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Charmie Joy Pagulong - The Philippine Star
February 17, 2025 | 12:00am
The cast of ‘Mananambal’ at the grand media conference: (From left) Edgar Allan Guzman, Kelvin Miranda, Bianca Umali, director Adolfo Borinaga Alix Jr., Martin Escudero, and Jeric Gonzales.
Photo from Viva Films Facebook page
MANILA, Philippines — Bianca Umali has clarified the alleged billing issue with National Artist for Film and Broadcast Arts Nora Aunor on the poster of VIVA Films “Mananambal.”
The film director Adolfo Alix Jr. was asked to answer first during a mediacon if there was some truth to the issue, if Bianca’s team wanted more space for her than Nora.
“May I please speak first na po?” said Bianca. “I am shocked by the question po. But I would like to handle it as professionally as possible. I believe that the question is inappropriate for the event and also, I don’t know how I would feel because I don’t have any idea about that. And I’m worried about how people in this room might take it, hearing it from the representative from the press.”
She said that the opportunity to work with Nora is “already a blessing.”
“And it is an opportunity that I already knew na hindi ko po palalagpasin,” continued Bianca. “Being with her on set was a masterclass for me and was a dream I never thought I would achieve this early in my career. Kaya po yung makasama si Miss Nora that’s already enough.”
“As an actor and the love that I have for my craft and the respect that I have for myself and the industry, billing is not really… it’s a bonus, it’s something, I don’t know between internally.”
Bianca went on to say that she was unaware of the nature of the question. “Bonus na lang po yun, eh. It’s a recognition as to have people see and respect the way I do my work.”
She furthered that they waited long enough for the film to be released in cinemas and that they worked hard to complete the movie. “For this film to be released and makita ito, especially since this is the film comeback of Ms. Nora Aunor is all that matters.”
Direk Adolf added, “I think it would be unfair. Yung idea po of billing with anyone for that matter, artist, siguro alam naman po nila like sinabi ni Bianca na si Ate Guy deserves the rightful billing (because) she’s an icon in the industry.”
“Kung ano po yung nakikita niyo ngayon I think yan po yung tama at nararapat,” he stated.
Bianca addresses the billing issue on the ‘Mananambal’ poster, clarifying that there is no controversy. She emphasizes her respect for National Artist Nora Aunor and the production team’s decisions. For her, working with the Superstar is an honor and a masterclass in acting.
Nora was absent at the presscon due to her sensitive condition, explained direk Adolf. But if her situation improves and she will be given clearance by her doctors, maybe she can attend the premiere night, assured the director.
The horror film “Mananambal” is about a group of people who exploit a healer’s family for their gain, they unleash a curse that brings death and vengeance back to their own doorsteps. It will be screened in cinemas nationwide starting Feb. 19 and also stars Kelvin Miranda, Edgar Allan Guzman, Jeric Gonzales and Martin Escudero.
“Mananambal” was previously screened at the Jinseo Arigato International Film Festival in Japan in May 2024. Bianca was recognized with the Best Dramatic Actress award for her performance as Alma.
Bianca was starstruck when she saw the “Superstar” during their first meeting that she even took a selfie with her. Prior to meeting Nora, the Kapuso actress had already heard great stuff about the former from her grandmother and titas who are fans of Nora.
She cited how Nora trusted her as a co-actor in their scenes, regardless of her stature in the industry.
“It was a healthy, collaborative working environment,” Bianca told The STAR. “Nakita ko po yung faith na meron siya. Yung tiwala na meron siya toward the director and co-actors. Nakita ko kung gaano rin siya nagtiwala sa akin and I’m grateful for that.
“No matter how much of a veteran she already is, she made us feel that she is with us on set, that she is our co-actor and we have so much respect for that. It’s an honor to experience that.”
