PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. expressed his deepest condolences on the passing of National Artist for Film Nora Aunor, who died on April 16th at the age of 71. In a statement released Thursday, the President hailed Aunor as a “consummate actress, singer, and film producer” whose career spanned over five decades.
“I join the nation in mourning the passing of our National Artist for Film, Nora Aunor (Nora Cabaltera Villamayor in real life),” Marcos said. He lauded her extensive body of work, citing iconic films such as Banaue, Bona, Tatlong Taong Walang Diyos, Himala, Thy Womb, and The Flor Contemplacion Story as “forever part of our national heritage.”
The President highlighted Aunor’s numerous national and international awards, praising her “golden voice” and describing her genius as “a gift to the Filipino nation.” He offered his heartfelt condolences to her family, friends, and the film industry, adding, “Let us pray together for the eternal repose of the soul of our beloved National Artist.”
Aunor, proclaimed a National Artist in 2022, received widespread recognition for her extensive filmography and numerous awards from both local and international organizations. The National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) noted that her accolades exceeded even the impressive number of films she starred in.
Details regarding necrological services and a state funeral for the “Superstar” of Philippine cinema are expected to be announced in the coming days. The nation mourns the loss of a true icon.
