**Manila, Philippines** – An emotional scene was witnessed by the public today as Star for All Seasons **Vilma Santos**, **tears came to the wake** of her longtime competitor and friend in the industry – the legendary **Nora Aunor**.

According to reports, Vilma immediately went to the funeral home after the sad news reached her. Her eyes were visibly swollen, and she wasted no time **seeing her “biggest rival who is also closest to her heart” one last time.**

> “He’s gone… Guy is gone,” she said while sobbing uncontrollably.

By the time Vilma arrived at the funeral home, it seemed **the entire room went silent**. Tension and emotion merged, and all eyes were on her. As she slowly approached the casket, every step seemed to be filled with memories of their decades of **on-screen rivalry** and off-screen respect.

She knelt down next to the coffin and wholeheartedly **prayed, cried and held Nora’s hand** – who, for the last time, was still there in front of her.

Although they are often compared to each other, Vilma has admitted several times that Nora was part of her development as an artist.

> “She pushed me to be better. I will never forget that,” said Vilma in an old interview.

In the midst of her tears, the words can be heard:
> “I have never left you, even though we don’t talk often…”

According to some present, Vilma was not expected to come immediately because there were previous reports of conflict between them in recent years. But Vi proved that in the end – **friendship, respect, and memories of what we shared are still more important.**

> “This is not about rivalry. This is about love, and saying goodbye to a queen of Filipino cinema.”

Vilma Santos’ arrival at Nora Aunor’s wake was not just a simple gesture. It was **a symbol of the end of a historic era in Philippine entertainment** – the two most revered actresses, together for the last time.

And with every tear Vilma shed, the entire nation felt the **weight of loss**… and the **depth of friendship shaped by time and history.

Vilma Santos mourns the passing of Nora Aunor: Rest in peace, Mare…
THE entire entertainment industry is mourning the sudden passing of the one and only Superstar, Nora Aunor.

One of those whose hearts are surely broken right now is her friend and co-star, Star for All Seasons Vilma Santos.

On her Instagram Story, the veteran and award-winning actress posted her condolences for the late National Artist for Film and Broadcast.

“Our sincerest condolences and prayers. Rest in peace Mare. Ms. Nora Aunor! Our Superstar and National Artist…Many thanks,” was Ate Vi’s message to Ate Guy.

The two showbiz icons have also worked together on several projects before, including the classic film “T-Bird at Ako” in 1982.

Previously, they also worked together in the 1978 film “Ikaw Ay Akin,” where their leading man was Christopher de Leon.

In an interview, Nora and Vilma mentioned that they are open to making a movie together again. “That’s what we’ll talk about. Maybe if there’s a good project like T-Bird at Ako, which suits both of us, why not? For me, there’s no problem,” said Ate Guy. Vilma, on the other hand, said, “I hope we get a good script. Because, with the kind of people we are now, we’re not getting any younger.” “We need a good script so that we can hope that people will watch it,” she said. Last night, Ate Guy and Christopher’s son Ian de Leon confirmed the Superstar’s passing via Facebook.

“With deep sorrow and heavy hearts, we share the passing of our beloved mother, Nora C. Villamayor ‘Nora Aunor’ who left us on today April 16, 2025 at the age of 71.

“She was the heart of our family — a source of unconditional love, strength, and warmth. Her kindness, wisdom, and beautiful spirit touched everyone who knew her. She will be missed beyond words and remembered forever,” said the actor.