Bongbong Marcos on Nora Aunor’s death: ‘Her genius was a gift to Filipino nation’

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. (L) and Actress Nora Aunor. | PHOTOS: PPA Pool and AP News

MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Maundy Thursday paid tribute to veteran actress and national artist Nora Aunor, calling her a high-skilled performer whose genius was a “gift to the Filipino nation.”

Aunor died on Wednesday afternoon, but was announced by her family late at night.

In a statement, Marcos joined the nation in mourning the passing of Aunor, whom he described as a highly skilled performer.

“I join the nation in mourning the passing of our National Artist for Film, Nora Aunor (Nora Cabaltera Villamayor in real life). Throughout her splendid career that spanned more than 50 years, she was our consummate actress, singer, and film producer,” Marcos 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,” he also said.

Marcos also recognized some of Aunor’s most notable performances.

“At the young age of 23, she began producing films that will forever be part of the national heritage: Banaue, Bona, and Tatlong Taong Walang Diyos. Her other stellar performances can be found in Himala, Thy Womb, and The Flor Contemplacion Story,” he said.

“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,” the president added.

However, it was during his father Ferdinand Marcos Sr.’s term when Aunor made some of her most memorable and critically acclaimed films, among them, “Minsa’y May Isang gamu-gamo” (1976), “Atsay” (1978), “Annie Batumbakal” (1979), “Himala” (1982), and “Bulaklak sa City Jail” (1984).

Aunor died while undergoing a medical procedure, just a month before her 72nd birthday in May.