Filipino film icon and National Artist Nora Aunor has died at the age of 71. Her son, actor Ian de Leon, confirmed her passing through an emotional announcement on Facebook on Wednesday, April 17.
“She was the heart of our family—a source of unconditional love, strength, and warmth. Her kindness, wisdom, and beautiful spirit touched everyone who knew her. She will be missed beyond words and remembered forever,” Ian wrote.
Details surrounding her death will be shared on Thursday, according to his post.
In another heartfelt message, Ian expressed his deep sorrow and love for his mother:
“We love you Ma.. alam ng Diyos kung gano ka namin ka mahal.. pahinga ka na po Ma.. nandito ka lang sa puso at isipan namin.”
Her daughter, Matet de Leon, also paid tribute to her mother on Instagram, posting photos from her wedding.
“I love you, mommy,” she wrote simply, capturing the grief her family and fans felt.
Known to millions as the “Superstar,” Nora Aunor was named National Artist for Film and Broadcast Arts in 2022. Her career spanned decades, marked by powerful performances in critically acclaimed films such as “Himala,” “Bona,” and “Minsa’y Isang Gamu-gamo.”
Among her final film appearances were “Mananambal,” alongside Bianca Umali, and “Pieta,” where she starred opposite Alfred Vargas. In 2023, she also appeared in the GMA Afternoon Prime series “Lilet Matias: Attorney-at-Law,” reuniting with Jo Berry, her co-star from the 2018 drama “Onanay.”
Beyond acting, Aunor was also beloved for her soulful singing voice. Her renditions of “Pearly Shells” and “Tiny Bubbles” became timeless classics in Filipino music history.
Nora Aunor married fellow actor Christopher de Leon in 1975. Although they eventually separated and had their marriage annulled in 1996, they shared five children: Ian, Lotlot, Matet, Kiko, and Kenneth.
The nation mourns the loss of a cultural icon whose legacy will forever be etched in the history of Philippine arts and entertainment.
Paraluman P. Funtanilla
Paraluman P. Funtanilla is Tutubi News Magazine's Marketing Specialist and is a Contributing Editor. She finished her degree in Communication Arts in De La Salle Lipa. She has worked as a Digital Marketer for start-up businesses and small business spaces for the past two years. She has earned certificates from Coursera on Brand Management: Aligning Business Brand and Behavior and Viral Marketing and How to Craft Contagious Content. She also worked with Asia Express Romania TV Show.
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