Nora Aunor

Actor Ian de Leon revealed the last message he received from his late mother, National Artist for Film and Broadcast Arts Nora Aunor.

Ian recalled his last conversation with the veteran actress in an interview on Fast Talk with Boy Abunda on April 21. Nora was already in the hospital, so they weren’t able to talk in person.

He said that he messaged his mother, adding that Nora didn’t let her children know about her condition. Her last texts included a quote or prayer surrounding the relationship between a mother and her children and her grandchildren.

“Panginoon, kahit saan man mapunta ang aking mga anak, pakiusap, hawakan mo sila, protektahan mo sila sa lahat ng panganib at palaging ihatid silang ligtas pauwi,” the veteran actress said to Ian.

To this, the actor responded with, “I love you, ma.”

In her last text, Nora told Ian and their family to take care always.

“Pasensiya na at wala si mommy diyan pag kailangan niyo ako. Gabayan nawa kayo lagi. Kamusta na mga bata? Kiss at hug mo nalang sila, please,” she said.

Elsewhere in the interview, Nora’s other son Kenneth shared regret over the fact that they weren’t with the veteran actress in her final moments.

“Sana andun kami, yakap namin siya, kausap, nasabi ‘yung gustong sabihin. Eto na po ngayon, we just need to accept,” he told Boy.

Ian announced Nora’s passing in a Facebook post late April 16. She died of acute respiratory failure, the son told GMA News 24 Oras.

The National Artist was given a necrological tribute at the Metropolitan Theater and a state funeral at the Libingan ng mga Bayani on April 22.

Nora was married to veteran actor Christopher De Leon. They have one biological child, Ian, and four adopted children: Lotlot De Leon, Matet De Leon, Kiko, and Kenneth. Their marriage was dissolved in 1996.

passed away from acute respiratory failure, according to her son Ian de Leon.
This was disclosed by Ian in an interview with Vicky Morales and Mariz Umali on “24 Oras” Friday.

“Technically and clinically speaking, the cause of death was acute respiratory failure,” he said.

Ian added that they do not have the details yet for Nora’s state necrological services on Tuesday, April 22.

“Aside from state funeral that will be conducted on Tuesday, we’ve spoken kaming magkakapatid. We’re asking any updates from the local government and so far, wala pa pong official kaming natatanggap from them so if we do, we’ll be sure to let you know,” he said.

In a press conference on Thursday, Ian had clarified that his mother did not die during her operation.

“She was being operated on, and after that, she had a hard time breathing, and eventually, all things went downhill from there, and that’s why they had to do another procedure after that,” he had said.

Nora passed away on Wednesday at the age of 71.

Nora’s wake is being held at the Heritage Park in Taguig. A public viewing will take place on Saturday and Sunday, while her interment is scheduled on April 22.

In the wake of Nora’s passing, many celebrities took to social media to honor her memory and unimpeachable legacy.

Nora Aunor didn’t die during operation, Ian de Leon says

Ian de Leon clarified that his mother, Nora Aunor, did not die during her operation.

In a press conference on Thursday, GMA Integrated News’ Lhar Santiago asked Ian if the Superstar passed away during her latest medical surgery.

“She did not,” Ian responded.

“She was being operated on, and after that, she had a hard time breathing, and eventually, all things went downhill from there, and that’s why they had to do another procedure after that,” he added.

Ian also delivered their family’s official statement regarding Nora’s passing.

“It is with deepest sorrow that we confirm the passing of our beloved mother, Nora Aunor, National artist, and the greatest actress in the history of Philippine cinema,” he said.

“She passed away peacefully last night, April 16, and surrounded by those who love her the most,” he added.

Ian also acknowledged his mother’s insurmountable contribution to the Philippine entertainment industry, saying that “her legacy will live on in every performance, every melody, and every person she inspired.”

“From a very young age, our mom captivated hearts with her talent and grace, and unmatched voice,” he said.

“Over the decades, she built a career that shaped the very soul of our culture,” he added. “Through song, through screen, and through every role she brought to life with brilliance.”

Nora died at the age of 71. Celebrities have been mourning the loss of the Superstar and paying tribute to her legacy.

The actress was named a National Artist for Film and Broadcast Arts in 2022. She was known for her iconic roles in the films “Himala,” “Bona,” and “Minsa’y Isang Gamu-gamo.”

Her last films include “Mananambal,” where she starred with Bianca Umali, and “Pieta,” where she starred with Alfred Vargas.