Latest news with #NationalCommissionforCultureandtheArts
GMA Network
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- GMA Network
Robin Padilla wants Freddie Aguilar declared as national artist
Senator Robinhood Padilla has filed a proposed resolution seeking to declare late musician Freddie Aguilar as a national artist. In filing proposed Senate Resolution (SR) No. 1364, Padilla cited Aguilar's significant contributions to the Philippine music and culture and said he should be honored in accordance with Sec. 15, Art. XIV of the Constitution, as well as Presidential Proclamation 1001. "Ferdinand Pascual Aguilar, also known as Freddie Aguilar, who was born on Feb. 5, 1953, rose to fame in the late 1970s for his powerful and heartfelt compositions using folk rhythms and kundiman music," Padilla said in his resolution. "Given his achievements and contributions, Freddie Aguilar must be considered by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) and the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) for recommendation to the President as one of the country's national artists," he added. Freddie Aguilar succumbed to multiple organ failure. He was 72. The Filipino singer and songwriter was survived by Jovie, and his four children from his previous marriage: Maegan, Jonan, Isabella and Jeriko. Regarded as one of the pillars and icons of OPM (Original Pilipino Music), Aguilar is best known for his hit song 'Anak' which became an international hit and was translated into 51 languages. More of his hit songs include 'Bulag, Pipi At Bingi,' and 'Magdalena,' among many others. — Sundy Locus/RSJ, GMA Integrated News
Observer
19-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Observer
Philippine film legend Nora Aunor dies aged 71
Nora Aunor, considered by many Filipinos as their country's greatest actor and singer, has died aged 71, the government and her family said Thursday. Proclaimed a "National Artist for Film and Broadcast Arts" by the Philippines in 2022, the once child snack vendor will be honoured with a state funeral. "It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Nora Aunor, our beloved mother, celebrated television and movie actress," her adopted daughter Lotlot de Leon announced Thursday on her Instagram page. The cause of death, which took place Wednesday, was not disclosed. Aunor starred in 170 films and got her first break when cast in 1967's "All Over the World", a typical teen comedy of the era. With a darker skin tone compared to the half-Caucasian actors that dominated local cinema at the time -- Aunor brought a relatability to audiences, earning her the nickname Ate guy, or big sister guy. She would become a sensation as part of a studio-manufactured "love team" with actor Tirso Cruz III. Together they were known as "Guy and Pip". Critical acclaim followed nearly a decade later with starring roles in the dramas "Tatlong Taong Walang Diyos" ("Three Years Without God") and "Minsa'y Isang Gamu-gamo" ("Once a Moth"), both released in 1976. - 'Splendid career' - Aunor also recorded hundreds of songs, including 1971's "Pearly Shells", said to be one of the Philippine's top-selling singles ever. On Thursday, President Ferdinand Marcos described her as "a gift to the Filipino nation", and the government's National Commission for Culture and the Arts said she would receive a state funeral. Aunor's daughter Leon later posted on Instagram that the funeral will take place on April 22 at the National Heroes Cemetery. "Throughout her splendid career that spanned more than 50 years, she was our consummate actress, singer, and film producer," Marcos said. "Her golden voice was a balm for all. Her genius was a gift to the Filipino nation." The fourth of five children from a family in the poverty-stricken Bicol region southeast of Manila, Aunor, born Nora Villamayor, helped the family make ends meet by selling cold water and snacks at a train station. Her grandmother taught her to sing, and at 14, she won a nationwide singing contest. She married Filipino actor Christopher de Leon in 1975, and the couple had one biological child and four adopted children before separating two decades later. Aunor later immigrated to the United States, and in 2005 was arrested at Los Angeles International Airport for drug possession. She underwent a court-directed drug diversion programme that kept her out of prison. She returned to Manila in 2011 to resume her acting and singing career. —AFP
USA Today
17-04-2025
- Entertainment
- USA Today
Nora Aunor, most awarded actress in Filipino cinema, dies at 71: 'Touched generations'
Nora Aunor, most awarded actress in Filipino cinema, dies at 71: 'Touched generations' Actress Nora Aunor, known as one of the Philippines' most prominent stars, has died at 71. Aunor's death on April 16 was announced by her daughter, fellow actress Lotlot de Leon, on Instagram the same day. "It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Nora Aunor, our beloved mother, celebrated television and movie actress, and a true National Artist of the Philippines," de Leon captioned a black-and-white photo of the late star. "She touched generations with her unmatched talent, grace, and passion for the craft. Her voice, presence, and artistry shaped a legacy that will never fade." No cause of death has been given. Aunor is thought to be the most awarded actress in Filipino cinema, with multiple lifetime achievement awards and several international awards, including an Asian Film Award for best actress. The record-breaking singer and theater actress was known for the Filipino films "Bona" and "Taklub," both shown at Cannes International Film Festival; "Himala," the biopic "The Flor Contemplacion Story," "Andrea, Paano Ba ang Maging Isang Ina?" and "Thy Womb," which was shown at Venice International Film Festival. She also starred in the television series "Bituin," "Little Nanay," "Onanay" and "Bilangin ang bituin sa langit." Aunor's final acting credit, for "Lilet Matias, Attorney-at-Law," came in 2024. The Philippines' National Commission for Culture and the Arts announced on social media that Aunor would be given a public funeral and ceremony. The film and television star was granted the country's Order of National Artist by the Office of the President in the field of Film and Broadcast Arts in 2022. "The 'Superstar' has an extensive filmography of more than 170 films," the commission wrote. "This number is exceeded only by the number of awards and citations she has received from local and international organizations." Aunor is survived by her five children, including actors Lotlot de Leon, Ian de León and Matet de Léon-Estrada. "She was a star not only on screen, but in the hearts of many—and stars like hers never stop shining," Lotlot de Leon continued. "Her light lives on—forever loved, never forgotten."
