Louella Albornoz (left) and Nora Aunor. Photo courtesy of Angeles

Veteran actress Louella Albornoz Angeles, long remembered as Nora Aunor’s comedic and heartfelt on-screen sidekick, is mourning the passing of not just a co-star, but a true-life sister and soulmate.

Their friendship goes back to the 1970s, when both actresses were part of the Philippine Educational Theater Association or PETA, a creative breeding ground that shaped an entire generation of Filipino artists. 

Together, they shared stages and sets with now-legendary names like Lino Brocka, Maryo J. de los Reyes, Jake Tordesillas, Soxie Topacio, and Bernardo Bernardo.

"We all came up in the same theater scene," Angeles recalled. "We were just kids then, acting in whatever project came our way—TV, theater, film—you name it."

Among their most beloved collaborations were cult classics like "Annie Batungbakal," "Bongga Ka 'Day," and "Totoo Ba ang Tsismis" — films that captured the spirit of the era and made household names out of their ensemble casts.

But for Angeles, her most unforgettable role came not from a script, but from a real-life moment orchestrated by Aunor herself.

"I got married because of Ate Guy," she said with a mix of laughter and gratitude. "I wish I could say because Andrew proposed to me, but no — the only reason I am married is because of Ate Guy!"

It was Holy Week in 1981, in Aunor's hometown of Iriga, Bicol. The Superstar woke up a priest in the middle of the night, bought the wedding rings herself, and arranged for Angeles and Andrew to be married right then and there — at her resort, with her entire town present.

"We were with director, scriptwriters, cinematographers — it was just like the movies, complete with background actors, food galore, setting — you would think we were filming a scene for a movie," she said. 

That impromptu wedding on April 14, 1981 led to a lifelong bond that included being godmothers to each other's children — Matet for Angeles, Stephen for Aunor — and sharing everything from homes to heartbreaks.

Aunor (center) at the baptism of Angeles' child. Photo courtesy of Angeles

"She made me promise: 'Huwag kayo maghihiwalay' (Don't ever separate)," Angeles shared. "And to make sure, she flew the entire family—Andrew, Steve, and me—to the US in 1984 and told us, 'Round trip ticket ito. It's up to you what you want to do.'"

From drinking Fundador brandy together in Rallos, to late-night laughs and years of friendship in South San Francisco, theirs was a relationship that blurred the line between real and reel life.

"I doubled for her. Now I'm double her," Angeles said, tearfully reflecting on the loss. "For a sidekick, I'm not even at her side right now."

Angeles, still based in South San Francsico, wishes she could have traveled to bid farewell in person, a painful irony for someone who once shared everything with the Superstar.

"I thank God for her role in my life," she said. "I thank her for portraying a role in my life. She is so good to us."

As the Philippine entertainment industry says goodbye to its beloved Superstar, Angeles offers a more intimate farewell — one rooted in love, laughter, and a friendship that could've only been written by life itself.

'Paalam at salamat': Nora Aunor finally laid to rest