Nora Aunor’s ‘Beloved,’ ‘The Flor Contemplacion Story,’ ‘Mananambal’ hit cinemas

Nora Aunor in scenes from “Beloved,” “The Flor Contemplacion Story,” and “Mananambal.” Image: Handout photo

The legacy of the late Nora Aunor continues to be honored as three of her films, “Beloved,” “The Flor Contemplacion Story,” and “Mananambal,” will be screened in select cinemas.

Production company Viva Films announced the screening in a press statement, which started on April 25, as it dubbed the screening the “Superstar Collection.” The films will be shown in select areas of SM Cinemas, Robinsons Movieworld, Fisher Mall Cinemas, and Gateway Mall.

“Rediscover and relive the greatness of Nora Aunor in The Superstar Collection. For devoted fans and new generations alike, it’s an opportunity to honor the woman who elevated Philippine cinema and held a mirror to the Filipino soul. Though legends may leave the stage, their light never dims,” Viva Films said.

The Leroy Salvador-helmed “Beloved” tells the story of Adora (Aunor), who finds herself being taken as a fool by her best friend and employer Renee (Hilda Koronel), in what seems to be a power play. The film also stars Christopher de Leon and Dindo Fernando.

Meanwhile, “The Flor Contemplacion Story” is a retelling of the domestic helper Flor Contemplacion, who was hanged at Changi Prison after she was convicted of killing her fellow overseas Filipino worker and her three-year-old ward.

“Mananambal,” which marks Aunor’s final film appearance, revolves around an elderly traditional healer (Aunor) in Sitio Cambugahay living with her daughter Alma (Bianca Umali), who is expected to inherit her practices. The mystery of the traditional healer will be unraveled as a group of vloggers find themselves in the remote town.

Details on when the films will be screened in cinemas are yet to be announced.

Born Nora Cabaltera Villamayor, Aunor died of acute respiratory failure on April 16 at the age of 71. She was accorded a state necrological service at the Metropolitan Theater due to her standing as a National Artist for Film and Broadcast Arts, and a state funeral at the Libingan ng mga Bayani.

The screen veteran appeared in 170 films, including “Himala,” “Tatlong Taong Walang Diyos,” “Minsa’y Isang Gamu-gamo,” “Ina Ka ng Anak Mo,” “Bulaklak sa City Jail,” “Bona,” and “Thy Womb,” to name a few.