Nora Aunor: Cultural icon and a champion for social change

Nora Aunor. Graphics by Lance Uy, Jerome Cristobal

For someone who has had close encounters with Superstar Nora Aunor, and knowing her pure intention and generosity, I was gripped with sadness and disbelief on the news of her passing. And I prayed it was a false alarm, along with a hopeful wish that our group’s planned small project for her movie showing in the Visayas region should come true.

But death comes like a thief in the night for the National Artist when the world, or at least the Philippines, was quietly observing the Holy Week.

At first, there was a hushed buzz on social media at around 10 PM on April 16. When my editor asked me about it, I sensed it could be true. Ate Guy had been unwell in the past years, especially in the last half of the year 2024 when I saw her looking a bit bloated and gasping for breath during the 40th PMPC Star Awards for Movies.

Before midnight, fellow PMPC officer Rodel Fernando, who was also her publicist, confirmed the buzz to be true via FB messenger:

“Kahapon dinalaw ko pa sya sa Medical City. Nakakausap ko pa sya. Malakas sya bago ang angioplasty nya. Nagbibiro pa sa akin. Yun na pala ang huli naming pagkikita.”

With her death on a holy week, Aunor seemed to have left the way she often lived off-screen: quietly, without fanfare, as if not wanting to trouble anyone. Yet, social media suddenly exploded with Nora Aunor’s death, with anyone who has had interaction with her in the past posting on Facebook and other platforms. A plethora of social media posts came about — reels on anything Nora Aunor, from oldest to the latest clips of her music, movies, interviews, photos and reels, even trivias, and what-have-yous.

Along with some fellow PMPC members, we managed to visit her wake on the second night. Outside the Superstar’s chapel — the wake occupies 3 chapels — funeral wreaths from the who’s who of Philippine politics as well as other greats from the entertainment industry lined up the hall of The Heritage Park. The flower wreaths sent by Pres. Ferdinand Bongbong Marcos Jr. and former Pres. Rodrigo Duterte (who is currently detained at the Hague by the International Criminal Court for crimes against humanity) took up prominent space behind her simple bronze casket. Yet, more and more flower arrangements came as the week wore on.

The Superstar’s golden voice filled the air, wrapping around the room like a lullaby which surely brought her most avid fans and supporters to visiting memory lane. The slide of snapshots of her with family and loved ones and well-meaning friends, and colleagues over a led screen added deja vu.

Yes, she’s still the Superstar at her death. People from all walks of life came to see her, from the highest officials of the land to the most ordinary fans to pay their last respect.

READ: MTRCB issues PG rating for 2 Nora Aunor films ahead of rerun

True icon and advocate

Photo by Noy Morcoso/INQUIRER.net

Nora Aunor is a true icon of Philippine showbiz. With her career spanning over five decades, she starred in numerous critically acclaimed films and recorded hit songs that captured the hearts of millions of Filipinos.

And despite facing personal challenges throughout her life, she remained a significant figure in the entertainment industry, continuing to inspire aspiring actors and entertain generations of viewers with her unforgettable performances.

“This life has not been an easy one. Despite the hardships and controversies, you continue to love and support me, as well as the art that is my gift to you,” she said during her conferment as national artist in 2022.

Her contributions to Philippine cinema and music have been recognized both locally and internationally, earning her numerous awards and accolades throughout her career. But beyond these achievements, Aunor was also known for her philanthropy and advocacy for various social causes. She used her platform to raise awareness about important issues and lend her voice to those who are often unheard. These included lending her presence in the victorious campaign for the removal of US military bases in the country, to May Day workers’ rallies, cultural events supporting the peasant struggle, forums demanding justice for victims of human rights violations under repressive regimes, and lending support to campaigns for the release of political prisoners.

In her passing, she is also remembered as a movie producer. Her NV Productions produced movies of notable quality, which brought together important directors, writers, actors, and other film artists who, through her support as actor and/or producer, were able to create films that helped raise the bar in Philippine filmmaking. Hit films like Carmela, Paru-parong Itim, Banaue, Tatlong Taong Walang Diyos, Annie Batungbakal, and Bona were among the notable films produced by her own movie outfit.

Her death is not just a loss for her family and friends, but also for the millions of fans who grew up watching her films and listening to her music. She will always be remembered as a true icon and a testament to the power of Filipino artistry. Her legacy as a cultural icon and a champion for social change will continue to inspire and influence future generations of Filipinos.

Aunor was buried at the Libingan ng Mga Bayani on Tuesday, April 22. She was 71. She should be celebrating her 72nd birthday on May 21, 2025.

Demanding actor gets dose of his own medicine

When this well-respected actress was still active in show business, this actor didn’t want screen time with her.

In the last showbiz event she attended, the actor made all necessary fuss, talking to all production staff who could probably give in to his one and only demand — not to be seen and recorded for TV airing with the actress. He mustered all his convincing power and persisted on his request until the last minute when he was called for his moment.

Those who’ve witnessed the actor’s “tantrums” — organizer, producer, staff, and even the fellow younger actor who directed the event — couldn’t help but wonder what on earth had happened to him. They used to be popular screen partners, and for sure, they shared many personal memories together.

Call it providential. Circumstances favored the actress — the actor ended up standing side by side with the actress along with other honorees. They all exchanged greetings and pleasantries as expected. But when it was the actor’s moment for a short speech, the actress moved backward, not paying attention to his number, and left. Those who witnessed it said, “Deserved! Mabuti nga sa yo, walkout si aktres!”

The actress never knew about the actor’s demand thus her “walkout” couldn’t be a deliberate action against him. The organizer and producer of the show agreed to keep the actor’s unreasonable request a top secret to the actress out of respect.

After all, the event is a milestone close to the actress’s heart being one of top honorees and avid supporters of the organizer over the years. Showbiz insiders said it’s the actor’s fault for coming to the event. It seemed that he had not done personal research or inquiry about it and its relevance to the actress whom he didn’t want to be seen with.