Nora nabbed, held
in L.A. drug bust

DRUG SETUP? Superstar Nora Aunor in a file photo.

As show-biz history has proven, at no time is extreme Noramania put to the test than when Nora Aunor is in hot water or in real big trouble.

For instance majority, if not all, rabid Noranians do not believe the Superstar is guilty when she was nabbed Wednesday at the Los Angeles International Airport allegedly in possession of eight grams of methamphetamine hydrochloride (known in the Philippines as shabu) and drug paraphernalia in her carry all bag while checking in for a flight to Oakland.

Noranians theorize that their idol was only set up. That the shabu found in her bag was not hers but someone else’s, most probably a travelling companion’s.

And proving that the Superstar and her band of loyal Noranians really do think alike, it was also what Nora was said to have told New York Fil-Am producer Mila Mendez during a telephone conversation Thursday a few hours after Nora was freed from an overnight detention at the Van Nuys jail on a $10,000 bail bond.

Nora will be tried on a felony drug possession charge on April 21 at Airport Courthouse in L.A.

According to Mila, Nora disclaimed any knowledge of the shabu that LAX screeners found in her bag; it was that of someone else’s who asked her to hold it while that someone attended to some personal business. Nora, who Mila said sounded upbeat on the phone, did not name the real owner of the shabu, however, telling Mila only “kung kailan pa ako tumanda ngayon pa ba naman ako gagawa ng hindi tama?” or words to that effect.

Mila also said that it’s a pity this has to happen to Nora today just when her green card is reportedly being worked on.

In Manila, Nora’s friends and colleagues are divided regarding her innocence or guilt. Most of her co-stars said under assurance of anonymity that they’ve heard for years of Nora’s alleged drug taking but couldn’t prove it, therefore, she shouldn’t be judged on the basis of this one bust.

The one who was most shocked about Nora’s drug bust was her longtime friend German Moreno. Kuya Germs as Nora and everyone call the Master Showman says that he is shocked, shocked by what happened to Nora.

“However, I have yet to hear from Nora herself about what really happened before I can give an opinion,” Kuya Germs told a reporter. “But in my heart of hearts, I believe that Nora is not dumb as to do such a thing, especially in a foreign country,” added German.

Christopher de Leon, Nora’s ex-husband, understandably steered clear of the issue, saying only that he was offered to do a series of shows with the Superstar in American cities next month but had to beg off because of his television commitments at GMA 7.

In Chris’ stead, Tirso Cruz III, or Pip, another one of Nora’s past loves and the most enduring to the public’s memory, was signed up for the Nora shows. According to Tirso’s manager/wife Lynn, Nora’s U.S. producers have told her that the Nora-Pip shows will kick off as planned in the West Coast on April 30 “no matter what.”

Still Pip and Lynn are maintaining a wait and see attitude, inspite of their scheduled departure on April 28, the couple says.

E-mail reactions at rickylo@philstar.net.ph