Lito Lapid (left) and Nora Aunor in Kastilyong Buhangin, 1980

Alyansa para sa Bagong Pilipinas senatorial bet, reelectionist Senator Lito Lapid gave a heartfelt message on the recent passing of his fellow showbiz icon, the "Superstar" Nora Aunor.

In extolling Aunor, Lapid gave a glimpse of just how esteemed a figure the actress was, especially among her colleagues in the industry.

"Si Nora ay isang tunay na propesyonal, mapagkumbaba, at puno ng malasakit sa kapwa. Ang kanyang pamana ay hindi matutumbasan at ang kanyang pagkawala ay isang malaking kawalan sa ating bansa," he said.

(Nora was a true professional—humble, compassionate, and dedicated to her craft. Her legacy is beyond measure, and her passing is an immense loss to our nation.)

"Inaalala natin siya bilang isang premyadong aktress, asawa, ina, alagad ng sining, at tunay na Filipina (We remember her as an award-winning actress, a wife, a mother, a devoted artist, and a true Filipina)," noted Lapid.

The senator recalled two films wherein he saw the "extraordinary brilliance" of the Superstar firsthand.

"Apatnapu’t limang taon na ang nakalilipas, ay nagtambal kami sa dalawang drama film na dinirek ng yumaong batikang direktor na Mario O’Hara. Kastilyong Buhangin noong 1980, at Gaano Kita Kamahal noong 1981. Doon ko namalas nang personal ang pambihirang galing ng isang Nora Aunor."

(Forty-five years ago, I had the privilege of working alongside her in two drama films directed by the late, esteemed director Mario O’Hara: Kastilyong Buhangin in 1980 and Gaano Kita Kamahal in 1981. There, I personally witnessed the extraordinary brilliance of Nora Aunor.)

Lapid further spoke of Aunor's acting talent, which immortalized her on the silverscreen particularly during its golden era.

"Mapa-arte man o kantahan, komedya man o drama, telebisyon man o pinilakang tabing, ang anking talento ni Nora Aunor ay nagningning ng higit sa kaninumang bituin sa kasaysayan ng ating bansa," he said.

(Whether in acting or singing, comedy or drama, television or the silver screen, Nora Aunor’s talent shone brighter than any star in our nation’s history.)

"Ang mahigit sa dalawandaang pelikula at palabas na tinampukan ni Nora Aunor ay hindi lamang nagbigay aliw sa ating mga kababayan, kundi nagsilbing liwanag na nagdala sa atin sa ginintuang panahon ng pelikulang Pilipino habang sinasalamin ang realidad ng buhay na siyang nagbigay kamulatan sa marami nating kababayan," added the actor-turned-politician.

(The more than two hundred films and shows she starred in did not just entertain the Filipino people; they served as a beacon that led us through the golden age of Philippine cinema while reflecting the realities of life, awakening awareness in many of our fellow countrymen.)

Lapid said that through her performances, Aunor "gave voice to the oppressed, the silent, and those who had lost theirs in society".

He aaid Aunor showed that "art is not just entertainment—it can be a powerful weapon to stir emotions, open minds, and drive change".

"Sa pamilya, mga kaibigan, at sa milyon-milyong tagahanga ni Nora Aunor—ipinaabot ko po ang ating taos-pusong pagdamay. Mabuhay ang alaala ng Superstar (To her family, friends, and the millions of fans of Nora Aunor—I extend my heartfelt sympathies. Long live the memory of the Superstar)," Lapid said.