Supporters attend the state funeral of National Artist for Film and Broadcast Arts Nora Cabaltera Villamayor at the Libingan ng mga Bayani in Taguig City on April 22, 2025.  Jonathan Cellona, ABS-CBN News

MANILA — Superstar Nora Aunor meant the world to her adoring fans who made it a point to bid their farewell before she was laid to rest Tuesday.

Hundreds came to the Metropolitan Theater in Manila where the necrological services were held at 9 a.m.

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One of them was Roger Mendoza who brought with him his most prized possessions — four discs of his favorite Nora Aunor movies such as “Tatlong Taong Walang Diyos” and “The Flor Contemplacion Story.”

He also wore a shirt printed with Aunor’s face under a blue barong Tagalog.

“Pinangako ko noon sa sarili ko na kapag namatay siya kahit saan siyang lugar pupuntahan ko siya kasi bata pa ko Noranian na ko,” Mendoza said. “Nagustuhan ko 'yung golden voice niya, 'yun talaga ang unang naka-attract sa’kin.”

An avid singer, Mendoza sang “Handog” for his idol.

For others like Teresita Calderon, Aunor, who is also known as “Ate Guy,” was a symbol of hope who saved them from their problems.

Nora Aunor, superstar of Philippine cinema, passes away

“Parang pakiramdam ko namatay po ako nung nagkahiwalay po kami nung asawa ko. Siyempre po depressed ka, wala kang gana sa buhay. Pero nung naging active po ako sa fans club po ni Nora Aunor sumaya po ako, sumigla ang buhay ko, pakiramdam ko muli po akong nabuhay,” Calderon said.

Aida Doroja shared how Aunor helped her through her pregnancy.

“Noong naglihi po ako sa anak kong pangalawa, 1968, maski po hindi ako kumain, basta marinig ko po ang boses ni Nora Aunor, kasi wala po akong radyo. Tatakbo po ako sa kapatid ko maski malayo yung bahay pag narinig ko nang kakanta, busog na busog na po ako niyan, tuwang tuwa na ako niyan,” Doroja said. “Kaya 'yung anak ko ngayon medyo may boses din.”

Aunor’s former cook, Gemma Accasido, who spent a year working with her, also came to pay her respects.

“Mabait po saka 'pag may pera siya galante. Ano talaga siya 'yung generous. Sobrang generous niya. 'Yung tipong ano, 'yung kahit wala siya, 'yung kahit wala na siya, i-ano ka niya, pag kami ang lumalapit kahit kahuli-hulihang pera ibibigay,” Accasido said while fighting her tears.

Edwin Del Rosario proudly showed his photos with Aunor whom he assisted during her shoots in Bulacan.

“Sobrang bait. Pag kasama ko siya ang dami niyang kuwento, sobrang lambing,” Del Rosario remarked. “Kinuha ko siyang guest speaker sa isang event sa aming bayan, hindi siya nagpabayad.”

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Evelyn Baesa tried to line up the night before just to make sure she got a seat inside the Met, but was told to come back in the morning, which she did.

“Yung boses niya walang katulad,” Baesa said.

Supporters attend the state funeral of National Artist for Film and Broadcast Arts Nora Cabaltera Villamayor at the Libingan ng mga Bayani in Taguig City on April 22, 2025.  Jonathan Cellona, ABS-CBN News

Such was greatness of the Superstar that her fans come from all generations, even the Gen Z.

Seventeen-year-old Michielle Gabrielle Quiñones, who accompanied her grandmother and uncle, considers herself a Noranian.

“Yung acting niya is different po sa ways ng pag-acting nung ibang mga artist po in this generation,” Quiñones said. “Pagsasabi niya po ng lines niya 'yung emotions din po.”

Dwyane Oreste, who is 20 years old, looked up to Aunor for her invaluable contribution to the arts.

“May mga pelikula 'yang nagbubukas ng mata at isipan, naipapakita 'yung mga hindi pagkakapantay-pantay, 'yung mga kanser ng lipunan. 'Yun 'yung mga naipakita nila noon,” Oreste said.

For Vilma Illarina, Ate Guy’s story is one that resonates with the masses and moves them to also fight for their dreams.

“Dahil galing siya sa mahirap biglang nag-stand siya, naging Superstar,” Illarina said. “Inspiring po.”

Del Rosario added, “I love you, Ate Guy… Hindi ko makakalimutan lahat ng pinagsamahan natin. I love you and rest in peace.”

Only 290 seats were allotted for the fans inside the Met, but many patiently waited to see a glimpse of Aunor even if it meant spending hours under the scorching heat.

Some were left in tears upon seeing her casket. A couple were speechless.

At 11 a.m., Aunor’s remains were taken out of the Met, given departure honors, and escorted to the Libingan ng mga Bayani in Taguig City.

Her fans strained their necks to see the Superstar for the last time. They whispered words of gratitude for the years she spent with them. Some uttered prayers for the woman who changed their lives and became their idol, hero, and family.