Nora Aunor didn’t die during operation, son Ian de Leon clarifies
Nora Aunor poses on the red carpet of the 7th Asian Film Awards in Hong Kong on March 18, 2013. Image: AFP/Philippe Lopez
Nora Aunor’s son, actor Ian de Leon, clarified that the screen veteran died after a medical procedure and not while she was being operated on.
Ian addressed this as he faced some members of the press along with his siblings Lotlot, Matet and Kenneth de Leon on Thursday, April 17.
“She did not,” Ian said, responding to entertainment reporter Lhar Santiago’s question if the National Artist died during an operation.
“She was being operated on and after that, she had a hard time breathing, and eventually, all things went downhill from there. That’s why they had to do another procedure after that,” he noted, opting not to disclose further details on the Superstar’s death.
During the press conference, Ian also expressed his gratitude to those who have been offering prayers and sympathies for their family.
READ: Nora Aunor’s memorable lines from ‘Walang himala’ to ‘My brother is not a pig’
The actor further spoke about the late Superstar, underscoring how her kindness, talent, generosity and authenticity was the reason she received so much love and admiration from the public.
“Hindi po natin maiiwasan ang mga pangyayari sa buhay. May mga plano ang Diyos,” Ian said. “May magaganda pa Siyang plano na kailangan nating maniwala at manampalataya sa Kanya.”
Ian then recounted the life lessons Aunor taught them that they will always keep with them and pass on to their children as well.
“Yung mga aral na iyon ay walang iba kundi ang maniwala sa Panginoon. Kumapit lang sa Kanya kahit ano mang pagsubok ang dumating sa buhay. Kailangan lang nating maging matatag para sa mga mahal natin sa buhay,” he said, as his voice broke from crying.
“Ang mommy namin, grabe magmahal ‘yon e. Grabe siya magbigay. Uunahin niya ang ibang tao bago ang sarili niya,” he continued.
“Hinayaan niyang maging inspirasyon sa karamihan yung ginagawa niyang pagkanta, paggawa ng pelikula. Ginusto niya ‘yung gawin dahil gusto niya iparating sa mga tao na ang tao rin ang nagbibigay ng lakas sa kaniya. Tao rin ang nagbibigay ng pagmamahal sa kaniya kaya siya naging Superstar at National Artist.”
Ian added that despite the hardships they faced as a family, they were able to power through because of Aunor.
“Napaka-blessed namin dahil nagkaroon kami ng isang Nora Aunor bilang ina,” he said.
