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Lyka Nicart - The Philippine Star
April 22, 2025 | 12:00am
The National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) and the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) are leading the nation in honoring the life and legacy of National Artist for Film and Broadcast Arts, Nora Cabaltera Villamayor — also known as Nora Aunor — through a necrological service to be held today, April 22, at the Metropolitan Theater in Manila.
The tribute is part of the official state funeral rites for the late screen icon, who passed away on April 16 at the age of 71 due to acute respiratory failure.
The commemorative ceremonies will begin with arrival honors at 8:30 a.m., followed by a tribute program at 9 a.m., where colleagues, collaborators and admirers from various fields are expected to gather in remembrance. The day’s events will continue at the Libingan ng mga Bayani in Taguig City, where Aunor will be laid to rest among other national heroes and artists.
Widely regarded as the “Superstar” of Philippine cinema, Aunor’s groundbreaking career spanned decades, encompassing film, television, music and theater. She first captured the public’s attention after winning the popular television talent competition “Tawag ng Tanghalan” in 1967. Her subsequent appearances in shows like “Darigold Jamboree” cemented her rise to stardom, eventually earning her a place among the country’s most revered artists.
Aunor starred in a long list of acclaimed films that became touchstones of Philippine cinema. These include “Bona” (1980), which was recently featured as the closing film of Cinemalaya 2024; “Himala” (1982), a landmark work hailed for its social and spiritual themes; “Bulaklak sa City Jail” (1984); and “The Flor Contemplacion Story” (1995).
Many of these works were highlighted in the CCP’s “Cine Icons” program, underscoring Aunor’s continuing influence on multiple generations of filmmakers and viewers.
In 2022, she was conferred the Order of National Artist (Orden ng Pambansang Alagad ng Sining) by the Office of the President — the highest national recognition given to Filipino individuals who have made lasting contributions to the development of Philippine arts and culture.
The NCCA and CCP are encouraging the public to take part in the necrological service. Due to limited seating, a registration link will be made available on Monday through the official social media pages of the two cultural institutions.
For those unable to attend in person, the tribute will be livestreamed on the CCP and NCCA Facebook pages.
Meanwhile, news of Nora’s passing also made international headlines. Global media organizations such as NBC News, BBC News, CNN International, the Associated Press, The Straits Times, and the Los Angeles Times have reported on the loss of the Filipino legend, as well as her impact and legacy as a trailblazing artist from Southeast Asia.
Beyond the entertainment industry, tributes have also come from business and civic organizations. In a statement, the Federation of Filipino Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (FFCCCII), led by president Victor Lim, paid homage to Nora’s artistry and cultural significance: “The Federation of Filipino Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (FFCCCII) bids farewell to a luminary who transcended borders, cultures and generations — National Artist Nora Aunor. Her artistry was not merely performance; it was alchemy, turning the raw ore of human experience into gold.
“To the Filipino people, she was more than an actress — she was a vessel of their stories, a compass in times of moral fog. To our nation, she was a testament to how art can elevate a people, dignify their pain and immortalize their spirit. Today, the heavens weep for a star returned to its cosmic cradle, but her light lingers — in celluloid, in memory, in the heartbeat of a grateful nation.”
“The FFCCCII extends its deepest condolences to her family, friends, and the millions she moved. May her legacy endure as an inspiration, reminding us that even in darkness, art ignites the path forward.”
