Joel Lamangan pays tribute to Nora Aunor, plans film about her life

Renowned film and television director Joel Lamangan paid tribute to the late Nora Aunor and revealed plans to produce a film based on her life and legacy.

In a heartfelt Facebook post, Lamangan shared personal memories and behind-the-scenes stories of Aunor, whose real name is Nora Cabaltera Villamayor. 

Lamangan recalled their creative process before filming, highlighting how important deep discussions were to them.

“Ang una naming ginagawa bago pumalaot sa pagbuo ng film ay ang mag-usap ng masinsinan kung ano ang gusto naming sabihin sa pelikula at kung paano namin sasabihin ito! Malimit malalim ang paguusap, may pagtatalo, may kaunting taasan ng boses at sa huli sasabihin niyang ikaw na ang bahala direk, naniniwala naman ako sa iyo. Ganoon ang respeto ni ate Guy,” Lamangan said.

(“Before we dive into making a film, we always have an in-depth conversation about what we want to say and how we want to say it. Often, it’s intense—with debates and raised voices—but in the end, she’d say, ‘It’s up to you, Direk. I trust you.’ That’s the kind of respect Ate Guy gave.”)

He also emphasized Aunor’s kindness and strong sense of justice, particularly toward film crew members.

“Mabait si ate Guy sa lahat ng ka-trabaho niya. Ayaw niya ng may naaapi, o naaagrabyado lalo na sa mga crew na maliit lang ang bayad. Sa last day ng filming tiyak meron siyang ibibigay na tulong na pera sa lahat.”

(“Ate Guy was kind to everyone she worked with. She couldn’t stand seeing anyone being mistreated, especially crew members who received little pay. On the last day of filming, she always made sure to give them financial assistance.”)

Lamangan also shared that he and acclaimed screenwriter Ricky Lee had been planning a biopic on Aunor’s life. Sadly, the actress passed away before the project could materialize.

“Meron kaming pinagusapan sanang importanteng pelikula  na isusulat ng kaibigan naming si Ricky Lee—ang Nora Aunor Story, nakausap namin ang prodyuser naghihintay lamang ng tamang panahon. Sayang wala na si ate Guy pero itutuloy namin ’yon!”

(“We were planning an important film to be written by our friend Ricky Lee—the Nora Aunor Story. We already spoke with a producer and were just waiting for the right time. It’s unfortunate that Ate Guy is gone now, but we will push through with it!”)

The two worked together on a number of iconic films, including The Flor Contemplacion Story, Muling Umawit ang Puso, Bakit May Kahapon Pa?, Sidhi, Hustisya, and Isa Pang Bahaghari.

Nora Aunor passed away on 16 April 2025, at the age of 71. Her cause of death has not yet been disclosed. Aunor began her showbiz career in the 1960s as a singer, gaining fame for her “golden voice” before rising to iconic status as an actress.