MANILA, Philippines – In honor of the country’s late Superstar and National Artist for Film and Broadcast Arts, a tribute program during the necrological services for Nora Aunor was held on Tuesday, April 22, at the Metropolitan Theater.
Family, artists, colleagues, government officials, friends, and long-time fans came together to celebrate the life and legacy of one of the most iconic figures in Philippine entertainment before her state funeral at the Libingan ng mga Bayani in Taguig City.
The program began with National Artists Ricky Lee, Ryan Cayabyab, Alice Reyes, and Ramon P. Santos offering flowers to the remains of the late Superstar Nora Aunor on stage, followed by a video compilation of Aunor’s career highlights, past interviews, and memories.
The tribute segment began with a eulogy from screenwriter Ricky Lee, National Artist for Film and Broadcast Arts, and Nora’s long-time collaborator. Lee recalled their early years of working together and the lasting impact of Aunor’s artistry.
“Guy was a rebel. For seven decades, she challenged the status quo. She broke the colonial idea that only fair-skinned, tall women were considered beautiful on the silver screen. She portrayed strong, truthful women — a nun, a prisoner, a lesbian, an NPA rebel, an OFW, a mistress, an illegitimate child, a rival in love, a helper, a sidekick, a villain, a Muslim, an Igorot, a Binukot, someone with dementia, even a murderer,” he said.
Afterwards, “Walang Himala” — written by Lee and Vincent de Jesus — was performed on stage by Aicelle Santos-Zambrano, accompanied by the Philippine Madrigal Singers and the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra.
Veteran director Joel Lamangan, who directed Aunor in several films, followed with a lively tribute, recalling her boldness and fearlessness both on and off camera. He also remembered her compassion and generosity.
“Maraming pagkakaton na si Ate Guy ay hindi naiintindihan ng maraming tao. Bago siya naging National Artist, marami siyang pinagdaanan. Hindi importante sa kanya ang kayamanan o pera,” Lamangan said in his eulogy on Tuesday.
(There were many times when Ate Guy wasn’t understood by a lot of people. Before she became a National Artist, she went through so much. Wealth or money was never important to her.)
Lamangan said that Ate Guy “gave what she had to those who needed it the most.”
The Philippine Madrigal Singers returned for a solemn interlude of “Handog” by Nora Aunor before Charo Santos-Concio, former ABS-CBN President and respected actress, took the stage to deliver a heartfelt and moving tribute.
As she began to work with the late Superstar, Santos-Concio remembered Aunor as someone who “remained simple, grounded, and humble,” and never attached to glamour, fame, or wealth. What mattered to her was “her dedication to her craft,” the way she gave back to her fans’ love.
Santos-Concio didn’t just see Nora as an actress; she and many others saw a “real person within every character.” Nora was “not afraid to look weak or ugly” and “not afraid of critics.” She gave her all in every role.
Aunor was said to have invented “mata-mata acting” — where one look could kill. Santos-Concio was the producer of Himala, where Aunor played the role of Elsa.
“It was the first time I worked with her, and I saw how her silence was louder than any scream. No camera tricks. No long discussions,” she said in Filipino.
“Pero puno siya. Buo siya. May kung anong hindi kayang ipaliwanag ng teknika. Hindi lang siya umaarte, nagiging siya. She becomes. She transforms. Hindi lang siya artista — isa siyang alagad ng sining. May lalim, may tapang, may puso. Parte ng proseso niya ang kanyang magic, ang kanyang madness. Alam mong may pinaghuhugutan — may lungkot, may apoy, may pagkabaliw. Pero sa likod ng madness na iyon, mayroong talino,” she added.
(Yet she was full. Complete. There was something about her that technique alone couldn’t explain. She didn’t act — she became. She transformed. She wasn’t just an actress, she was a true artist. With depth, courage, and heart. Her process included magic. And madness. You could feel her pain, her fire, her darkness. And within that madness — was genius.)
Angeline Quinto and Jed Madela then delivered a musical tribute, performing “Superstar ng Buhay Ko” by Sunny Ilacad Jr. and Chito Ilacad.
Aunor’s son Ian de Leon expressed his and his siblings’ gratitude to family, friends, loved ones, fellow artists, colleagues in the industry, the National Commission for Culture and the Arts, and the millions of supporters of their beloved mother for their support and presence.
“We have gathered this morning to celebrate an extraordinary life,” he said in Filipino.
Other speeches that expressed the impact of the entertainment icon’s legacy and the importance of her contributions to Philippine culture were given by NCCA Executive Director Eric Zerrudo and Cultural Center of the Philippines president Kaye Tinga, who led the final moments of remembrance.
NCCA Chairman Victorino Mapa Manalo delivered a message from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
On April 21, Marcos issued Proclamation No. 870 declaring April 22 as a “Day of National Mourning.”
“Her artistry, depth, and dedication as a performer elevated the standard of excellence in the field of arts and culture, and inspired generations of actors, filmmakers, and audiences, both in the local and international stage,” Marcos said in the proclamation signed on April 21, and released on April 22. – Rappler.com
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