Colleagues, movie press, fans mourn passing of Nora Aunor

MANILA — The late Superstar Nora Aunor’s contributions to the Philippine entertainment industry were honored by her colleagues, members of the movie press, and fans, who visited her wake on Friday at the Heritage Park in Taguig City.

Philippine Move Press Club (PMPC) president Mell Navarro considers Aunor “a Philippine cultural icon” and a “legend,” not only in Philippine cinema, but also in local music, television and theater.

“Siya ang ultimate. She can be dubbed as the greatest actress of all time… in Philippine cinema. Sobrang laki ng impact ng kawalan niya. Isang era has ended. She is a truly legendary actress and inspiration sa maraming tao. Hindi lang sa industriya, pati sa buong Pilipinas. She has touched so many lives,” Navarro said.

“Sana ang kanyang legacy ay magpatuloy… Sana mapanood ng new generation ang kanyang mga pelikula… Sana ay matutunan din nila ang nai-pundar ni Ate Guy sa daigdig ng pelikula. Gawing libro, gawing pelikula ang kanyang buhay, gawing documentary. Sabi ni Direk Joel Lamangan, mayroon siyang binubuo na Nora Aunor story… na isusulat ni Ricky Lee,” he shared.

Navarro said Aunor inspired him to be an entertainment reporter in 1992, adding that the late Superstar was “very amiable” to the press. 

Emma Joson, who has been a Noranian, or a fan of Aunor, for nearly six decades, said the actress was also nice to her fans. Joson was emotional as she remembered her idol.

“Mahal na mahal ko siya. Hindi ko siya malilimutan… Mabait siya kasi. Pag tinawag mo siya, kakawayan ka, masaya na kami noon. Masakit, malungkot, kasi wala nang Nora Aunor, at wala nang artista sigurong katulad niya,” she said.

Actor Bayani Agbayani, whose mother was also a Noranian, said the actress had set the bar high in acting.

“Kung wala ang isang Nora Aunor, malamang walang magagaling na aktres na umiidolo sa kanila,” he said.

Screen veteran and ABS-CBN executive Charo Santos and film director Joel Lamangan also paid their respects to the superstar on Friday.

While the public will remember Aunor for her contributions to the entertainment industry, her family will remember her generosity and willingness to help others.

Aunor's daughter, actress Lotlot de Leon, asked for prayers for her mother and thanked those who condoled with their family.

“All her life, she’s devoted to the public, to her work. Kahapon, sabi naming magkakapatid, kaht ilang araw, sa amin lang siya. But… we’re very grateful to everyone. We’re grateful to everyone for loving her, for honoring her, and for the love… Sa kanila din kami kumukuha ng lakas, kaming magkakapatid,” she said in tears.

“A lot of people can testify on my mom’s generosity, hindi lang sa craft niya, kung 'di sa lahat ng bagay. That’s why she’s really loved by plenty. ‘Yung pagiging genuine niya, and malambing niya sa lahat, the way she helps others also, walang kwestyon ‘yun, so I think each one who has also known and been with my mom can testify to that. Maraming maraming salamat. I am asking lang for everyone’s prayers for us and for my mom,” de Leon added.

“Her memory will live on with everything she’s done for the industry. That alone speaks for the work she has done and how great she is. Kaming mga anak, we’ll just try our best… we will never be able to match her work. No one will be able to match her work. She’s the only Superstar,” she noted.

Aunor died on Wednesday, April 16. Public viewing is scheduled on April 19 and 20 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. A mass and state funeral will be held for the late Superstar on April 22.

Nora Aunor, superstar of Philippine cinema, passes away

LOOK: Nora Aunor's remains now at Heritage Park