john rendez opens up about painful criticism after posting tribute to nora aunor

In an emotional turn of events, actor and rapper John Rendez took to social media to express his heartbreak after being harshly criticized for mourning the late Nora Aunor, the legendary “Superstar” of Philippine showbiz.

While many expected silence from the controversial artist, John chose to speak from the heart — and what he shared stunned both fans and critics.

💔 “they said i didn’t deserve to grieve…”

John’s message came just days after he posted a simple but heartfelt tribute to Nora Aunor on his Facebook account, calling her “a shining light in my life”. But to his shock, what followed wasn’t sympathy — it was backlash.

“I thought I was doing something right — remembering someone I loved and respected,” John wrote. “But instead, people attacked me. They told me I didn’t have the right to speak about her. That I wasn’t ‘worthy’.”

The post quickly went viral, sparking intense debates online about past relationships, redemption, and whether a person’s history should disqualify them from grieving.

😢 a friendship misunderstood?

John Rendez was known in the industry as a close companion of Nora during one of the more turbulent periods of her career. For years, he stood by her side — in shows, interviews, and even through personal trials. But critics have often questioned his role and intentions, painting him in a negative light.

“People forget that behind the headlines and rumors, there was genuine love and respect,” he shared. “I was there when others left her. I cared. I still do.”

🕯️ silence no more

This recent controversy appears to have pushed John to break his long silence and reclaim his voice. In his emotional post, he didn’t attack his critics — but he did defend his truth.

“I’m not perfect. I’ve made mistakes. But my grief is real. My memories of her are real. Just because you didn’t see them doesn’t mean they didn’t exist.”

He ended his message with a soft yet heartbreaking plea:

“Let us all mourn in peace. We all loved her, in different ways.”

💬 divided reactions

The internet’s reaction has been swift and divided. Some netizens supported John’s right to mourn, pointing out that grief is not a competition and no one owns the monopoly on sorrow. Others, however, maintained that his past controversies make any tribute “insincere.”

Celebrities have remained mostly silent, though a few insiders have hinted that John and Nora shared more than just headlines — they shared loyalty during a dark time.

📌 final thoughts

In the end, this moment reveals a truth far more universal: grief is messy, human, and personal. Whether one agrees with John Rendez or not, his decision to speak out has brought to light the fragile nature of public mourning — especially when it’s tied to fame, judgment, and the scars of the past.

One thing is clear: Nora Aunor’s legacy lives on, not just in the millions who loved her from afar — but also in those, like John, who stood beside her in the shadows.

Nora Aunor asks her children to love and understand John Rendez
In a rare occasion where National Artist Nora Aunor celebrated her 70th birthday with all her children, the Superstar asked them to practice loving each other as a family.

The advance birthday celebration of the Superstar’s birthday was held on Saturday night, May 20, 2023 at a hotel in Quezon City. Her actual birthday was on May 21.

Present at the occasion were Ian de Leon, Matet de Leon, Lotlot and her husband, Kiko and Kenneth de Leon. John Rendez was also there but it was better to leave immediately and not show up to the actress’s guests.

In a video post on FB by her friend Pilar Mateo, she captured Nora’s statements and plea to her children.

“Whatever happened in the past, let’s forget it. Let’s all love each other. That’s all I ask for – understanding, no slander,” he said.

“If we hear something from other people, let’s not believe it right away. Let’s not listen until we talk to the person they’re slandering,” he added.

The Superstar also wants his children and John to be friends.

“My only wish is to see us be friends. We know the truth, right? John (Rendez), we know what happened to him, let’s not exaggerate what other people are saying,” said Ate Guy.

“Let’s think about your mother who was not left by that person for several years. You all disappeared, you had a family, John was the only one left. So I can’t not defend that person, eh. And I want you to know that… Let’s love that person, let’s love that person,” the Superstar pleaded. He continued, “Like that, he was here earlier but he was very shy. He didn’t show up properly because he knew my family was here, he didn’t want the person to say anything to him again so he didn’t show up for a long time. But I know, in his heart, he wants to talk to you.”

Again, Ate Guy insisted that she and John have no relationship.

“I just want us to love each other…. John and I don’t have a relationship. There was just… I just want everyone to know that the person is defending me not for any other reason. I hope I can see you love each other,” he said.

“Because I’m old, eh. I’m grateful to him for still being there. That’s all. I just want people to know that we understand him, that we support him,” Ate Guy said.

He also asked that the rapper-songwriter be given a chance to showcase his talent.

“Let’s give him a chance to show the talent that God gave him. He can’t show it, eh. Because when the recording comes out, people have something to say, eh. So, let’s let him. Let’s give him a chance. How old is he – he’s 43 years old and he’s been at home for that long,” he said.

“We don’t have a relationship. Because sometimes, the so-called relationship, it’s like I said I’m hitting on the child, right? I have a conscience,” the Superstar insisted.

“I’m sorry, I’m having a hard time speaking because I’m being choked up, but you know what’s in my heart, what’s on my mind, and what I say is without pretense. I love my family, the fans, the press, friends – everyone. Thank you very much,” Nora finally said, clearly struggling to speak.