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National Artist and beloved screen legend Nora Aunor was given a solemn and dignified send-off at the Metropolitan Theater on Tuesday, in a state tribute led by the NCCA and CCP. The well-organized program began and ended on time, unfolding with grace and reverence.
National Artist and Philippine cinema’s ‘Superstar’ Nora Aunor honored at The Metropolitan Theater in Manila. PHOTOS BY RENE H. DILAN
Aunor’s children Ian, Lotlot, Matet, Kiko and Kenneth de Leon. Ian said in his speech, ''As her children, we witnessed her unparalleled dedication and love for her craft. The one and only Nora Aunor is a shining example that true talent is not measured by wealth, surname, or social status. She is living proof that through hard work, perseverance, and wholehearted devotion to art, one can reach the highest of dreams — and beyond that, also touch the heart of an entire nation.'
Her casket arrived from The Heritage Park in the company of her children and grandchildren, as fellow artists, cultural icons, and longtime fans gathered to honor her memory.
Musical tributes moved the audience to tears, while an audio-visual reel of her most iconic roles was met with long, rousing applause.
National Artist Ricky Lee: '"She showed that the emotions of those on the margins of society matter, that there are voices that need to be heard. She chose not just to be a Superstar, but to be a true artist of the people. She gave shape to our emotions, direction to our aspirations, gave us hope, and taught us that we can fight for our dreams. She showed us the power we didn’t know ordinary people could have. She made the meaning of art real.'
Filmmaker Joel Lamangan: ‘I never even got to tell Ate Guy while she was alive that she was one of the most important people in my life. Because of her, I formed the belief that politics should truly be connected to, and benefit, the ordinary person. I came to believe that the truth must be spoken, because her emotions — those were the truths she felt. The truth should not be hidden, the truth must be spoken, the truth must be defended—that is what Nora Aunor, what her acting, tells us. Ate Guy will be a symbol of our art for generations to come.’
‘Himala’ producer Charo Santos-Concio: ‘It’s hard to say goodbye to someone who is etched in your heart. We can only find comfort in the truth that her memory is eternal. I know that Nora Aunor means so much more to so many — she is an empowered woman, a wife, a mother, a lover, an actress, a complicated person, a genius, a National Artist. But for us solid Noranians, Nora is our Ate Guy, our Superstar. She was a legend while she lived, and she will be immortal after she died.’
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Those who knew her best—from collaborators to fellow National Artists—offered eulogies that revealed not just her extraordinary talent, but also the humility, courage, authenticity and legendary kindess that defined her.
The following photo essay features highlights of their tributes, spoken with love for the Superstar whose legacy will forever shine.
