An emotional day unfolded at the funeral of Philippine Superstar **Nora Aunor**, where her children **Lotlot de Leon**, **Ian de Leon**, and their other siblings gathered to pay their last respects to their mother who was loved by the entire nation. Amidst the sadness and farewells, the family could not avoid **deep tears and emotional outbursts**, which became the center of attention of the public and the media.

In photos that spread on social media, **Lotlot** can be seen barely holding back tears as he hugged his siblings. **Ian**, although strong during the first part of the mass, finally gave in while delivering his short message for their mother. He said:

Mom, thank you all. No matter how sick you are, we are still proud that you were our mother.”*

**Matet de Leon** and other children of Nora also shed tears as some of Nora Aunor’s favorite songs were played as part of the ceremony. One of the most tearful of all was the **reading of a portion of the actress’s last will and personal letter** to her children, which was enclosed in a box of her memories.

Also present at the funeral were some of her close friends in the industry like **Christopher de Leon**, **Vilma Santos**, and other personalities who shaped Nora Aunor’s career. According to an insider, Nora’s death seemed like the end of a historic era in Philippine showbiz.

After the mass, the Superstar’s remains were taken to a **private resting place**, where only family and a few select guests were allowed. As they hugged the casket for the last time, her children prayed together — a quiet but very heavy moment.

For Nora Aunor’s fans, her loss was not not just the loss of an artist but **a part of Filipino culture**. But as Ian said:

Her memory will never be buried. She will remain alive in the hearts of every Filipino.”*

A farewell filled with tears, memories, and eternal love. Farewell, Nora Aunor — you are the true Queen of Philippine Cinema.

Lotlot de Leon, pleads: ‘Please, don’t forget the one Nora Aunor’
The Lotlot, Ian, Matet, Kiko, and Kenneth de Leon siblings brought mixed emotions to the last night of the funeral for their late mother, Superstar and National Artist Nora Aunor.

Nora’s five children each have their own good stories about their experience as children of a well-known showbiz personality.

According to the eldest, Lotlot, they are very grateful that Nora was their mother.

“We could have ended up in other families, but why did we end up in Nora Aunor? That question is bigger than us because that’s God’s intervention already. Whatever God’s plans are, I accept. And I thank Him because because of His plans, she is my mother.”

Following this, Lotlot recounted Nora’s last message to him about her health condition, which the Superstar kept secret from him

“Mommy, she’s so secretive, she really doesn’t want to let us know. If we don’t complain, she won’t let us know,” Lotlot said.

After telling her mother’s doctor that she and her siblings need to know about their mother’s condition, Nora allegedly texted Lotlot.

He emotionally read Nora’s text message: “My dearest Lotlot, I’m talking to my doctor. You two were talking and you were asking him what was wrong with me. I told the doctor to tell you that I’m okay. You or I don’t have anything to worry about. It used to be my only illness and was triggered when I had a cough and a cold.

“I appreciate your concern. But don’t, I can handle it. You have nothing to worry about. When it’s someone’s time, there’s nothing we can do.

“You have your own life and I am happy because your life has become good, especially you and your children. You are very good children in the eyes of people and God. No matter what happens, I love you all very much, brothers and sisters.

“Always take care, especially your children, never neglect them. They are your treasure, your children, your family.” The beginning of Fast Talk with Boy Abunda this Monday (April 21) was emotional because it paid special tribute to National Artist and Superstar Nora Aunor.

In the last part of his eulogy, Lotlot admitted that they knew their mother was “public property,” whom many looked up to, especially in the showbiz industry.

That’s why, he said, “In the few times I’ve been alone with my mom, my gratitude is so great. And in those few times, we’ve said everything we could have said to each other

“She has shared her life with the public, with all of you. And I know that mom, wherever she is now, is still grateful to all of you.

“So, on behalf of my family, my brothers Ian, sister Matet, Kiko, and Kenneth, thank you very, very, very much for your support. Thank you for the love that you have for our mom. Thank you for returning that love on this day.”

In the end, Lotlot pleaded, “Please, don’t forget Nora Aunor.” Lotlot recalled his mother Nora Aunor being very helpful, “No matter how much she can help, whether it be material things, monetary, whether just recommending. And because of their love for my mom, they also give others a chance. I think that’s a great example of passing kindness. This is one of the legacies of my mom that she has left behind. I hope that we can all be a little bit kind.”

Ian de Leon
Ian de Leon shared one of the important lessons that Superstar Nora Aunor left behind for him. “Mommy has been through a lot but she has never lost her faith in the Lord. She taught us to forgive, respect, and love truly.”Matet de Leon
Matet admitted that among her siblings, she is the one her mother Nora Aunor calls stubborn. At first, she refused to speak, “There were many times when we couldn’t talk. My siblings, they could talk to Mommy, but I, not so much. So, I didn’t want to talk because I am still full of regret. But they said, the last thing that disappears when you are about to die is hearing. I hope she heard me, that I was there. You know, Mom, what I told you, Mom. I love you so much, rest in peace.” Nora’s son Kiko was filled with laughter when he told his story. He recalled a time when he and his older brother Ian were at his mother’s concert in America. According to Kiko, before they went on stage to perform, their mother left a bottle of wine to “encourage them.” But unexpectedly, they finished it and when they performed, he said, “We both sang so badly that my older brother even jumped off the stage.” However, Nora did not scold them, instead He laughed too. Kiko said, “It’s so much fun to have experiences like that, our bonding with Mommy.”

Kiko’s final message for his mother, Superstar Nora Aunor, was short but heartfelt. In the last part, he said, “It hurts to let go, but I know you’re finally resting now. Ma, I will carry you with me in how I live, in how I love, and how I continue, Ma.” Nora’s fellow Bicolana Imelda Papin is also one of her close friends in showbiz. In fact, she was the one who immediately said goodbye to Nora’s children in her final moments before passing away. Before dedicating a song, Jamie shared a story about the kindness and helpfulness of the late Nora Aunor.

Celia Rodriguez looked back on how her close friendship with Nora began. Aside from being fellow Bicolanas, they have also worked together in movies many times, one of which was the 1984 movie ‘Bulaklak ng City Jail.’ Actress-singer Beverly Salviejo fondly recalled the first time Nora Aunor asked her to work with them in a movie. “My God, when she called me, she was still shy,” she recalled. When they met on set, Nora immediately hugged her and thanked her, “Oh, it’s like I’m shrinking because she’s a Superstar, a National Artist, I’ve seen her since I was a kid. But when I got there, she was still shy.” Director Adolf Alix, Jr., who has worked with Nora Aunor several times, also testified to her humbleness and helpfulness. “Perhaps the lesson she can impart to us is to pay it forward. Whatever you have, share it with others and stay grounded even if you are in the clouds.”12 of 13Photo by: Nherz Almo
Mac Alejandre
One of the things director Mac Alejandre will never forget about Nora Aunor is giving him the opportunity to direct his previous drama anthology, which became a bridge for the then-novice director to enter the mainstream. Nora Aunor’s kids
At the end of the program, Nora Aunor’s children once again thanked all those who supported their cause