Alfred Vargas grieves Nora Aunor’s death, plans to honor the Superstar with free ‘Pieta’ screenings
On April 16, the Philippines mourned the loss of an icon and National Artist, Nora Aunor, who passed away at the age of 71. Tributes poured in from all corners, and among those expressing grief was actor-politician Alfred Vargas, who had recently shared the screen with Aunor in the award-winning film, “Pieta.” Vargas took to Instagram to share an important scene from the movie, a living proof to Aunor’s remarkable talent.
“This scene was taken from one of Ate Guy’s last ever films, PIETA. I played Isaac, her long ‘lost’ son,” Vargas wrote. “When Isaac finally returned home he was greeted by a mother who couldn’t remember anything anymore. Instead of surprising his mother, he ended up the one being surprised… for the wrong reasons. Pieta is a story about love, family, truth, mistakes and forgiveness. This was a painful but loving scene at the same time. Painful because Rebecca, Nora Aunor’s character, the mother of Isaac, couldn’t recognize her son at all. Loving because she still showed how much she cared for and loved her son despite the incomprehensible situation.”
Vargas’ heartfelt words painted a vivid picture of the emotional depth of their collaboration. “Ate Guy, working with you has been one of the greatest honors of my life. As an actor and as a human being you have touched my heart. You have taught me so much without saying anything and you have inspired me tremendously by mentoring me through our scenes together. PIETA will always be one of the most special and favorite films I’ve done my entire life because of you. The most important lesson I learned from you is that: TRUE STARS SHINE BECAUSE OF THEIR HUMILITY AND GENEROSITY IN EVERYTHING THEY DO AND WHOEVER THEY MEET. Sayo ko naramdaman ito nang sobra, Ate Guy.”
He continued, expressing his gratitude, “Maraming salamat dahil tinanggap mo ako sa puso mo at nagkaroon ako ng chance to work at makilala ang ONE AND ONLY SUPERSTAR that we will ever have! Rest in peace, Ate Guy. Mahal na mahal kita. #restinpeacenoraunor”
In a touching gesture, Vargas also announced his plans to honor Aunor’s legacy by sharing “Pieta” with her devoted fans. “As a tribute to our one and only SUPERSTAR, I’m planning to show PIETA in selected SM Cinemas nationwide, for free, later this year. Para mapanood ng Noranians ang isa sa mga pinakahuling obra ni Ms Nora Aunor! Rest in peace, Ate Guy. Mahal na mahal kita.” His initiative aims to provide an opportunity for the public to witness one of Nora Aunor’s final cinematic masterpieces, an effort to keep her memories alive in Filipino viewers’ minds.
