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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Nora, Pilita, Gloria, Margarita to receive Presidential Medal of Merit

Nora, Pilita, Gloria, Margarita to receive Presidential Medal of Merit

Published Apr 23, 2025 02:00 am

At A Glance

  • In a text message to reporters, Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro said the posthumous recognition, set to take place at Malacañan's Rizal Ceremonial Hall, "is confirmed."

President Marcos is set to confer the Presidential Medal of Merit on four iconic Filipino women—Gloria Romero, Nora Aunor, Pilita Corrales, and Margarita Fores—on May 4, Malacañang confirmed.

pilita, nora, gloria, margarita

In a text message to reporters, Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro said the posthumous recognition, set to take place at Malacañan's Rizal Ceremonial Hall, "is confirmed."

The Presidential Medal of Merit serves as a symbol of the highest appreciation for those who have dedicated their lives to enriching Philippine culture and bringing honor to the country.

Gloria Romero, dubbed the Queen of Philippine Cinema, died in January 2025 at the age of 91. President Marcos expressed his sorrow at her passing, describing Romero as a brilliant artist and a "very fine person."

"I was deeply saddened to hear of the passing of one of Philippine cinema's great icons. I first met Gloria Romero on the set while filming Iginuhit ng Tadhana, and have been an admirer of her work as an actress ever since. She was always a great lady with the dignity of a true star," he said.

Margarita Fores, who died on Feb. 11, was a renowned chef and restaurateur, recognized for her efforts in promoting Filipino cuisine globally. She was 65. Fores was celebrated for her contributions to the Philippine culinary scene.

Pilita Corrales, known as Asia's Queen of Songs, died on April 12 at the age of 85. Her contributions to the music industry were recognized with numerous awards, including the 2024 Billboard Philippines Women in Music Icon Award.

Meanwhile, National Artist for film and Broadcast Arts Nora Aunor died on April 16 at the age of 71 due to acute respiratory failure. In a message, President Marcos described her as a highly skilled performer whose genius was a "gift to the Filipino nation."

"I join the nation in mourning the passing of our National Artist for Film, Nora Aunor (Nora Cabaltera Villamayor in real life). Throughout her splendid career that spanned more than 50 years, she was our consummate actress, singer, and film producer," he wrote.

In honor of her legacy, President Marcos declared April 22, 2025, a Day of National Mourning. Marcos even visited the wake of the late Superstar.

Related Tags

Bongbong Marcos Gloria Romero Nora Aunor Presidential Medal of Merit President Marcos Pilita Corrales Margarita Forés
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