Philippine Cinema Icon Nora Aunor Laid to Rest

National Artist Nora Aunor, the “Superstar” of Philippine cinema whose influence spanned film, television, music, and theater for over five decades, was laid to rest Tuesday at the Libingan ng mga Bayani (Heroes’ Cemetery) in Taguig City with full military honors.

The 71-year-old cultural icon died on April 16, 2025, due to acute respiratory failure, as confirmed by her son Kristoffer Ian De Leon, who announced her passing on social media describing her as “the heart of our family, a source of unconditional love, strength, and warmth.”

During Tuesday’s solemn ceremony, military personnel carried Aunor’s casket in a funeral march before her final interment. Her son Ian held the Philippine flag while delivering an emotional tribute that acknowledged the public’s role in his mother’s legendary status.

“She is the only Superstar because of all of you. She became a National Artist because of all of you,” De Leon said during the ceremony, which was streamed live by GMA Integrated News.

Born on May 21, 1953, in Iriga, Camarines Sur, Aunor rose to prominence after winning the national singing competition Tawag ng Tanghalan in 1967 on her second attempt. Her extraordinary career included hosting the musical variety show “Superstar” for 22 years and recording more than 500 songs with her cover of “Pearly Shells” becoming one of the best-selling singles in Philippine history.

Her film “Guy and Pip” with Tirso Cruz III remained in theaters for six months and was seen by more than four million Filipinos. Throughout her career, Aunor made over 180 films and garnered unprecedented international recognition, becoming the only Filipino actress to win international awards across five different continents.

The burial ceremony was attended by her immediate family, including her children Ian, Lotlot, and Matet de Leon, along with grandchildren such as actress Janine Gutierrez, as well as fellow artists like acclaimed screenwriter Ricky Lee and actress Iza Calzado.

Before her interment, a necrological service was held at the Metropolitan Theatre in Manila, organized by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) and the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP).

As Aunor was lowered to her final resting place, attendees threw white roses while her hit songs “Handog” and “Ikaw ang Superstar” played in the background, a fitting tribute to a woman whose artistic contributions were formally recognized when she was bestowed The Order of National Artists of the Philippines in 2022.

Her legacy extends beyond the arts in 2023, a new species of the flowering plant Begonia discovered in Surigao del Sur was named Begonia noraaunorae in her honor, cementing her cultural impact in yet another unexpected domain.