Nora Aunor appears during the photo call for the film “Sinapupunan” (Thy Womb) at the 69th edition of the Venice Film Festival in Venice, Italy, on Sept. 6, 2012. Image: AP Photo/Joel Ryan, File
The death of Nora Aunor brought an outpouring of tributes from her celebrity colleagues, filmmakers, journalists, and creative industries on social media, who witnessed her kindness and professionalism, going beyond her “Superstar” persona in the entertainment industry.
Aunor, 71, died on Wednesday, April 16, as confirmed by her son, Ian de Leon. Besides Ian (her biological son with Christopher de Leon), she is survived by her adopted children, Lotlot, Matet, Kiko and Kenneth de Leon. Details of her death and wake are yet to be disclosed by her family as of this writing.
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The screen veteran was honored by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) on its Facebook page, which spoke of her extensive career in cinema and TV.
“Nora Aunor, the ‘Superstar,’ has an extensive filmography of more than 170 films. This number is exceeded only by the number of awards and citations she has received from local and international organizations,” its post read.
Meanwhile, the Directors’ Guild of the Philippines (DGPI) said on Facebook that Aunor is a “unique” individual, whose voice and eyes will be remembered by generations of audiences in the years to come.
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“From the railway tracks of Iriga to the largest screens, she connected with the authentic experience of everyday Filipinos. For her fans, she was Ate Guy, but more than that, she was the voice of the voiceless, the face of the everyday Filipino, and the spirit of a people that refuses to be forgotten. Thank you, Ate Guy, for being the Great Filipino Superstar,” DGPI’s post read.
Loved by the industry
On his Instagram account, entertainment publicist Noel Ferrer hoped that Aunor felt the love from her family and colleagues in the entertainment industry.
“ATE GUY, Hanggang sa huli, sana maramdaman mo ang pagmamahal ng pamilya mo na nasa tabi mo sa mga huling sandali; sa kapwa mo Pambansang Alagad Ng Sining na mahal natin na si Ricky Lee na pamilya mo na rin; sa industriya at sektor na kinamulatan mo; at sa Sambayanang Pilipino na lubos ang pagpapahalaga sa lahat ng magagandang nagawa mo sa pagpapayabong ng sining at kultura sa ating bansa,” he said.
(Ate Guy, until the end, I hope you felt the love of your family in your final moments, fellow National Artist Ricky Lee who considers you as family, colleagues from multiple sectors in the industry, and the Filipino nation who value your contributions to Filipino art and culture.)
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Meanwhile, entertainment journalist MJ Marfori said Aunor was a “blessing to [the] industry,” and that her memories of reporting the National Artist will “forever be imprinted” in her heart.
“What an honor it was to witness you in action, Ate Guy. You were a blessing to our industry, and capturing you through the years will forever be imprinted in my heart. Rest in power, our Superstar, Nora Aunor,” she said on Instagram.
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Rodel Fernando, former Philippine Movie Press Club (PMPC) president, entertainment journalist, and a close friend of Aunor who also acts as her manager, said he is saddened by her death. He also changed his profile picture to a photo of himself with Aunor.
“Basta ako sobrang lungkot ko po ngayon. Hindi ko lang sya matalik na kaibigan kundi nanay ko na talaga. Dami naming pinagsamahan. Dami naming sikreto (I’m very sad today. She is not just my best friend but also my mother. We have been through a lot together. We had a lot of secrets).”
Filmmaker Chris Martinez took to his Instagram account to express his gratitude to Aunor.
“Ate Guy. Our National Artist for Film, #NoraAunor. Rest in peace na po. Salamat po sa inspirasyon (Thank you for the inspiration),” his post read.
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On her Facebook page, “Food Delivery” director Baby Ruth Villarama said:“Among the stars, you still shine the brightest. Rest well, our one and only Superstar,” she captioned her post.
Respected by her colleagues
Aunor’s legacy was celebrated by fellow actors, with many of them sharing glimpses of their fondest memories of the Philippine superstar.
Actor-turned-senator Robin Padilla took to his Facebook page to briefly address the screen veteran as a “superstar.”
Meanwhile, fellow actor-politician Ramon Bong Revilla, Jr. said Aunor’s dedication to boosting the local creative industry is “unmatched,” and that it will make a mark among many Filipinos.
“Tayo po’y nakikidalamhati sa pagpanaw ng tinitingala at beteranang aktres— ang Superstar na minamahal ng marami— Ms. Nora Aunor. Nakakalungkot na muli na namang nawalan ng hiyas ang ating industriya. Ang kanyang ‘di matatawarang kahusayan, dedikasyon, at pagmamahal sa sining ay mananatiling buhay sa puso ng bawat Pilipino,” he said.
(We share our sorrow over the death of a screen veteran whom we admire and a superstar loved by many, Ms. Nora Aunor. It makes me sad that we lost another gem in the industry. Her greatness, dedication, and love for art are unmatched, and it will remain alive in the hearts of every Filipino.)
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Richard Merk, one of Aunor’s former partners, said “there will never be another” person like the screen veteran, in a social media post.
“This is very sad. My sincere condolences to Ian, Matet, Lotlot, Kiko, and Kenneth. May her loving soul rest in holy peace. God bless you, Guy. Thanks for everything. Rest now, my dear. God will take care of you. There will never be another you. Our dearest superstar,” he wrote.
Eugene Domingo, on the other hand, took to her Instagram page to post a black-and-white photo of herself hugging Aunor.
“Ate, I will never ever forget you. Thank you. God bless you,” she said.
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While sharing a behind-the-scenes photo with the Superstar, Lovi Poe remembered her fondest memories with Aunor, saying she was one of the “most humble, gracious, and [kindest] human beings” she met.
“Despite her legendary status, she carried herself with such modesty — confident in her craft, yet never boastful. She worked with quiet strength, always professional, always prepared, and yet she had this loving, nurturing presence on set that made everyone feel seen and respected,” she said.
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“Ms. Nora was a guiding light in our industry — an example of how greatness can exist with humility. Her legacy will live on in our hearts, in the stories she told, and in the many lives she touched. Maraming salamat po (Thank you very much), Ate Guy. You will forever be remembered, honored, and loved,” she continued.
On the other hand, Ice Seguerra described Aunor as a “superstar” whose radiance will be remembered forever.
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“Paalam, pinakamaningning na bituin. Hayaan mong kahit saglit ang buong mundo’y dumilim. Luluhod ang araw, buwan, at mga tala. Habang tumatangis ang ulap sa iyong pagkawala,” he said. “Sa sandaling iyon ay aalalahanin, ang liwanag na ibinigay mo sa amin. Habang buhay, ikaw ang hihirangin, mananatiling pinakamaningning na bituin.
(Goodbye to a bright star. For a moment, we’ll allow the world to go dim. The sun, moon, and stars bow to you, while the clouds are crying over your loss. These moments are a remembrance of the light you had given to us. Forever, we will remember you, our brightest star.)
