Nora Aunor: 5 incredible things about our Superstar
Nora Aunor: 5 incredible things about our Superstar

Nora Aunor passed away on Wednesday, leaving behind a legacy like no other. Her death was announced by her children Ian de Leon and Lotlot de Leon, who said “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.”

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Indeed. Below are some incredible things about the Superstar.

1. Nora’s basics. Nora Cabaltera Villamayor was born on May 21, 1953 in Iriga, Camarines Sur, where as a young girl, she sold water in a train station.

It’s been often reported that her Lola Theresa taught her how to sing, while her Tita Belen gave her her screen name and helped improve her craft, teaching her diction and expression among other things.

Nora belonged to a brood of 9 children and only her brother Eddie entered show business.

2. She was a singer. Nora was the Tawag ng Tanghalan champion in 1967 and proceeded to record albums. Among her biggest singles were delightful covers of “Pearly Shells” and “Tiny Bubbles.”

Despite belonging to another era, Nora’s musical magic continues to this day. On Spotify, she attracts some 44,033 listeners every month. Her artist account on the streaming platform boasts 36,560 followers.

3. She belonged to the country’s pioneering love team. Nora was one half of Guy and Pip, one of the country’s pioneering love teams. Tirso Cruz III was the other half, and the two had the country swooning every time they top billed a movie.

In a 2023 episode of Fast Talk with Boy Abunda, Nora admitted to being in love with Tirso when they were younger but that the love was a one-way street.

“Masarap umibig dahil kahit hindi ka niya pinapansin, [kahit] alam mo na ‘di ka niya talaga totoong love, pero sa ‘yo, ‘yung puso mo para sa kanya, masaya na ako eh,” the veteran actress said.

4. She was among the Philippines’ most decorated artists. Nora Aunor’s accolades runs like a litany: A best actress trophy from the QC Festival in 1972 for her performance in And God Smiled at Me. Best Actress Trophies from Gawad Urian and FAMAS in 1976 for Tatlong Taong Walang Diyos. A grand slam in 1990 for Andrea, Piano ba ang Maging isang Ina?

She was a FAMAS hall of famer, and was a recipient of the Centennial Honors for the Arts by the Cultural Center of the Philippines.

5. She was National Artist. Aunor was named a National Artist for Film and Broadcast Arts in 2022 for a decades-long career that saw her pick up no less than 170 film credits and earn accolades.

She was first denied the honor in 2014, with ex-President Benigno Aquino III leaving her off the list of winners for that year because of a 2005 dismissed case for possession of methampethamine. Charges were dropped in 2007 after Aunor complied with a rehabilitation program.