What was fan culture like before the internet and digital age? Noranians share their experiences | ABS-CBN
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What was fan culture like before the internet and digital age? Noranians share their experiences
Family members as well as friends and relatives are joined by fans during the burial of National Artist for Cinema and Broadcast, Nora Aunor at the Libingan Ng Mga Bayani in Taguig City on April 22, 2025. Jonathan Cellona, ABS-CBN News
Family members as well as friends and relatives are joined by fans during the burial of National Artist for Cinema and Broadcast, Nora Aunor at the Libingan Ng Mga Bayani in Taguig City on April 22, 2025. Jonathan Cellona, ABS-CBN NewsMANILA — Long before hashtags trended and photocards became collectibles, years before fan wars played out in tweets and TikToks, there were already dedicated fandoms -- like the Noranians, supporters of National Artist for Film and Broadcast Arts Nora Aunor.
MANILA — Long before hashtags trended and photocards became collectibles, years before fan wars played out in tweets and TikToks, there were already dedicated fandoms -- like the Noranians, supporters of National Artist for Film and Broadcast Arts Nora Aunor.
They didn’t just admire the Superstar: they lived her journey and built a culture of unwavering devotion that has endured for decades.
They didn’t just admire the Superstar: they lived her journey and built a culture of unwavering devotion that has endured for decades.
For example, when news broke of Ate Guy’s passing, many of the fans who once filled the streets for a glimpse of her didn’t think twice about queueing once more—this time older, some frail from age or illness, for her public viewing.
For example, when news broke of Ate Guy’s passing, many of the fans who once filled the streets for a glimpse of her didn’t think twice about queueing once more—this time older, some frail from age or illness, for her public viewing.
They stood under the heat in a line that stretched to the gates of Heritage Park in Taguig City, all united by a resolve to show their love for their idol one last time.
They stood under the heat in a line that stretched to the gates of Heritage Park in Taguig City, all united by a resolve to show their love for their idol one last time.
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“Sabi ko nga, ’hangang ngayon pinapahirapan mo kami Ate Guy?’ Ganito din dati kahit sa sine… Ito na huling beses e, dapat solid Noranians pa din kami,” Minda said playfully.
“Sabi ko nga, ’hangang ngayon pinapahirapan mo kami Ate Guy?’ Ganito din dati kahit sa sine… Ito na huling beses e, dapat solid Noranians pa din kami,” Minda said playfully.
“Hindi pwede mawala kami rito. Kahit bumagyo, dapat andito kami, Nora Aunor is Nora Aunor,” Tita Paredes, who came from Biñan, Laguna said.
“Hindi pwede mawala kami rito. Kahit bumagyo, dapat andito kami, Nora Aunor is Nora Aunor,” Tita Paredes, who came from Biñan, Laguna said.
According to Tess Wilson, who immediately postponed her flight back to the U.S. upon reading the news, being a Noranian for her has always meant going the extra mile—sometimes quite literally.
According to Tess Wilson, who immediately postponed her flight back to the U.S. upon reading the news, being a Noranian for her has always meant going the extra mile—sometimes quite literally.
Prior to livestreams and accessible digital content, Wilson said they would go out of her way to visit film sets—just for a chance to see the Superstar in action.
Prior to livestreams and accessible digital content, Wilson said they would go out of her way to visit film sets—just for a chance to see the Superstar in action.
“Maliit pa lang ako noon, dalaga na siya. Nagpunta ako sa ABS-CBN para makita siya. Nahulog pa ako noon, pero pinilit ko pa din makita siya. Mula noon, wala na iba ako idol,” she recalled.
“Maliit pa lang ako noon, dalaga na siya. Nagpunta ako sa ABS-CBN para makita siya. Nahulog pa ako noon, pero pinilit ko pa din makita siya. Mula noon, wala na iba ako idol,” she recalled.
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“Kaya ito, kahit bagong opera tuhod ko, titiisin ko. Matiisin akong tao, sa kanya pa kaya,” she added.
“Kaya ito, kahit bagong opera tuhod ko, titiisin ko. Matiisin akong tao, sa kanya pa kaya,” she added.
