Superstar Nora Aunor’s Guesting (CNN Philippines Profiles)

In a recent episode of CNN Philippines Profiles, the legendary actress and singer Nora Aunor shared her journey through the Philippine showbiz landscape, reflecting on her life, career, and the challenges she has faced.

A Life of Love and Loss

During the interview, Nora discussed her past relationships, including her marriage to co-star Christopher de Leon in 1975. When asked about romance in her life today, she responded candidly, acknowledging that at 63, her focus has shifted primarily to work. “Wala na akong dapat pang isipin na ganyan, puro trabaho na lang,” she said, emphasizing her love for her craft.

Nora opened up about her struggles, including periods of unemployment and personal loss. She recounted the heartbreak of losing family members and the financial hardships that accompanied those losses. “Wala akong trabaho, walang offer sa akin,” she recalled, sharing the difficulties of a time when she felt lost and unsupported.

Resilience Through Adversity

Nora’s strength shines through her stories of perseverance. She spoke of her determination to support her family from a young age, recalling how she would carry water long distances and sell food in the market to help make ends meet. “Kahit konti, basta may maibigay ako sa pamilya, masayang-masaya na ako,” she reflected.

Her humility and grounded nature have endeared her to many in the industry. Award-winning director Brillante Mendoza praised Nora’s authenticity, noting that she prefers to be treated normally despite her superstar status.

Wisdom for the Next Generation

As someone who has navigated nearly five decades in the entertainment industry, Nora offered valuable advice for the youth. “Tulungan lang nila yung magulang nila, tulungan nila yung pamilya nila,” she encouraged, stressing the importance of family and support.

Despite the passage of time, Nora remains a beloved figure, admired not just for her talent but also for her character. She acknowledged the changes in her family dynamics now that her children have families of their own, expressing a bittersweet understanding of their distance.

A Legacy of Accomplishments

Nora Aunor is celebrated for her numerous accolades, including over 150 awards for her performances. She is recognized as the most nominated and awarded Filipino actress, having received international recognition across five continents. Reflecting on her achievements, she stated, “Yung mga nagawa ko, malaking bagay na sa akin yon.”

Nora’s recent accomplishments include receiving the Buhay Peace Prize, which highlights her commitment to peace through her body of work. She shared her insights on the importance of the film industry in promoting Filipino culture and values.

Looking Ahead

As Nora approaches her 50th anniversary in showbiz, she shared her aspirations to direct a film that reflects her dreams and experiences. “May mga napanaginipan ako na hanggang ngayon hindi ko nakakalimutan,” she revealed, hinting at the creative projects she hopes to pursue.

In closing, Nora expressed her deep gratitude to her fans, emphasizing that their support has been a cornerstone of her career. “Ano’t ano man ang mangyari, nandito lang ang pagmamahal ko,” she assured, reminding her admirers of the bond they share.

Nora Aunor’s enduring legacy continues to inspire many, as she embodies resilience, humility, and a profound love for her craft and family.