The Market Monitor Minding the Nation's Business
by Boy Villasanta
In life as in death, National Artist for Film Nora Aunor is still phenomenal.
The Noramania has come alive anew.
Three months short of the observance of her first death anniversary, Noranians all over the world continue to flock daily to her grave at the Libingan ng mga Bayani to bring back and create memories and to offer flowers, prayers and candles for the repose of her soul.
Just a few days ago, Noranians from Canada and the US paid respects to their idol as well as Japanese male fans trooped to her tomb who said a prayer in Nippongo.
Nora’s elementary classmate from Iriga City brought a wreath while the mom of Viva Hot Babe Maui Taylor, a certified Noranian, didn’t mind the heat under the sun just to pay the late actress a visit.
Meanwhile, Nora’s leading man in “Ina Ka ng Anak Mo,” Raoul Aragon, Ricardo Tampadong in real life, died of liver cirrhosis in the US.
Raoul, who then sported the screen name Raul Aragon, won Best Actor in the film as an entry to the 1979 Metro Manila Film Festival.
Raoul’s remains were brought home to the country.
He was 78.
Showbiz mourns his passing alongside the sudden demise of director William Mayo who died at 70.
Known for being an action director, some of William’s films were “Lapu-Lapu,” “Pistolero,” “Eksperto: Ako ang Sasagupa,” among others.
The Barretto family was also haunted by tragedy with the death of its matriarch Inday Barretto.
Claudine Barretto, in her humblest self, expressed an innermost thought in filial piety: “To my brother and all my sisters, thank you. Magulo man po kami but in grief, we are all united. We did all our part. Pantay-pantay, inalagaan ang Mommy. We chose peace over everything. Goodbye, Mom. We will be okay. How can we not. We are Inday Barretto’s children, the strongest, most loving Mother anyone could ask for.”