Francesca Puno, who was first captivated by 14-year-old Aunor during her triumphant rise in Tawag ng Tanghalan in 1967, shared how she would brave crowds and chase rumors of the Superstar’s appearances just for a chance to see her in person.
Francesca Puno, who was first captivated by 14-year-old Aunor during her triumphant rise in Tawag ng Tanghalan in 1967, shared how she would brave crowds and chase rumors of the Superstar’s appearances just for a chance to see her in person.
“Pag parada na andoon siya, andoon kami. Wala ako barkada so mother ko kasama ko. Noranian din kasi yun,” she said.
“Pag parada na andoon siya, andoon kami. Wala ako barkada so mother ko kasama ko. Noranian din kasi yun,” she said.
But Puno revealed that she also went to great lengths to catch the Superstar beyond live events despite her limited finances.
But Puno revealed that she also went to great lengths to catch the Superstar beyond live events despite her limited finances.
“Tatawid pa kami ng bayan kasi makikinuod kami. Wala kami sarili TV. Nakikinuod pa kami,” she explained.
“Tatawid pa kami ng bayan kasi makikinuod kami. Wala kami sarili TV. Nakikinuod pa kami,” she explained.
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At a time when television was a luxury few Filipinos could afford, other Noranians shared they had to get creative to tune in and stay updated with Ate Guy’s projects such as “Superstar.”
At a time when television was a luxury few Filipinos could afford, other Noranians shared they had to get creative to tune in and stay updated with Ate Guy’s projects such as “Superstar.”
“Pag Superstar maaga pa lang magluluto na kami. Makikinuod kami sa bahay kahit magbabayad kami tig-25 centavos. Wala kasi kami sarili TV,” Bartolome Dizon shared.
“Pag Superstar maaga pa lang magluluto na kami. Makikinuod kami sa bahay kahit magbabayad kami tig-25 centavos. Wala kasi kami sarili TV,” Bartolome Dizon shared.
The musical variety show, where her loyal Noranians tuned in regularly, helped cement Ate Guys’s superstar legacy. She frequently serenaded audiences with her hits, which became anthems for Noranians.
The musical variety show, where her loyal Noranians tuned in regularly, helped cement Ate Guys’s superstar legacy. She frequently serenaded audiences with her hits, which became anthems for Noranians.
On the final day of her public viewing, for example, when just two Noranians began singing “Superstar ng Buhay Ko,” the crowd at the lobby of Heritage Park immediately and seamlessly joined in to echo the song as a tribute.
On the final day of her public viewing, for example, when just two Noranians began singing “Superstar ng Buhay Ko,” the crowd at the lobby of Heritage Park immediately and seamlessly joined in to echo the song as a tribute.
“Mahal na mahal namin siya,” fan Ramon Robles said.
“Mahal na mahal namin siya,” fan Ramon Robles said.
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IN-PERSON FAN WARS
Family, friends, and colleagues gather for the state necrological service for National Artist for Film and Broadcast Arts Nora Cabaltera Villamayor, organized by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts at the Metropolitan Theater in Manila, ahead of the state funeral at the Libingan ng mga Bayani on April 22, 2025. Mark Demayo, ABS-CBN News
Family, friends, and colleagues gather for the state necrological service for National Artist for Film and Broadcast Arts Nora Cabaltera Villamayor, organized by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts at the Metropolitan Theater in Manila, ahead of the state funeral at the Libingan ng mga Bayani on April 22, 2025. Mark Demayo, ABS-CBN NewsFor Dizon, Noranians were more than just fans—they were a tight-knit community united by a shared passion.
For Dizon, Noranians were more than just fans—they were a tight-knit community united by a shared passion.
"Kaya nagsikap na lang kami mag-ipon ng pera para makabili ng sariling TV para sa Superstar. Toshiba pa yun, black and white lang—pero para lang mapanood,” he reflected.
"Kaya nagsikap na lang kami mag-ipon ng pera para makabili ng sariling TV para sa Superstar. Toshiba pa yun, black and white lang—pero para lang mapanood,” he reflected.
According to Beneneng Cruz, she and her friends would often organize their own version of block screenings to collectively support Nora— but sometimes it came with a twist.
According to Beneneng Cruz, she and her friends would often organize their own version of block screenings to collectively support Nora— but sometimes it came with a twist.
