A HERO'S SEND-OFF FOR THE 'ONE AND ONLY' SUPERSTAR

A RESOUNDING STANDING ovation erupted after artists, colleagues and fans bid farewell to National Artist Nora Aunor during a necrological service held in her honor at the Metropolitan Theater.

- By NATHALIE M. TOMADA

The "one and only superstar" was given a hero's sendoff for her life's work that gave a voice to the voiceless, championed the marginalized in society and embodied the soul of Philippine cinema.

Among those who delivered moving tributes were National Artist for Film and Broadcast Arts Ricky Lee, acclaimed filmmaker Joel Lamangan, and former ABS-CBN executive and actress-producer Charo Santos-Concio. Their words painted a portrait of Nora not just as a star, but as a cultural force, a rebel, a giver—and ultimately, an artist of the people.

Award-winning screenwriter Ricky Lee, who collaborated with Aunor in some of her most unforgettable roles, including "Himala" and "Andrea: Paano Ba ang Maging Isang Ina?" recalled how Nora resonated deeply with ordinary Filipinos.

"Noong 1993 ay naglibot sa iba't ibang bansa ang dulang DH na sinulat ko at pinagbidahan ni Guy," Ricky began. "Nagpunta kami sa Central Park sa Hong Kong. Daandaang DH (domestic helpers) ang nandoon. Halos bawat isa ay niyayakap ni Guy, kinakausap, kinukumusta kung ano ang mga problema nila."

As they were leaving, Ricky said that he witnessed something unforgettable. "Lumingon ako at nakita kong tumatakbo sa kalsada ang mahigit sampung DH, lumuluha habang humahabol sa van.

"Pinagmasdan ko si Guy at naisip ko, bakit ganito ang epekto niya sa tao? Bakit sila umiiyak?" The answer, nevertheless, was clear—they saw themselves in Nora. "Dahil nakikita nila si Guy sa kanilang mga sarili. Dahil sila si Guy," he said.

For him, it was this kind of connection—deep, authentic and even wordless—that defined Nora's artistry. He particularly cited how in "Himala" (1982), despite many of the 3,000 extras not understanding at that time her monologue in the Ishmael Bernal film, they were moved by her delivery.

"Nasa puso ni Guy ang masa. May paraan siya ng pagkonekta sa kanila na hindi laging nangangailangan ng mga salita," he said.