Veteran actresses Nora Aunor and Hilda Koronel. ABS-CBN News, AFP/File

MANILA — Director Adolfo Alix Jr. shared Saturday that the late National Artist for Film and Broadcast Arts Nora Aunor had been looking forward to the movie they were set to shoot with Hilda Koronel. 

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“Excited sila sana kaya nagpapalakas siya kasi excited siya,” Alix said in an interview held during the wake of Aunor, Saturday.

“We were suppose to do a film this June. We were pre-planning everything and nakausap namin ibang artista,” he added. 

Alix explained Aunor was focusing on improving her health prior to the shoot.

“Pinagbawalan siya ng doctor kasi sa kundisyon niya. Medyo nahihirapan siya. Nagpapalakas siya kasi may plans for her conditions. May rehabilitation, operation, para mapalakas siya,” he said.

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Alix directed “Mananambal,” the last locally released film in which Ate Guy made an appearance. The filmmaker, however, hopes to soon screen “Kontrabida” in the country as a fitting tribute to the Philippines’ superstar.

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“Dito sa film makikita si Ate Guy in her best form. Maganda siya mapanuod. Ito yung personal favorite ko kasi first kontrabida role. Maganda siya for people to remember and see how great she was," he reasoned.

“Kontrabida” (The Villain) was named as the Best Asian Feature in the Hanoi International Film Festival in 2022.

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