Nora Aunor (Facebook)
Iriga City pays tribute to its most beloved daughter, National Artist Nora Aunor, with a two-day celebration and the project presentation of the Ate Guy Theatre and Auditorium (AGTA) .
The first Nora Aunor Day begins today, May 20, and runs until tomorrow, May 21. The City Government of Iriga through its tourism office, is organizing the event. Some of the late national artist's fans, friends and family are expected to attend.
Local talents will take part in several contests beginning tonight at the Iriga City Park. These include acting, singing, songwriting and poetry inspired by the films, songs and legacy of the late Superstar.
Tomorrow, May 21 is the late actress' birthday and the city will commemorate it with a motorcade around the city and the staging of the "Superstar Variety Show." Winners of the May 20 competitions will also be announced.
Mayor Rex C. Oliva has stated in a press release that the proposed Ate Guy Theatre is envisioned to promote Iriga as a film tourism and cultural heritage destination.
The project is planned on a 3,000-square-meter city-owned property in Barangay San Agustin and is designed to host performances, professional film screenings, workshops, conferences, civic events, and creative industry activities.
AGTA is estimated to cost ₱40 million, with a proposed ₱18 million grant from the Department of Tourism and a ₱22 million counterpart from the City Government of Iriga.
Once completed, it will benefit around 10,460 artists, filmmakers, and performers from Iriga and neighboring towns by providing a professional platform for training, exhibitions, and creative presentations.
Photos courtesy of Iriga City Tourism Office
Born Nora Cabaltera Villamayor, Aunor rose from humble beginnings in Iriga City to become one of the most important figures in Philippine cinema and music. Known to generations of fans as Ate Guy, she became a cultural phenomenon through her voice, screen presence, and deeply emotional performances.
Her journey as a young girl selling water at the train station in Iriga to winning "Tawag ng Tanghalan" and gaining national stardom remains one of the most inspiring stories in Philippine entertainment. Three years before her death on April 16, 2025, she was named National Artist for Film and Broadcast Arts.