Nora Aunor, Pilita Corrales, Gloria Romero, Margarita Fores to be given Presidential Medal of Merit
Malacañang announced on Wednesday that four prominent figures—veteran actress and National Artist for Film Nora Aunor, acclaimed singer Pilita Corrales, esteemed actress Gloria Romero, and renowned chef Margarita Fores—will receive the Presidential Medal of Merit.
Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary Atty. Claire Castro confirmed this to reporters, stating the ceremony is scheduled for May 4 in Malacañang.
Aunor died of acute respiratory failure on April 16 at 71. She was honored with a Day of National Mourning and laid to rest at the Libingan Ng Mga Bayani on April 22.
Four days prior Aunor's death, Corrales, also known as Asia's Queen of Songs, passed away on April 12. She was 87. Her extensive discography encompasses over 135 albums recorded in a remarkable range of languages: Filipino, English, Spanish, and Cebuano.
Meanwhile, Fores, who was honored as Asia's Best Female Chef in 2016, died at 65 in Hong Kong on Feb. 11 following a cardiac arrest.
She founded Cibo and also owned other restaurants: Lusso, Grace Park, and Alta.
Romero died at the age of 91. Celebrated as the "First Lady of Philippine Cinema," her exceptional acting on both television and film garnered her numerous awards and recognitions, including those from FAMAS and Gawad Urian.
The Presidential Medal of Merit recognizes individuals for their significant contributions to the Philippines.
