1980's
The decade in which she solidified her place as the country's leading actress. Nora made quality film after quality film during this decade. She provided us with film classics that are still considered to be among the best films in Philippine cinema history. "Himala," her film, was named the best Asia Pacific film of all time. The Los Angeles Museum of Tolerance has a copy of "Bona." Even her underappreciated films like "Kastilyong Buhangin," "Mga Uod at Rosas," and Bakit Bughaw ang Langit received positive reviews.
Nora Aunor, meantime, has racked up a slew of accolades in the last ten years. Her popularity may be waning, but her talent is undeniable.
Direction: Lino Brocka Production: Associated Entertainment Corporation Cinematography: Conrado Baltazar Music: George Canseco Cast: Nora Aunor (Corazon Rivera), Phillip Salvador (Robert de Asis), Hilda Koronel (Cynthia Ocampo), Bongchi Miraflor, Ernie Zarate Opening Date: January 25, 1980
Direction: Joey Gosiengfiao Production: Silver Screen Films, Inc. Cast: Sheryl Cruz, Ricky Belmonte, Rosemarie Sonora, Ronaldo Valdez, Chichay, Aruray, plus 31 stars, including Fernando Poe Jr. and Nora Aunor Opening Date: April 11, 1980
Direction: Amado P. Cortez Production: AGA Story: Amado P. Cortez Cinematography: Manuel Bulotano Music: Dennis Garcia Cast: Nora Aunor, Matt Ranillo III, Dandin Ranillo (introducing), plus surprise superstars Opening Date: May 16, 1980
Direction: Maria Saret Production: Dhories Films International Story: Enrico Villa Cinematography: Vic Anao Music: Anthony Castellano Cast: Nora Aunor, Lloyd Samartino, Anthony Alonzo, Rez Cortez, Chichay, Elizabeth Ramsey, Enrico Villa, Ike Lozada, German Moreno, Zeny Zabala, Pinky Montilla, Tara Forteza, Paul Ramirez Opening Date: June 20, 1980
Production: Associated Entertainment Corporation Story: Jake Tordesillas Cinematography: Joe Batac, Jr. Music: Hot Dog, original soundtrack released on WEA Records and Tapes Choreography: Geleen Eugenio Cast: Nora Aunor, Lloyd Samartino, Rolly Quizon, Chichay, Rez Cortez, Juan Rodrigo, Roi Vinzon, Dexter Doria, Dandin Ranillo, Chona Castillo, Hot Dog, Louella, Debraliz, Benggot Pe Benito, Geleen Eugenio, Dianne Jose, Leila Hermosa, Martha Sevilla Opening Date: July 18, 1980
Screenplay: Mario O’Hara Story: Mely Tagasa Cinematography: Joe Batac, Jr. Music: George Canseco Cast: Nora Aunor, Lito Lapid Opening Date: August 22, 1980
Production: Larry Santiago Productions Inc. Story: Jose F. Sibal Music: Frankie Cruz Cast: Nora Aunor, Julie Vega, Dante Rivero, Marissa Delgado, Dencio Padilla, Roldan Rodrigo, Patria Plata, Ike Lozada, German Moreno, John Salvador, Jing Abalos Opening Date: September 18, 1980
Direction: Laurice Guillen Production: LEA Productions Story: Nicanor Tiongson and Laurice Guillen Cinematography: Rody Lacap Production Design: Raquel Villavicencio Music: George Canseco Cast: Nora Aunor, Christopher De Leon, Rolly Quizon, Tony Santos, Sr., Maya Valdez, Laurice Guillen, Bienvenido Lumbera Opening Date: December 25, 1980
Direction: Lino Brocka Production: N.V. Productions Screenplay: Cenen Ramones Story: Cenen Ramones Cinematography: Conrado Baltazar Editing: Augusto Salvador Production Design: Joey Luna Music: Lutgardo Labad Sound: Ben Patajo and Rudy Baldovino Cast: Nora Aunor (Bona), Phillip Salvador (Gardo), Rustica Carpio (Bona’s mother), Marissa Delgado (Katrina), Raquel Montesa (Nancy), Venchito Galvez (Bona’s father), Fernando Josef (Nilo), Spanky Manikan (Bona’s brother) Opening Date: December 25, 1980
Production: Four Seasons Films Cast: Nora Aunor, Dennis Roldan, Anita Linda, Metring David, Mario Escudero, Raquel Montessa Opening Date: February 27, 1981
Direction: Maryo J. de los Reyes Production: Regal Films, Inc. Story: Jake Tordesillas Cast: Nora Aunor, Gabby Concepcion, Chichay, Roderick Paulate, Louella, Johnny Wilson, Lorli Villanueva, Greg Lozano, Lily Miraflor, Maya Valdez, German Moreno, Aruray, Mary Walter, Chuchi, Irene Celebre, Joel Alano Opening Date: March 26, 1981
Direction: Maryo J. de los Reyes Production: N.V. Productions Story: Jake Tordesillas and Ipe Paulino Cinematography: Joe Batac Jr. Music: Hotdog Choreography: Geleen Eugenio Cast: Nora Aunor, The Reycards, Chichay, Ike Lozada, German Moreno, Louella, Lotlot, Johnny Wilson, Istong Opening Date: May 21, 1981
Direction: Lino Brocka Production: PLG Films Screenplay: Jose F. Dalisay Jr. Story: Efren Abueg, serialized in Liwayway magazine Cinematography: Conrado Baltazar Music: Rey Valera Cast: Nora Aunor, Christopher De Leon, Carmi Martin, Joel Alano, Anita Linda, Bert Olivar, Menggie Cobarrubias, Beth Mondragon Opening Date: September 4, 1981
Direction: Mario O’Hara Production: PLG Films Productions Screenplay: Daniel Martin, Greg Tadeo, Jerry O’Hara, Mario O’Hara Cinematography: Conrado Baltazar Music: Hernani Cuenco Cast: Nora Aunor (Pilar), Lito Lapid (Hector), Geraldine (Lucy), Marita Zobel (Tessie), Mario Escudero (Bernie Alba), Mely Mallari (Lito’s mother), Venchito Galvez (Lito’s father) Opening Date: October 2, 1981
Production: Annie Batungbakal Production Distribution: N.V. Productions Story: Jake Tordesillas Music: Hotdog Choreography: Geleen Eugenio Cast: Nora Aunor, Lloyd Samartino, Mark Gil, Ricky Davao, Louella Albornoz, Andrew Angeles, Connie Angeles, Lala Aunor, Cecille Castillo, Chichay, Rez Cortez, Quinn Jimenez, Ronnie Lazaro, Opening Date: December 25, 1981, 7th Metro Manila Film Festival
Direction: Romy Suzara Production: IAN Films Screenplay/Story: Edgardo M. Reyes Cinematography: Romeo Vitug Music: George Canseco Cast: Nora Aunor, Lorna Tolentino, Johnny Delgado, Luz Fernandez Opening Date: May 21, 1982