Janine Gutierrez grandmother (2) devastating loss, as Pilita Corrales and Nora Aunor passed away days apart

Janine Gutierrez grandmother (s) on both sides passed away days apart, and the actress is experiencing excruciating pain as she lost them, two monumental icons of Philippine entertainment.

On April 12, the country said goodbye to Pilita Corrales, lovingly called Asia’s Queen of Songs. The music icon, 87, who died in her sleep, had moved her concert to Tanglewood in Lenox, Mass. Pilita’s successful career, which produced timeless songs such as “A Million Thanks to You,” left a lasting legacy for music. Not only was she an accomplished playwright, but she was also Janine’s beloved grandmother, with Janine recalling their close relationship and how she aspired to her Mamita’s grace and talent.

Only a few days later, news that the Philippines’ Superstar and National Artist for Film and Broadcast Arts, Nora Aunor, passed away on April 16 made the rounds, sending shockwaves across the entertainment community. The award-winning actress had over 200 film and television roles to Nora’s name at the age of 71, including classics like “Himala,” “Bona,” and “The Flor Contemplacion Story.” Her contribution to Philippine cinema is simply priceless. 

Janine Gutierrez grandmother (s) are not just cultural icons, they were her family

To Janine, Nora, and Pilita, they were not just a cultural icon; they were family. Being the adoptive mother of Janine’s own mother, Lotlot de Leon, Nora had a profound influence on Janine growing up; she often looked to her for guidance and followed the strength and resilience that Janine wanted to emulate as a person. The same goes for Pilita; her father’s biological mother influenced her while she was growing up.

Janine Gutierrez grandmother (s) passing is so close to her, and her parents and her family are in deep mourning. Fans, fellow celebrities, and the general public flooded social media with messages of condolence to the family, recognizing the depth of sadness that comes from losing two beloved, iconic matriarchs in a matter of days. ​

Although there has been significant loss and sadness, Janine has demonstrated incredible spirit, memorializing her grandmothers with loving tributes and living out the lessons that these women imparted. Her persistence is an homage to the long-lasting legacies of Pilita Corrales and Nora Aunor, whose lives are impossible to erase from our imagination in the arts, as well as the identity of their families. ​

Yes, our native land is in mourning with Janine Gutierrez grandmother (s) passing, but we also remember and celebrate the lives of Pilita and Nora, two gifted women whose song, whose love, and whose powerful presence left their indelible mark on generations. Between them, they were revered by everyone they touched, and their spirit lives on in the hearts of the lives they touched and from their granddaughter Janine Gutierrez, who carries on their endearing legacy. ​

May you both rest in peace, Mamita Pilita and Lola Nora. You are the light in the lives you touched and the memories you left us with.

Image Cover & Body: Facebook/Preview