Manila Standard former entertainment editor, Isah V. Red, a certified Noranian, would always tell me that the eyes of Nora Aunor are out of this world and that she can cast a spell on you when you come close to her, face to face.
Mr. Red would rave about Nora’s eyes having the power to convey a range of emotions, and that she can talk in silence and the audience can already glean the emotion by just looking at her eyes.
In an intimate pocket press conference organized by GMA Network for Bilangin Ang Bituin Sa Langit star Mylene Dizon, I had to ask the seasoned actress how is it working with La Aunor, and if it’s true that her eyes really work a different kind of magic.
“Totoo ang chismis. Once she stares at you, it’s just like, wow! It’s not intimidating or scary. It’s not something to be nervous about. But you can’t just help but admire,” Mylene started. “You know how cartoon characters’ eyes would light up? That must have been how I looked like when we first met.”
Mylene stars with the veteran actress along with Kyline Alcantara in the television adaptation of Bilangin Ang Bituin Sa Langit, a classic Elwood Perez film that Nora Aunor top-billed in 1989.
“I spend time with her while waiting for the production crew to finish with the setup. She would tell me about how it all started for her…things we already know. But she’s humble like that. She would talk about how different show biz is now compared to her days,” the 43-year-old actress told Manila Standard.
Mylene revealed that the superstar was the reason why she accepted the role in Bilangin Ang Bituin Sa Langit. She was already planning to slow down after her stint in Sahaya, another GMA television series where she played the role of a mother to Bianca Umali’s character.
“My boys are growing up fast. Tomas is already 14. We now live in the province, and there have been a lot of changes in their lives. I know things aren’t easy for them. That’s why I want to be with them as often as I could,” Mylene, who is now based in Laguna, explained.
She couldn’t miss the chance to work with the superstar, who her mother admires so much. Mylene grew up seeing magazines, which her mother used to collect, with Nora’s face on the cover.
“It’s the first time that I got an offer with Ate Guy. Tapos fan pa ang mommy ko fan niya. To be honest I grew up around Kislap magazines. Kulang na nga lang i-plastic cover ni mommy yung Kislap,” Mylene recalled.
“One time, Ate Guy told me that she would like to slow down. ‘Tumatanda na ang ate mo,’ she told me. And I replied, ‘Don’t say that! I’m here because of you!’ And we would just be laughing on the set,” she ended.
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On ‘Centerstage’ this Sunday
This week, Rain Barquin faces his greatest challenge on Centerstage as he attempts to be the first-ever grand finalist. But first, he must defend his spot for one final battle against the new batch of “bida” kids.
Witness another heart-stopping vocal showdown and find out who among the new hopefuls will go head to head with the current defending “bida.”
Will it be Sofia Santos, the 12-year-old “muse-sician” from Bulacan? Or will it be the 11-year-old “singer-calligrapher” from Pasig City, AJ Vicente?
Also joining the race are Nathan Contreras, the 12-year-old kiddie vocalist from Sta. Maria Bulacan and Angeles City’s “kidtrepreneur”, Velle Sigua.
Meanwhile, watch out for the episode’s special batch of Bida Voters featuring Clash Vocal Coach, Jai Sabas-Aracama and Clash Season 2 Grand Finalist, Thea Astley, Jeniffer Maravilla, Nef Medina with Grand Champion, Jeremiah Tiangco.
Will Centerstage finally have its first grand finalist? Or will Rain Barquin finally meet his match?
Find out this Sunday, 7:40 p.m. only on Centerstage.
