Aicelle Santos performs Walang Himala at necrological service honoring Nora Aunor

The Metropolitan Theater became a place of solemn remembrance on Tuesday as the country paid tribute to National Artist for Film and Broadcast Arts, Nora Aunor.

- By CARLO OROSA

The necrological service honored the life and legacy of the actress, singer and icon who left an indelible mark on Philippine cinema and society.

Among the many highlights during the service, one of the most poignant was the musical performance of Walang Himala by singer and stage actress Aicelle Santos-Zambrano. Nominated Best Actress in the 2024 Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) for her portrayal of Elsa in "Himala, Isang Musikal," Aicelle performed the song live at the service, shortly after a moving eulogy by National Artist Ricky Lee.

The performance was backed by the Philippine Madrigal Singers and the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra, under the baton of Jude Edgar Caballero Balsamo, who also arranged the piece. Aicelle wore a striking all-white pad paper baro designed by Daryl Maat—a subtle but artistic nod to the themes of purity, reflection and remembrance.

"It was a mix of anxiousness, sadness and honor," Aicelle said in an interview after the performance. "But I reminded myself to just sing with all my heart, sing with truth, like Elsa. Sing to honor Ate Guy, to pay tribute to her legacy and the person that she is."