A Pinnacle Moment: Bona Meets Bona

Surreal describes the moment when two Bonas of different generations finally met on one stage. Eugene Domingo was stunned to see her idol, the original Bona, Nora Aunor, watching Philippine Educational Theater Association's (PETA) stage play where she plays the title role.
Aunor came unannounced accompanied by writer Ricky Lee and actress Chanda Romero last September 1 at The PETA Theater Center. During the curtain call, Aunor stood clapping while Domingo took a bow before a very pleased audience.
Unaware that Aunor was scheduled to watch that day, Domingo wept as her idol went up the stage to hand her flowers.

Facing Aunor, Domingo tried to compose herself and spoke between sobs. "Hindi ko talaga... ni sa hinagap, hindi ko akalain na mangyayari ito. Artista po akong bata pa lang ay humanga na sa isang katulad mo. At hindi ko inisip na mangyayari ito sa buhay ko...na magkakaroon ako ng pagkakataon, na aliwin ka, at ulitin sa harap mo ang isang napakagandang pagganap."
Aunor replied smiling, "Pinaligaya mo kami, lalo na ako."
The superstar who obviously enjoyed the performance went on praising the play and Domingo's performance, "Napakagaling po. Yung ginanapan ko sa pelikula, drama, di ba? Mas maganda po ito ngayon."
Aunor played the title role Bona in a 1980 drama film about a nice middle-class schoolgirl who falls in love with an aging gigolo played by Philip Salvador. The film Bona was directed by National Artist for Film and PETA founding member, Lino Brocka.
Domingo was joined by co-actor Edgar Allan Guzman who plays the role of the bit player Gino, Phil Noble (as Baldy, alternating with Joey Paras), Raffy Tejada (as Ronald, alternating with Jef-Henson Dee), She Maala (as Binky, alternating with Uleb Nieto), Dudz Teraña (Chiqui) and Jason Barcial (as Nini, alternating with Junevir Tabor), Julienne Mendoza (Bert, Bona's suitor), BJ Forbes (Bingo, Bona's nephew), Gabs Santos (Raf, Baldy's boyfriend) and Anna Luna (Katrina, Gino's girlfriend).
"Bona" is directed by Soxie Topacio, written by Layeta Bucoy with additional scenes by Phil Noble.
PLUS: On video--

"Bona" runs until September 23, Fridays (8 p.m.) Saturdays-Sundays (3 p.m. and 8 p.m.) at The PETA Theater Center, New Manila, Quezon City. For tickets, contact 7256244, petatheater@gmail.com, www.tiketworld.com.ph, 8919999.