Nora Aunor honored by NCCA, CCP with necrological service

Nora Aunor was honored with a necrological service by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) and the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) at the Metropolitan Theater in Manila on Tuesday morning.

Lotlot De Leon, Matet De Leon, Ian De Leon, Janine Gutierrez, and more members of Nora's family were in attendance.

Top names in the arts like Charo Santos-Concio, Iza Calzado, National Artist for Film and Broadcast Arts Ricky Lee, National Artist ls for Music Ryan Cayabyab and Ramon Santos, National Artist for Dance Alice Reyes, directors Jose Javier Reyes, Jun Robles Lana, and more also were present, as well as Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna, Vice Mayor Yul Servo, the diplomatic corps, and the Philippine Navy.

Nora’s loyal fans, Noranians, were also given limited slots inside the theater. For those unable to make it inside, an LED screen was set up outside the theater and the event was also livestreamed on the CCP and NCCA Facebook pages.

Nora’s fellow National Artists of the Philippines gave floral offerings. Lee, screenwriter of several of Nora’s films including the iconic, “Himala,” paid tribute to the actress with a speech. He called Nora a rebel who went against the status quo. Lee said that Nora’s legacy as a figure of the masses will be remembered forever, and that her stories will continue on.

Joel Lamangan, film director and friend, Santos-Concio, actress and friend, looked back on their memories with Nora in individual speeches. He shared behind the scenes anecdotes from his time with Ate Guy, and made audiences laugh at his memories. Lamangan kept saying that Nora was a generous person, who helped him out on set.

Nora’s son Ian, with his siblings behind him, gave a message of gratitude near the end of the program.

“Mabuhay si Nora Aunor!” Ian said.

Aicelle Santos-Zambrano sang “Walang Himala” from “Himala: Isang Musikal.” She was accompanied by the Philippine Madrigal Singers and the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra. The Philippine Madrigal Singers also performed Nora’s song, “Handog.”

The last performance was Nora’s rendition of “Superstar ng Buhay Ko” by Angeline Quinto and Jed Madela.

Nora passed away on April 16 at the age of 71. According to her son Ian, his mom died of acute respiratory failure.

The multi-awarded actress was named National Artist for Film and Broadcast Arts in 2022. See photos from Nora's funeral below:

—JCB, GMA Integrated News