Nation Pays Final Tribute to the Superstar

The National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) and the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) are leading the nation in honoring the life and legacy of National Artist for Film and Broadcast Arts, Nora Cabaltera Villamayor — also known as Nora Aunor — through a necrological service to be held today, April 22, at the Metropolitan Theater in Manila.

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The tribute is part of the official state funeral rites for the late screen icon, who passed away on April 16 at the age of 71 due to acute respiratory failure.

The commemorative ceremonies will begin with arrival honors at 8:30 a.m., followed by a tribute program at 9 a.m., where colleagues, collaborators and admirers from various fields are expected to gather in remembrance. The day's events will continue at the Libingan ng mga Bayani in Taguig City, where Aunor will be laid to rest among other national heroes and artists.

Widely regarded as the "Superstar" of Philippine cinema, Aunor's groundbreaking career spanned decades, encompassing film, television, music and theater. She first captured the public's attention after winning the popular television talent competition "Tawag ng Tanghalan" in 1967. Her subsequent appearances in shows like "Darigold Jamboree" cemented her rise to stardom, eventually earning her a place among the country's most revered artists.