PH film industry mourns death of Nora Aunor
Metro Manila, Philippines - Veteran artists and filmmakers expressed their grief over the death of National Artist Nora Aunor, who passed away at the age of 71 Wednesday evening.
The passing of Philippine showbiz’s “Superstar” was announced by her family.
“She was the heart of our family — a source of unconditional love, strength, and warmth. Her kindness, wisdom, and beautiful spirit touched everyone who knew her. She will be missed beyond words and remembered forever,” son Ian de Leon said.
De Leon’s siblings and fellow actors Lotlot de Leon and Matet de Leon also posted tributes to their late mother.
In an Instagram story, actress Vilma Santos also joined in mourning. She was Aunor’s co-star in “T-Bird at Ako” in 1982.
“Beloved” (1985) and “Nakaw na Pag-ibig” (1980) star Hilda Koronel also penned a message for the late actress, recalling a supposed reunion project.
Former ABS-CBN Corporation CEO Charo Santos-Concio also paid respects to the Philippine cinema superstar.
“In the heart of every Filipino, there lives a deep love for one woman—The Superstar, Nora Aunor,” she said.
Other known artists including Cherry Pie Picache and Eugene Domingo also paid their respects to the late actress.
Action-star-turned-Senator Robin Padilla also posted a short tribute to Aunor. He previously supported Aunor’s inclusion in the National Artist list.
In their tribute posts, director Chris Martinez and film producer Noel Ferrer acknowledged Aunor’s impact on Philippine cinema.
The National Commission for Culture and the Arts and the Directors’ Guild of the Philippines, Inc. also honored the National Artist for Film and Broadcast Arts.
“To her fans, she was Ate Guy, but more than that, she was the voice of the voiceless, the face of the everyday Filipino, and the spirit of a people that refuse to be forgotten,” the group said in a post.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. remembered Aunor‘s legacy, calling her a “genius” and a “gift to the Filipino.”
Among Aunor’s most acclaimed works include “Himala” (1982), “Bulaklak sa City Jail” (1984), and “The Flor Contemplacion Story” (1995).
She swept the grand slam of Best Actress awards from multiple award winning bodies in 1990 for “Andrea, Paano ba ang Maging Isang Ina?” and won the coveted title at the Cairo International Film Festival in 1995.
According to her daughter Lotlot de Leon, the schedule of her funeral services at the Heritage Park will be from April 17 to April 22.
Public viewing for friends and family is from April 19 to 20, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. with a mass set at 7 p.m. Her state funeral is set on April 22, Tuesday.
