The Conflicts Between Matet de Leon and Nora Aunor: A Journey of Love and Strife Between a Foster Mother and Her Daughter

Nora Aunor, one of the legends of Philippine cinema, enjoyed a remarkable career and was admired by countless fans. However, her life was not only filled with moments of glittering fame on screen but also with challenges in her personal relationships, particularly with her foster daughter, Matet de Leon.

The Initial Conflict: Feelings of Betrayal

The conflict between Matet de Leon and Nora Aunor erupted in late 2022, when Matet publicly criticized her foster mother. The issue stemmed from Nora Aunor’s decision to start selling tuyo (dried fish), a product Matet was already selling. This move led Matet to feel deeply betrayed and hurt.

In her statements, Matet shared that she felt not only unfairly competed with, but also that her mother didn’t love her as she had hoped. One of the most painful remarks Matet made was:

“Mom doesn’t love us” and “I will never talk to her again.”
These words deeply hurt Nora, who had spent her life nurturing and loving Matet.

The Tension Escalates and the Decision to Cut Ties

Matet’s disappointment over Nora’s business venture went beyond just the product—it was about emotional neglect. She felt that the affection she had for her mother was not reciprocated. This feeling of betrayal led Matet to declare that she would no longer speak to her foster mother.

Nora Aunor, though deeply hurt, did not want the relationship to break down permanently. However, the rift was painful for both sides, and the public couldn’t help but feel for the mother-daughter duo whose bond seemed to be unraveling, especially after many years of closeness.

Reconciliation and a Return to Harmony

After several months of tension, in early 2023, Matet reconciled with Nora Aunor. She admitted that her previous remarks had been a result of her anger and expressed regret for the words she had spoken. Matet realized that her emotions, which had been left unchecked, led her to say hurtful things to her mother. Both women reconciled and continued their loving relationship, putting the difficult period behind them.

Analyzing Matet de Leon’s Emotional Expression and Attitude When Nora Aunor Passed Away

When Nora Aunor passed away in April 2025, Matet de Leon expressed deep sorrow. It is important to note that while the two had experienced significant conflicts in the past, Matet’s attitude after her mother’s passing reflected the deep love and respect she had for Nora Aunor.

Matet shared on social media heartfelt words:

“I love you so much, Mom, you will forever be in my heart.”
She also posted a photo with Nora, captioning it “I love you, Mommy,” expressing her profound affection and boundless sorrow. These words show that, despite past tensions, the love between them was always real.

Matet’s attitude reflected an expression of regret, as she recalled the harsh words she once said when they were at odds. In the moment of loss, Matet seemed to realize that despite past difficulties, the mother-daughter love would always endure.

Conclusion: A Complicated Relationship and True Love

The conflict between Matet de Leon and Nora Aunor is not just about misunderstandings, but also about the complexities of family relationships. However, as with any relationship, love and forgiveness are the key elements that help heal wounds. The bond between Matet and Nora Aunor demonstrated that, even with conflicts, true love between a foster mother and daughter can overcome any challenge.

Matet de Leon admits regrets over past feuds with mom Nora Aunor

LIVE UPDATES: Nora Aunor’s state necrological service and burial

Matet de Leon burst into tears as she expressed regret over not having frequently talked with her late mom, National Artist Nora Aunor, due to their past rifts.

The younger actress was overwhelmed with emotions as she stood in front of the Superstar’s coffin and delivered her eulogy during the last night of the latter’s wake on Monday, April 21.

“Syempre hindi naman po lingid sa kaalaman ng lahat na may mga ano kami ni Mommy. Ako po ang — according to her good friends na nag-aalaga sa kanya — palagi daw po akong binabanggit ni mommy sa kanila as ‘yung anak niyang sutil,” she said.

One of the mother-and-daughter’s feuds that were known to the public happened in 2022, when Matet called out her mom for apparently directly competing with her gourmet business.

