Alfred Vargas witnesses the “Aunor Magic” on the set of their new movie, “Pieta”
Alfred Vargas considers his latest movie, “Pieta,” a huge feat in his career as he is working with no less than the Superstar and National Artist for Film, Nora Aunor.
In an intimate interview session with FreebieMNL and another publication, Vargas shares his experience in working with Aunor, saying that he has witnessed the “Aunor Magic” on the very first day of their shooting.
He first says, “Ang galing ni Ate Guy, grabe.” Ate Guy is Aunor’s nickname in showbiz circles.
Coming from the title “Pieta,” Aunor and Vargas play mother-and-son who was separated because of a tragedy for several years. Adolf Alix, Jr. directs the movie with Jerry Gracio as screenwriter.
Vargas continues, “Magka-eksena kaming harapan, mother and son, dama ko siya 100 percent. Naniniwala ako na nanay ko talaga siya. Yung puso at saka kung paano siya, parang totoo talaga, hundred percent. Noong pinanood ko na sa monitor yung preview, yung 100 percent na yun, kapag pinanood mo sa screen, nagiging 150 percent! Grabe. Yun yung ‘Aunor Magic.’ ‘Ate Guy Magic.’ Doon ko unang na-experience.”
Vargas says that it was a totally different experience seeing Aunor’s acting prowess in real life. “May eksena kaming magsasayaw kami. So, okay, and cut! Pagka-cut, wow grabe, naano ako! Yung na-experience ko, 100 percent na, that’s the way I describe it. Pero noong pinanood ko, grabe, kapag pinanood mo, may ‘Nora Magic’ talaga and first time ko na-experience. Oo, napapanood ko siya sa movies before pero noong na-experience ko na ka-eksena ko siya, ginagawa namin yung eksena, lights camera action hanggang cut, wow. Pero yung eksenang ginawa namin noong pinanood ko sa monitor, wow. Grabe.”
Did Alfred Vargas get intimated by Nora Aunor?
Vargas admits that he got intimidated by Aunor’s presence. “Una, na-intimidate naman ako talaga, kinabahan ako. Kasama yun, magpapakatotoo ako. Hindi ko sasabihing hindi ako kinabahan.”
With that intimidation comes great preparation, making sure that he’ll be able to give his best to the film. Vargas explains, “Pero ginawa ko, nag-prepare ako. I read the script almost 10 times kasi ganun ako, basa lang ako ng basa. ‘Tapos nakipag-usap ako kay Direk, si Direk yung parang nag-workshop sa akin. Iprinepare ko talaga. Kapag nag-prepare ka, nakakabawas ng kaba yun. I made sure memorize ko lahat ng lines ko.”
However, Vargas approached the situation like there was no nervousness involved. He stresses, “Mas nangibabaw yung excitement ko to work with Ate Guy than yung kaba. Tapos sabi ko, this is my opportunity, yung mindset ko, hindi ko ‘to sasayangin instead of grabe, masa-starstruck ako. So, after the first scene, medyo okay okay na yun.”
According to Vargas, not once did Aunor make him feel that she’s Philippine showbiz’s “Superstar.” “Hindi niya ipaparamdam sa ‘yo and that’s why I guess she is the superstar. Kaya lalo ka pang bibilib sa kanya, yung humility niya. Tapos nagpagaan pa sa akin, yung sense of humor niya. Palabiro pala talaga siya. Sa set ng isang drama movie, nagtatawanan yung director, yung actors.”
But Vargas admits that he is “kinikilig” to be sharing the same set with Aunor. One instance was when he called her Miss Nora. “Una kong tawag sa kanya parang Ma’am, Miss Nora. Tinapik niya ako [tapos sabi niya], ‘Ate Guy na lang.’” Then the next one happened during their second day. “Nagpadala siya ng sapin-sapin sa amin, may kanya-kanya kaming tent, nagpadala siya sa akin.”
Smiling, Vargas adds, “Nakakakilig, aaminin ko. Kinikilig ako sa kanya.”
Banner Art Paulo Correa
