Tributes Pour In to Honor Nora Aunor, the Philippine Entertainment Industry's Superstar and National Artist | ABS-CBN

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Tributes Pour In to Honor Nora Aunor, the Philippine Entertainment Industry's Superstar and National Artist

Tributes Pour In to Honor Nora Aunor, the Philippine Entertainment Industry's Superstar and National Artist

Grace Libero

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Updated Apr 17, 2025 04:02 PM PHT

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It is a sad time for the local entertainment industry, as "Superstar" Nora Aunor, National Artist of the Philippines for Film and Broadcast Arts, passed away on April 16, 2025 at the age of 71. Her daughter, Lotlot de Leon, announced her passing through a social media post.

The family's statement read: "It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Nora Aunor, our beloved mother, celebrated television and movie actress, and a true National Artist of the Philippines. Born on May 21, 1953, she touched generations with her unmatched talent, grace, and passion for the craft. Her voice, presence, and artistry shaped a legacy that will never fade. 'She was a star not only on screen, but in the hearts of many—and stars like hers never stop shining.'”



Multi-awarded actress Nora Aunor—a legend on television, cinema, music, and even stage—touched many people's lives throughout her almost six decades in showbiz. Her remarkable contributions to the industry are remembered through iconic portrayals in films like Bona (1980), Himala (1982), Bulaklak Sa City Jail (1984), The Flor Contemplacion Story (1995), Bakit May Kahapon Pa? (1997), and Thy Womb (2012). All these and more led to her defining what it means to be a superstar during her time and even today, inspiring both her contemporaries and the younger generation of artists who saw her body of work and had the honor of acting alongside her. 

Tributes for the one and only Nora Aunor, also known as Ate Guy, have been pouring in on social media, giving us glimpses of what a truly passionate, talented, and kind-hearted person she was. 

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Matet de Leon shared photos with her mother during her wedding. "I love you mommy," she captioned.



Kristoffer Ian de Leon expressed how much they love their mother, whom they consider "the heart" of their family. "We love you Ma.. alam ng Diyos kung gano ka namin ka mahal.. pahinga ka na po Ma.. nandito ka lang sa puso at isipan namin..," he posted on Facebook. In a separate post, Ian wrote, "She was the heart of our family — a source of unconditional love, strength, and warmth. Her kindness, wisdom, and beautiful spirit touched everyone who knew her. She will be missed beyond words and remembered forever."




Charo Santos-Concio—host of Maalaala Mo Kaya, a drama anthology in which Nora appeared—penned a lengthy tribute, which she started with the veteran actress' famous lines in the movie Himala: "'Walang himalaAng himala ay nasa puso ng tao.' And in the heart of every Filipino, there lives a deep love for one woman—The Superstar, Nora Aunor."

She added, "Nora, salamat sa sining. Salamat sa puso. You were never just an actress. You were our mirror. Our voice. And always, our Superstar."



Eugene Domingo, who starred in the stage adaptation of the movie Bona, said that she will never forget Nora, her "Ate."

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Rochelle Pangilinan, who worked with Nora in the series Onanay, shared a collection of videos and photos with the Superstar, honoring the only actress she and her mother admired. Rochelle wrote, "Sa nagiisang hinangaan namin ng nanay ko mula pagkabata ko. Hindi ko ineexpect na ibibigay ni God ang pagkakataon na makatrabaho at makilala ka. Napakabait sa fans, generous sa lahat at napakabuting tao."



"The Diamond Star" Maricel Soriano also took to social media to remember her colleague and friend. Sharing a photo of them hugging each other, Maricel kept her caption short and heartfelt. "MAMA GUY MAHAL NA MAHAL KITA."



On Instagram Stories, "The Star for All Seasons" Vilma Santos shared her sincerest condolences and prayers to Nora's family. She wrote, "Rest in peace, Mare. Ms. Nora Aunor! Our Superstar and National Artist... Maraming Salamat!"



Eula Valdes reposted a photo of her with Nora when they both won the 2014 Cinemalaya Best Actress Award—it was in the New Breed Category for the movie Dagitab for Eula, while Nora was recognized for the movie Hustisya in the Director's Showcase Category.



"Rest in peace, Ate Guy," Rita Avila posted on social media, sharing a collage of photos with the National Artist while also expressing her sadness for the passing of the other entertainment pillars, "the brightest shining stars," Gloria Romero and Pilita Corrales.

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Although they didn't get to act together, Zsa Zsa Padilla had fond memories of Nora Aunor, whose works she discovered through her grandmother. "I got to know Nora Aunor through my Lola. Sunday nights in our little compound in San Juan meant heading to her house to watch Superstar. That became our bonding ritual—and my introduction to Ate Guy," Zsa Zsa shared. 



Director Adolfo Alix, Jr., who worked with Nora in the movies The Villain (her first film role as an antagonist) and Pieta, is heartbroken for having lost someone who was like family to him. "More than the great actor that she is, I consider her to be family. Our long conversations about her life and her experiences filming some of the great Filipino classics are priceless. I am glad that she opens up to a lot of things about her beyond her life as an actor. Hers is not always a wonderful life but she wins them with her faith and perseverance," the director shared. 



"Her light lives on—forever loved, never forgotten," Lotlot de Leon shared, following up her post with the funeral service details:



Lead photo from @charosantos

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