A shocking and sad news has shaken the entire showbiz industry: the passing of the so-called “Superstar” of Philippine cinema, Nora Aunor. The veteran actress has passed away at the age of 71, leaving behind an incalculable legacy in the arts of film, music, and television.

According to the Aunor family, Nora passed away peacefully in a hospital in Manila, after months of battling health complications. Although her condition had been reported several times, many still did not expect the sudden departure of a legend.

Her son, Ian De Leon, also a well-known actor, was deeply affected by the loss of his mother. In an interview, Ian could not hold back his emotions. “I don’t know how I’m going to accept this. I’m not ready yet. No child would ever be ready to lose their mother – especially if she’s Nora Aunor,” said Ian as his voice nearly broke down in the midst of tears.

He also shared some personal memories — how, despite Nora’s busy career, she still managed to show her love and support to her family. “She wasn’t just the Superstar of the nation — she was the superstar of my life.”

Condolences poured in from fellow artists, fans, and even the government. Several senators and legislators said that Nora Aunor deserved to be given state honors in recognition of her significant contribution to Philippine culture.

While the family is still finalizing the details of her funeral and burial, thousands of fans are expected to come to pay their last respects to the woman who was once the voice of the masses, the voice of the movies, and the face of every Filipino.

Nora Aunor’s passing is not just the end of a life but a chapter in the history of Philippine art and culture that will never be forgotten.

Ian De Leon, family, speaks out on cause of Nora Aunor’s death
The orphaned children of National Artist for Film and Broadcast Arts and Superstar Nora Aunor, Ian, Lotlot, Matet, and Kenneth de Leon, addressed the media on Maundy Thursday, April 17, 2025, to issue a statement regarding the death of their mother on the night of Maundy Wednesday, April 16.

The confirmation of Ate Guy’s passing came from a Facebook post by her biological son Ian, who is also an actor, and their son with ex-husband Christopher De Leon.

Ian himself became the spokesperson for the family. He thanked all those who loved, believed in, and supported their Superstar 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, without any plasticity, without any negative shown,” he said.

“As long as he loved truly and that is what is so contagious that many people love him. We cannot avoid the events in 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 very much to all of you,” he said.

After this, Ian read the confirmation of their mother’s passing.

“She passed away peacefully last night, April 16, surrounded by those who love her the most,” part of the statement said.

Ian was also asked if it was true that the cause of Ate Guy’s death was due to her surgery. It turned out that the veteran actress was confined to the hospital on April 10. On Holy Tuesday, April 15, the Superstar underwent angioplasty, something that was confirmed in a Facebook post by movie director and writer Ronaldo Carballo, who is still in shock over what happened because they were still talking on Facebook Messenger on Holy Monday, April 14.

Ian clarified that their mother did not die during the operation.

“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,” he said.

Meanwhile, based on the viewing and mass details released by Lotlot De Leon, on Tuesday next week after Holy Week, the National Artist will be taken to his final destination, to be laid to rest at the Libingan ng mga Bayani in Taguig.