Nora Aunor’s state funeral: Everything you need to know, expect

LIVE UPDATES: Nora Aunor’s State Funeral and Hero’s Burial

Nora Aunor. Image from AFP

A tribute fitting for the Philippines’ Superstar, the life of Nora Aunor will be honored in a state necrological services at the Metropolitan Theater (MET), before she will be brought to the Libingan ng mga Bayani for her internment and burial on Tuesday, April 22.

Aunor, who was named a National Artist for Film and Broadcast Arts in 2022, will be accorded a state funeral in honor of her contributions to Philippine arts and culture, particularly in the entertainment industry.

Program flow

Aunor’s remains will be brought from Heritage Park in Taguig to Manila, where she will be given an arrival honor at the Arroceros Forest Park at 8:30 a.m.

Program for Nora Aunor’s state necrological service at the Metropolitan Theater. Photo by INQUIRER.net/Noy Morcoso

The necrological services will begin at 9:00 a.m., where she will be given eulogies from her loved ones and colleagues (including fellow National Artist Ricky Lee). Her colorful life as a singer, actress, entertainer, and a friend to the everyday Filipino will also be honored through an audiovisual presentation and tribute performances.

The late screen veteran’s remains will be brought to the Libingan ng mga Bayani. Her internment and a state funeral will then take place at noon, where the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is expected to provide ceremonial elements.

Public viewing

Only 290 seats at the MET’s balcony section are open to general attendees, although tickets have already sold out, as of this writing. Ticket holders are advised to find parking within the vicinity as parking spaces at the venue are unavailable.

Nora Aunor. Image: Instagram/@janinegutierrez:

A big screen will also be set up within the area for fans wanting to see a glimpse of Aunor for the last time.

The necrological services and state funeral will also be livestreamed on the Facebook pages of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) and the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP).

Aunor, who was born Nora Cabaltera Villamayor, died of acute respiratory failure on Wednesday, April 16. She was 71 years old. Following her death, she was survived by her biological son Ian de Leon, as well as her four adoptive children Lotlot, Matet, Kiko, and Kenneth.

Nora Aunor in a scene from “Himala.”

Dubbed the country’s “Superstar” and the “Grand Dame of Philippine Cinema,” she has long been celebrated for her decorated career as an actress, singer, cultural personality, and a well-loved figure by the Filipino masses.

A multi-awarded actress, she appeared in 170 films, including “Himala,” The Flor Contemplacion Story,” “Bona,” “Thy Womb,” “Bulaklak sa City Jail,” “Trap,” “Hustisya,” “Tatlong Taong Walang Diyos,” “Minsa’y Isang Gamu-gamo,” “Ina Ka ng Anak Mo,” “T-Bird At Ako,” and “Annie Batungbakal,” among many others.