The country continues to mourn the irreplaceable loss of Nora Aunor, the one and only “Superstar” of Philippine cinema. Amid the heavy atmosphere of sorrow, her only biological son, Ian de Leon, has finally shared the truth about his mother’s final hours—offering the public clarity, closure, and a deeper glimpse into her quiet struggle.

During a solemn moment at the wake, Ian stood before close family and friends, his voice filled with emotion but steady with purpose. “She fought until the end,” he said softly. “She was strong, but her body had gone through so much.”

According to Ian, Nora had recently undergone a medical procedure—an angioplasty—to address ongoing cardiovascular issues. Initially, everything appeared stable, and she even managed to exchange light messages with him post-surgery. But shortly afterward, she began to have difficulty breathing. Complications quickly developed, and despite efforts by medical professionals, her condition deteriorated faster than anyone expected.

“She had been battling lung issues for years,” Ian shared, “but she never complained. She would rather talk about her next project, her fans, her dreams. That’s the kind of woman she was.”

Nora had been living with a chronic respiratory condition, which had increasingly affected her daily life. Still, she insisted on staying active—reading scripts, listening to music, and checking in on family. Those closest to her knew how much strength it took for her to keep smiling.

At the wake held in Taguig, the sight of Nora in her final repose brought out waves of emotion from everyone present. But one moment that stood out to everyone was the arrival of veteran actress and Nora’s longtime contemporary, Vilma Santos.

As soon as Vilma entered the chapel, a hush fell over the room. She slowly walked toward the casket, tears already welling up in her eyes. Clutching a white rose, she whispered something softly—no one could hear the words, but the pain in her voice was unmistakable.

“She was not just my friend, not just my co-star,” Vilma later said. “She was my sister in this industry. We shared so much—joy, struggles, even silence. I will never forget her.”

Vilma could not hold back her sobs. Those present described how she broke down completely, placing her hand on Nora’s and saying, “You were always the stronger one. I love you, Guy.”

The two legendary women had long been considered friendly rivals in showbiz, often compared in terms of acting, popularity, and awards. But what the public may not have always seen was the deep mutual respect and bond they shared behind the cameras.

Ian, touched by Vilma’s sincerity, embraced her in front of the casket. The moment captured the love, pain, and legacy Nora Aunor left behind—not just in cinema, but in the lives she touched.

As of now, plans are underway for multiple tributes, retrospectives, and even a concert night featuring Nora’s most iconic songs. Her legacy, already immortalized in awards and accolades, is now being celebrated in the hearts of Filipinos worldwide.

“She gave us everything,” Ian said in closing. “Her voice, her soul, her stories. Even in silence, she continues to speak through the love of her people.”

And as Vilma Santos said before leaving the chapel, “There will never be another Nora Aunor. She is the Superstar—for all time.”