Gulf Today
17-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Gulf Today
Philippines film legend Aunor passes away at 71
Nora Aunor, considered by many Filipinos as their country's greatest actor and singer, has died aged 71, the government and her family said on Thursday. Proclaimed a "National Artist for Film and Broadcast Arts" by the Philippines in 2022, the once child snack vendor will be honoured with a state funeral. "It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Nora Aunor, our beloved mother, celebrated television and movie actress," her adopted daughter Lotlot de Leon announced on Thursday on her Instagram page. The cause of death, which took place on Wednesday, was not disclosed. Aunor starred in 170 films and got her first break when cast in 1967's "All Over the World," a typical teen comedy of the era. With a darker skin tone compared to the half-Caucasian actors that dominated local cinema at the time - Aunor brought a relatability to audiences, earning her the nickname Ate guy, or big sister guy. She would become a sensation as part of a studio-manufactured "love team" with actor Tirso Cruz III. Together they were known as "Guy and Pip." Nora Aunor appears during the photo call for the film 'Sinapupunan' at the 69th edition of the Venice Film Festival in Venice. File / AP Critical acclaim followed nearly a decade later with starring roles in the dramas "Tatlong Taong Walang Diyos" ("Three Years Without God") and "Minsa'y Isang Gamu-gamo" ("Once a Moth"), both released in 1976. Aunor also recorded hundreds of songs, including 1971's "Pearly Shells," said to be one of the Philippine's top-selling singles ever. On Thursday, President Ferdinand Marcos described her as "a gift to the Filipino nation," and the government's National Commission for Culture and the Arts said she would receive a state funeral. Aunor's daughter Leon later posted on Instagram that the funeral will take place on April 22 at the National Heroes Cemetery. "Throughout her splendid career that spanned more than 50 years, she was our consummate actress, singer, and film producer," Marcos said. "Her golden voice was a balm for all. Her genius was a gift to the Filipino nation." The fourth of five children from a family in the poverty-stricken Bicol region southeast of Manila, Aunor, born Nora Villamayor, helped the family make ends meet by selling cold water and snacks at a train station. Her grandmother taught her to sing, and at 14, she won a nationwide singing contest. She married Filipino actor Christopher de Leon in 1975, and the couple had one biological child and four adopted children before separating two decades later. Aunor later immigrated to the United States, and in 2005 was arrested at Los Angeles International Airport for drug possession. She underwent a court-directed drug diversion programme that kept her out of prison. She returned to Manila in 2011 to resume her acting and singing career. Agence France-Presse
Filipino Times
17-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Filipino Times
Marcos mourns death of national artist Nora Aunor
President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr. expressed grief over the death of National Artist for Film Nora Aunor, recognizing her decades-long impact on Philippine cinema and culture. 'I join the nation in mourning the passing of our National Artist for Film, Nora Aunor (Nora Cabaltera Villamayor in real life). Throughout her splendid career that spanned more than 50 years, she was our consummate actress, singer, and film producer,' Marcos said. He highlighted Aunor's legacy through her award-winning performances and her contributions to the country's cultural heritage, particularly through landmark films like Banaue, Bona, and Tatlong Taong Walang Diyos, which she began producing at just 23 years old. Her acclaimed roles in Himala, Thy Womb, and The Flor Contemplacion Story also brought her both national and international recognition. 'Her golden voice was a balm for all. Her genius was a gift to the Filipino nation,' Marcos said. He extended his condolences to Aunor's family, friends, and the local film community, and invited the public to pray for the eternal rest of the late superstar. Nora Aunor passed away at 71. The National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) earlier announced that state necrological services and funeral arrangements are being prepared in her honor.
