In an emotionally charged and heartbreaking moment at the funeral of the Philippine cinema icon Nora Aunor, singer-actor John Rendez shocked everyone in attendance as he collapsed to the ground, overcome with intense grief. Witnesses say the longtime friend and close companion of the Superstar was seen naglulupasay — weeping uncontrollably and visibly shaken as Nora was laid to rest.

A Scene No One Expected

Attendees were left in stunned silence as Rendez, who was known to have had a deep and unique bond with Aunor, broke down in front of the casket, crying out her name repeatedly. Some had to help him to his feet, while others were seen wiping tears from their own eyes, deeply moved by the display of raw emotion.

“He didn’t care who was watching. It was like he lost a part of himself,” said one mourner.

A Relationship Beyond Showbiz

John Rendez and Nora Aunor shared more than just the spotlight—they shared years of friendship, artistic collaboration, and personal memories. Despite controversies and rumors in the past, their relationship endured, and Rendez remained one of her most loyal companions until the end.

“He was always there for her, through highs and lows. His reaction today proves how much she meant to him,” another attendee commented.

A Nation in Mourning

The funeral drew not just family and close friends, but also fans, celebrities, and political figures, all united in grief. But John Rendez’s public breakdown reminded everyone of how personal this loss was to those who truly knew and loved Nora.

As the casket was finally lowered, the sound of John’s sobs filled the air—a stark reminder of how deeply The Superstar touched lives, both on-screen and off.

John Rendez to Nora Aunor: I’m the only one who lasted, everyone who came gave up
MANY are asking where singer-actor John Rendez is and it seems he’s not showing any signs of slowing down now that Superstar Nora Aunor has passed away.

John is said to be one of Ate Guy’s closest friends who was with him during the darkest part of his life.

As of this writing, John has not been seen at Ate Guy’s wake at The Heritage Memorial Park in Taguig City.

The two have had a special friendship for over three decades, which is why the public is also waiting for John’s reaction and message to the passing of the National Artist for Film and Broadcast Arts. Loyal Noranians know very well how important John Rendez was to their idol, which is why they loved and respected the rapper and actor just as the Superstar asked them to.

According to some people we spoke to who are close to Ate Guy, John’s heart is also broken right now because of Ate Guy’s sudden passing. But he chose not to appear in public while his family mourns.

Based on a report by entertainment columnist-reporter Jojo Gabinete, last Holy Tuesday, April 15, John was in the Medical City where the Superstar was confined.

The rapper even mentioned in his Facebook Live that he wished he had died because of Nora’s loss on Holy Wednesday, April 16.

It can be recalled that just last April 10, John Rendez received Nora’s award at the World Class Excellence Japan Awards (WCEJA), the World Class Global Icon of Philippine Cinema 2025.

The Facebook page “Nora Aunor National Artist” uploaded a photo of John while accepting Nora’s award from WCEJA.

In an interview, John mentioned what he learned from Ate Guy when it came to the world of showbiz.

“Slow down. Just the mannerisms when I speak. Cinematic performance, that’s what I learned from her, not the acting method that you have to look good on the screen,” he said.

Regarding their friendship, “I was the only one who lasted. Everyone who came gave up.”

“I don’t think about myself. I want her to see that I won’t leave her no matter what they say.“Not for any purpose, whether I have money or not. Because what, eh… that’s Ate Guy. I love her more than I love other people, right? Because when you’re friends, it’s not just words. It’s seen in action,” John said in an interview with entertainment media.