PRESIDENT Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. declared Tuesday, April 22, as a Day of National Mourning over the passing of National Artist Nora Cabaltera Villamayor, more popularly known as Nora Aunor.
Malacanang released a copy of Proclamation No. 870, signed on April 21, which directs the hoisting of the national flag at half-staff from sunrise to sunset in all government buildings and installations throughout the Philippines and abroad on April 22.
Under Republic Act 8491 or the Flag and Heraldic Code of the Philippines, the flag shall be flown at half-staff on all buildings and places where it is displayed on the day of the interment of a recipient of the National Artist award “as a sign of mourning.”
Aunor, who passed away last April 15, was laid to rest at the Libingan ng mga Bayani at noon yesterday.
“The passing of National Artist for Film and Broadcast Nora Cabaltera Villamayor, also known as Nora Aunor, is a great loss to the Filipino people and the nation’s cultural and artistic community… the nation mourns and joins the family and friends of National Artist Nora Cabaltera Villamayor in this moment of grief and remembrance,” Proclamation 870 read.
It added that Aunor’s outstanding contributions to Philippine cinema, television, and music has left a lasting legacy on the nation’s collective memory and identity while her artistry, depth, and dedication as a performer elevated the standard of excellence in the fields of arts and culture, and inspired generations of actors, filmmakers, and audiences, both in local and international stage.
The President and First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, on Monday night, paid their last respects to Aunor, who is also known as the “Superstar” of Philippine cinema.
CORRALES, AUNOR HONORED
Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada filed separate resolutions honoring the lives and achievements of Pilita Corrales and Nora Aunor.
Senate Resolution No. 1336 seeks to recognize the “unparalleled legacy in music, television, and film” of Corrales or Pilar Garrido Corrales in real life, while expressing the Senate’s condolences and sympathies to her loved ones.
Corrales passed away in Cebu City on April 12. She was 87.
“Her immense talent has inspired generations of Filipino artists and her departure has left a void in the hearts of those who admire and look up to her not just as an artist but also as an empowered woman,” Estrada said in the resolution.
Estrada said Corrales’ career has spanned more than six decades in the Philippine entertainment industry, during which she made significant contributions to the local movie and music industry.
Corrales, also known as Asia’s Queen of Songs, was hailed as one of the country’s finest vocalists. She had recorded more than 135 albums in various languages, including Filipino, English, Spanish, and Cebuano.
“She captivated audiences both locally and internationally, winning the Best Performer Award at the Tokyo Music Festival in 1972, where she triumphed over legendary artists like Paul Williams and Olivia Newton-John. She was also the first Filipino singer and one of the first women to reach the top of the Australian pop charts, further cementing her global recognition,” Estrada said.
Estrada also filed Senate Resolution No. 1337 to honor the lifetime achievement of Nora Aunor and expressed the Senate’s “profound sympathies and condolences to her family on her passing.”
“Nora Aunor’s contributions to advancing the cause of Philippine arts and culture are as immeasurable as her local and international recognitions, but as secure as her undeniable talent,” Estrada said in the resolution.
“Her unquantifiable achievements in both local and international scenes propel her as one of the most awarded Filipino actors in history, bringing great pride, honor, and glory to the nation,” he added.
Aunor was born in Iriga City, Camarines Sur on May 21, 1953. She was known as “Ate Guy” in the entertainment industry as she rose from humble beginnings as a singer in the 1960s and transitioned to film stardom with her film debut “All Over the World” in 1967.
In 2022, Aunor was conferred the title of National Artist for Film and Broadcast Arts, cementing her place as of the nation’s most revered cultural treasures.
She has won multiple awards, including Best Actress from the Gawad Urian, FAMAS, Luna Awards, Metro Manila Film Festival, and PMPC Star Awards.
She was also honored with awards from Cannes, Venice, Cairo, Asian Film Awards, Asia Pacific Screen Awards, Singapore International Film Festival.
Among her famous movies include Minsa’y Isang Gamu-Gamo (1976), Bona (1980), Himala (1982), Bulaklak ng City Jail (1984), and Naglalayag (2004).
“As the nation mourns her passing, the Senate expresses its deepest sympathies to her family, colleagues, and countless admirers who cherished her work. A copy of the resolution will be provided to her bereaved family as a testament to the nation’s recognition of her extraordinary legacy,” Estrada said.
