The Philippines is in mourning following the passing of National Artist and cultural icon Nora Aunor last April 16 due to acute respiratory failure.
Revered as the “Superstar” and beloved across generations, the death of Aunor – or Ate Guy as she is often referred to by friends and fans — sent shockwaves not just in local showbiz, but through the hearts of countless Filipinos whose lives she touched with her artistry and generosity.
From fellow actors and collaborators to fans and friends, tributes continue to pour in — each one a testament to Ate Guy’s immense influence both on-screen and off.
Singer-actor-director Ice Seguerra conveyed his grief through a poem: “Paalam, pinakamaningning na bituin
Hayaan mong kahit saglit ang buong mundo’y dumilim
Luluhod ang araw, buwan, at mga tala
Habang tumatangis ang ulap sa iyong pagkawala
“Sa sandaling iyon ay aalalahanin
Ang liwanag na ibinigay mo sa amin
Habang buhay, ikaw ang hihirangin
Mananatiling pinakamaningning na bituin.”
Actor-producer Alfred Vargas, who starred alongside her in “Pieta,” shared a deeply personal tribute which he posted on Instagram:
“This scene was taken from one of Ate Guy’s last ever films, ‘PIETA.’ I played, Isaac, her long ‘lost’ son. When Isaac finally returned home he was greeted by a mother who couldn’t remember anything anymore. Instead of surprising his mother, he ended up the one being surprised… for the wrong reasons.
“’Pieta’ is a story about love, family, truth, mistakes and forgiveness. This was a painful but loving scene at the same time. Painful because Rebecca, Nora Aunor’s character, the mother of Isaac, couldn’t recognize her son at all. Loving because she still showed how much she cared for and loved her son despite the incomprehensible situation.
“Ate Guy, working with you has been one of the greatest honors of my life. As an actor and as a human being you have touched my heart. You have taught me so much without saying anything and you have inspired me tremendously by mentoring me through our scenes together. ‘PIETA’ will always be one of the most special and favorite films l’ve done my entire life because of you. The most important lesson I learned from you is that: TRUE STARS SHINE BECAUSE OF THEIR HUMILITY AND GENEROSITY IN EVERYTHING THEY DO AND WHOEVER THEY MEET. Sa’yo ko naramdaman ito nang sobra, Ate Guy.
“Maraming salamat dahil tinanggap mo ako sa puso mo at nagkaroon ako ng chance to work at makilala ang ONE AND ONLY SUPERSTAR that we will ever have…
“As a tribute to our one and only SUPERSTAR, I’m planning to show ‘PIETA’ in selected SM Cinemas nationwide, for free, later this year. Para mapanood ng Noranians ang isa sa mga pinakahuling obra ni Ms Nora Aunor…”
Megastar Sharon Cuneta posted her tribute to Nora Aunor on Instagram: “Still so unbelievable… The Superstar has left us… Your legacy shall continue to inspire even generations to come. Thank you, Ate Guy, for sharing your life and immense talents with us all. May you rest in peace in God our Father’s arms. Our National Artist. Our Superstar. Showbiz will never be the same without you.”
And Vilma Santos, considered to be Nora’s screen rival, but also a dear friend and kumare, wrote: “Our sincerest condolences and prayers. Rest in Peace, Mare. Ms. Nora Aunor! Our Superstar and National Artists… Maraming Salamat!”
Superstar Nora Aunor’s remains lie in state at The Chapels at Heritage Park in Taguig. Interment is scheduled for tomorrow, April 22, at the Libingan ng mga Bayani in Barangay Western Bicutan, Taguig.
