Eugene wants to entertain Nora in ‘Bona’
Eugene Domingo hopes to impress the original ”Bona”, Nora Aunor with her performance in the theatrical adaptation of the classic movie which the Superstar topbilled in 1981.
As Bona, an obsessed fan who falls in love with aspiring actor Gino Sanchez (Edgar Allan Guzman), the self-confessed Noranian admits she cannot play Bona the way Nora did in the acclaimed film. But Eugene hopes she can show something different.
“Kahit banlian ninyo ako ng kumukulong tubig, hindi ko kaya yung ginawa ni Nora Aunor. At sinabi ko rin iyon kay Ate Guy (Nora). So tawa siya nang tawa. Sabi niya, ‘Susugurin kita diyan!’,” Eugene said at a press conference on Tuesday, August 14.
She added that the modern “Bona” pays tribute to its creators, National Artist for Film Lino Brocka and writer Cenen Ramones, plus Nora herself.
Modern version
Eugene plays a call center agent while her love interest Edgar is a talent search contestant.
“The essence of the film is still there, definitely. But we have to cater to more audiences because the socio-political environment then, or during those times, was very different. So, ito ay pagpupugay natin kay Lino Brocka, kay Cenen Ramones at kay Ms. Nora Aunor sa kanilang classic na trabaho,” Eugene said.
She added that it is but fitting that Nora “be entertained” after decades of serving in the showbiz industry.
“Ang pinakagusto kong mangyari dito kapag napanood ni Ate Guy ay maaliw siya. Ready na po kaming aliwin siya. Pagkatapos niya po tayong aliwin ng maraming mga taon, it’s time for her to be entertained. At gusto kong ipakita sa kanya na ang ginawa niya noon hanggang ngayon bilang classic ay dapat pa ring mapanood. Kaya namin siya in-adapt.”
Eugene grew up watching Nora’s movies, like “Atsay” and “Lollipops and Roses” with her mother. She admits being intimidated with Nora, but working with her in TV5’s “Sa Ngalan ng Ina” drew them closer together.
“Nasanay na lang ako sa “Sa Ngalan Ng Ina,” pero noong una hindi ko alam kung paano kakausapin. Kasi baka nag-ko-concentrate. Makalipas ang ilang lingo, mas joker pa siya sa akin. Siya talaga yung mahilig tumawa,” she said.
Encouraging messages
Eugene is happy for Nora’s encouraging messages regarding her performance.
“Napaka-suwerte. Natatanggal ng konti ang kaba ko. Nagkakaroon ako ng kumpiyansa. Kung na-intimidate ako, oo naman. Kaya ang gusto ko mangyari, maaliw si Ate Guy sa Bona naming ito,” she said.
Eugene turned down other projects after the “Kimmy Dora” sequel to focus on her first love, theater.
“Alam ninyo, talagang ang commitment sa theater, nagigising ako ng madaling araw, tapos naiisip ko siya kaagad. Hindi katulad kapag shooting, 'Take! Cut!'.Nakalimutan ko na iyon. Ito araw-araw, committed ako,” Eugene said.
Directed by Soxie Topacio, PETA’s 45th season opener “Bona” runs from August 24 to September 23 at PETA Phinma Theater in Quezon City.
