‘Every tear she shed onscreen felt like a collective heartbreak’

MANILA, Philippines – Filipinos woke up on Maundy Thursday, April 17, to the news that entertainment icon Nora Aunor, died the day prior, Wednesday, April 16, at the age of 71.

“Ate Guy,” a National Artist, left behind a legacy of iconic roles that shaped Filipino pop culture for over five decades. Just recently, she was in talks with a director and fellow actors for a new project.

“Every tear she shed onscreen felt like a collective heartbreak,” wrote fellow actress and former ABS-CBN president and CEO Charo Santos in an online tribute. “Every line she delivered became etched in the memory of Philippine cinema.”

Following the sudden news of her passing, family, friends, peers in the industry, shared their heartfelt tributes to the entertainment icon, remembering her unique talent, generous heart, and passion for her craft.

Family members share memories

Aunor’s children talked about her love and her place in their lives.

Actress Matet de Leon posted a photo from her wedding day with her mother by her side, writing, “I love you mommy.”

“She was a star not only on screen, but in the hearts of many — and stars like hers never stop shining,” actress Lotlot de Leon wrote.

“She touched generations with her unmatched talent, grace, and passion for the craft. Her voice, presence, and artistry shaped a legacy that will never fade.”

Lotlot, mother of actress Janine Gutierrez, added that Aunor was “the heart of our family — a source of unconditional love, strength, and warmth.”

“Her light lives on — forever loved, never forgotten,” she said.

Their brother Ian de Leon also wrote a short message in Filipino.

“We love you Ma.. alam ng Diyos kung gaano ka namin kamahal.. pahinga ka na po Ma.. nandito ka lang sa puso at isipan namin.”

(“We love you, Ma. God knows how much we love you. You can rest now. You’ll always be in our hearts and minds.”)

Industry icons pay their respects

Nora Aunor’s longtime onscreen rival and close friend, Vilma Santos-Recto, paid tribute to “our Superstar” on Instagram stories.

“Our sincerest condolences and prayers. Rest in peace, mare. Ms. Nora Aunor! Our Superstar and National Artist… Maraming Salamat!”

Santos and Aunor’s decades-long “rivalry” defined Philippine cinema for generations, drawing fans into the “Noranians” vs. “Vilmanians” era that made headlines and box office history. Off-camera, the two shared a friendship that grew stronger through the years.

Veteran actress Hilda Koronel also posted about her shock and sadness, saying she and director Adolfo Alix Jr. were recently in talks with Aunor for a new project.

“What a big loss to our industry… but you will never be forgotten.”

Koronel co-starred with Aunor in the films Beloved (1985) and Nakaw na Pag-ibig (1980).

Film producer, writer, and talent manager Noel Ferrer honored Aunor’s contributions to the global and local film industry, alongside a photo of him and the actress sharing a hug.

“Hanggang sa huli, sana maramdaman mo ang pagmamahal… ng industriya at sektor na kinamulatan mo; at ng sambayanang Pilipino na lubos ang pagpapahalaga sa lahat ng magagandang nagawa mo sa pagpapayabong ng sining at kultura sa ating bansa,” he wrote.

(“Until the end, I hope you felt the love… of the industry and sector you grew up in; and of the Filipino people who deeply value all the wonderful contributions you made to enriching the arts and culture of our country.”)

Award-winning director, screenwriter, and playwright Chris Martinez thanked Aunor for being an inspiration.

Actresses Eugene Domingo and Cherry Pie Picache also posted short but heartfelt messages for Ate Guy.

“Ate, I will never ever forget you. Thank you. God bless you,” Domingo wrote.

On her Instagram stories, Picache thanked Ate Guy.

Former ABS-CBN president Santos said: “Today, we say goodbye to a legend, but her voice, her brilliance, and her soul-stirring performances will echo forever.”

“From the moment she stood on the Tawag ng Tanghalan stage, I was already a fan. I followed her journey closely — how a simple girl from Iriga became the country’s most iconic actress. Her rise to superstardom was not just destiny — it was legacy in the making,” she wrote.

“Whether it was in Himala, Bona, Tatlong Taong Walang Diyos, Thy Womb, or Minsa’y Isang Gamu-Gamo, she made us feel every emotion. Every tear she shed onscreen felt like a collective heartbreak. Every line she delivered became etched in the memory of Philippine cinema,” Santos added, calling Aunor “our mirror, voice, and always, our Superstar.”

Actor Dingdong Dantes recalled a memorable night in August 2015, when he had the chance to work with Aunor during the filming of Pari ‘Koy, under the direction of the late Maryo J. delos Reyes.

Dantes admitted he was nervous to act opposite “the Nora Aunor.” But what stood out to him wasn’t just her presence in the scene; it was how she carried herself in between takes. During a short break, instead of retreating to her tent, Aunor sat beside him on a monoblock chair.

“There was no fanfare. No walls. Just two people talking — about nothing in particular, and maybe everything that mattered in that moment,” he wrote.

He recalled how she didn’t make him feel like he had to prove anything. “She was generous with her presence — not just in the scene, but in that in-between space where actors wait and breathe.”

“And yes,” he ended, “I’m proud to say I shared it with a National Artist. With a Superstar. Maraming salamat, Ate Guy… Rest in power.”

One of the country’s most decorated actresses, Aunor — the “Superstar” of Philippine entertainment — had an “extensive filmography” of 170 movies, “exceeded only by the number of awards and citations she has received from local and international organizations,” according to the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA).

Wake details will be announced by the family soon. The NCCA also said it will be holding necrological services in her honor. – Rappler.com