At the time, Matet said she felt “betrayed” by Aunor and declared that she would never speak to the latter again. Fortunately, the two of them were able to mend their falling-out after a month.

“Meron po kaming mga hindi pagkakaintindihan; maraming times na hindi po kami nakakapag-usap,” Matet continued during the wake. “‘Yung mga kapatid ko po nakakausap nila si mommy pero ako hindi masyado.”

“Ayoko po magsalita dahil I am still full of regrets,” she admitted, wiping the tears from her face.

Matet further hoped that Aunor was aware that she was with her during her last moments.

Matet then faced the casket as she addressed the late Superstar, “Alam mo na, Ma, kung ano po ‘yung sinabi ko sa inyo. Mahal na mahal ko po kayo, Mommy. Pahinga na po kayo.”

Aside from Matet, Aunor’s other children — Lotlot de Leon, Ian de Leon, Kenneth and Kiko — also honored their mom through their eulogies.

Aunor died last April 16 at the age of 71 due to acute respiratory failure. She was laid to rest at the Libingan ng mga Bayani on Tuesday, April 22.

Matet de Leon – A Disrespectful Foster Daughter Who Sparks Public Outrage: The Alleged Lies Behind Nora Aunor’s Passing and the Truths Behind Them

The passing of Nora Aunor in April 2025 shocked the entire nation and left many grieving. As one of the legends of Philippine cinema, she left behind a monumental legacy. However, right after Nora’s death, her foster daughter, Matet de Leon, made statements that stirred public outrage and raised questions about the real relationship between the two.

Public Outrage: Controversial Statements That Stirred Emotions

In a recent interview following Nora’s death, Matet de Leon made contradictory remarks about her relationship with Nora Aunor in the final years of the legendary actress’s life. Many people accused Matet of lying about the care and love Nora supposedly gave her. Specifically, Matet claimed that in Nora’s final years, she neglected both her and their family.

“Mom was no longer the mother I knew. What she left behind was coldness and indifference when we needed her the most.”

Matet de Leon

These statements instantly sparked public backlash, with many expressing their disrespect for Matet’s comments, especially when made so soon after Nora’s passing.

Lies and Contradictions in Her Statements

While Matet claimed that Nora was no longer “the mother” she had once known, many criticized her for being dishonest and unethical. These remarks contradicted what she had said in the past, when Matet always emphasized the close bond and love between her and Nora Aunor.

One of the revealed truths is that despite some conflicts in their past, Nora Aunor never turned her back on Matet during the most difficult moments. Nora’s close friends and family members spoke out against Matet’s accusations, affirming that Nora had always cared for and loved her foster daughter. They argued that Matet’s statements were simply thoughtless and deceitful, aimed at boosting her own image now that Nora was no longer around.

The Truth Behind the Words: Tension in Their Relationship

The relationship between Matet de Leon and Nora Aunor was not always smooth. Before Nora’s death, there had been serious tensions in the family. In late 2022, Matet criticized Nora for what she felt was unnecessary competition in their business ventures involving dried fish (tuyo). However, after some heartfelt conversations, the two reconciled and seemed to have resolved their differences. Yet, Nora’s sudden passing has brought those tensions to the forefront again.

Nora Aunor spent her life caring for and loving Matet, but their relationship faced challenges. However, Matet’s public criticisms of her foster mother after her passing have sparked significant controversy, especially since these words remain unverified and unclear.

Conclusion: The Truth Still Remains Unclear

While the public continues to express outrage over Matet de Leon’s comments, many aspects of her relationship with Nora Aunor remain unresolved. Was Matet truly grateful for and loving towards the mother who raised her, or is she simply trying to exploit Nora’s death to create a certain image of herself?

One thing is certain: despite the conflicts within the family, the real bond between a foster mother and her daughter remains a complex and emotional story. Matet’s statements are only one piece of the larger picture, and the true nature of her relationship with Nora Aunor may remain a mystery with no clear answers.