Direk Joel Lamangan, Ibinahagi ang pusong malasakit ni Nora Aunor

• Director Joel Lamangan revealed a little-known act of kindness from Nora Aunor during a prison filming shoot
• The National Artist reportedly gave money to inmates while working on The Flor Contemplacion Story
• Lamangan recalled both tense and heartfelt moments from their long professional relationship
• Stories shared highlight Aunor’s generosity toward strangers, including inmates and an elderly grieving man

Director Joel Lamangan has revealed a lesser-known act of generosity by the late National Artist Nora Aunor, sharing that she once gave money to inmates during the filming of The Flor Contemplacion Story, a gesture that reflected her compassion beyond the screen.

Speaking on the YouTube show Ang Walang Kuwentang Channel, Lamangan said he had worked with Aunor on multiple projects and regarded her as his favorite actress due to her unmatched talent in Philippine cinema.

He also recalled a tense moment during dubbing of the film Sidhi when Aunor confronted him about rumors involving co-star Glydel Mercado.

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“Bakit ako magkakagusto kay Glydel Mercardo? Gag* ka pala. Bakla ako e,” Lamangan recalled telling her.

Lamangan added that despite such confrontations, he also witnessed Aunor’s kindness firsthand, including an incident where she approached an elderly man grieving the loss of his carabao and gave him money to help him recover from the loss.

Another unforgettable moment came during their prison shoot for The Flor Contemplacion Story.

“Shooting namin sa preso. Last day, pinapila ang lahat ng preso. Dalawang building yun. Bumaba ang lahat ng preso, nakapila. Lumabas lahat ng mga pulis, mga jail guard. Magbibigay raw ng pera si Ate Guy.”

Lamangan said these gestures showed her deep generosity, noting,

“Generous talaga siya sa mga tao kaya wala rin siyang pera,” Lamangan added.

These stories highlight Aunor’s legacy not only as a National Artist but also as someone remembered for spontaneous acts of kindness toward ordinary people, even in unexpected places.

Joel Lamangan is a 73-year-old multi-award-winning director and actor born on September 21, 1952, known for cinematic masterpieces such as The Flor Contemplacion Story, Sidhi, and Blue Moon. He shared a profound professional and personal bond with the late National Artist Nora Aunor, whom he directed in several iconic films and honored with a moving eulogy during her state funeral in April 2025. Beyond his work behind the camera, he has remained a prominent figure in Philippine entertainment, recently gaining popularity for his role as the character Roda in the series Batang Quiapo.

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In another report, Janine Gutierrez shared on Oh My Gan the emotional impact of losing both Pilita Corrales and Nora Aunor within a short span of time. She said the consecutive losses felt overwhelming, as grief came one after another. The actress added that the difficult experience ultimately brought their family closer together. Janine also opened up about how she continues to carry grief while allowing herself to fully feel and process the emotions that come with it.

Meanwhile, Ate Gay, a longtime admirer of Nora Aunor, became known for impersonating the late Superstar’s iconic songs and acting style. Nora Aunor herself had watched some of Ate Gay’s performances and even reacted to impersonations in her own way. For Ate Gay, one of the most unforgettable moments was when Nora agreed to join her on stage during a solo concert. Nora Aunor passed away on April 16, 2025, leaving behind a lasting legacy that continues to be honored by fans and fellow artists.

Source: KAMI.com.gh