Nora Aunor's 'Mananambal' co-stars reflect on her timeless artistry

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National Artist for Film and Broadcast Arts Nora Aunor is returning to the big screen in the highly anticipated horror film "Mananambal."

Directed by Adolf Alix Jr., the film explores the repercussions of exploiting sacred traditions, with Aunor portraying Lucia, a healer whose powers lead to unintended consequences.

Director Adolf Alix Jr. (fourth from left) with ‘Mananambal’s’ ensemble: Edgar Allan Guzman, Kelvin Miranda, Bianca Umali, Martin Escudero and Jeric Gonzales. TMT PHOTO

Set in Siquijor, "Mananambal" follows a group of ambitious content creators who journey to Sitio Cambugahay in search of Lucia (Aunor), the "mananambal" whose extraordinary healing powers had gone viral on the internet. A "mananambal" is defined as a Filipino practitioner of traditional medicine who can also perform sorcery.

Their pursuit leads them to Alma (Bianca Umali), Lucia's strong-willed daughter, who refuses to follow her mother's path and is eager to live her life on her own terms. Nevertheless, the group's persistence in using Alma to reach Lucia crosses dangerous lines, leaving Alma broken and betrayed.

Upon returning to Manila, the content creators find themselves engulfed in a nightmare of inexplicable and horrifying events, with death relentlessly and ultimately chasing them.

Philippine cinema's "Superstar" said her decision to accept "Mananambal" was driven by her admiration for the film's compelling narrative and the team behind it.

"The story is beautiful. The people in the production are also kind," she shared in an interview.

Meanwhile, working with Aunor was nothing short of transformative for her younger co-stars.

Nora Aunor portrays Lucia — a healer whose powers lead to unintended consequences. PHOTO FROM VIVA

Umali expressed her deep admiration for the industry icon, saying, "The opportunity to work with the Superstar, with our National Artist, is already a blessing and one I knew I could never pass up. Being with her on set was like attending a masterclass — it was a dream I never thought I would achieve this early in my career."

Umali further recalled a production meeting where she first saw Aunor.

"I wasn't sure if she would make it since we were told she wasn't well. I hoped to meet her that day. I had only ever heard stories about her from my grandmother and uncles, who were huge fans," Umali recalled.

"And then she arrived. The moment she walked in, it felt like everything moved in slow motion. Ms. Nora Aunor is this tiny, lovable person with a presence so magnetic that you want to embrace her even from afar. That day, I saw her eyes up close for the first time, and there was a sparkle in them. At that moment, I knew that if I ever got to share a scene with her, it would be something I'd carry with me forever," she continued.

The 24-year-old actress also had a behind-scenes memory of their final scene together — one shot in the mountains near a waterfall: "It wasn't the most comfortable situation, but being with Ms. Nora and watching her perform was pure magic. That's what I mean when I say it was a masterclass. I can only hope to be like that one day — to hold on to what I love and use it to inspire those around me."

Besides Umali, "Mananambal's" ensemble cast includes Kelvin Miranda, Edgar Allan Guzman, Jeric Gonzales, and Martin Escudero.

Guzman, who had previously worked with Aunor, emphasized the Superstar's ability to leave a lasting impact on her co-stars.

"I had already worked with Nanay Nora in a TV series and a previous film. Even though it was just for a short time, I learned the importance of leaving an impact in a scene, making a mark and how to give and take.

"When it's your moment, she won't overshadow you. When it's hers, she shares it with you. She doesn't even have to say it — you can just feel it when you're acting with her," Guzman added.

Miranda echoed this sentiment, describing Aunor's presence as both effortless and powerful.

"I learned how incredibly relaxed she is — she knows exactly what she's doing. And her eyes — when you look at them — even if you're not in a scene together, they truly shine. They create this connection, and you feel so affected," Miranda shared.

Escudero and Gonzales, who have both shared the screen with Aunor in past projects too, chose to reflect on the National Artist's unmatched craft.

"You don't need to overthink or force your performance when you're in a scene with her. You just have to look at Ms. Nora and you'll feel it right away," Escudero explained.

Gonzales similarly added, "It's her eyes — the soul, the purity of her eyes. She told me, 'Just be natural and act from the heart.'"

Meanwhile, beyond its supernatural elements, "Mananambal" delves into themes of heritage, justice, and the consequences of crossing sacred boundaries.

And already, the film has garnered international recognition, with Umali winning the Best Dramatic Actress award at the Jinseo Arigato International Film Festival in Japan last May, where the movie was first screened.

"Mananambal" is set to premiere in cinemas nationwide on Feb. 19.