National Artist for Film and Broadcast Nora Aunor passed away at 71 years old, according to a social media post made by her son Ian De Leon on Wednesday night. “We love you, Ma… Alam ng Diyos kung Gano ka namin kamahal. Pahinga ka na po Ma. Nandito ka lng sa puso at isipan namin,” wrote Ian.
One of PeopleAsia’s “People of the Year” awardees in January 2014, Nora Cabaltera Villamayor — also known as Nora Aunor — was recognized for her contributions to Philippine music and film.
In an interview published in PeopleAsia’s Dec 2013-Jan 2014 issue, she said: “My parents taught me to always be respectful, not to say bad words about other people.” She also revealed to writer Büm Tenorio Jr. that while she has lost count of all her accolades as an actress, she remains grateful for all the recognition she has received.
Born in Iriga City, Camarines Sur, she had her humble beginnings as a peanut vendor at the Bicol Express Train Station. Her poverty-stricken childhood did not deter her from pursuing a career in singing, as she would later on win the Tawag ng Tanghalan in 1967. Her vocal prowess earned her the nicknames “Girl with a Golden Voice” and “Princess of Songs.” She later made a name for herself as one of the country’s most bankable leading ladies, leaving many to dub her as the Philippines’ first “Superstar.”
In 2022, Nora was recognized as a National Artist for Film and Broadcast Arts by President Rodrigo Duterte. The actress who popularized the iconic line “Walang himala” from the 1982 film Himala, among others, has an impressive filmography spanning 170 films, including “Bulaklak sa City Jail” in 1984 and “Tatlong Taong Walang Diyos” in 1976. An equally extensive discography includes more than 500 songs, and her 1971 rendition of “Pearly Shells” became one of the best-selling singles in Philippine music history.
Nora Aunor is survived by one biological child Ian de Leon, and four adopted children — Lotlot, Matet, Kiko and Kenneth.
According to the National Commission for Culture and the Arts, Aunor will be honored with a state funeral when she is laid to rest at the Libingan ng mga Bayani on April 22. Fans and the general public, on the other hand, may view the late ‘Superstar’ on April 19 and 20 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at The Chapels at Heritage Park, Taguig.
