Philippine cinema icon and National Artist for Film and Broadcast Arts Nora Aunor has passed away following complications from a medical procedure, her son Ian De Leon confirmed.
Speaking to media at Heritage Park in Taguig, De Leon clarified earlier reports that suggested his mother died during surgery. “She was being operated on and after that she had a hard time breathing and eventually things went downhill from there. That’s why they had to do another procedure after that,” he explained.
De Leon, joined by siblings Lotlot, Matet, and Kenneth, extended heartfelt thanks to the Filipino public for their overwhelming support. “Uunahin niya ang ibang tao bago ang sarili,” he said. “Hinayaan niyang maging inspirasyon sa karamihan yung ginagawa niyang pagkanta, pag gawa ng pelikula… Tao rin ang nagbibigay ng pagmamahal sa kaniya.”
He added, “Kaya siya naging Superstar, kaya siya naging National Artist. Dahil yun sa pagmamahal, dahil yun sa binigay ng Panginoon at paniniwala kay Hesukristo.”
According to De Leon, the veteran actress passed peacefully on Wednesday evening “surrounded by those who love her the most.”
“We are profoundly grateful to everyone who has reached out with love, prayers, condolences,” he said. “Your messages are a powerful testament to how deeply she was cherished not just by us, but an entire nation.”
Aunor’s wake drew friends and colleagues from the entertainment industry, including Vilma Santos, Boots Anson-Roa, Senator Robin Padilla, and Nadia Montenegro. Devoted fans like Gie Tamayo and Tess Ocampo, who considered her more than just a celebrity, were also present in tears. “Napakabait po niya sa mga fans. Hindi niya tinuring na fans kundi pamilya,” Tamayo shared.
Ian De Leon said their family would carry on the values and legacy their mother left behind. “Kaya kami swerte namin, napakablessed namin dahil nagkaroon kami ng isang Nora Aunor, Nora Cabaltera Villamayor bilang ina.”
Nora Aunor, born in poverty in the Bicol region, rose to prominence as a teenage singing contest winner before captivating the nation through film and music. She starred in over 170 films, including the critically acclaimed Tatlong Taong Walang Diyos and Minsa’y Isang Gamu-gamo, and recorded several chart-topping hits like Pearly Shells.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. paid tribute, calling Aunor “a gift to the Filipino nation” and lauded her as “our consummate actress, singer, and film producer.” A state funeral has been confirmed by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts.
