Joel Lamangan on Nora Aunor: ‘Her greatness was in truth, compassion’

Acclaimed filmmaker Joel Lamangan, who directed six of Nora Aunor’s most memorable films, penned a heartfelt and powerful tribute to the late National Artist, recounting her unmatched artistry, deep compassion, and lasting legacy—not only as an actress but as a person whose heart beat for the truth and for others.

“She’s gone. Ate Guy—my actress in six films we made together: Muling Umawit ang Puso, The Flor Contemplacion Story, Bakit May Kahapon Pa, Sidhi, Hustisya, and Isa Pang Bahaghari. In each of these films, her brilliance as an actress shone through, portraying roles with such depth that she earned Best Actress awards locally and internationally,” Lamangan wrote.

More than the trophies and accolades, Lamangan reflected on the authenticity that Nora brought to every performance.

“She was never a product of any acting workshop or formal training. Her excellence came from the life she lived—everything she endured and experienced from childhood to stardom. That’s what shaped her truth as an actress.”

Their working relationship was grounded in honesty and artistic integrity. Every project started with a long conversation—often deep, sometimes heated—on what the film should say and how it should be said.

“At the end of it, she’d always say, ‘Ikaw na ang bahala, Direk. Naniniwala naman ako sa’yo.’ That was her respect—not just for me, but for the craft.”

But what made Aunor even more unforgettable, Lamangan said, was her heart.

He recalled how she would look out for everyone on set, especially the crew and staff who earned little.

“On the last day of shooting, she would always give money to the workers—no fanfare, just quiet generosity. After wrapping Flor Contemplacion at the Santa Cruz City Jail, she lined up the prisoners who had helped during filming and handed each of them money. The warden warned me to stop her, fearing an escape. She simply said, ‘Walang tatakas. Sinabihan ko sila.’ And true enough, not a single prisoner ran.”

Another story painted a vivid picture of her empathy.

“While filming Sidhi, during lunch break, Ate Guy saw an old farmer sitting under a mango tree. She approached him, asked why he was alone and sad. The man said his carabao had died, and he had no way to plow his land. When she asked how much a new one would cost, he said ₱15,000. Without hesitation, she asked her assistant for the money and gave it to him, asking only that he not tell anyone it came from her.”

Joel Lamangan also described how deeply Nora respected her fellow actors. She never tried to teach or impose her method—she believed each actor came with their own unique experiences and instincts.

“Once, I asked why she didn’t guide a co-actor through a difficult scene. She said, ‘My experience is different from theirs. They feel differently. We must respect that.’ That was her philosophy.”

Towards the end of his tribute, Lamangan revealed that they were planning one final project: The Nora Aunor Story, to be written by their dear friend Ricky Lee. A producer had already committed, and they were just waiting for the right time.

“It’s a shame she’s gone before we could do it—but we will carry on. We will tell her story.”

His closing words were a salute to her life and legacy:

“Farewell, Ate Guy. You will forever live in my memory and in my heart. Until we meet again. Mabuhay ka!”

Through the eyes of a director who witnessed her quiet power and generous spirit, Nora Aunor emerges not just as a National Artist, but as a national treasure—one whose voice, presence, and truth will echo across generations.