Manila, Philippines – A major storm is brewing in the Philippine entertainment industry as veteran character actress Ruby Ruiz made waves with a stunning statement involving no less than Nora Aunor, the Philippine cinema icon revered by many as “The Superstar.”

In a recent interview that has since made rounds on social media, Ruby Ruiz did the unthinkable – she ranked Nora Aunor, along with other iconic actresses of her generation, and the revelation did not sit well with some die-hard fans.

A Bold Move That Shook Fans

When asked in a candid Q&A segment to rank the top “actresses who defined Philippine cinema,” Ruby Ruiz, with no hesitation, placed Nora Aunor “not at the top” of her list. Instead, she cited another legendary actress as “the most versatile and fearless.”

“I have nothing but respect for Ate Guy,” Ruby clarified. “But if we’re talking pure range and depth, there are others who dared more in terms of roles. That’s just my honest opinion.”

Netizens were quick to react – some applauded Ruby’s honesty, while others were outraged by what they called “disrespect” to a living legend.

Superstar Supporters Fire Back

Within hours, Nora Aunor’s most loyal fans mobilized online, calling Ruby’s comments “unnecessary” and “an insult to decades of groundbreaking work.” The hashtag #RespectNoraAunor began trending, with supporters reminding the public of the Superstar’s international acclaim and iconic status.

One fan tweeted:

“How dare anyone ‘rank’ someone like Nora Aunor? Her legacy is untouchable!”

Another added:

“Without Ate Guy, would there even be a standard to rank others by?”

Ruby Ruiz: Standing By Her Words

Despite the backlash, Ruby Ruiz remained calm and firm, stating that her words were not meant to offend but to offer a personal and industry-informed perspective.

“We all have our own truths in this industry. Nora paved the way, but that doesn’t mean we can’t talk about others who’ve done just as much in their own ways.”

Insiders say Ruby has long admired Nora, but her opinion reflects her years of experience in theater, indie cinema, and television, where she has seen many unsung talents rise and fall.

An Industry Divided?

While many industry veterans have remained silent, a few actors quietly echoed Ruby’s sentiments off-camera, suggesting that healthy discourse about legends should be allowed, especially when it’s constructive.

Still, many believe that ranking legends will always be controversial, especially when it involves someone as monumental as Nora Aunor.

What’s Next?

Whether Ruby Ruiz will face more heat or spark a much-needed conversation about the evolution of acting in the Philippines remains to be seen. One thing is certain: her comments have shaken the table, and in doing so, reignited the eternal debate over who truly reigns supreme in the world of Filipino cinema.

“Let’s not pit actresses against each other,” one netizen said. “But if we must, let’s at least be respectful.”

Why Ruby Ruiz declined offer to be Nora Aunor’s PA
Ruby also reveals reason why Nora Aunor wanted to be a National Artist.
Ruby Ruiz’s first film was the 1980 drama Bona, in which she played the younger sister of National Artist Nora Aunor.

The film was directed by National Artist Lino Brocka, who handpicked Ruby for the role because of her resemblance to the Superstar.

Nora and Ruby worked together again in two more films—Thy Womb (2012), which was shot in Tawi-tawi, and Taklub (2015), which is about the survivors of super typhoon Yolanda.

Both were directed by Brillante Mendoza.

RUBY RUIZ UNWITTINGLY BECOMES NORA AUNOR’S “PA”
Nora and Ruby became super close during the shooting of Thy Womb.

Ruby looks back: “I was always with him. I became close.

“Because of that, I used to laugh at him—as if I was his PA [production assistant].

“So I was the one who gave him what he [needed]. So maybe, because I’m an artist, I knew what he needed.

“‘Here are the slippers, oh, quick!’ After getting out of the thing, I immediately gave him slippers.

“He was so happy for me. Then, he said, ‘Can you just be mine?’

“‘Where?’ I said like that.

I’ll get you a P.A.’

“‘I can’t, Ate Guy.’

“‘Why? Don’t you hate me? Don’t you love me?’

“‘Ate Guy, I dream of being you, eh!’”

Nora laughed out loud, and her reaction was supportive: “I can, I can, I can!”

It will take seven years before Ruby is given a lead role.

In 2019, Ruby starred in the Cinemalaya Film Festival entry Iska, which also gave her her first Best Actress trophy. She was 58 years old at the time. In 2024, she was seen in Expats, a drama series on Amazon Prime Video featuring Academy winner Nicole Kidman.

NORA AUNOR’S EYES
PEP.ph (Philippine Entertainment Portal) exclusively interviewed Ruby on April 19, 2025, Black Saturday, at Nora’s wake at The Heritage Memorial Park in Taguig City.

During a boat ride during the shooting of Taklub, Nora and Ruby got separated.

Ruby recalled, “So it seemed like her boat was ahead. She said, ‘Where is Ruby?’ Well, I was already on board. She was on the other boat. We were going to the next location.

“When I looked at her from where I was on board, we were all, black because of the heat, huh.

“You know, her eyes were really, like translucent.

“I said, ‘Ate Guy, why are your eyes like that, scary, you’re like something. Like a cat!’

“She said, ‘You’re not a cat,’ she said like that.

“‘Virgin Mary, that’s it!’ I said like that.

“‘Excuse me, I’m not a cat. I mean, it’s like you have contact lenses from afar, you’re really high up!’

“It’s really her eyes that speak a lot. It’s really her eyes that speak a lot. The eye—the window to your soul.”

NORA AUNOR’S WISH TO BECOME A NATIONAL ARTIST
Nora’s recognition as a National Artist for Film and Broadcast Arts was delayed several times.

“That’s it, she mentioned it to me, Thy Womb is still here,” Ruby revealed.

“She dreams of becoming something… it’s really her dream.”

Ruby asked why it seemed like the Superstar’s ultimate dream was to become a national artist.

Continuing Ruby’s story. “‘Then she said, ‘So that when I die, those I leave behind won’t have any problems.’”

It was 2022 when Nora was recognized as a National Artist for Film and Broadcast Arts.

So when the news about Nora’s critical condition reached the character actress, she said: “What am I doing. That was my first thought when the artist I was talking to who was closer to him said he had flatlined…

“I said, ‘Tell Balot [Lotlot de Leon] to call…’

“I’m sure they have contact with NCCA or something, that’s it, that’s what happened so they will take care of everything.

“Because it seems like the artist is having problems, how is that, take care of that, who else will help, that’s the concern of that artist.

“Then I said, ‘I know, no, what, that’s all the answer of what [NCAA]. And then there are some things like that,’ the one with the guard, like that.

“And then I know, it’s the Cemetery of Heroes.”

In the end, Ruby was happy that Nora’s wish came true.

He said, “That’s why I’m happy that, at least, in this lifetime, even until his last moment, one of his loftiest dreams has been fulfilled.”

On Tuesday, April 22, the Superstar’s remains will be brought to the Manila Metropolitan Theatre.

The State Necrological Services will be held from 8:30 to 11:00 A.M., with speakers including Director Joel Lamangan, Charo Santos-Concio, and National Artist Ricky Lee.

Other living National Artists are expected to attend.