President Rodrigo Roa Duterte has named eight new National Artists of the Philippines, including “Superstar” Nora Aunor. The National Artist award is considered the highest honor given to Filipinos who have contributed to the Philippine arts.
Joining the “Superstar” as recently minted National Artists are National Marilou Diaz-Abaya for Film and Broadcasting/Broadcast Arts, Fides Cuyugan-Asensio for Music, Ricardo Lee and Gémino Abad for Literature, Tony Mabesa for Theater, Agnes Locsin for Dance and Salvacion Lim Higgins for Fashion.
In December 2013, Aunor was also selected as one of PeopleAsia magazine’s “People of the Year” awardees. In the interview, 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 she while she has lost count of all her accolades as an actress, she remains grateful for all the recognition.
Her rise to fame was phenomenal. At 4’11 “, the dusky actress shone her brightest in an industry that was dizzyingly filled with alabaster-skinned celebrities. Because of her color, many people identified with her and became her followers.
Her first movie was All Over the World in 1967 with Tawag ng Tanghalan archrival Jose Yap. In 1972, Nora won her first Best Actress trophy for the movie And God Smiled at Me from the Quezon City Film Festival. Critics began to notice that in the acting arena, Nora was a heavyweight, too. Her acting style follows no rules. “I act according to how my heart understands the role. I believe I am rich in experiences. I use them when I tackle a role,” she said.
