The emotional outpouring was unstoppable on the final night of the funeral of a legend—the **Superstar of Philippine cinema, Nora Aunor**. In a night of remembrance and tribute, **celebrities, former colleagues, industry friends, and prominent figures in politics and the arts** flocked to the funeral to **pay their last respects to the woman who became the face of modern film in the country.**

The area around the memorial chapel seemed like **a red carpet of mourning**, where stars of different generations arrived not as famous personalities, but as fans, friends, and children of the industry who lost a pillar.

Among the crowd were **Vilma Santos**, **Sharon Cuneta**, **Christopher de Leon**, **Lorna Tolentino**, and even **Lea Salonga**, who could barely hold back tears in front of the casket. The former rivals in the race, Vilma and Nora, seemed to be united again in the silence of farewell.

> “We don’t always agree on screen, but in real life, Nora was one of the greatest actresses this country has ever seen,” Vilma said in an interview.

It wasn’t just the artists who joined in. **Senator Imee Marcos**, **Vice President Sara Duterte**, and several representatives of cultural institutions such as **NCCA** and **CCP** were also present, in recognition of Nora’s invaluable contribution to Philippine art and culture.

During one part of the evening, a letter from **President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.** was read, which said:

> “The passing of Ms. Nora Aunor is a great loss not only to Philippine cinema but to the soul of this nation.”

The evening also witnessed **unexpected reunions** of former enemies or long-lost friends. Even **children who don’t often appear in the media** were in attendance, including **Matet de Leon**, who gave a short but powerful speech:

> “Mama wasn’t perfect, but she was a perfect inspiration for someone like me who wanted to love acting like she did.”

As the choir sang “*Pearly Shells*” at the end of the night, countless tears fell. With every flower, every prayer, and every “goodbye,” **an entire generation bid farewell to a legend who was saying goodbye.**

Now that Nora Aunor is gone, the question many are asking is: **Is there a replacement for the Superstar?**
In the hearts of Filipinos, **the answer is clear — no.**

Nora Aunor, Ricky Lee among newly appointed National Artists
Malacanang today announced the appointment of the country’s new National Artists through an announcement by National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) chairman Nick Lizaso.

Among those selected were Nora Aunor and Ricardo Lee for film, Fides Cuyugan Asensio for music, Gemino Abad for writing and literature, and Agnes Locsin for dance.

Also named national artists were the late Marilou Diaz Abaya for film, Tony Mabesa for theater, and Salvacion Lim Higgins for fashion.

In a statement to ABS-CBN News Friday night, Lee said he was indebted to all those who embraced him. “It’s been a very long journey since I left Daet and came to Manila to pursue my dreams. But all this time, through all the highs and lows, I never stopped writing for others,” Lee said. “I always thought they were more important than me, so I had to tell them.”

Salvacion Higgins’ son Mark Higgins also gave a statement to ABS-CBN News.

“With my deepest thanks to the NCCA and the CCP as well as the Office of the President for this honor. I hope my mother’s body of work will continue to inspire artists and designers for generations to come,” Higgins said.

Unknown to many, Asensio has also waited a long time for the national award.

“My message would be never give up,” he said to ABS-CBN News. “If it’s God’s will it will come to pass! This is actually the fourth time that I have been nominated.”

Asensio also mentioned his three guardian angels, Alegria, Angel, and Ena, as well as his partner Joy Rago and the entire University of the Philippines music department who continue to support him.

He also said he was happy that his contemporary Mabesa also won the award.

Aunor also followed up with a statement to ABS-CBN News.

According to the superstar, he still can’t believe that he has won the award that was denied him for several years.

“I can’t think of anything to say right now because of the immense joy in my heart for everyone who prayed and fought until the end to give me their dream of being named a National Artist for Film,” said Aunor.

“Above all, endless gratitude to our Lord, to my Mom and Dad, to my family and children, especially to my beloved fans and the people who have been by my side when I needed them from then until now. Thank you very much to our beloved President Rodrigo Duterte and the people behind this very high honor.”

The National Artist Awards are expected to be held next week.