The local film industry is in mourning following the death of Nora Aunor at 71.
Considered Philippine Cinema’s greatest, the one and only Superstar, also known simply as Ate Guy, succumbed to acute respiratory failure on Holy Wednesday.
Not a few celebrities took to social media to express grief over her untimely passing.
Charo Santos referenced her oft-quoted line from “Himala” in a post.
“Walang himala… Ang Himala ay nasa puso ng tao,” She wrote, adding, “And in the heart of every Filipino, there lives a deep love for one woman—The Superstar, Nora Aunor.”
“Today, we say goodbye to a legend, but her voice, her brilliance, and her soul-stirring performances will echo forever.”
Ricky Lee, who wrote “Himala,” posted, “Walang hanggang pasasalamat, Ate Guy.”
He also shared a photo of Elsa, Nora’s character in the film, and a quote from the movie: “Kung wala na ang lahat, kung kalansay na lang tayo, ang matitira na lang ay ang sinasabi mong sining.”
Tirso Cruz III, the other half of the Guy and Pip tandem, posted a bible quote, sending prayers and condolences to Nora’s family.
“Your contribution to the industry will always be remembered,” he added.
Vilma Santos, considered Nora’s biggest screen rival in the 70s and 80s, offered condolences for the late actress.
“Rest in peace, mare, Ms Nora Aunor!” she wrote. “Our Superstar and National Artist… Maraming Salamat!”
Hilda Koronel, related in a post, “We were discussing a project with her just before I left for home with Direk Adolfo (Alix)…”
“What a big loss to our industry… you will never be forgotten,” she added.
Bianca Umali, who worked with Nora recently via “Mananambal,” wrote: “Hindi po ako titigil na idolohin ka para sa pagmamahal, dedikasyon at husay na ipinamalas mo sa industriya ng pelikulang Pilipino. Hanggang sa muli po, nanay. Paalam.”
Lovi Poe, who admitted to learning a lot working with Nora in “Thy Womb,” praised her as “a true legend.”
“Ms. Nora was a guiding light in our industry — an example of how greatness can exist with humility. Her legacy will live on in our hearts, in the stories she told, and in the many lives she touched,” she wrote.
Judy Ann Santos, who joined Nora in several film outings in the past, said the actress was among those “pinakamakumbaba, pinaka hinahangaan ng nakararami…”
She then stated: “Walang sinuman ang makakapalit sa estado at galing mo.”
Jo Berry, who played Nora’s daughter in “Onanay” posted a photo of them together, writing, “Mahal kita Nay! Maraming Salamat po sa lahat. Hindi kita makakalimutan.”
The Directors’ Guild of the Philippines, Inc. also honored Nora in a statement: “To her fans, she was Ate Guy, but more than that, she was the voice of the voiceless, the face of the everyday Filipino, and the spirit of a people that refuses to be forgotten.”
Of course, there are many others.
Fans from all over the world also showered Nora with praise, remembering her not only for her talent but also her kindness, generosity.
One noted how Nora made it all possible for them to “dream big.”
“That it is okay to be morena, to be petite, to come from the province…and make it big.”
Nora, born Nora Cabaltera Villamayor in Camarines Sur, no doubt, touched a lot of lives.
Prior to making it big, she sold water, snacks to train passengers.
Eager to carve a better life for herself and her family, she would go on to join tons of singing contests in and around her hometown, eventually breaking it big as Tawag ng Tanghalan winner in 1967.
Gaining fame as a recording artist, Nora would soon conquer TV, movies, amassing more than 200 credits, earning a slew of acting awards along the way.
She was named National Artist for Film and Broadcast Arts in 2022.