“Nangyayare, pag may mga Vilma na sine, libre kami ng fans niya. Pag Nora, linilibre namin. Para makanuod sila. Yun lang minsan nagkaka-asaran. Hindi naman sabunutan, nagkakakurutan lang, minsan makakapikonan kasi,” she recalled with a laugh. “Kaya pag may ganyan— kahit may manliligaw ako pinag-aantay ko.”
“Nangyayare, pag may mga Vilma na sine, libre kami ng fans niya. Pag Nora, linilibre namin. Para makanuod sila. Yun lang minsan nagkaka-asaran. Hindi naman sabunutan, nagkakakurutan lang, minsan makakapikonan kasi,” she recalled with a laugh. “Kaya pag may ganyan— kahit may manliligaw ako pinag-aantay ko.”
Solid Noranians shared it was often in cinemas that they would clash with Vilmanians—fans of Vilma Santos. Because in the ’70s and ‘80s fandoms didn’t engage in ‘fan wars’ online: they faced off with each other in person.
Solid Noranians shared it was often in cinemas that they would clash with Vilmanians—fans of Vilma Santos. Because in the ’70s and ‘80s fandoms didn’t engage in ‘fan wars’ online: they faced off with each other in person.
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“Bata pa lang ako nakipagsabunutan ako sa Vilmanian. Pinaglalaban ko yan si Nora. Lahat ng pelikula gusto ko. Nasa puso ko siya. Umiiyak ako sa lahat ng palabas,” Norma admitted.
“Bata pa lang ako nakipagsabunutan ako sa Vilmanian. Pinaglalaban ko yan si Nora. Lahat ng pelikula gusto ko. Nasa puso ko siya. Umiiyak ako sa lahat ng palabas,” Norma admitted.
Before streaming platforms and rental sites were accessible, Noranians made sure they never missed a movie. For some, who couldn’t afford purchasing tickets on different weekends, they would make an entire day of watching the film on repeat to make the most of it.
Before streaming platforms and rental sites were accessible, Noranians made sure they never missed a movie. For some, who couldn’t afford purchasing tickets on different weekends, they would make an entire day of watching the film on repeat to make the most of it.
“Dati 'di ba pwede umulit sa sine. Mula umaga hanggang hapon kami, may baon kami pagkain,” Puno said.
“Dati 'di ba pwede umulit sa sine. Mula umaga hanggang hapon kami, may baon kami pagkain,” Puno said.
For fans, watching Ate Guy in the big screen was more than just entertainment—it was an experience. Lea Buñon and Perla shared that seeing “Himala” in 1982 for the first time left a lasting mark, one she still remembers.
For fans, watching Ate Guy in the big screen was more than just entertainment—it was an experience. Lea Buñon and Perla shared that seeing “Himala” in 1982 for the first time left a lasting mark, one she still remembers.
“Di ko makakalimutan eksena. Superstar talaga siya. Di ko malimutan. Talagang naiyak ako. Idol ko siya,” Perla said.
“Di ko makakalimutan eksena. Superstar talaga siya. Di ko malimutan. Talagang naiyak ako. Idol ko siya,” Perla said.
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“Noong nagsabi siya ‘Walang Himala,’ kinilabutan ako. Ramdam na ramdam ko nararamdaman niya. Hanggang ngayon, mararamdaman mo pa, ang galing niya umarte. I salute Ms. Nora,” Buñon added.
“Noong nagsabi siya ‘Walang Himala,’ kinilabutan ako. Ramdam na ramdam ko nararamdaman niya. Hanggang ngayon, mararamdaman mo pa, ang galing niya umarte. I salute Ms. Nora,” Buñon added.
SUPERSTAR'S MEMORABILIA
Along with the colorful stories of being a ‘Solid Noranian,’ several fans also carried faded scrapbooks and old magazine clippings—many of which they had started compiling in their teens or even as children.
Along with the colorful stories of being a ‘Solid Noranian,’ several fans also carried faded scrapbooks and old magazine clippings—many of which they had started compiling in their teens or even as children.
Before photo cards and photobooks, there were unique pages and handmade tributes, carefully crafted by fans using scissors and glue as their own special memorabilia.
