MANILA, Philippines – In a recent interview that has stunned both fans and insiders of Philippine showbiz, veteran actress Chanda Romero has come forward with a deeply personal and unexpected revelation about the late Superstar Nora Aunor—a story she claims was never told publicly until now.

Appearing on a tribute episode aired in honor of Nora Aunor’s 72nd birthday, Chanda—visibly emotional—shared a secret chapter from their shared past that, according to her, shaped her forever.

“I’ve carried this with me for years,” Chanda began, her voice soft but intense.
“And I feel like now is the time to say it… out of love and respect for her.”

🎭 A Moment That Defined a Friendship

Chanda recalled a time in the late 1980s, during a period when both she and Nora were navigating difficult personal and professional crossroads. While she didn’t reveal all the specifics, she hinted that Nora once intervened quietly to protect her from a scandal that could have ruined her career.

“I was scared, vulnerable… and she didn’t hesitate. She stood up for me when others turned away,” Chanda said.
“She didn’t want recognition. She just said, ‘Basta tahimik ka lang, ako na bahala.’”

🤐 A Superstar’s Hidden Kindness

While Nora Aunor was famously private and sometimes misunderstood, Chanda’s story paints a completely different picture—that of a woman who used her influence not for power, but to protect those she believed in.

“The public saw a fierce actress, a larger-than-life figure. But I saw someone who took care of people without asking for anything in return.”

Chanda’s revelation resonated with the in-studio audience, many of whom were brought to tears.

😲 Why Now?

When asked why she waited until now to reveal the story, Chanda responded:

“I didn’t want it to look like I was chasing attention. But with her gone, and so many tributes coming out, I wanted people to know this side of her. The Nora we didn’t always see on screen.”

🌟 Netizens React: “Nora Aunor Was More Than Just a Superstar”

The story quickly went viral, with fans flooding social media with praise and shock:

“Nakakaiyak! We never knew how much Nora protected others behind the scenes.”

“Chanda Romero just gave us a new reason to love Nora even more.”

“This proves Nora’s greatness wasn’t just in acting—but in character.”

🕯️ More Stories to Come?

As more friends and colleagues of the late superstar begin to break their silence, many are now wondering what other hidden chapters in Nora Aunor’s life have yet to be told.

“She was a fortress for so many,” Chanda ended.
“Even when she was falling apart herself, she made sure others stayed standing.”

Final Thought:
Nora Aunor was a national treasure not just for her iconic voice or unmatched acting, but also for the unseen strength and kindness she gave to those around her. And through voices like Chanda Romero’s, her legacy grows even deeper—revealing a Superstar whose greatest performances may have taken place off the stage

Chanda Romero recounts funny encounter with Nora Aunor
Chanda Romero admits to being a Nora Aunor fan.
Veteran actress Chanda Romero admitted that she is an avid fan of Superstar Nora Aunor.

According to Chanda, her admiration for Nora deepened when she met and worked with her in several films, such as Naglalayag (2004) and Inay (1993).

Chanda said she was lucky because she was part of the industry when Nora, who was declared a National Artist for Broadcast and Film Arts in 2022, was still working.

Chanda was interviewed by PEP.ph (Philippine Entertainment Portal) on the third night of Nora’s funeral at Heritage Memorial Park on April 19, 2025.

“Sobra, ako talaga I’m speaking like a fan, because first and foremost, I am a fan of hers.

“I worked with her a couple of times. Very humble, generous…” Chanda said.

“We got together once in a while because of Ricky Lee, so I know him somehow, the person she really is…”

Multi-awarded scriptwriter Ricky Lee is considered the father of Nora’s children. Chanda and Nora are both his friends.

Ricky was declared a National Artist at the same time as Nora, by virtue of Presidential Proclamation No. 1390, in 2022.

Chanda continued, “I’m grateful that I spent this whole lifetime, at the time I was also in it.

“I feel very lucky, very blessed that I was able to be, that I’m here, in this lifetime that I witnessed the greatness of Nora Aunor.”CHANDA’S UNFORGETTABLE STORY ABOUT NORA
Chanda has a funny and unforgettable story about the late actress.

“I remember, the first time, he told me, ‘You know, when you first guested on Superstar…’ he said he remembered… He said, ‘I hope he doesn’t make me English.’”

Superstar was Nora’s musical variety show that ran from 1971-1989.

Chanda entered showbiz in the early 1970s.

Chanda continued, “Even before that, I came from Cebu, I’m a Cebuana.

“When I started, I didn’t speak Tagalog very much. In my interviews with Inday Badiday, I spoke English, I didn’t know how to speak Tagalog very well.

“I think as he approached, he asked if I was English, I laughed, it was funny…”

Ricky Lee also shared with Chanda how avid fans love and idolize Nora.

“Ricky Lee told me so many stories that he was like his [Nora’s] father that you wouldn’t believe,” Chanda revealed.

“At one point, I think there was a shooting, and then his fans wanted to see him, but he needed to rest.”

What happened was that Nora did rest, but the fans still got to do what they wanted.

“He was just lying in the living room on location,” Chanda said, “and then the fans just kept coming around to look at him. They were just watching him while he slept!

“They were so loyal and so much in awe of Guy, it was like he was a god, although he shouldn’t be, but that’s just how it is, almost to that level.

“He deserves it.”

ON NORA’S HUMILITY
Chanda added with sadness, “All I can say is, we lost our brightest star.”

Chanda last saw Nora at the play Himala, Isang Musikal (2019), with Ricky Lee, who are both close friends.

“Ricky Lee and I were together, we watched the play Himala.

“She [Nora] is fine because that was a couple of years ago. She is fine, as usual when she comes, the fans hide behind me.”

Chanda was impressed by what she said was Nora’s humility.

“And yet, when you look at her, you know her accomplishments and all that she has contributed to the industry, you can’t place that humility and that greatness, but that was her.