Local showbiz industry pays tribute to Nora Aunor: 'She was the voice of the voiceless, the face of the everyday Filipino'
The local entertainment industry paid tribute to critically acclaimed actress Nora Aunor, who died on April 16, at 71.
Lotlot De Leon, the adoptive daughter of Aunor and Christopher De Leon, in an Instagram post announcing Aunor's passing, noted how the actress "touched generations with her unmatched talent, grace, and passion for the craft."
"Her voice, presence, and artistry shaped a legacy that will never fade," Lotlot said. "She was a star not only on screen, but in the hearts of many—and stars like hers never stop shining.”
"Her light lives on—forever loved, never forgotten," she added.
Matet De Leon, Lotlot's adoptive sister, shared photos of her and Aunor during her wedding day.
"I love you mommy," Matet said.
Vilma Santos, Aunor's co-star in T-Bird at Ako, gave her "sincerest condolences and prayers."
"Rest in peace, Mare!" Santos said. "Our Superstar and National Artist. Maraming salamat!"
Hilda Koronel, who starred with Aunor in Beloved and Nakaw na Pag-Ibig, said she's "very sad" with the passing of Ate Guy.
"We were discussing a project with her just before I left for home with Direk Adolfo (Alix Jr.)," Koronel said. "You are now home with our Lord... What a big loss to our industry... but you will never be forgotten."
In another post, Koronel shared a still showing their characters from Beloved.
"How young and lovely she looked," she said. "My Beloved."
Eugene Domingo, who portrayed the titular character Bona in the 1980 film starring Aunor, shared a monochrome photo of them hugging each other.
"Ate, I will never ever forget you. Thank you. God bless you," Domingo said.
Cherry Pie Picache, Aunor's co-star in Whistleblower, on Instagram Story shared an art card about the star's death and added a text caption, "Maraming Salamat, Ate Guy. God's perpetual light shine upon you."
Sen. Robin Padilla, meanwhile, in a Facebook post, wrote a short and simple "Superstar," referring to Aunor's industry nickname.
Screenwriter Jerry Gracio recalled Aunor asking for his talent fee for a project, to which he dismissed it, saying he would do anything for Aunor for free.
"'Huwag naman po, nakakahiya sa inyo,' sabi niya," Gracio said. "Tapos, nalaman ko na lang na bigla siyang nagpadala ng pera. Namudmod din siya ng pera sa staff at crew kapag tapos na ang shoot. Sabi ko, 'Ate Guy, huwag ka ngang pamigay nang pamigay ng pera!' Sabi niya, 'Sir Jerry, pera lang ‘yan.'"
Film producer Noel Ferrer, sharing a carousel of their photos while sharing quality time on the couch, wrote an open letter to Aunor.
"Hanggang sa huli, sana maramdaman mo ang pagmamahal ng pamilya mo na nasa tabi mo sa mga huling sandali; sa kapwa mo Pambansang Alagad Ng Sining na mahal natin na si Ricky Lee na pamilya mo na rin; sa industriya at sektor na kinamulatan mo; at sa Sambayanang Pilipino na lubos ang pagpapahalaga sa lahat ng magagandang nagawa mo sa pagpapayabong ng sining at kultura sa ating bansa," Ferrer said.
He also shared photos of Aunor and other people who passed on, including National Artist for Literature Bienvenido Lumbera and friend Albert Sunga.
Ferrer posted a screenshot of Aunor's last text to him, telling him that she wished to congratulate Judy Ann Santos for winning best actress at the last Metro Manila Film Festival.
Director Chris Martinez, meanwhile, shared a collage of his photos with Aunor.
"Salamat po sa inspirasyon," Martinez said.
The Directors' Guild of the Philippines said Aunor stands unique in Philippine cinema, as her voice "carried the soul of a nation, and her eyes told stories that words alone could not convey."
"From the railway tracks of Iriga to the largest screens, she connected with the authentic experience of everyday Filipinos," the DGPI said. "For 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 refuses to be forgotten. Thank you, Ate Guy, for being the Great Filipino Superstar."
President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr., meanwhile, noted Aunor's "splendid career that spanned more than 50 years" as "our consummate actress, singer, and film producer."
Marcos said Aunor's movies Banaue, Bona, and Tatlong Taong Walang Diyos "will forever be part of the national heritage." He also commended her "stellar performances" in Himala, Thy Womb, and The Flor Contemplacion Story.
"She has won national and international awards for her performances. Her golden voice was a balm for all. Her genius was a gift to the Filipino nation," he said.
“I offer my heartfelt condolences to Nora Aunor’s family, friends, and the film industry itself. Let us pray together for the eternal repose of the soul of our beloved National Artist,” Marcos added.
Aunor, born Nora Cabaltera Villamayor, is known for her roles in Tatlong Taong Walang Diyos (1976), Minsa'y Isang Gamu-gamo (1976), Himala (1982), Bulaklak sa City Jail (1984), The Flor Contemplacion Story (1995), and Thy Womb (2012).
During her five-decade career in acting, she got over 200 acting nominations and awards here and elsewhere, the most for an actor in the Philippines.
The "Superstar" was nominated at the Filipino Academy of Movie Arts and Sciences or FAMAS Awards a record 17 times. She was also bestowed the Gawad CCP for Film and Broadcast Arts by the Cultural Center of the Philippines in 2015.
Her acting prowess was also recognized abroad, including in Africa, Europe, Australia, and North America, while her singing talent bagged her several Awit Awards and Philippine Recording Distributors Association Awards.
Aunor was named National Artist for Film and Broadcast Arts in 2022.
