Bianca Umali no billing issue with Nora Aunor in ‘Mananambal’
(From left) Bianca Umali and Nora Aunor. Images: Facebook/Viva Films
Bianca Umali shut down reports that she had a billing issue with National Artist Nora Aunor in the poster of their upcoming film “Mananambal,” which premieres on February 19.
During a press conference for “Mananambal,” director Adolfo Alix, Jr. was asked to clarify if Umali’s team requested to have a bigger space than Aunor in the film’s poster. This prompted the younger actress to immediately shut down the rumor, pointing out that she was “shocked” to even hear such a question.
“I am shocked by the question but I would like to handle it as professionally as possible,” she began. “I believe the question is inappropriate for the event, and also, hindi ko po alam anong mararamdaman ko (I don’t know how to feel about it) because I do not have any idea about that. And I’m worried about how people in this room might take it, hearing it from the representative of the press.”
Umali explained that having the chance to work with Aunor is “already a blessing” in itself, saying she doesn’t want to pass up the opportunity to learn from the award-winning actress.
“And it is an opportunity that I already knew na hindi ko po palalagpasin (I wouldn’t let go of),” she said. “Being with her on set was a masterclass for me and was a dream I never thought I would achieve this early in my career. Kaya po ‘yung makasama si Miss Nora (The fact that I already worked with Miss Nora) — that’s already enough.”
View this post on Instagram
Maintaining the billing issue is “something she is not aware” of, the actress stressed that aside from sharing scenes with Aunor, sharing to the public the fruit of their hard work in “Mananambal” is already a win for her.
“Ako po, bilang isang actor and the love that I have for my craft and the respect I have for myself and the industry… Bonus na po ‘yun and it is a recognition [of] how I do my work,” she said.
“Pero dito sa pelikulang ‘Mananambal,’ napakatagal na panahon kong hinintay na ipalabas dahil pinaghirapan namin ang pelikulang ito. Maraming pinagdaanan ang pelikulang ito, at ipalabas at maipakita, at ito ang pagbabalik-pelikula ni Ms. Nora Aunor [and that] is all that matters,” she further added.
(As an actor who loves my craft and the respect I have for myself and the industry, it’s a bonus and it is a recognition of how I do my work. With the film “Mananambal,” I waited for a long time to have this film out. It has been through a lot before it will be shown to the public. This is also the comeback film of Ms. Nora Aunor and that is all that matters.)
For his part, Alix said the alleged billing issue is “unfair” for Umali and Aunor. He also explained that the screen veteran was absent during the press conference due to health concerns.
“The idea po of billing with [any artist] for that matter, siguro alam naman po nila. Like sa sinabi ni Bianca, Ate Guy deserves the rightful billing [since] she’s an icon in the industry. Kung ano po ‘yung nakikita niyo ngayon I think ‘yan po ang tama at nararapat,” he said.
(The idea of billing with any artist for that matter, I’m sure they are aware of it. Like Bianca said, Ate Guy deserves the rightful billing because she’s an icon in the industry. Whatever you’re seeing today, I think it is what’s right and proper to do.)
‘Emotional moment’
Umali also addressed the particular question in 24 Oras interview where she admitted that it was an “emotional moment,” but she knew that she had to put her feelings aside and be professional.
“I was shocked. It became an emotional moment for me at some point. But then, in my heart and my mind, I knew that the best way to handle it was to be the most professional person in the room,” she said.
View this post on Instagram
The actress also reiterated that having the opportunity to be with Aunor in a film is “everything” she needs in her career.
To be working with our superstar and National Artist is already an honor. That is everything I need. Everything else that comes from it, the billing, even the award that I won, is already a bonus na lang,” she said.
In May 2024, Umali bagged the Best Dramatic Actress award at the Jinseo Arigato International Film Festival for her portrayal of the film’s lead character Alma. She is set to star as Sang’gre Terra in the upcoming fantasy drama “Sang’gre.”
“Mananambal” marks Aunor’s return to the film industry after appearing in the Alix-helmed “Pieta” in 2023. She also lent her voice to the final scene of the 2024 Metro Manila Film Festival entry “Isang Himala.”
