NORA AUNOR, SUPERSTAR OF PHILIPPINE CINEMA,  DIES AT 71

NATIONAL artist and Philippine cinema’s superstar Nora Aunor has passed away at the age of 71.

Her passing was confirmed by her children Ian and Lotlot de Leon on Wednesday night.

“With deep sorrow and heavy hearts, we share the passing of our beloved mother, Nora C. Villamayor, ‘Nora Aunor who left us on today April 16, 2025 at the age of 71,” Ian’s social media post read.

“We love you, Ma. Alam ng Diyos kung gaano ka namin kamahal. Pahinga ka na po, Ma, nandito ka lang sa puso at isipan namin,” Ian, on a separate post on his Facebook account, said.

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.” he added.

Ian is the biological child of Aunor and actor Christopher de Leon who married in 1975. Their marriage was annulled in 1996.

Aunor and de Leon have four adopted children — Lotlot, Matet, Kiko, and Kenneth.

“She was a star not only on screen, but in the hearts of many—and stars like hers never stop shining,” Lotlot wrote on Instagram.

Matet, had a simple but moving tribute on Instagram: “I love you mommy.”

Born Nora Cabaltera Villamayor in Iriga City, Camarines Sur, Aunor burst onto the entertainment scene in the 1960s as a singer with a powerful, soulful voice.

Nora Aunor or Ate Guy starred in numerous iconic films throughout her career and one of those was her role as Elsa in “Himala” (1982), which was directed by Ishmael Bernal and competed at the Berlin International Film Festival.

In 1976, she won the Best Actress award at the Gawad Urian and FAMAS for the first time for her work in “Tatlong Taong Walang Diyos.” 

The veteran actress’ other notable films include Bona (1980), “Minsa’y Isang Gamu-Gamo” (1976), “Bulaklak sa City Jail” (1984), and “The Flor Contemplacion Story” (1995).

In June 2022, Aunor and seven other esteemed figures in Philippine arts and culture were conferred the Order of National Artist of the Philippines.

In 2013, she took home the “Best Actress” trophy at the annual Asian Film Awards in Hong Kong for her powerful portrayal of a midwife in the locally produced “Thy Womb.”

Celebrities took to social media to honor her memory.

In an Instagram Story, veteran actress Vilma Santos thanked and prayed for Aunor, who she worked with in “T-Bird at Ako” in 1982.

Hilda Koronel, who was Aunor’s co-star in “Beloved” (1985) and “Nakaw na Pag-ibig” (1980), also penned a heartfelt message for the late actress.

“You are now home with our Lord. What a big loss to our industry… but you will never be forgotten,” she wrote on Instagram.

Award-winning director and screenwriter Chris Martinez and film producer Noel Ferrer recognized Aunor’s impact on Philippine cinema.

The Directors’ Guild of the Philippines Inc. also honored Aunor.

Aunor’s wake is being held at the Heritage Park in Taguig City. A public viewing will take place on Saturday and Sunday while her interment is scheduled on April 22.