Actress Matet De Leon shared a heartfelt statement after the passing of her mother, Nora Aunor – the so-called “Superstar” of Philippine showbiz. Despite the long estrangement between her and her mother, Matet couldn’t help but express her emotions and talk about the passing of a legend.

In a brief interview after the private funeral, Matet said:
> *”No matter how much we disagree, no matter how many times we fight, in my heart, she is still my mother. And in her last breath, I just want to say… I love you, Nay.”*

Matet couldn’t hold back tears as she recounted her mother’s final moments. According to her, despite everything, Nora was surrounded by family — Lotlot, Ian, and her other children were also there. He also shared that before Nora finally passed away, she opened her eyes several times and seemed to want to speak, but her body was no longer able to handle it.

According to the family spokesperson, Nora Aunor passed away due to complications from kidney and heart failure. The actress had been battling an illness for a long time, but they chose to keep her battle with the disease private. A few weeks before her passing, she was taken to the intensive care unit, and since then her condition has not improved.

Matet revealed that Nora left behind some wishes before she finally passed away.
> *”One of her last wishes was for us siblings to be united. She wanted us to be together as a family even though she was gone. And we are trying to do that now.”*

Another heartbreaking revelation was that Nora wanted to hear her old songs again — specifically *”The Music Played”*, which was played several times in her hospital room as she gradually weakened.

Condolences poured in from fans, fellow artists, and friends in the industry. Several of Nora’s film and television colleagues paid tribute to her legacy, from Vilma Santos to young artists who grew up admiring her.

On social media, the hashtag **#RestInPeaceNoraAunor** trended, showing the extent of the nation’s love for her. Some fans even set up altars in their homes, while others went to the funeral despite the rain.

As flowers surrounded her casket and her songs played over and over again, one thing was clear: the Superstar would not simply fade from the nation’s memory.

Her memories on stage, in film, in music — and in her motherhood — will live on forever.

Nora Aunor passes away after undergoing medical procedure
THE family of Superstar Nora Aunor has clarified the reports about the real cause of her death.

This Thursday, April 17, siblings Ian, Lotlot, Matet, and Kenneth de Leon appeared before the media to give a statement regarding their mother’s passing.

Ian served as the spokesperson for their family, being the only biological child of Ate Guy with her ex-husband Christopher de Leon. Her siblings Lotlot, Matet, Kenneth, and Kiko were all adopted by the Superstar.

During a part of the press conference held at Heritage Park in Taguig where Ate Guy was laid to rest, Ian was asked what the real cause of death of his mother was, who was reportedly confined to the hospital on April 10.

On April 16, Nora reportedly underwent angioplasty, which according to a medical website is a procedure where blocked coronary arteries or main blood vessels that supply blood to the heart are opened.

There are also reports that Ate Guy had Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), which was also the disease of the late King of Comedy, Dolphy.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), COPD is a “common lung disease” that results in difficulty breathing.

Ian stated that Ate Guy did not actually die while undergoing surgery at the hospital, “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.”

Earlier, Ian thanked all those who loved Ate Guy, “First of all, thank you very much to those who loved, believed in, and supported our only 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 shown.

“As long as she loved truly and that is what is contagious, that is why many also love her.

“We cannot avoid the events of life. God has plans, He has even better plans that we need to believe and have faith in Him.“To our family, on behalf of my siblings, my family, my children, and my wife, thank you all very much.

“To those who are already here and have plans to come here but cannot make it, just know that you are there supporting and loving our mother,” the actor said.

Following this, Ian read the official statement of their family regarding the passing of the National Artist, “I just wanted to read to you…This comes from our heart.

“It is with deepest sorrow that we confirmed the passing of our beloved mother, Nora Aunor, national artist, and the greatest actress in the history of Philippine cinema.

“She passed away peacefully last night, April 16, and surrounded by those who loved her the most.

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

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

“Her contribution to the arts are immeasurable. Her legacy will live on in every performance, every melody, and every person she inspires.

“We are profoundly grateful to everyone who reached out with love, prayers, and condolences.

“Your messages are powerful testament to how deeply she was cherished not just by us, but an entire nation.

“Thank you for honoring her life, her work, and the last thing, mark, she leaves behind. With love and heartfelt thanks, for us her children, her family, and her friends,” was the message from Ate Guy’s family.

Ian’s emotional statement, “The lessons she left in our memories, the lessons will never die. We will carry them with us for the rest of our lives.

“The lessons she gave us will reach our children, our grandchildren.

“Those lessons are nothing more than to believe in the Lord. Just come to Him no matter what trials come in life. We just need to be strong for our loved ones.

“We went through a lot but we were strong because we saw that she was strong not only for herself, but for us.

“So to those who love and support him, who care and understand us, thank you very much from my heart and from my brothers and sisters.

“We saw his life, we all saw how he lived in front of the masses, the media, the entertainment industry”We also saw how she lived with us, with her family, personally. We learned a lot, that’s why we are very lucky, we are very blessed because we had Nora Aunor, Nora Cabaltera Villamayor, as a mother,” the full statement from Nora Aunor’s family said.