Nora Aunor laid to rest at Libingan

National Artist Nora Aunor was laid to rest yesterday at the Libingan ng mga Bayani in Taguig City, following a state funeral attended by her family, friends and devoted fans.

- By MARK ERNEST VILLEZA

Aunor, 71, died on April 16 due to acute respiratory failure, as confirmed by her son, Kristoffer Ian de Leon.

She was accorded full military honors, including a 21-gun salute and the ceremonial folding and presentation of the Philippine flag to her family.

The state funeral commenced with a necrological service held at the Metropolitan Theater in Manila, where fellow national artists and colleagues from the film industry paid tribute to Aunor's legacy.

The ceremony was organized by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) and the Cultural Center of the Philippines.

National Artist and screenwriter Ricky Lee, who wrote Aunor's acclaimed film "Himala," described her as a symbol of the Filipino masses.

"She chose not just to be a 'Superstar' but to become a true artist of the people," he said in Filipino.