Manila, Philippines – The nation is in mourning as it bids farewell to one of the most iconic figures in Philippine entertainment, Nora Aunor. Amidst the outpouring of grief, her son Ian de Leon finally broke his silence, revealing intimate details about the Superstar’s final days—and the true cause of her passing.

A Battle Fought in Silence

In an emotional interview, Ian de Leon bravely shared that his mother had been quietly battling health issues for several years, away from the public eye. Though she remained strong for her fans, the burden on her body became too heavy to bear.

“Mama was fighting multiple health complications,” Ian revealed. “Her lungs were getting weaker, and she had several autoimmune concerns. She didn’t want anyone to worry—she always wanted to be seen as strong.”

Though fans speculated on her health, Nora chose to keep her personal battles private. Close family members, however, knew of the long hospital visits, treatments, and sleepless nights.

The Final Goodbye

According to Ian, Nora Aunor’s final days were spent surrounded by family. Despite the pain, she remained graceful and calm. Her last words, Ian recalled through tears, were among the most powerful he had ever heard:

“Forgive me, anak. I wish I had done more.”

Ian explained that their relationship had gone through ups and downs over the years, but in the end, forgiveness and love prevailed.

“She wasn’t just the Superstar. She was my mother. And I will love her for the rest of my life.”

A Legacy Beyond Fame

Nora Aunor, born Nora Cabaltera Villamayor, rose from humble beginnings in Iriga City—selling water by the train tracks—to becoming the most awarded and critically acclaimed actress in Philippine cinema. She was known for her unforgettable performances in films like “Bona,” “Himala,” “The Flor Contemplacion Story,” and many more.

Throughout her decades-long career, she earned numerous awards both locally and internationally, and was even named a National Artist for Film—a recognition she humbly accepted in honor of every struggling Filipino artist.

“She was a light in the darkness,” said one colleague. “Her voice, her passion, her intensity—it was unmatched.”

A Call for Prayer and Unity

Ian de Leon also used the moment to appeal to the Filipino people:

“Please pray for my mother’s peaceful rest. Remember her not just as the Superstar, but as a woman who gave her all to the art, and to the people.”

He added that public viewing and tribute ceremonies are being arranged at the Cultural Center of the Philippines, allowing fans one final chance to pay their respects.

The Country Mourns a Queen

Messages of condolence have poured in from celebrities, government officials, and ordinary fans alike. Tributes on social media recall her brilliance, her courage, and her deep love for the Filipino people.

One fan wrote, “Nora Aunor taught us how to feel. Her art will live on for generations.”

As the nation says goodbye to a cultural treasure, one thing is certain—Nora Aunor’s light will never fade

Ian De Leon, family, speaks out on cause of Nora Aunor’s death
The orphaned children of National Artist for Film and Broadcast Arts and Superstar Nora Aunor, Ian, Lotlot, Matet, and Kenneth de Leon, addressed the media on Maundy Thursday, April 17, 2025, to issue a statement regarding the death of their mother on the night of Maundy Wednesday, April 16.

The confirmation of Ate Guy’s passing came from a Facebook post by her biological son Ian, who is also an actor, and their son with ex-husband Christopher De Leon.

Ian himself became the spokesperson for the family. He thanked all those who loved, believed in, and supported their Superstar mother.

She helped many. She loved many. Many admired her because of her unique talent. She changed many lives because of her kindness and authenticity, no pretense, no negatives whatsoever,” he said.

“As long as she loved truly and that is what is so contagious that many people love her. We cannot avoid the events in life. God has plans, He has even better plans that we need to believe and have faith in Him. “On behalf of my siblings, my family, my children, and my wife, thank you very much to all of you,” he said.

After this, Ian read the confirmation of their mother’s passing.

“She passed away peacefully last night, April 16, surrounded by those who love her the most,” part of the statement said.

Ian was also curious if it was true that the cause of Ate Guy’s death was due to her surgery. It turned out that the veteran actress was confined to the hospital on April 10. On Holy Tuesday, April 15, the Superstar underwent angioplasty, something that was confirmed in a Facebook post by movie director and writer Ronaldo Carballo, who is still in shock over what happened because they were still talking on Facebook Messenger on Holy Monday, April 14.

Ian clarified that their mother did not die during the operation.

“She did not. 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 said.

Meanwhile, based on the viewing and mass details released by Lotlot De Leon, on Tuesday next week after Holy Week, the National Artist will be taken to his final destination, to be laid to rest at the Libingan ng mga Bayani in Taguig.