Manila, Philippines — The memory of the late Nora Aunor, Philippine cinema’s one and only “Superstar”, continues to draw tributes from admirers around the world — but none more unexpected than the heartfelt homage recently staged by a Chinese-Filipino chef who claimed Nora changed his life forever.

In a private but highly symbolic gathering held in Quezon City, Chef Liang Wu, owner of a popular restaurant chain in Manila, unveiled a culinary tribute to the late icon: a specially crafted multi-course meal inspired by Nora Aunor’s iconic film roles and favorite childhood dishes.

The tribute was attended by Nora’s children Lotlot De Leon, Matet De Leon, and Ian De Leon, who were all visibly moved by the unexpected show of affection.

“I never met her, but she saved me,” says Chef Liang Wu

Chef Liang recounted in an emotional speech that watching Himala and Tatlong Taong Walang Diyos during a difficult chapter of his life helped him overcome depression and identity struggles.

“Nora made me believe in second chances. Her eyes spoke to me in silence. She was my escape, my teacher, my hope,” Liang told the guests, his voice trembling.

He added that the tribute was not just for Nora the actress, but Nora the human being, whose work broke barriers in culture, class, and emotion.

Lotlot, Matet, and Ian: Stunned and Grateful

The children of Nora Aunor admitted that they had no idea such a tribute was in the works.

“We were not expecting this. I am beyond touched,” said Lotlot, tears in her eyes.
“I thought I’ve seen all kinds of tributes to my mom. But this… this came from a different place. A stranger’s soul,” said Matet, deeply moved.
“It made me realize how much impact Nanay had outside showbiz,” added Ian, who rarely speaks publicly about his mother.

They each thanked Chef Liang for honoring their mother in such a heartfelt and personal way, calling the experience “healing” and “unexpectedly beautiful.”

Netizens React: “Nora Aunor Transcends Borders”

Photos and clips from the tribute quickly made the rounds online, with netizens praising the chef’s gesture:

“Grabe! Tribute mula sa banyaga pero pusong Pinoy.”

“This just proves Nora Aunor was never just an actress. She was a global soul.”

“Even in death, she continues to inspire strangers.”

Others called on the government to formally declare Nora Aunor as a National Artist with the highest posthumous honors, citing her influence both locally and internationally.

Legacy of Nora Aunor: Living in the Hearts of the Unexpected

As the night ended with Nora’s signature songs playing softly in the background, one couldn’t help but feel the weight of her legacy — now carried not only by her children and fans but by people like Chef Liang Wu, who found light in her artistry.

“Her spirit cooked this meal. I just followed her voice,” Liang whispered as the guests quietly wiped away tears.

🕯️ Some tributes are grand. Others, like this one, are small but echo forever.
🌸 Nora Aunor, even in silence, still changes lives.

Lotlot de Leon reconciles with Nora Aunor, looks after sick mother
Multi-awarded actress and so-called Superstar of showbiz Nora Aunor is ill. This is the reason why she was unable to make it to Malacanang Palace on June 16 to receive the plaque of recognition as National Artist for Film.

The doctor reportedly did not allow Nora to attend the conferment due to her illness, so her four children, Ian, Matet, Kiko, and Kenneth, acted as proxies here to receive the plaque.

Lotlot was also unable to be with her four siblings because they were the ones who were looking after their mother.

“We will deliver her plaque to mommy right away. To the fans, thank you so much for your endless love for our mommy. Thank you, thank you so much. We love you,” Matet said in an interview the day they received the plaque for their mother.

Those close to Ate Guy have not given any details about his illness. There is also no statement on how Lotlot and Ate Guy reconciled, as they had a long-standing feud that is said to have stemmed from the Superstar’s relationship with rapper-singer John Rendez.

Lotlot, Matet, Kiko and Kenneth are not Nora’s biological children. Besides, only Ian de Leon came from Nora’s womb, which was the result of her marriage to Christopher de Leon.

According to Lotlot in his previous interview, he did not feel that he was adopted from the very beginning and even though the Superstar confessed to him about it.

“I have always accepted that I was adopted because I didn’t feel… Mommy didn’t treat me differently from how she treated Ian.

“Even my dad, Daddy Boyet, he never treated me less than he treated Ian. I guess, the way they loved Ian, that’s how I felt their love for me. So I didn’t feel different from my brother,” he said.

Ate Guy also gave him the opportunity to meet his biological parents.

Anyway, there will be a tribute for Nora Aunor and the other newly appointed National Artists at the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) on June 29 and the Superstar is expected to attend.