How director Joel Lamangan became a 'Noranian'

MANILA -- Director Joel Lamangan can still remember the specific moment that he became a "Noranian."

It was while they were shooting the 1982 film "Himala," where Lamangan served as a crowd director.

He recalled how director Ishmael Bernal called Nora Aunor to map out the next scenes, which involved a huge crowd of over 300 people, along with multiple coffins. Bernal instructed Aunor to shed a tear -- but only on her left eye.

An animated Lamangan explained that the camera would favor the left side of Aunor's face, making it necessary that the tear would fall on that angle.

"Eto ang crane, tatapat ka dito. Lalapit sa'yo si Gigi Dueñas, haharap ka sa camera, tutulo ang luha mo sa kaliwa," Lamangan recalled Bernal telling Aunor. "Napatingin ako kay Ishmael at kay Nora … Guy? Sabi ni Guy, ay, kaya raw niya."

"Ready, action! Pagdating na pagdating doon sa guhit, bumaba ang crane … Tumulo nga sa kaliwa ang kaniyang luha! Doon ako naging Noranian," he said. 

"Doon ko nalaman kung gaano ka-great actress she is."

Lamangan shared the story on Sunday, during a short program at the Heritage Park in Taguig where Gina Alajar and a group of friends and directors came together to honor the life and legacy of the late superstar.

Aunor had passed away last Wednesday night, after a medical procedure, at the age of 71.

READ: Nora Aunor, superstar of Philippine cinema, passes away

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Lamangan, who went on to direct Aunor in "The Flor Contemplacion Story" among other films, said the scene took just one take.

"Pagkatapos noon, cut na, kasi gabi na. Hindi na pwede ulitin," he said. "Take 1 lang 'yun lahat-lahat."

"Sabi ko, 'Ate Guy, ang galing-galing mo.' Sabi niya, 'Naku, tsansa lang 'yun'," he added. "Sabi ko, hindi ah, kunwari ka pa."

"Himala" became one of Aunor's most iconic films, earning her acclaim both locally and internationally. 

Lamangan stressed that while Aunor was "a very good actress," she was also "a very good person." "Ang pinakamaganda, isa siyang mabuting tao. Pumapanig siya sa kung anong katotohanan… Ayaw niya ng kasinungalingan," he said. 

The director became more emotional as he revealed that he and Aunor had discussed making "The Nora Aunor Story."

"Pinangarap niyang buuin. Pero alam ko mabubuo din natin," said Lamangan, before uttering his final words of gratitude to the Superstar.

READ: Joel Lamangan reveals plans for Nora Aunor biopic

Aside from Lamangan, also speaking on the night were actor Bembol Roco, director Adolf Alix, and actress Jo Berry. Meanwhile, Kuh Ledesma and Carla Martinez offered songs of praise.

The interment of Aunor, a National Artist, will be held on April 22 at Libingan ng mga Bayani. -- from a report by MJ Felipe, ABS-CBN News