Nora Aunor

National Artist for Film and Television Nora Aunor said she's thankful she's in the pink of health these days.

"Okay naman ako," said Nora, when asked about her health status, during an interview in Quezon City recently. Ate Guy, as she is fondly called in showbiz, admitted to regretting her past smoking habit.

"Naabuso ko noon ang sarili ko. Kaya kayo huwag kayong maninigarilyo," said Nora, adding that she became more health conscious these days. (I used to abuse myself. So don't smoke.)

The one and only superstar added: "Hindi na talaga ako naninigarilyo. Namatay na ako eh. Ang laki ng pasasalamat ko andito pa ako. Palagay ko may misyon pa ako sa buhay. Marami pa tayong pasasayahin na tao."

(I don't smoke anymore. I was dead. I'm so thankful I'm still here. I still have a mission in life. We'll make a lot of people happy.)

In the past, doctors advised Nora to quit smoking after she was hospitalized due to difficulty in breathing.

Ate Guy has wrapped up "Piyeta" produced by Quezon City Councilor-actor Alfred Vargas.

"Napakabait na bata ni konsehal Alfred. Madaling kausap. At saka honest siya. Kung hindi niya alam, nagtatanong siya. Mabait na bata," said Nora. "Piyete" will be submitted as an entry to the 2023 Metro Manila Film Festival.

Alfred recalled shooting his scenes with Nora.

"I was initially nervous, but after the first scene, I was okay. Usually, we only do one take. On the first shooting day, there were heavy scenes. I am happy because Ate Guy seems to be happy with the project.

John Rendez

"When I'm in a scene with her, I'm starstruck. But before our take, she will make you feel comfortable until you are ready for the scene. She is very humble and funny," he also said.

Vargas mentioned that Ate Guy was known for arriving early on the scene. "She is often 30 minutes ahead. Even on her last shooting day, she arrived one hour early. On her last day, the Noranians were there. Awesome! They are solid."

Asked about the lessons learned from Nora, Vargas said:  "Yung character mo, dapat mararamdaman mo yun. Kasi kapag ganun, kahit hindi ka magsalita, nararamdaman pa rin ng audience. Yun ang natutunan ko sa kanya kung paano mangusap yung mga mata. May eksena kami feel na feel ko siya. Sabihin natin na 100 percent nadama ko siya. Pero nung nakita ko na yung preview, yung 100 percent niya naging 150 percent pa. Doon ko narealize na ang dami kong natutunan sa kanya na kapag na master mo yung art. Yung ganung rehistro nailalabas niya sa film."

(Your character, you should feel it. Because then, even if you don't speak, the audience will still feel it. That's what I learned from her, how the eyes can speak. We have a scene where I can feel her. Let's say that I felt her 100 percent. But when I saw the preview, her 100 percent became 150 percent. That's when I realized I learned a lot from her, that when you master the art. That's the register she brings out in the film.)

Ate Guy is also busy managing the career of actor-musician John Rendez.

In music, John said he's set to release a brand new single he wrote called "Why Can't We Ever Get Along" under Star Music. Arranged by Jonathan Manalo, the R&B song is scheduled for a September release.

John, 52, is also doing a movie called "Tomacruz...Sa Puso Ng Isang Anak" under NA Film Productions. In the upcoming movie, John plays a hitman. Also joining the film are Snooky Serna, Bembol Roco, Irma Adlawan, Ian De Leon, Matet De Leon, Beverly Salviejo, Dexter Doria, and Kenneth de Leon.

Asked about the advice of his manager when it comes to acting, John answered: “Slow down, okay, and yung mga ano lang...mga mannerisms. Cinematic performance ang natutunan ko, hindi yung acting method. I don't have to look good on the screen.”