Philippines
National
Senate resolutions seek highest honor for Philippine 'Superstar’ Nora Aunor, 'Asia’s Queen of Songs’ Pilita Corrales
Senate resolutions seek highest honor for Philippine 'Superstar’ Nora Aunor, 'Asia’s Queen of Songs’ Pilita Corrales
Two resolutions seeking to honor the life and achievements of National Artist for Film and Broadcast Arts Nora Aunor, and Asia’s Queen of Songs, Pilita Corrales, have been filed in the Senate.
In filing Senate Resolution No. 1337, Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada sought the Senate’s recognition for Nora Aunor’s contributions to “advancing the cause of Philippine arts and culture.”
Estrada said her contribution in the country’s arts and culture scene “is as immeasurable as her local and international recognitions, but as secure as her undeniable talent.”
“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,” the senator stressed.
Lovingly known to generations of fans as “Ate Guy,” she was born Nora Cabaltera Villamayor on May 21, 1953 in Iriga City, Camarines Sur. She rose from humble beginnings as a singer in the 1960s and transitioned to film stardom with her debut in All Over the World (1967).
She went on to become one of the most decorated and iconic figures in Philippine cinema.
She was conferred the prestigious title of National Artist for Film and Broadcast Arts in 2022, solidifying her place in history as one of Philippine’s most revered cultural treasures.
She also earned numerous Best Actress awards from prestigious institutions such as the Gawad Urian, Filipino Academy of Movie Arts and Sciences Awards (FAMAS), Luna Awards, the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) and PMPC (Philippine Movie Press Club) Star Awards during her seven-decade career.
More than the national recognition, Aunor’s talent also got global recognition with awards from Cannes, Venice, Cairo, Asian Film Awards, Asia Pacific Screen Awards, Singapore International Film Festival and many other prestigious events.
“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.
“With her passing on April 16, 2025, at the age of 71, Nora Aunor’s legacy as the one and only ‘Superstar’ of Philippine Cinema will forever be etched in history,” he added.
Estrada, likewise, sought the Senate’s highest commendation for “Asia’s Queen of Songs” Pilita Corrales in recognition of her unparalleled legacy in music, television and film.
Pilita Corrales, born as Pilar Garrido Corrales on August 22, 1937 in Cebu City, passed away on April 12, 2024, at the age of 87. She was hailed as one of the country’s finest vocalists.
“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 Senate Resolution No. 1336.
Her illustrious career spanned over six decades, during which she made significant contributions to the Philippine entertainment industry, the lawmaker noted.
Estrada noted the more than 135 albums Corrales recorded in various languages including Filipino, English, Spanish, and Cebuano, showcasing diversity and Filipino artistry.
“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,” Estrada said.
“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,” he added.
Her talent also brought her to renowned stages such as Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, Carnegie Hall in New York, and the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., proving her dominance on the international stage.
“She was celebrated not only for her vocal prowess but also for her signature backbending pose while singing high notes, a unique trademark that endeared her to millions,” he said.
Her timeless hits, such as “A Million Thanks to You” and “Kapantay ay Langit,” remain deeply ingrained in the hearts of her admirers, noted the senator.
The resolution also seeks to recognize the numerous accolades she amassed, including awards from Cecil, Aliw, Tinig, Awit, and FAMAS, as well as a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Philippine Association of the Record Industry, Inc. (PARI) for elevating Filipino musical artistry globally.
“The resolution also recognized Corrales as a trailblazer who inspired generations of Filipino artists with her immense talent and empowered countless individuals through her artistry,” Estrada said.