Before photo cards and photobooks, there were unique pages and handmade tributes, carefully crafted by fans using scissors and glue as their own special memorabilia.
“Pag nasa Kislap magazine si Nora, bibili agad kami! Gugupitin namin yun, dadalin namin, Noranians na Noranians talaga,” Paz said.
“Pag nasa Kislap magazine si Nora, bibili agad kami! Gugupitin namin yun, dadalin namin, Noranians na Noranians talaga,” Paz said.
“Gumagawa ako ng album ni Nora. Kinukuha ko sa Liwayway, sa Kislap. Inilalagay ko sa album,“ she added0.
“Gumagawa ako ng album ni Nora. Kinukuha ko sa Liwayway, sa Kislap. Inilalagay ko sa album,“ she added0.
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Aunor left behind an iconic filmography—over 170 films that helped shape the landscape of Philippine cinema. Among the most beloved were Tatlong Taong Walang Diyos (1976), Minsa’y Isang Gamu-Gamo (1976), Bona (1980), Himala (1982), T-Bird at Ako (1982), The Flor Contemplacion Story (1995), and Thy Womb (2012).
Aunor left behind an iconic filmography—over 170 films that helped shape the landscape of Philippine cinema. Among the most beloved were Tatlong Taong Walang Diyos (1976), Minsa’y Isang Gamu-Gamo (1976), Bona (1980), Himala (1982), T-Bird at Ako (1982), The Flor Contemplacion Story (1995), and Thy Womb (2012).
But beyond the stories she brought to life, its her own extraordinary tale that truly solidified Noranians. Petite and morena, Aunor defied the odds—rising from selling peanuts and water by the railroad tracks to becoming the brightest star on the silver screen— at a time when tall, fair-skinned leading ladies molded after Hollywood ideals dominated the industry.
But beyond the stories she brought to life, its her own extraordinary tale that truly solidified Noranians. Petite and morena, Aunor defied the odds—rising from selling peanuts and water by the railroad tracks to becoming the brightest star on the silver screen— at a time when tall, fair-skinned leading ladies molded after Hollywood ideals dominated the industry.
“Idol ko 'yan si Ms Nora. Inspiration ko. Kasi walang impossible, lahat pwede mangyari. Galing din kasi ako sa hirap. Naging inspiration ko siya. Kahit papano may narating na ako at ang pamilya ko. Magaganda buhay,” Buñon tearfully shared.
“Idol ko 'yan si Ms Nora. Inspiration ko. Kasi walang impossible, lahat pwede mangyari. Galing din kasi ako sa hirap. Naging inspiration ko siya. Kahit papano may narating na ako at ang pamilya ko. Magaganda buhay,” Buñon tearfully shared.
“Mahirap siya dati, kapwa ko. Wala kami makain noong araw, katulad niya. Pero naging Superstar siya,” Wilson said.
“Mahirap siya dati, kapwa ko. Wala kami makain noong araw, katulad niya. Pero naging Superstar siya,” Wilson said.
For Noranians, even if their brightest and biggest star has dimmed, the National Artist will continue to be a beacon of hope and inspiration for them and the generations that will continue to draw strength from her legacy.
For Noranians, even if their brightest and biggest star has dimmed, the National Artist will continue to be a beacon of hope and inspiration for them and the generations that will continue to draw strength from her legacy.
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“Sabi nga nila, si Ate Guy ang himala ng kanyang panahon,” solid Noranian Dindo Paredes said.
“Sabi nga nila, si Ate Guy ang himala ng kanyang panahon,” solid Noranian Dindo Paredes said.
Nora Aunor passed away at the age of 71 last April 16. She was laid to rest on Tuesday at the Libingan ng mga Bayani in Taguig City, receiving full military honors befitting her status as a national artist.
Nora Aunor passed away at the age of 71 last April 16. She was laid to rest on Tuesday at the Libingan ng mga Bayani in Taguig City, receiving full military honors befitting her status as a national artist.
She is survived by her biological child, Ian, with former husband Christopher de Leon, as well as their four adopted children: Lotlot, Matet, Kiko, and Kenneth.
She is survived by her biological child, Ian, with former husband Christopher de Leon, as well as their four adopted children: Lotlot, Matet, Kiko, and Kenneth.
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