It’s been quite a while since Superstar Nora Aunor last won a Best Actress award, and many are already predicting that she’ll be walking away with the Best Actress trophy in this year’s Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF). Her entry, Thy Womb has been reaping international recognitions left and right.

But for One More Try director Ruel Bayani, his two “Angels,” Angelica Panganiban and Angel Locsin won’t go down without a fight.

Without any hesitation, Direk Ruel said both his actresses deserve the most coveted award in this year’s MMFF Awards Night.

“Siyempre ang mga tao sasabihin si Ate Guy [Nora Aunor] ‘yun at wala namang laban ‘yung dalawang bata. Pero hindi ganoon ang buhay. Ang buhay paggising mo may laban ka,” he opined at the press Star Cinema’s MMFF drama entry.

“Yes, may laban kami,” Angelica said adding, “Naniniwala kami na may himala,” [in reference to Nora’s most memorable film].

Angelica said while she has utmost respect for Nora’s exceptional acting talent, she too is proud of their performances in the movie, as well as co-stars Dingdong Dantes and Zanjoe Marudo.

“Sobra namin itong pinaghirapan and sa totoo lang, maitabi lang kami sa pangalan ni Ate Guy . . . Ang tagal tagal ng artista ni Ate Guy, superstar siya, makasama lang siya sa mga nominado ay malaking bagay na iyon. Pero hindi naman namin minamaliit ang performance namin dito kaya sobra kaming positive,” Angelica said.

Angel Locsin shared Angelica’s sense of pride to be included in the list of nominees with the Superstar. “Never kong inisip sa buong career ko na kahit matapat kay Ate Guy . . . kasi iba naman talaga yung talent niya. Alam po nating lahat iyan. Pero bilang mas nakakababatang artista, hindi mo rin maaalis sa amin na umasa kasi naniniwala kami sa project na ito.

“Siyempre nakakadagdag din sa confidence yung support na pinakita ng director namin na nagsabing ‘May laban ang mga alaga ko,’kaya nakakatuwa. So kung sino man ang manalo doon I think deserving naman talaga iyon, whether kami man or sa ibang pelikula. Tapos andiyan din si Ate Juday [Judy Ann Santos] na sobrang galing din, and Ms. Ai-Ai [delas Alas]. Marami talagang bigatin na artista. Pero ayun nga, hindi mo naman maiaalis sa sa amin na mag-wish,” Angel explained.

Direk Ruel’s belief in his stars also extends to his confidence in One More Try, boldly declaring that it is even better than his previous blockbuster No Other Woman, which starred Cristine Reyes and Anne Curtis.

“It may put a lot of pressure, but I can tell you this is a better movie than No Other Woman. I will say this it’s my best movie so far,” he professed.

Direk Ruel said this was the first time he allowed his name to be placed after the title of the movie. “Both [movies] are special but I must say na noong binuo ko ito and was told na they will put ‘A film by Ruel Bayani’ for the first time saka lang ako pumayag.”

When asked about his box office predictions, Direk Ruel replied he believes they will do well, adding that he considers his movie the best among all the entries.

“Nakita ko na ang mga films, I must say what an honor to be in this year’s batch of entries. Naniniwala kami at pinapanindingan namin ang aming mga pelikula at naniniwala kami this is the best movie. Pinaghirapan namin ito kaya bakit naman namin sasabibin na we are second best.”

The movie shares a brave plot that centers on a loving single mother Grace (Angel) who is willing to sacrifice everything to save her sick son.

All seems well in Grace’s life with the comfort of her son Botchok (Miguel Vergara) and boyfriend Tristan (Zanjoe), but when Botchok’s rare blood condition becomes more severe, Grace is left with no other choice but to reconnect with Edward (Dingdong), Botchok’s biological father, an accomplished man married to a more successful woman Jacqueline (Angelica).

One More Try opens in cinemas nationwide on December 25.