What makes Ate Guy’s latest TV starrer ‘Onanay’ unique

Nora Aunor

Superstar Nora Aunor is having a ball on the set of her latest project, GMA 7’s prime-time series “Onanay,” which debuts on Aug. 6.

A video taken last May showed the soap’s cast and crew surprising Ate Guy, as the Superstar is known in the biz, with a birthday party, complete with cake and impromptu singing.

True to form, La Aunor seemed initially embarrassed by all the fuss, but had fun just the same.

In another video from the set, Ate Guy pretended to be the masseuse of director Gina Alajar, who turned beet-red upon realizing the prank.

Direk Gina admitted that the entire team was in “awe” of the Superstar.

“She has such a commanding presence,” the actress-turned-director told the Inquirer.

Costar and perennial contravida Cherie Gil, who led the secret celebration last May, owned up: “Working with Guy is a thrill because she’s so chill! Now that we are closer, I feel more relaxed, and we don’t take ourselves too seriously anymore.”

Cherie recalled being nervous the first time she got to share the screen with Ate Guy in the ABS-CBN soap opera, “Bituin,” 16 years ago.

“I was so intimidated by her because I’m a fan,” Cherie recounted. “But really, she’s so down-to-earth and genuine. In fact, being both Geminis, I get her. Really, I do. ”

Newcomer Jo Berry, who plays Ate Guy’s daughter (who has dwarfism), related that she was likewise shy to approach the Superstar. “I only used to watch her before, but now I’m working with her!”

The newbie said she felt “privileged,” having the Superstar as mentor. “She is so good and generous in sharing tips with me. She advised me to feel each scene so I could deliver my lines properly… and it helped me a lot. I got over my nervousness quickly.”

Cast of “Onanay” (from left): Gardo Versoza, Mikee Quintos, Jo Berry, Aunor and Kate Valdez

‘Like breathing’

According to costar Gardo Versoza, La Aunor makes him feel totally comfortable every time they have a scene together. “Acting with my kumare is like breathing oxygen,” he explained. “We are at ease with each other on the set. We’ve been through a lot together kasi.”

Ate Guy is the godmother of Gardo’s 4-year-old son, Deity Uziel.

The Superstar told the Inquirer that the show’s tapings are going smoothly.

“Masaya sa set,” she volunteered. “MWF ang taping ko.”

Young costar Jo left quite an impression on the award-winning actress. “Magaling umarte si Onay at mabilis mag-memorya, tulad ng iba naming mga kasamahang artista sa serye.”

Ate Guy described “Onanay” (formerly titled “Extraordinary Love”) as unique compared to other drama shows on TV. “Ang kagandahan po nitong ginagawa naming serye ay may kurot ito sa puso. Ito ay naglalarawan ng isang maliit na babae at dahil siya ay maliit, lagi siyang kinukutya ng ibang tao. Bilang ina, ipinagtatanggol ko siya sa mga nang-aapi sa kanya.”

She lauded her colleagues, particularly Direk Gina, who was her frequent costar in the past. “Magaling ang direktor namin. Nabibigyan niya ng magagandang anggulo ang bawat shot at talagang binubusisi niya.”

La Aunor is similarly amazed by her seasoned colleagues. “Iba talaga kapag ang kaeksena mo ay mga batikang artista tulad nina Cherie at Gardo. Maganda ang kinalalabasan, lalo na ang mga eksenang sagutan.”