Shocking Mother-Daughter Rift: Nora Aunor and Matet de Leon – From Dried Fish to Deep Emotional Wounds

Manila, Philippines – Legendary Filipino actress Nora Aunor, widely regarded as one of the greatest artists in Philippine cinema, surprised the public in late 2022 when she became involved in a public rift with her adopted daughter, Matet de Leon. Surprisingly, the conflict stemmed from something as seemingly simple as dried fish — tuyo.

The Dried Fish Business – Root of the Conflict

Matet de Leon, who had already established her tuyo brand “Casita Estrada,” felt betrayed upon discovering that her own mother had started a competing dried fish business. In a social media post, Matet openly expressed her hurt, saying:

“Would you do this to your own children? I feel like I was never truly loved as a real daughter.”

The post went viral, prompting widespread public reaction. Many sympathized with Matet, while others believed the situation was simply a misunderstanding over business.

Emotions Made Public

Matet continued to express her disappointment on Instagram, stating that she was “shocked and heartbroken” to find her mother becoming her business rival. She felt her efforts and dedication were disregarded by someone she looked up to the most.

From Anger to Reconciliation

Eventually, Matet admitted her words had been spoken out of overwhelming emotion. In a later interview, she shared:

“I said too much. I shouldn’t have let my emotions get the best of me. Mom is still Mom — and no matter what, I still love her.”

Nora Aunor reportedly reached out to Matet, taking the first step toward reconciliation and expressing a sincere desire to mend their relationship.

Where Are They Now?

Since the conflict, Matet’s business has continued to thrive. “Casita Estrada” now has a booth at UN Avenue and has expanded into other product lines. Meanwhile, Nora Aunor remains an enduring icon in Filipino culture, with a cinematic legacy that remains untarnished despite personal challenges.

Conclusion

The conflict between Nora Aunor and Matet de Leon was not merely a personal dispute — it highlighted the complexity of family relationships, especially when entangled with fame and business. Though there were wounds, their bond proved resilient, showing that understanding and love can ultimately heal even the deepest rifts.

Nora Aunor

Actor Ian de Leon revealed the last message he received from his late mother, National Artist for Film and Broadcast Arts Nora Aunor.

Ian recalled his last conversation with the veteran actress in an interview on Fast Talk with Boy Abunda on April 21. Nora was already in the hospital, so they weren’t able to talk in person.

He said that he messaged his mother, adding that Nora didn’t let her children know about her condition. Her last texts included a quote or prayer surrounding the relationship between a mother and her children and her grandchildren.

“Panginoon, kahit saan man mapunta ang aking mga anak, pakiusap, hawakan mo sila, protektahan mo sila sa lahat ng panganib at palaging ihatid silang ligtas pauwi,” the veteran actress said to Ian.

To this, the actor responded with, “I love you, ma.”

In her last text, Nora told Ian and their family to take care always.

“Pasensiya na at wala si mommy diyan pag kailangan niyo ako. Gabayan nawa kayo lagi. Kamusta na mga bata? Kiss at hug mo nalang sila, please,” she said.

Elsewhere in the interview, Nora’s other son Kenneth shared regret over the fact that they weren’t with the veteran actress in her final moments.

“Sana andun kami, yakap namin siya, kausap, nasabi ‘yung gustong sabihin. Eto na po ngayon, we just need to accept,” he told Boy.

Ian announced Nora’s passing in a Facebook post late April 16. She died of acute respiratory failure, the son told GMA News 24 Oras.

The National Artist was given a necrological tribute at the Metropolitan Theater and a state funeral at the Libingan ng mga Bayani on April 22.

Nora was married to veteran actor Christopher De Leon. They have one biological child, Ian, and four adopted children: Lotlot De Leon, Matet De Leon, Kiko, and Kenneth. Their marriage was dissolved in 1996.