MANILA, Philippines – In a moment filled with raw emotion and bittersweet remembrance, singer and actor John Rendez, Nora Aunor’s longtime friend and trusted confidant, was seen holding back tears as he paid tribute to the late Superstar on what would have been her 72nd birthday, celebrated quietly—but powerfully—at her final resting place.

Under gray skies and with only a small group of close friends and family in attendance, John stood by Nora’s grave, clutching a bouquet of white roses as he whispered a few words—too soft for the crowd to hear, but heavy with memory and heartbreak.

“She gave her life to the industry, to her fans, and to the people she loved. Being here, on her birthday, not in a studio or concert hall, but here… it just doesn’t feel real,” John said, his voice trembling.

💐 A Birthday Without the Superstar

The celebration at the cemetery was quiet but deeply emotional. Family members including Lotlot de Leon and Ian de Leon also paid their respects, but it was John Rendez who drew attention for his visibly broken state. Known as one of Nora Aunor’s most loyal companions in both music and life, John admitted that this year’s birthday was the first one he spent not hearing her voice.

“Every year, she would call me or send a message… this year, only silence,” he said, his eyes brimming.

Around the grave, fans had left candles, handwritten notes, and small statues of the Virgin Mary, a nod to Nora’s well-known faith.

🎤 Their Bond: Beyond Fame and Friendship

John Rendez, who once shared the stage and studio with Nora Aunor, had nothing but glowing admiration for the woman he considered “more than a sister” in the industry. Their duets, their appearances together, and their enduring friendship stood the test of decades.

“She never judged me. She saw me—not the headlines, not the gossip—but the person. That’s what made her great—not just the voice, but the heart.”

😢 An Outpouring of Grief from Fans

As news broke out about the emotional scene at the cemetery, Noranian fans across the country took to social media to express their sadness and support:

“Watching John cry broke me. Nora is truly irreplaceable.”
“Even in her absence, she brings people together.”

Hashtags like #NoraAunor72ndBirthday and #SuperstarForever began trending as fans posted throwback clips, audio recordings, and their personal tributes to the late icon.

🕯️ A Legacy That Lives On

Despite the tears, John shared one final message—a promise not to let Nora’s memory fade.

“She’s gone from the stage, but she’s here,” he said, touching his chest.
“In every struggling artist, in every fan who finds hope in her films, in every note she sang from the soul—she lives.”

Final Thought:
Nora Aunor may no longer be with us in person, but her impact remains eternal. Through the tears of friends like John Rendez and the unwavering devotion of her fans, the Superstar’s light continues to shine—quietly, reverently, from beyond the grave.

Nora Aunor asks her children to love and understand John Rendez
In a rare occasion where National Artist Nora Aunor celebrated her 70th birthday with all her children, the Superstar asked them to practice loving each other as a family.

The advance birthday celebration of the Superstar’s birthday was held on Saturday night, May 20, 2023 at a hotel in Quezon City. Her actual birthday was on May 21.

Present at the occasion were Ian de Leon, Matet de Leon, Lotlot and her husband, Kiko and Kenneth de Leon. John Rendez was also there but it was better to leave immediately and not show up to the actress’s guests.

In a video post on FB by her friend Pilar Mateo, she captured Nora’s statements and plea to her children.

“Whatever happened in the past, let’s forget it. Let’s all love each other. That’s all I ask for – understanding, no slander,” he said.

“If we hear something from other people, let’s not believe it right away. Let’s not listen until we talk to the person they are slandering,” he added.

The Superstar also wants his children and John to be friends.

“My only wish is to see us be friends. We know the truth, right? John (Rendez), we know what happened to him, let’s not exaggerate what other people are saying,” said Ate Guy.

“Let’s think about your mother, who that person didn’t leave for several years. You all disappeared, you had a family, John was the only one left. That’s why I can’t help but defend that person, eh. And I want you to know that… Let’s love, let’s love that person,” the Superstar pleaded.

He continued, “Like that, he was here earlier but he was very shy. He didn’t show up because he knew my family was here, he didn’t want people to say anything to him again so he didn’t show up for a long time. But I know, in his heart, he wants to talk to you.”

Again, Ate Guy insisted that he and John had no relationship.

“I just want us to love each other…. I don’t have a relationship with John. There was just… I just want everyone to know that the person was defending me, not for any other reason. I hope I can see you loving each other,” he said.

“Because I’m old, eh. I’m grateful to him that he’s still here. That’s all. I just want people to know that we understand him, that we can take care of him,” Ate Guy said.

He also asked that the rapper-songwriter be given a chance to showcase his talent. “Let’s give him a chance to show the talent that God gave him. He can’t show it, eh. Because when a recording comes out, people have something to say, eh. So, let’s let him. Let’s give him a chance. How old is he – he’s 43 years old and he’s been at home for that long,” he said.

“We don’t have a relationship. Because sometimes, the so-called relationship, it’s like I said I’m hitting on the child, right? I have a conscience,” the Superstar insisted.

“I’m sorry, I have a hard time speaking because I’m being sarcastic, but you know what’s in my heart, what’s in my mind and what I say is without pretense. I love my family, my fans, the press, my friends – everyone. Thank you very much,” Nora finally said, clearly struggling to speak.