Nora Aunor’s remains arrive at MET for state necrological service

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

The MET stage where the casket of Nora Aunor is placed. Image from HANNAH MALLORCA

The cortege of National Artist and Superstar Nora Aunor has arrived at the Metropolitan Theater in Manila for a state necrological service before she is given a hero’s burial at the Libingan ng Mga Bayani in Taguig.

Aunor’s funeral procession left the Heritage Park in Taguig on the sixth day since her death on April 16, where her family received old friends of the late actress from the show biz industry and even in politics.

The cortege arrived at the MET around 8:30 a.m., just in time for the program prepared by the Order of National Artists of the Cultural Center of the Philippines.

The stage, where the flag-draped casket of the late screen veteran was placed, is adorned with funeral wreaths and manned by honor guards. A large black-and-white photo of Aunor was also placed at the back of her casket.

Family and close friends are seated in front of the stage, while fans and other members of the public were allowed to take up the seats at the back.

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

The necrological services began at 9:00 a.m., where a speech dedicated to the life and legacy of the late Nora Aunor opened her state necrological services.

Eulogies were given by fellow National Artist Ricky Lee and actor-director Joel Lamangan.

Prior to the necrological service, Aunor’s remains were given an arrival honor at the Arroceros Forest Park at 8:30 a.m.

Following the necrological services, a funeral march will follow on this route in Manila: Padre Burgos Avenue (from Mehan Garden to Quezon Boulevard Bridge Northbound);  Natividad Lopez Street Northbound (from N. Lopez/Villegas intersection heading towards Universidad de Manila).

Some 150 cops from the National Capital Region were also deployed for the procession.