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Gulf News
16-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Gulf News
Filipino icon Nora Aunor, national artist and 'superstar,' passes away at 71
Dubai: Iconic actress and National Artist for Film and Broadcast Arts Nora Aunor has died at age 71, her son Kristoffer Ian De Leon confirmed in a heartfelt Facebook post on April 16, 2025. ' We love you, Ma… Alam ng Diyos kung gaano ka namin kamahal… Pahinga ka na po Ma… Nandito ka lang sa puso at isipan namin, ' he wrote. (We love you, Mom. God knows how much we love you. Please rest now. You will remain in our hearts and minds.) In his tribute, Ian described his mother as the beating heart of their family, a beacon of unwavering love, strength, and warmth. "Her kindness, wisdom, and beautiful spirit touched everyone who knew her," he shared. "She will be missed beyond words and remembered forever." Lotlot De Leon, Nora's daughter, also took to Facebook to express her grief. "It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Nora Aunor, beloved mother, celebrated television and movie actress, and true National Artist of the Philippines," she wrote. "She was a star not only on screen but in the hearts of many—and stars like hers never stop shining. Her light lives on—forever loved, never forgotten." Just days earlier, Lotlot's mother-in-law, the beloved singer and actress Pilita Corrales, also passed away. Lotlot shared an emotional post on Facebook, writing, "She loved her family like there's no tomorrow. She would move heaven and earth just for them... Rest in paradise, Mamita. A million thanks to you." Aunor, born Nora Cabaltera Villamayor, reportedly passed away just weeks shy of her 72nd birthday. Her family has not disclosed the exact cause of death, though she had been dealing with ongoing health issues and recently withdrew from the 2025 elections due to medical advice. Known as the 'Superstar' and hailed as the ' Grand Dame of Philippine Cinema,' Aunor's career spanned over five decades in film, television, music, and stage. She first rose to fame as a singing champion on Tawag ng Tanghalan in 1967 and later captivated audiences with award-winning performances in classics like Himala (1982), Minsa'y Isang Gamu-Gamo (1976), and Bona (1980). In 2022, Aunor was conferred the Order of National Artists, the highest cultural honor in the Philippines. She also received multiple accolades, including five FAMAS Best Actress awards and international recognition for roles in Thy Womb (2012) and The Flor Contemplacion Story (1995). Her final film appearance was in Mananambal (2024), and she was last seen on television in Lilet Matias: Attorney-at-Law. Beyond the spotlight, Aunor lived a vibrant and sometimes turbulent personal life. She is survived by her children Ian, Lotlot, and Matet de Leon, among other adopted children and grandchildren. Condolences and tributes poured in from fans, colleagues, and fellow artists, including longtime friend and on-screen rival Vilma Santos, who wrote: 'Our sincerest condolences and prayers. Rest in peace, Mare (my friend). Ms Nora Aunor, our superstar and national artist, maraming salamat.' Aunor's legacy is one of unparalleled brilliance, her impact forever etched in the annals of Philippine cinema and culture. Her light may have dimmed, but her spirit, like the stars she embodied, will continue to shine brightly in the hearts of all who loved her.
Filipino Times
16-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Filipino Times
Superstar of Philippine cinema Nora Aunor dies at 71
Nora Aunor, the Philippines' one and only Superstar and National Artist for Film and Broadcast Arts, has passed away. She was 71. Her son Ian de Leon confirmed the news Tuesday night through a heartfelt message on Facebook: 'With deep sorrow and heavy hearts, we share the passing of our beloved mother, Nora C. Villamayor 'Nora Aunor' who left us today, April 16, 2025 at the age of 71. She was the heart of our family — a source of unconditional love, strength, and warmth. Her kindness, wisdom, and beautiful spirit touched everyone who knew her. She will be missed beyond words and remembered forever.' Details about her wake and funeral will be announced Wednesday. Born Nora Cabaltera Villamayor on May 21, 1953 in Iriga, Camarines Sur, Aunor became a household name after winning Tawag ng Tanghalan in 1967. From there, she built a career that spanned decades, breaking barriers and redefining what it meant to be a leading woman in Philippine cinema. Her unmistakable voice and magnetic screen presence earned her countless awards—both in the Philippines and internationally. Among her most iconic roles were in Himala (1982), Bulaklak sa City Jail (1984), and The Flor Contemplacion Story (1995), which won her Best Actress at the 19th Cairo International Film Festival. In 1990, she achieved a rare 'grand slam' win for Best Actress for Andrea, Paano ba ang Maging Isang Ina? , sweeping five major award-giving bodies. In 2022, she was proclaimed National Artist for Film and Broadcast Arts, recognized by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts for a body of work 'exceeded only by the number of awards and citations she has received.' Aunor briefly entered the political arena. She filed her candidacy under the NORAA Party-list in 2021 and later joined the People's Champ Guardians Party-list as its second nominee for the 2025 midterm elections. Earlier this year, however, she withdrew from the race, saying she had already submitted her withdrawal to both the Commission on Elections and the party-list office. She was married to actor Christopher de Leon in 1975. They had one biological son, Ian, and adopted four children: Lotlot, Matet, Kiko, and Kenneth. Their marriage was annulled in 1996. Her passing marks the end of an era. Aunor's voice, talent, and legacy will remain unmatched—a timeless symbol of excellence in Philippine arts and culture.
Filipino Times
28-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Filipino Times
‘It's Showtime' disqualifies Marco Adobas from ‘Tawag ng Tanghalan' over rule violation
'It's Showtime' has disqualified Marco Adobas from the 'Tawag ng Tanghalan' singing competition after he violated the agreement signed before the contest. The show announced the decision, stating that Adobas breached a competition rule, leading to his removal. Additionally, the program noted that Adobas made serious allegations on social media against the competition and the show, raising the possibility of legal action. Arvery Lagoring will take Adobas' place in Pangkat Alon. During an episode, the hosts addressed the disqualification, with Vice Ganda reminding viewers to be responsible with their statements online. 'Everyone, be very careful. You can share your opinions, but make sure they don't harm others or yourself,' Vice said.
