Celebrating the life of Nora Aunor

DETAILS about the funeral service for Philippine cinema legend Nora Aunor was released today.

In an Instagram story posted by the late Superstar’s daughter, actress Lotlot De Leon, she disclosed that the remains of Aunor are currently at the Chapels 7, 8, and 9 of Heritage Park.

A schedule of services was also posted, stating that April 17, Thursday, is dedicated solely for the family of the late actress, with a mass to occur at 8 o’clock in the evening.

Friends can come visit on Friday, April 18, from 1 o’clock in the afternoon to 12 midnight. A mass will be held at 7 o’clock in the evening.

The family will also open the viewing to the public on Saturday and Sunday, April 19 and 20, from 10 in the morning to 4 in the afternoon. The evening, meanwhile, will be dedicated once again to family and friends, as well as on April 21, Monday.

Aunor will be laid in her final resting place on Tuesday, April 22. It was indicated that the internment will be at the Libingan ng mga Bayani. However, further details like the time for the state funeral were not disclosed yet.

Messages of love

Love for the legendary actress came pouring in on social media.

Among them is actress and granddaughter of Aunor, Janine Gutierrez. In her Instagram post, she called her a “treasure” of their family. She also asks for prayers as they mourn the loss of her grandmother.

It will be remembered that barely a week ago, Gutierrez’s paternal grandmother, Asia’s Queen of Songs Pilita Corrales, passed away.

Lovi Poe, who starred with Aunor in the film Thy Womb, penned a heartfelt message on her social media. She called the late actress “one of the most humble, gracious, and kind human beings” she has met.

Meanwhile, actress Nadia Montenegro shared a look at the setup of Aunor’s wake. A portrait of the late actress is on one side of the casket, while a painting of Aunor’s Elsa from Himala is on the other.

Meanwhile, on their respective social media pages, veteran broadcaster Marc Logan and legendary actress Hilda Koronel shared that they were in talks with Aunor for separate projects.

Logan said that they were in the process of creating a radio show titled Nagmamahal Ate Guy on DWAN 1206 AM, where he is the station manager. While Koronel shared that they were discussing a project with director Adolfo Alix, Jr. In 1985, Koronel shared the silver screen with Aunor in the movie Beloved.

In a video posted by GMA’s Lhar Santiago, Vilma Santos, who was once considered by many as the ‘rival’ of Aunor, was among the firsts to visit the late actress’ wake.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. also released a statement to share his condolences to the family, friends, and the movie industry where Aunor flourished for more than half a century.

“Her golden voice was a balm for all. Her genius was a gift to the Filipino nation,” the president said, acknowledging the Superstar’s contribution to the Philippine entertainment industry as an actress, singer, and film producer.

Passed away peacefully

In a press conference held at the Heritage Park today, Aunor’s children – Ian, Lotlot, Matet, and Kenneth – thanked their mother’s supporters and friends for their love. In a joint statement delivered by Ian, he said that the actress died peacefully on April 16, “surrounded by those who love her the most.”

They also clarified that Aunor did not die during an operation.

“She was being operated on and after that, she had a hard time breathing and eventually, all things went downhill from there. And that’s why they had to do another procedure after,” Ian said on behalf of his siblings.