Nora Aunor and Ishmael Bernal reunite at the Heroes' Cemetery.

Nora Aunor and Ishmael Bernal are buried side by side at the Libingan Ng Mga Bayani. They are also buried alongside other deceased National Artists.
PHOTO/S: Jojo Gabinete / NCCA Facebook

Forty-three years later—43 years—after working together in the film Himala , Nora Aunor and Ishmael Bernal are “reunited . ”

Their graves are next to each other at the Heroes’ Cemetery in Taguig City.

Ishmael or Bernie, born on September 30, 1938, passed away on June 2, 1996.

Nora or Ate Guy, who was born on May 21, 1953, passed away on April 16, 2025.

The critically acclaimed film Himala was recognized by CNN as the Best Asia-Pacific Film of All Time in 2008.

NORA AUNOR AND ISHMAEL BERNAL

Himala was the official participant in the 8th Metro Manila Film Festival, the annual all – Filipino-films festival held on December 25, 1982-January 3, 1983.

This is one of the unforgettable films that Nora starred in.

The director is Bernal, and the screenplay is by Ricky Lee, who also became a National Artist.

Himala was awarded nine awards , including Best Picture, Best Director for Bernal, and Best Actress for Nora.

Bernal was appointed National Artist for Film in 2001, under the administration of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo.

Nora and Ricky were simultaneously appointed National Artist for Film and Broadcast Arts in June 2022, by virtue of Proclamation 1390 signed by former President Rodrigo Duterte.

Nora and Bernal also worked together in the film Ikaw Ay Akin (1978).

They first appeared together in Makulay na Daigdig ni Nora, the television series on RPN9 that aired from 1974 – 1979.

Bernal died of a heart attack.

Nora died of acute respiratory failure.

Bernal was initially buried at the Pilipino Cemetery, but on September 14, 2024, the director was given a state funeral and his remains were transferred to the Libingan ng mga Bayani.

NATIONAL ARTISTS AND CEMETERIES OF HEROES

The graves of deceased National Artists are located together in the same place at the Heroes’ Cemetery.

The graves of Nora, Bernal, and Marilou Diaz-Abaya ( March 30, 1955- October 8, 2012) are next to each other .

Alongside them are the graves of the following:

Arturo Luz (November 26, 1926-May 26, 2021), National Artist for Visual Arts

Arturo Luz and the Tomb of the Heroes

Photo/s: Jojo Cabinet

Eddie Romero (Hulyo 7, 1924-Mayo 28, 2013), National Artist for Film and Broadcast Arts

Eddie Romero and Tomb of the Heroes

Photo/s: Jojo Cabinet

Lauro Alcala (August 18, 1926 – June 24, 2002), National Artist for Visual Arts

Lauro Alcala and the Tomb of the Heroes

Photo/s: Jojo Cabinet

Bienvenido Lumbera (April 11, 1932- September 28, 2021), National Artist for Literature
Wilfrido Ma.Guerrero ( January 22, 1910-April 28, 1995), National Artist for Theater

Wilfrido Guerrero and the Tomb of the Heroes

Photo/s: Jojo Cabinet

Levi Celerio (April 30, 1910-April 2, 2002) National Artist for Music
Ernani Cuenco (May 10, 1936 – June 11, 1988) National Artist for Music
Ramon Valera (Agosto 31, 1911- Mayo 25, 1972), National Artist for Fashion Design

Ramon Valera and the Tomb of the Heroes

Photo/s: Jojo Cabinet

F. Sionil Jose (December 3, 1924- January 6, 2022), National Artist for Literature

Sionil Jose and Tomb of the Heroes

Photo/s: Jojo Cabinet

The crosses that mark the resting places of the National Artists are simple.

Despite Nora’s difficult superstar status, her cross is no different, and it’s also very simple.

It reads “Nora C. Villamayor, National Artist Film and Broadcast Arts, Nora Aunor Superstar.”

It is a stark reminder that when it comes to death, everyone is equal.