Nora Aunor's friends, co-stars gather for last night of her wake

MANILA -- The final night of the late superstar and National Artist Nora Aunor's wake drew together her former co-stars, friends, and fans at the Heritage Park in Taguig City on Monday. 

The atmosphere was filled with both remembrance and sorrow as attendees shared stories and paid their last respects.

Among the notable figures was Cocoy Laurel, Aunor’s former loveteam partner and close friend, with whom she starred in classic films like “Lollipops and Roses” and “Impossible Dream.”

Deborah Sun, who worked alongside Aunor in “Beloved” (1985) and “Bilangin ang Bituin sa Langit” (1989), also attended, reflecting on their shared cinematic history.

Rosanna Roses, another frequent collaborator, dropped by to pay her respects.

Comedian Ai Ai Delas Alas was among the last to depart, while veteran singer and former Camarines Sur Vice Governor Imelda Papin expressed profound grief.

“Ang laking kawalan sa ating movie industry at music industry dahil talagang mahal na mahal naman siya ng ating mga kababayan at dapat nating ipagmalaki siya ay isang National Artist superstar, idol nating lahat at pwede kong sabihin na isa ako sa pinaka maswerteng kaibigan niya,” Papin said.

Other attendees included singers Darius Razon, Ernie Garcia, actress Daisy Romualdez, and Maribeth Bichara.

Portia Ilagan, a close friend, spoke of Aunor’s deep personal connection. 

“Mahirap kalimutan lahat ng mga pinagsamahan namin ni ate Guy pero isa ako sa mga pinaka-lucky,” Ilagay said.

“Tulad ng awitin niya na 'I’ll never find another you,' I don't think we’ll ever find another Nora Aunor in the coming years to come at kung meron man, palagay ko poor copy lang kasi para sa akin, sa amin mga nagmamahal sa kanya–iisa lang ang superstar dito sa Pilipinas,” Ilagan added.

Earlier that evening, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos paid their respects.

Aunor’s dedicated fans, Will and Rannie, traveled from Cavite, having previously visited on Saturday. Despite attending the public viewing, they returned for the final night, hoping for a last moment with their idol.

“Gusto namin ma-attend-an dahil nga last night ngayon pero naututwa naman kami kasi nagkaroon pa kami ng chance makapasok pa sa chapel at nakapagpaalam sa aming idol si ate Guy,” he said.

Rannie, who also visited on Saturday morning, explained, “Syempre huling araw na ni ate Guy. Mamimiss namin siya huling araw namin siya makikita kaya pumasok ulit kami sa loob." 

"Natutuwa ako at nagkaroon tayo ng superstar na katulad ni ate Guy. Malaki ang ambag sa industriya at napaka inspiring talaga ng kwento niya,” he said.