In a world where beauty often fades and showbiz royalty constantly shifts, one name continues to sparkle with timeless prestige — Nora Aunor, the one and only Superstar.

Recently, social media lit up after fans passionately declared that Nora Aunor has outshined younger comedic queens Pokwang and Ai-Ai delas Alas — not just in beauty, but in legacy, poise, and grace.

“May forever kay Nora!” exclaimed one netizen, referring to the actress’s rumored undying connection with long-time friend and confidant John Rendez.

While Ai-Ai and Pokwang are both beloved icons in their own right, the comparison reignited a long-standing admiration for Nora Aunor’s staying power in the industry. The award-winning actress, known for her unforgettable performances and her deeply emotional portrayals, seems to be enjoying a renaissance of affection from fans — and perhaps, even from someone special.

Is John Rendez More Than Just a Friend?

Insiders and long-time observers of Nora’s journey have always been intrigued by her closeness with singer-actor John Rendez. The two have shared not only professional collaborations but also a quiet, consistent companionship over the years.

Though the two have never officially confirmed a romantic relationship, fans aren’t shy about reading between the lines.

“May forever talaga si Ate Guy kay Kuya John,” one fan posted. “Walang iwanan, through ups and downs.”

And perhaps that’s what separates Nora Aunor from the rest — not just her beauty, which many say has become more graceful with time, but the emotional depth, resilience, and authenticity she brings both to her life and to her art.

The Icon That Never Fades

While Pokwang and Ai-Ai dominate in the comedy realm, and both have carved impressive careers with major TV networks, Nora remains in a league of her own — a global award-winner, a Cannes-caliber actress, and a woman who changed the landscape of Philippine cinema.

Her quiet strength, often shown in her off-cam struggles and victories, resonates with generations of Filipinos. She’s not just adored — she’s revered.

As fans continue to praise her latest appearances and classic roles, one thing is clear:

Nora Aunor doesn’t need the spotlight — she is the spotlight.

And whether or not there’s truly a “forever” with John Rendez, the love between them — whether platonic or romantic — remains one of showbiz’s most enduring and touching stories

Nora Aunor, superstar and national artist, died at the age of 71
Veteran actress and national artist Nora Aunor died or passed away while undergoing a heart procedure, one month before her 72nd birthday in May.

His death was announced by his son, the actor Ian de Leon, who posted it on his Facebook.

“We love you Ma… God knows how much we love you… rest now Ma.. you are here in our hearts and minds (We love you, Mom. God knows how much we love you. Please rest now. You will remain in our hearts and minds),” he said.

In his follow-up post, Ian described the departed superstar as the “heart of [their] family” or “the heart of some families” and the source of “unconditional love, strength, and warmth.”

“With deep sorrow and heavy hearts, we share the passing of our beloved mother, Nora C. Villamayor ‘Nora Aunor’ who left us today, April 16, 2025, at the age of 71,” he said. “She was the heart of our family — a source of unconditional love, strength, and warmth. Her kindness, wisdom, and beautiful spirit touched everyone who knew her. She will be missed beyond words and remembered forever.” The Superstar, who is Nora Cabaltera Villamayor’s real son, is very open about her health issues. He withdrew from his run in the 2025 midterm election as a second nominee in the People’s Champ Guardians party-list due to his health issue.

As he retreated from his run to the chosen one, Aunor said that he advised his doctors.

“My doctors also reminded me to avoid stressful situations such as campaigning,” he said in March.
In February 2023, he told Boy Abunda in an interview that “he died in three minutes” at the hospital where he was rushed after experiencing low oxygen levels. It was a miracle that he woke up back in the intensive care unit (ICU).

Ultimate artist
Considered an icon and legend by many, Aunor can be called the ultimate artist because of his master singing, dancing and acting in the theater and on the silver screen and even on the radio. He is a record producer and a film producer.

She will pursue her career in stage plays while still transitioning to television, and then to filmmaking, where she is known as the “Grand Dame of Philippine Cinema,” and a Hall of Fame awardee in the Filipino Academy of Movie Arts and Sciences Awards (Famas), which is the highest acting award body in the Philippines.

Aunor was named the champion in the well-known singing contest “Tawag ng Tanghalan.” This was after his second disobedience in singing “Moonlight Becomes You” in 1967.

He was the host of the long-running musical variety show “Superstar,” which premiered in 1967 and lasted 22 years. He accompanied the hosts on the show, German Moreno, Cherie Gil, Jaclyn Jose and Jograd dela Torre. As a provincial girl from Iriga, Camarines Sur, Aunor rose to fame in her debut film “All Over the World” (1967), starring Eddie Gutierrez and Rosemarie Sonora. His famous movies are “Minsa’y May Isang Gamu-Gamo” (1976), “Bona” (1980), “Himala” (1982), “Bulaklak sa City Jail” (1984), and the most recent one is “Mananambal” (2024).
Known by his moniker or nickname “Ate Guy,” his filmography and strong fan base he has a rivalry with the Star of All Seasons, Vilma Santos, whom he considers a good friend. Aunor is also known for his love teams of Tirso Cruz III and Edgar Mortiz

On her Facebook, Vilma Santos expressed her love for Aunor after confirming his death, which showed how close they were as friends on and off-screen.

“Our sincerest condolences and prayers. Rest in peace, Mare (my friend). Ms. Nora Aunor, our superstar and national artist, thank you,” Santos said.

Aunor’s most recent award was for best actress at the PMPC Star Awards for the movie “Pieta,” where she tied with fellow screen veterans Maricel Soriano and Santos.

During a press conference for “Pieta,” he told the Philippine Daily Inquirer: “Time will eventually come when I will have to stop working. I am now thinking about how I will exit the industry. I am weighing whether I can afford to stop … but it will not be easy for me.”

“I have come to love art. So when Director Adolf (Alix Jr., director of ‘Pieta’) said that we are going to do a movie, I was very happy because I really miss acting. [During the pandemic,] it is hard to do nothing. Then, you watch TV and you see other great artists doing something, so you miss it even more.”

The award-winning actress was conferred with the title of National Artist for Film and Broadcast Arts by former President Rodrigo Duterte in 2022.

In the tribute at the Cultural Center of the Philippines to Aunor in July 2022, he told his colleagues in the industry and his loyal “Noranians” that he will continue to promote Filipino movies that inspire.

“These past few days, I have been battling an illness. This was also the reason I was not able to attend the actual ceremony in Malacañang. I feel much better now. I thank those who have sent messages,” said Aunor. “The life and art of Nora Aunor that you love so much — since I first tried my luck in music and in acting several decades ago — I will continue to offer them to you.”

In his later years, he started participating in politics.

Colorful life behind the camera
Aunor left behind her biological son Ian de Leon and her daughters Lotlot and Matet de Leon, whom they adopted from her ex-husband Christopher de Leon.

He also has two adopted sons — Kiko and Kenneth de Leon. She is the adoptive grandmother of Janine and Diego Gutierrez, and the biological grandmother of Jaden and Jordan. Her death happened a few days after Pilita Corrales, mother-in-law of her daughter Lotlot, passed away.

His life behind the camera can be called as colorful as his life in front of it. His troubled relationship with his children has been publicized many times.

In 2022 and even in the next few years, Matet said that he had a falling-out with Aunor after the former established a gourmet dry business that “directly competed” with Matet’s business.

Matet said that he was betrayed by his mother and said that she did not treat him like a son of the Superstar. Slowly, however, they returned home in January 2023.

She was asked what was more difficult being an actress or her motherhood, Aunor replied “It’s very difficult to answer that as a mother… because I might say something again [my children and I don’t understand].