MANILA, Philippines — As the Filipino nation commemorated what would have been the 72nd birthday of the late and legendary Nora Aunor, an emotional visit by rapper and longtime companion John Rendez to the actress’s grave sparked a wave of public reaction—and a surprising silence from her children.

With a bouquet in hand and raw emotion in his voice, Rendez stood quietly by Nora’s tombstone at the cemetery, whispering heartfelt words captured in a now-viral video:

“You were my savior. You embraced me when the world didn’t. This day will never be forgotten. Happy Birthday, Nay.”

While many fans praised the sincerity of his tribute, others began asking the question: Why were Nora’s own children—Lotlot, Matet, Ian, and Kiko—noticeably quiet about it?

A Tribute That Stirred Old Wounds?

To some, the image of Rendez alone at Nora’s grave stirred sympathy. To others, it reopened old speculations of a quiet tension between him and the Superstar’s children.

Over the years, it was well-known in showbiz circles that John Rendez played a significant role in Nora’s life, especially during her years in the United States when she stepped away from the limelight. He was often referred to as her constant companion, even when rumors swirled that some of her children felt distant or left out.

The Children React – Respectful, But Distant?

When asked by the press about John’s heartfelt gesture, Nora’s children gave short but polite responses—responses that only fueled more curiosity.

Lotlot de Leon said, “Everyone has their own way of remembering Mama. If that was his, we respect that.”

Matet de Leon responded, “I didn’t know him that well, but if it brought him peace to remember her like that, then that’s his right.”

Ian de Leon simply stated, “What matters to me is how I remember her—as a mother, not as a public figure. That’s my focus now.”

None of the children condemned the gesture, but neither did they show public warmth toward it. Their tone was neutral, careful, almost distant.

A Complicated Legacy

The history between John Rendez and the Aunor children has always been cloaked in mystery. While no one ever publicly aired grievances, insiders from the entertainment world long suspected that his closeness to Nora may have created emotional distance between her and her children during certain periods of her life.

Whether those suspicions were grounded in truth or merely tabloid noise, one thing remains: the silence speaks volumes.

Netizens React

The online community quickly chimed in, with opinions split down the middle:

“John Rendez meant a lot to Nora. He deserves to remember her the way he wants.”

“The kids’ silence says a lot. Maybe there’s unresolved pain there.”

“It’s sad that even in death, Nora Aunor’s family seems fractured.”

The video of Rendez at the cemetery has garnered thousands of views, with fans expressing both admiration for his sincerity and concern over the apparent disconnection between him and the Aunor family.

More Than Just a Visit

Rendez’s tribute was more than just flowers and tears—it was a symbol. A reminder that Nora Aunor wasn’t just the people’s Superstar—she was also a deeply complex woman with complicated personal relationships, both celebrated and strained.

While her children continue to grieve in private, John Rendez has chosen to mourn in public, possibly as a final act of devotion, or perhaps as a way to heal from wounds never spoken of.

The Superstar’s Legacy Lives On

At the heart of it all remains Nora Aunor—beloved, celebrated, and mourned by a nation. Her life was filled with applause, controversy, love, and silence. And even now, in her absence, she remains the central force binding and dividing those who loved her most.

As fans revisit her films, her music, and her legacy, they’re also left to wonder: What truly happened behind the curtain of fame? And who, among those left behind, truly knew the real Nora?

Matet de Leon on her and Nora Aunor’s fights: I’m still full of regrets
WE COULD SEE in Matet de Leon’s eyes how tired and sleepless we were when we saw her on the last night of her mother Nora Aunor’s funeral.

We caught up with the actress briefly on the last night of Ate Guy’s funeral at Heritage Park in Taguig City this past Monday, April 21 after President Bongbong Marcos and First Lady Liza Marcos visited.

Despite the heavy feelings of losing their mother, Matet, along with her siblings Lotlot, Ian, Kenneth and Kiko de Leon, are still trying to take care of all those who are sympathizing with them.

Matet once again burst into tears when giving her eulogy on the last night of the funeral for Ate Guy where she recalled the conflict between her and her mother. “Of course, it’s not a secret that Mommy and I have some issues.

“I’m the one…according to her good friends who take care of her, Mommy always refers to me as her stubborn son,” the actress began sharing.

“We have misunderstandings, there are many times when we don’t get to talk.

“‘My siblings talk to Mommy but I don’t get to talk much. I don’t want to talk because I’m still full of regrets,” Matet said.

“You know, Mom, what I told you. I love you so much, Mommy. Rest in peace,” she said.

Matet is probably referring to the misunderstanding he and Nora had about the gourmet tuyo they were selling. Nora Aunor passed away on Holy Wednesday, April 16, at the age of 71 due to acute respiratory failure. She was laid to rest yesterday, April 22, at the Libingan ng mga Bayani.