Longtime Noranians close to Nora Aunor attend her wake in Taguig: 'She's a national treasure'

Longtime Noranians who were close to Nora Aunor attended her wake at the Heritage Park in Taguig.

According to Mariz Umali's report on "24 Oras" Friday, among those who paid their respects to the late Superstar and National Artist were Emma Joson and Atty. Filomeno Arteche III.

"Napakasakit. Napakatagal ko nang fan ni Nora Aunor, mula pa noong umpisa siya. Mahal na mahal ko siya, kaya hindi ko siya makakalimutan," said Emma, a Noranian since 1967.

"Nagdudurog-durog 'yung mga pagkain namin kasi sa dami ng tao, parang alon ang tao sa dami," she recalled. "Napakabait niya."

Filomeno also said that Nora's death is a huge loss for the nation.

"Can you imagine, a small lady from Iriga, Albay selling water sa mga bus station who eventually won the Tawag ng Tanghalan?" said Filomeno, a Noranian since high school.

"Ate Guy is an icon, both in Philippine cinema and in the music industry, so malaking kawalan ang nangyari dito kay Ate Guy. I feel sad because to me she's a national treasure. Her life talagang very inspiring," he added.

The first two days of Nora's wake are reserved for family members and her close friends.

Lotlot de Leon said in the report that this is their only time that they have their mother to themselves.  

"Itong mga oras na 'to is the only time that sa amin ang mommy namin. All her life she's devoted to the public, to her work, so kahit ilang araw sa amin lang siya," she said.

"We're grateful to everyone for loving her, for honoring her, and for the love. Actually lahat po ng nagpapadala ng condolences and their greetings, we really appreciate that. Sa kanila din po kami kumukuha ng lakas, kaming magkakapatid."

Nora died on Wednesday at the age of 71. Ian de Leon disclosed in an interview on "24 Oras" that Nora died of acute respiratory failure.

A public viewing will take place on Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Nora's interment is scheduled on April 22. Details of her state necrological services have yet to be announced.

In the wake of her death, many celebrities took to social media to honor her memory and legacy.

The world also joined the Philippines in mourning Nora, with many international media outlets publishing stories about her passing.

—CDC, GMA Integrated News