Presidential Medal of Merit to be given to Nora Aunor, Pilita Corrales, Margarita Fores, Gloria Romero

Malacañang on Wednesday disclosed that Nora Aunor, Pilita Corrales, Margarita Fores, and Gloria Romero would all be bestowed with a Presidential Medal of Merit.

“The event is confirmed,” Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Atty. Claire Castro told reporters when asked about the matter.

The ceremony will be held on May 4.

The Presidential Merit Award is one of the highest awards conferred by a Philippine president to individuals in recognition of their contribution to nation-building.

National Artist for Film and Broadcast Arts Nora Aunor passed away on April 16 at the age of 71. According to her son Ian, his mom died of acute respiratory failure.

She was laid to rest at the Libingan Ng Mga Bayani on Tuesday, April 22, which was also a Day of National Mourning as declared by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

Pilita Corrales, also known as Asia's Queen of Songs, passed away last April 12 at the age of 87.

She was hailed as one of the country’s finest vocalists, with more than 135 albums Corrales recorded in various languages, including Filipino, English, Spanish, and Cebuano, showcasing diversity and Filipino artistry.

Margarita Fores, the brilliant restaurateur and chef who gave us Cibo, Lusso, and Grace Park,
died on February 11 in Hong Kong after suffering from cardiac arrest. She was 65.

In 2016, Fores was named Asia's Best Female Chef.

She was posthumously recognized by The World's 50 Best Restaurants for her contributions to the culinary community.

On January 25 of this year, Gloria Romero, a veteran actress, died at the age of 91.

Romero, who won multiple acting awards during her more than 70-year career, was recognized for her outstanding performances in films "Magnifico," "Dalagang Ilocana," "Tarima," "Tanging Yaman,'' and ''Rainbow's Sunset.'' —KG, GMA Integrated News