Marc Abaya defends Nora Aunor on National Artist issue

By AEDRIANNE ACAR 

PHOTO BY ELISA AQUINO, GMANetwork.com

Kwan’s lead vocalist Marc Abaya did not mince words, as he expressed his disappointment that Superstar Nora Aunor failed to get the National Artist title. 

 

Last month, President Benigno Simeon Aquino III admitted in an interview that one of the reasons he did not pick the veteran actress was because of her alleged history of substance abuse.

 

"Na-convict po siya sa drugs... na-convict at naparusahan at ang tanong ngayon dito, kapag ginawa ba [siyang] National Artist may mensahe ba akong maliwanag na sinasabi sa sambayanan?," the President said. 

 

The Ang Dalawang Mrs. Real star was affected by the sad news and he strongly believes that Nora deserves the recognition.
 

“I was very much affected by what happened by the fact that he (PNoy) spoke out against her and the whole country, not just me the whole country, knows she is a great actress. Nobody is perfect and that means nobody!” 

 

He added, “This woman has worked forever. This woman is not perfect, she might have her faults, but did she hurt anyone? I don’t think she did. Nobody is perfect, but you cannot take that away from her being [an] artist. More so that she never hurt a living soul. I’ve worked with her, I think she is the kindest woman I have ever worked with. She is a great actress, she’s generous, she is a good human being.” 

 

In addition, the Marc wanted a group of artists to solely choose who will get the National Artist title. 

 

“I believe that awards for artists must be decided upon by artists. Who are the artists that will decide is another thing. All I know is, only an artist could judge an artist. The president that’s different.”