Aunor. Immortalized by “Himala”-inspired statue in Ilocos.
Nora Aunor’s new “Himala”-inspired statue in Ilocos has underscored the sometimes overlooked but actually important role played by arts and media stars in shaping our collective consciousness. The fact that Nora is the first pop luminary given this “iconic” treatment is yet another feather in the Superstar’s colorful chapeaux—and some of her colleagues are frankly envious.
Yes, FPJ and Dolphy have had larger-than-life statues put up to honor them and their unique ethos, but what about the other stars who have also come up with “iconic” performances and characterizations—should “signature” statues be put up to honor them, as well?
Well, surmises a colleague game enough to go along with us on the speculative ride, maybe—but, the statues should be erected, not all over the country, but in a unique, star-themed sculpture park—perhaps on the Mowelfund compound?
The unique park could become a popular tourist spot, and admission fees would pump up the movie welfare organization’s coffers—a win-win situation all around!
Which stars should first be given the “iconic” treatment? Like FPJ’s Ang Panday, Darna has become a prized staple on the movie industry’s pop-cultural landscape, so a statue of the first homegrown Wonder Woman, played by Rosa del Rosario, would be a clearly logical choice. Another no-brainer is the fantasy character of Dyesebel, initially portrayed by the innocent-looking but all-woman Edna Luna.
What about Tessie Agana as the much-abused waif, Roberta? Come to think of it, perhaps an entire section of the sculpture park could be reserved for iconic child characters: Aside from Roberta, there’s the young Vilma Santos in “Trudis Liit,” Tita Duran, Niño Muhlach, Aiza Seguerra, Snooky Serna—etc!
Other adult “nominees” for iconic treatment: Joseph Estrada as the title character in “Geron Busabos, Ang Batang Quiapo.” Ramon Revilla in “Nardong Putik”—and Gloria Romero brandishing a giant cigar in “Ang Dalagang Ilokana!”