Award-winning filmmaker, writer, and actor Mario O'Hara is all set to direct Sa Ngalan ng Ina, the mini-series for TV5 that will feature Superstar Nora Aunor.

Muling nakausap ng PEP.ph (Philippine Entertainment Portal) si Direk Mario matapos ang story conference ng Sa Ngalan ng Ina kahapon, August 16, sa Max's Restaurant.

"Sa August 22 na ang start ng taping namin," masayang banggit ni Direk Mario.  

"Bukas [August 17] kami maglo-location hunting. Sana may makita kaming lugar na puwedeng dun na lahat kunan ang mga eksena... [within] 20 days na magte-taping kami."

Dumalo sa naturang story conference si Nora and her former husband Christopher de Leon, at ang kanilang anak na si Ian de Leon.

Naroon din sina Bembol Roco, Rosanna Roces, at ang young actress na si Nadine Samonte.

A few days before, PEP asked Direk Mario to confirm the final cast of the mini-series. It was already mentioned that Nora would have Boyet, Rosanna, and Eugene Domingo, among other major co-actors.

Direk Mario said the political drama would also include actor-TV host Ryan Agoncillo as one of Nora Aunor's henchmen. But it wasn't confirmed as yet.

During the storycon, it was final. Ian has replaced Ryan for the said role.

"May ibang commitment si Ryan," ayon naman sa isa sa mga supervising producer ng project na si Joanne Cabalda-Bañaga.

"Maganda ang role ng henchman," pagtukoy rin ni Direk Mario.  

"Siya kasi ang susi sa mga krimen na gawa ng kalabang partido. Yung mga magiging kaaway ni Nora, who'll play the role of the provincial governor.

"Maganda ang role ni Guy. Oo, very powerful ang character. Political drama kasi ito, e."

Bukod kay Mario, magsisilbing assistant director si Jerry O'Hara with Jon Red (second unit director), Elmer Gatchalian (creative consultant), and a team of writers composed of Jerry Gracio, Pam Miras, and Benedict Migue.

REUNIONS. Bukod sa mag-anak na Nora, Boyet, at Ian, ang Sa Ngalan ng Ina ay isa ring "reunion" para sa tatlong pangunahing artista ng maituturing na obra maestra ni Mario O'Hara.