Queens, together again

Nora Aunor (left) and Vilma Santos, with Christopher de Leon (at the back) Photo by Joey Austria

At long last, the certified queens of Philippine movies got to share the same stage again.

Superstar Nora Aunor and the Star for All Seasons Vilma Santos graced the Star Awards for Movies, spearheaded by the Philippine Movie Press Club and held at the Resorts World Manila last Sunday.

For the first time since the return of Ate Guy (as Aunor is known) from the United States in 2011, she bumped into screen rival Ate Vi (as Santos is called in the biz), in a glitzy event.

They were the recipients of the Ginintuang Bituin ng Pelikulang Pilipino honor. They also tied as best actress; Guy won for “Kabisera”; Vi, for “Everything About Her.”

“Nagkumustahan kami,” Guy told the Inquirer. “Sinabi ko na nawala ang cell phone ko kaya hindi ako nakapag-text sa kanya.”

“[That’s why] I gave my phone number to her,” Vi related. “It was really nice seeing Mare again. The last time was when my movie, ‘In My Life,’ was shown in Los Angeles in 2009.”

“Ngayon na nagbigayan na kami ng contact number, puwede na kaming magtawagan at mag-textan tulad noong nasa States ako,” Guy said.

“Nagkuwentuhan kami about life. After five decades, nandito pa rin kami,” Vi remarked. “We are very thankful sa fans, sa press, para sa recognition. We kept talking all night. We promised to keep in touch.”

Guy also bumped into frequent costar and former husband, Christopher de Leon, who was her seatmate at the event.
“Bumilis nga po ang tibok ng puso ko nang makita ko siya,” Guy quipped. “Joke! Joke! Joke!”

Guy recalled that he had asked her about her directorial project. “Sabi ko, baka ngayong taon matuloy. Hinihintay ko lang na matapos ang script ni Kuya Ricky (Lee). Tinanong ko siya kung sino ang kasama niya. Sabi niya s’ya lang daw mag-isa.”

With playful candor, Guy volunteered that she couldn’t help calling him Papa Boyet. “Nasanay lang po siguro!”
It was a night of reunions, indeed!