NATIONAL Artist for Film and Broadcast Arts Nora Aunor was honored Tuesday at the Manila Metropolitan Theater in a necrological service marked by music and memories that underscored her legacy as a cultural icon and the Philippines’ beloved “Superstar.”
Aunor was remembered by colleagues and family as a rebel, a fighter, an artist of the masses, and an unparalleled performer on stage and screen.
Three towering figures in Philippine cinema — fellow National Artist Ricky Lee, veteran director Joel Lamangan and producer-actress Charo Santos — shared personal anecdotes that painted a portrait of Aunor both as a legendary performer and a deeply human figure behind the camera.
Ricky Lee, a close friend and the screenwriter behind many of Aunor’s most iconic films including “Himala,” reflected on the emotional bond between Aunor and her audience.
“Alam ko kung bakit siya niyayakap ng mga tao,” said Lee. “Dahil sila si Guy,” he said.
She was fearless, broke stereotypes and challenged the norm, Lee said.
“Puno ng kontradiksyon si Guy. Simple pero kumplikado. Laging nakangiti pero sa loob ay maraming takot. Sobrang mahiyain pero sentro ng atensyon. Napakataas, nasa pedestal pero napakadaling maabot. Isang taong ordinaryo, pero ekstraordinayo,” he said.
Director Joel Lamangan, who admitted to frequent clashes with Aunor — often over her punctuality — nonetheless praised her singular talent.
He recalled their first meeting during a shoot where he played a goon chasing Aunor’s character. In the first take, she outran them all. In the second, he managed to catch her but failed to follow through with a scene requiring him to cut her hair.
“Tinitigan nya ako,” Lamangan share, “Na starstruck ako.”
Lamangan said he saw how Aunor shed one tear from her left eye —and she did, on cue and in one take. “Dun ako naging Noranian,” he shared.
He also addressed Aunor’s politics, calling it rooted in her truth. “Isa lamang ang consistent sa kanya — ang katumpakan at pagmamahal at pagpapahalaga sa mga nasa laylayan ng lipunan,” he said.
Lamangan was also witness to her unmatched generosity. She gave and gave and gave, he said, recalling how she often handed out her salary and hosted wrap parties for the crew.
Charo Santos, who produced “Himala,” spoke of being a fan even before their professional collaboration. She admired Aunor since her early days, having watched her rise from a “Tawag ng Tanghalan” champion to a national icon.
“Sa aming mga Noranian, Nora is our Ate Guy. Our Superstar. She was a legend while she lived. She will be immortal after she died,” Santos said.
Nora’s five children, led by Ian de Leon, acknowledged all the accolades and expressed appreciation for all who joined them in celebrating their mother’s legacy.
They also extolled their mother’s dedication to her art. “Bilang kanyang mga anak, kami po ay naging saksi sa kanyang walang kamatayang dedikasyon at pagmamahal sa kanyang sining. Nasaksihan namin kung paano siyang lumaban hindi lang para sa kanyang karera, kundi para sa mga kwentong nais nyang bigyang buhay, mga kwentong Filipino, totoo at makabuluhan.”
“Sa loob ng maraming dekada, hindi siya natakot, hindi sya umiwas sa mapanghamon na papel. Sa halip, niyakap nya…. Ang kanyang mga papel ay naging tulay upang maitaguyod ang pelikula higit pa sa libangan. Ang mga ito ay naging anyo ng paninindigan, mukha ng katotohanan at salamin ng ating lipunan. Sa bawat eksena, ginigising nya ang damdamin ng manonood, pinapaisip, pinaparamdam at pinapamulat.”
The necrological service began with the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra playing the national anthem under the baton of Herminigildo G. Ranera, followed by a prayer led by Fr. Carmelo Caluag.
National Artists Ryan Cayabyab, Alice Reyes, Ramon P. Santos and Ricky Lee offered flowers in tribute. Aicelle Santos, with the Philippine Madrigal Singers, performed “Walang Himala.” The Madz also sang “Handog,” conducted by Mark Anthony Carpio. Jed Madela and Angeline Quinto performed “Superstar ng Buhay Ko,” and the service closed with “Pahimakas” by the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra.
Following the tribute, family and friends proceeded to the Libingan ng mga Bayani in Taguig, where the National Artist was laid to rest.
