Metro Manila, Philippines - Before becoming legends, a number of showbiz icons recalled the artist that ignited their desire to chase their dreams: Nora Aunor, the “Superstar.”

For veteran TV host Boy Abunda – he was born a “Noranian,” a term of endearment for fans of the late national artist.

“Noong ako’y lumalaki sa Samar, Noranian na ako,” he said when he visited the wake of the late actress at The Heritage Park in Taguig City on April 21.

[Translation: When I was growing up in Samar, I was already a Noranian.]

Abunda recalled how he would wake up early just to catch Aunor’s shows with Tirso Cruz III, or the iconic ‘70s love team, “Guy and Pip.” Guy was Aunor’s nickname, and Pip was for Cruz.

He eventually became Aunor’s manager in the late ‘80s, a close friend, and, in time, was considered family.

Abunda said he never thought he would interview Aunor’s children at her wake.

He said Aunor will always be the greatest actress in Philippine cinema.

“She was big. She was huge in everything. And the only way para sa akin [for me] to understand the phenomenon that ‘Nora Aunor’ was to love her,” said Abunda.

Shaping an industry

Veteran actress Judy Ann Santos, who has worked with the “superstar” in a number of films, opened up about how the late actress paved the way for up and coming artists.

“Pinalawak niya ang industriya ng show business…Gumawa siya ng daan para sa amin na mga hindi talaga iyong picture-perfect. Pero…nagkaroon ng pangarap ang maraming tao dahil sa kanya,” Santos said after attending her wake.

[Translation: She expanded the world of show business… She paved the way for people like us who were not picture-perfect. But… she inspired people to find hope.]

Reflecting on their time together, Santos shared that beyond the “superstar” was a down-to-earth person.

She said Aunor was generous to guide her as a neophyte in the industry.

“Hindi mo kailangan mag-motivate kapag si ate Guy ang ka-eksena mo kasi dadalhin ka talaga niya, bibitbitin ka niya, gagabayan ka niya,” she said in recalling their film, “Babae,” in 1997.

[Translation: You don't need motivation when you're working with ate Guy because she was there by your side, lifting you up, and guiding you.]

Meanwhile, veteran actress Charo Santos said Aunor’s legacy lives on.

“Higit pa sa mga karakter na kanyang binigyan ng buhay, binigyan niya ng buhay ang pangarap ng milyong-milyong Pilipino,” said the former TV executive during a necrological service.

[Translation: Beyond the characters she brought to life, she gave life to the dreams of millions of Filipinos.]

Aunor was buried at the Libingan ng Mga Bayani on Tuesday, April 22. She was 71.