Popular actress Nora returns to the Philippines

Manila: A Philippine entertainment icon arrived at the capital at dawn Tuesday in a much publicised homecoming that also ruffled feathers as well in the political scene.

Nora Cabaltera Villamayor, more popularly known by her screen name “Nora Aunor,” arrived in Manila at 4:20 am via a flight from Los Angeles, California.

“I am back finally… I am very happy to be home. I miss my fans very much. I apologize to them for not coming home earlier. Thank you very much,” Aunor said in an arrival interview aired by radio station dzBB.

Despite her nearly decade long absence, Aunor, as before was mobbed by fans at the airport. Prior to her arrival, dozens of people had eagerly awaired for her at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 2 (NAIA-2).

Superstar

From being a humble gifted lass from the Bicol region, Aunor took the country by storm during the early 1970s with her sultry voice that was often compared to that of American Karen Carpenter of the famed brother and sister singing duo.

Aunor eventually earned the monicker “Superstar” for her singing prowess and popularity. But her star even shone brighter during with the discovery of her acting talent. Her expressive eyes and acting prowess earned her roles in drama films that earned her numerous local awards.

In and out of relationships with different men, she took to drugs and eventually fell from stardom.

But Aunor’s star shone once more, albeit for a brief moment in 2000 when she openly admitted during a political rally that she had an illicit relationship with then Joseph Estrada during the 70s.

Aunor accused the then President Estrada, who was at that time besieged by allegations of corruption, of having physically abused her while they were in a relationship.

Estrada was eventually ousted by a military-backed people’s uprising in January 2001.

Aunor had settled in the United States as she fended off court cases in the Philippines over non-payment of debts.

During a press briefing she had upon her arrival, Aunor said she will be in the country only for three months while filming several movies including her comeback flick entitled “El Presidente.”