Nora Aunor to grace event in Fukuoka

THIS early, Superstar Nora Aunor excitedly confirmed her appearance at the upcoming 7th World Class Excellence Japan Awards (WCEJA) 2023 in Fukuoka, Japan this coming October 30. This will take place at the New Otani Hotel, one of the posh hotels in the ultra-progressive area.

Nora Aunor and Emma Cordero

Nora's affirmation happened during the weekly program of Emma Cordero — dubbed as Asia's Princess of Songs — on her YouTube channel along with her co-host director Obet Serrano and Baby Eliz Latoja.

The country's Superstar and National Artist for Film and Broadcast Arts promised to attend WCEJA's event to personally accept the highest recognition of the said award-giving body which is the Golden Honor in the Field of Motion Picture. This will be the highly anticipated event mounted by the WCEJA which commenced in 2016.

Before her confirmation, the multi-awarded actress gamely granted direk Obet's request for an interview as she talked about how her humble beginnings. It's a known fact that it was through her victory in the popular talent show on TV Tawag ng Tanghalan that started it all.

Beloved for her golden voice, TNT became Nora's passport to success both as a singer and eventually as an actress. In no time did Nora earn the title Superstar, thanks to her massive fan base. Also in the interview, Nora lamented how she lost her voice when she went to Japan many years ago.

To keep her fans abreast with the goings-on in her career, Nora gave the viewers the latest updates about her biography book, a collaborative work with TV and film director Adolf Alix Jr.

“We haven't started yet because we're still gathering data regarding my personal life. We want it to start from the day I was born until I won in 'Tawag ng Tanghalan.' Because my life, they say, can't fit in one book, they're thinking of coming up with Books 2 and 3,” Nora revealed in the vernacular.

Also, until her appearance on Fast Talk with Boy Abunda last March, fans and supporters alike were unaware that the actress had gone into a near-death experience.

Fortunately for Nora, “Maybe it wasn't my time yet. Perhaps the Lord knew I had a lot of things I needed to get done. I couldn't thank the Lord enough for this new lease on life.”

At that precise moment, Emcor (short for Emma Cordero) couldn't help but become emotional, holding back her tears from streaming down.

Apparently swept away by the interviewee's life struggles, Emcor could identify herself with Nora's experiences as she, too, had gone through the same herself.

“I thought I was seeing myself in Nora's persona particularly her floundering years before making it to the top,” Emcor shared.

Moved by her sheer candor, both fondly reminisced their very first meet-up at the then-operational Mario's Steak House along Tomas Morato Ave. in Quezon City.

If Nora had words of gratitude for having been blessed with second life, Emcor was likewise generous in thanking the Superstar and the chance to meet her up close and personal over dinner at Mario's.

Emcor beamed, “It is also with sincere thanks that it was the Lord who made our paths cross. I had been wanting to meet her in the flesh, and I knew right then and there I had met one of the most wonderful people this side of showbiz.”

Emcor was certain she and Nora were destined to meet at some point in their lives, terming it as divine intervention.

Emcor also looked back on the fledgling years of WCEJA, “When it was just starting, it was Nora who I had in mind. Ate Guy [turning to Nora], this is not meant to butter you up but you were on top of mind because we all know that the one and only Nora Aunor is the pride of every Filipino.”

Banking on the Superstar's promise, Japan-based supporters can't wait to catch a glimpse of Nora as she graces the event and likewise accepts the recognition.

“Of course, I'll be there. And now that we've announced it, how can I take back my 'yes'?” Nora ribbed.

To make Nora's trip even more significant, she will fly accompanied by Emcor who vowed to tour her around Fukuoka's breathtaking tourist destinations, all-expense paid.

To cap the interview, Emcor also invited her “newfound best friend” to the upcoming WCEJA event at the Heritage Hotel in Pasay City this coming June 18.

“Just let me know. I'll be there for sure. Anything for a friend,” Nora assured.

Incidentally, the Superstar's guesting on Emcor's YouTube channel coincided with its paper anniversary. Under Emcor's educational program made possible through her channel, preschool and high school students with exemplary academic performances are given scholarship grants.

So far, at least three students are privileged to have received such perks.

The Emma Cordero official YouTube channel goes live streaming every Sunday, at 4:30 p.m.