will immediately follow “Sa Ngalan.”

Hosting job

While acting projects will remain the top priority, Intalan said TV5 is also entertaining the idea of giving Aunor a hosting job.

“I remember na ang tagal niya nga palang itinayo ang ‘Superstar’ show as host,” he said. “Ang galing ng rapport niya sa tao, and that was apparent during her recent fans’ day. Sanay siya kung paano mag-relate sa audience at sa mga artistang bisita. That opened a lot of possibilities.

“We do hope bumalik ’yung boses niya. We’re not into recording, but she can do musical events and specials.”

Meanwhile, as a US green card holder, Aunor was advised not to stay in the Philippines for more than six months within a year. But this won’t be too big of a problem, Intalan assured.

“We are used to working around schedules of our talents who are not based in the country like Jasmine Curtis-Smith and Alice Dixson.”

Two months into her comeback, has Aunor been able keep her word that she would avoid going back to her old ways?

Always professional

“She’s always professional,” her “Sa Ngalan Ng Ina” director Mario O’Hara told the Inquirer. “Si Guy napakagaling na. Hindi na niya mahihigitan ang sarili niya –she can only do less. But Guy never gave anything less.”

O’Hara, who also worked with Aunor in the films “Tatlong Taong Walang Diyos” and “Bulaklak Sa City Jail,” added: “Si Guy, given any director, magaling umarte. Hindi katulad ng ibang artista na kapag masama na ang direktor, masama na rin ang acting.”

O’Hara, however, admitted that Aunor’s damaged voice was a concern, especially in heavy scenes that involve screaming. “’Di siya makasigaw, eh. Nagiging sagabal para sa kanya ang boses niya dahil sa limitation.”

Indie film

Aside from “Sa Ngalan,” the actress will also star in the historical biopic “El Presidente” and in Regal Films’ “Hototay.” Is O’Hara open to doing an indie film with Aunor?

“Of course! Meron na akong kwento. Sa katunayan script na nga, eh,” he said. “I won’t do the film with any actress other than Guy!”

“Sa Ngalan” also stars Aunor’s ex-husband Christopher de Leon. Expectedly, entertainment reporters prodded the former couple to express their feelings about working with each other.

“I’m so happy that she’s doing very well. It’s fun, nag-e-enjoy lang kami sa set,” said De Leon about being reunited with Aunor.

“Kapag nagkita kayo ng dating boyfriend mo, ano pakiramdam mo?” Nora asked a reporter.

When the reporter answered, “May pitik pa rin,” Aunor unabashedly retorted to mad cheers and laughter, “Yun ang sagot ko!”

“Sa Ngalan Ng Ina” premieres October 3 after “Wil Time Big Time.”