PBBM and Liza Marcos First Lady honor Nora Aunor in solmn wake visit

PBBM and Liza Marcos, First Lady, paid their last respects to National Artist for Film and Broadcast, Nora Aunor, during her wake at Heritage Park, Taguig.

Nora Aunor, who was lovingly called the “Superstar,” died of acute respiratory failure on April 16. She was 71. Her death has resonated across the country, making waves from fans, other artists and even national leaders. Her burial is set for April 22.

The PBBM and Liza Marcos, First Lady, arrived quietly at the wake, joining Nora’s family, close friends, and other prominent personalities from the worlds of politics and entertainment in a moment of grief and celebration of a legendary life.

In a statement released earlier, President Marcos expressed deep sorrow over the passing of one of the country’s most iconic cultural figures. He described Aunor as “a national treasure whose contribution to Filipino heritage will forever echo through generations.”

PBBM and Liza Marcos at Nora Aunor’s wake presence shows national unity

First Lady Liza Marcos, known to be a patron of the arts herself, was seen comforting members of the Aunor family. PBBM and Liza Marcos visit was intimate but significant, representing the government’s acknowledgement of Aunor’s legacy beyond film and into the heart of Filipino identity.

Nora Aunor’s death united figures from different sectors and political ideologies. Senator Imee Marcos paid tribute to the Superstar’s unforgettable performance in her 1982 film “Himala,” a cornerstone of Philippine cinema that remains culturally relevant even today.

“She was the miracle we all witnessed,” Imee said in an emotional statement. “Hanggang ngayon, himala pa rin sa ating lahat si Ate Guy.”

Senator Bong Revilla filed Senate Resolution No. 1339, offering the Senate’s condolences and officially recognizing Aunor’s vast contribution to Philippine arts and culture.

“Si Ate Guy ay isang inspirasyon, hindi lamang sa aming mga kapwa artista kundi sa bawat Pilipinong nangangarap at nagsusumikap. Sa loob ng maraming dekada, siya ang naging tinig, mukha, at damdamin ng sambayanang Pilipino,” Ate Guy was not just an actress,” Revilla remarked. “She was the voice, the face, and the emotion of the Filipino soul. She carried our stories with truth, pain, and grace.

Multi-awarded actress Nora Aunor’s performances affected the lives of many. Beginnings were very inspired by her humble beginnings in Bicol, her rise in the Philippines showbiz was meteoric yet tamed, she kept true to the craft, that’s why PBBM and Liza Marcos paid a visit to her wake, not just a fan but admiring her contribution to the industry.

Her portrayal of flawed yet resilient characters won her acclaim not just locally but on the global stage. She became a symbol of hope and strength to many Filipinos, particularly the underprivileged, through the years.

In her later years, her work remained influential to new generations of filmmakers and actors. Her appearance, whether at festivals or in public, received admiration and her influence on film remains unparalleled.

As the country readies to say goodbye on April 22, the love previously expressed for Nora Aunor has only grown deeper. Dozens of fans, artists and high-profile leaders have visited her wake, laying wreaths, lighting candles and penning emotional notes.

In many ways, she was not merely a film star, she was a national pride.

PBBM and Liza Marcos presence at the wake was a rare episode of national unity. In their visit, they honored Nora Aunor the artist, but also Nora Aunor the Filipino, loud, brilliant and loved.

And as the Superstar sways her sweetest farewell, the spotlight sits aside, not on the stage in which she graced, but where the legacy walks.

Image: PPA/ Jonathan Cellona