National Artist and Superstar Nora Aunor was laid to rest at Libingan ng mga Bayani in Taguig City on April 22, as family, friends, and supporters gathered to bid their final farewell.
Nora, 71, died of acute respiratory failure on April 16, according to her son Ian De Leon.
In addition to Ian, Nora’s adopted children, Lotlot, Matet, Kiko, and Kenneth De Leon, were among those in attendance.
Actress Janine Gutierrez, her brother Diego, Imelda Papin, and daughter Maffi Careon also mourned alongside the family.
Nora’s coffin received its final blessing before her children officially closed the casket. A crowd of fans and supporters joined Nora’s family as her casket was lowered into the grave shortly after 12:30 p.m., following a three-gun salute.
Ian received the Philippine flag as a keepsake for the next-of-kin after it was used during the funeral service.
Prior to the state funeral, celebrities remembered Nora’s life during a necrological service at the Metropolitan Theater in Manila.
At 11 a.m., Nora’s coffin was being taken to the Libingan ng mga Bayani in Taguig City, where fans waited and braved the scorching heat to attend the funeral of the movie star.
As fans awaited Nora’s remains, many were already in tears. However, one fan began playing “Pearly Shells,” and soon they all joined in singing and dancing to the song.
Honor guards carried Nora’s flag-draped casket, followed by her children Ian, Lotlot, Matet, Kiko, and Kenneth. A brief arrival ceremony was held at 8:30 a.m.
Fans and onlookers gathered along the side of the theater to pay their final respects to her.
At 9 a.m., the necrological service began with the National Anthem, sung by the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra. This was followed by a short mass and homily delivered by Fr. Carmelo Caluag.
Eulogies were given by fellow National Artist Ricky Lee, actor-director Joel Lamangan, and Charo Santos-Concio.
“Rebelde si Guy. Sa loob ng pitong dekada ay nilabanan niya ang status quo. Binago niya ang kolonyal na pagtingin na nagsasabi na mapuputi lang at matatangkad ang maganda sa puting-tabing. Ginampanan niya ang papel ng babae na palaban at makatotohanan,” said Ricky.
“Bago siya maging national artist maraming siyang pinagdaanan, hindi importante sa kanya ang kayamanan at pera. Ang pera ay pinamimigay niya sa mga taong nangangailangan at saksi ako dyan. Hindi ko man lang nasabi kay Ate Guy na isa siya sa mga pinaka importanteng tao sa buhay ko,” director Joel shared.
“Nora Aunor was even bigger than all her roles, higit pa sa mga karakter na kanyang binigyan ng buhay, binigyan niya ng pangarap ang milyong-milyong pilipino. Kahit saang probinsya ka man galing, anong hirap mo, Nora gave millions of Filipinos the most important gift: hope,” Charo mentioned.
Other national artists, including Ryan Cayabyab, Alice Reyes, and Ramon Santos, were present at the venue to show their respect for Nora.
Meanwhile, President Marcos declared April 22, 2025 as a day of national mourning over the passing of the national artist.
Marcos signed Proclamation No. 870 on Monday, April 21.
“[T]he passing of National Artist for Film and Broadcast Nora Cabaltera Villamayor, also known as Nora Aunor, is a great loss to the Filipino people and to the nation’s cultural and artistic community,” Marcos said in the proclamation. (Carissa Alcantara, with a report from Betheena Unite)
