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'Salamat, Ate Guy': National Artist and Superstar Nora Aunor laid to rest in final farewell

Published Apr 22, 2025 04:45 am

At A Glance

  • Prior to the state funeral, celebrities remembered Nora's life during a necrological service at the Metropolitan Theater in Manila.
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Superstar Nora Aunor (Nora Aunor National Artist)

National Artist and Superstar Nora Aunor was laid to rest after a state funeral at the Libingan ng mga Bayani in Taguig City on April 22, as family, friends, and supporters gathered to bid their final farewells.

Nora, 71, died of acute respiratory failure on April 16, according to her son Kristoffer Ian De Leon.

In addition to Ian, Nora's adopted children, Lotlot, Matet, Kiko, and Kenneth De Leon, were among those in attendance. Actress Janine Gutierrez, her brother Diego, Imelda Papin, and daughter Maffi Careon also mourned alongside the family.

Nora's coffin received its final blessing before her children officially closed the casket. A crowd of fans and supporters joined Nora's family as her casket was lowered into the grave shortly after 12:30 p.m., following a gun salute.

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National Artist and Superstar Nora Aunor's coffin arrives at the Libingan ng mga Bayani in Taguig City.

Ian received the Philippine flag as a keepsake for the next-of-kin after it was used during the funeral service.

Prior to the state funeral, celebrities remembered Nora's life during a necrological service at the Metropolitan Theater in Manila.

Honor guards carried Nora's flag-draped casket, followed by her children Ian, Lotlot, Matet, Kiko, and Kenneth. A brief arrival ceremony was held at 8:30 a.m. Fans and onlookers gathered along the side of the theater to pay their final respects to her.

At 9 a.m., the necrological service began with the national anthem, performed by the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra. This was followed by a short mass and homily delivered by Fr. Carmelo Caluag.

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Family members of National Artist and Superstar Nora Aunor prepare to close their mom's casket

Eulogies were delivered by National Artist Ricky Lee, actor-director Joel Lamangan, and actress-producer Charo Santos-Concio.

"Rebelde si Guy. Sa loob ng pitong dekada ay nilabanan niya ang status quo. Binago niya ang kolonyal na pagtingin na nagsasabi na mapuputi lang at matatangkad ang maganda sa puting-tabing. Ginampanan niya ang papel ng babae na palaban at makatotohanan. (Guy was a rebel. For seven decades, she fought against the status quo. She changed the colonial view that only tall and fair-skinned women were beautiful on screen. She played the role of a woman who was both feisty and realistic)," said Ricky.

"Bago siya maging national artist maraming siyang pinagdaanan, hindi importante sa kanya ang kayamanan at pera. Ang pera ay pinamimigay niya sa mga taong nangangailangan at saksi ako dyan. Hindi ko man lang nasabi kay Ate Guy na isa siya sa mga pinaka importanteng tao sa buhay ko. (Before she became a national artist, she went through a lot, and wealth and money are not important to her. She gives money to people in need. I am a witness to that. I didn't even tell Ate Guy that she is one of the most important people in my life)," director Joel shared.

"Nora Aunor was even bigger than all her roles, higit pa sa mga karakter na kanyang binigyan ng buhay, binigyan niya ng pangarap ang milyong-milyong Pilipino. Kahit saang probinsya ka man galing, anong hirap mo, Nora gave millions of Filipinos the most important gift: hope. (Nora Aunor was even bigger than all her roles, more than the characters she gave life to; she gave dreams to millions of Filipinos. No matter what province you come from, no matter how hard it is, Nora gave millions of Filipinos the most important gift: hope)," Charo mentioned.

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Kristoffer Ian De Leon, son of Nora Aunor, receives the Philippine flag used in the funeral service

Other national artists, including Ryan Cayabyab, Alice Reyes, and Ramon Santos, were present at the venue to show their respect for Nora.

Aicelle Santos performed "Walang Himala" while Angeline Quinto and Jed Medela sang "Ang Superstar ng Buhay Ko."

At 11 a.m., Nora's coffin was being taken to the Libingan ng mga Bayani in Taguig City, where fans waited and braved the scorching heat to attend the funeral of the movie star.

Many fans were in tears as they held her photos and sang songs in tribute. Fans expressed their gratitude when her remains finally arrived at the Libingan ng mga Bayani. "Salamat, Ate Guy. (Thank you, Ate Guy)," some supporters said.

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Nora Aunor's coffin at the Metropolitan Theater in Manila

Nora, whose real name is Nora Cabaltera Villamayor, was born on May 21, 1953,  in Iriga, Camarines Sur. She rose to fame when she won the grand finals during the Tawag Ng Tanghalan in 1967.

She starred in critically acclaimed movies like "Himala," "Bona," "The Flor Contemplacion Story," "Tatlong Taong Walang Diyos," "And God Smiled At Me," "Bulaklak Sa City Jail," "Thy Womb," and more.

With her commitment to her art, Nora became a successful recording artist and one of the most celebrated actresses in Philippine cinema.

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Kristoffer Ian De Leon delivers a message during a necrological service for his mother National Artist and Superstar Nora Aunor

Ian thanked the fans and friends who supported his mom all these decades.

"Bilang kanyang mga anak, kami po ay naging saksi sa kanyang walang kapantay na dedikasyon at pagmamahal sa kanyang sinning. Nasaksihan namin kung paano siya lumaban hindi lang para sa kanyang karera, kundi para sa mga kwentong nais niyang bigyang buhay. Naging national artist siya ng dahil sa inyong lahat. Maraming salamat. (As her children, we witnessed her unparalleled dedication and love for his work. We witnessed how she fought not only for her career, but for the stories she wanted to bring to life. She became a national artist because of you. Thank you)," he said.

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