Megastar to Superstar: Sharon Cuneta honors Nora Aunor for inspiring ‘Cinderella story’

MANILA, Philippines – The stars were out in full force as the Philippine entertainment industry collectively honored the life of the one and only Nora Aunor, who passed away last Wednesday, April 16, at the age of 71.

Few, however, shone in honor of the “Superstar” brighter than the “Megastar,” Sharon Cuneta, who paid her respects on the last public viewing day, Sunday, April 20.

With husband and former Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan in tow, Cuneta bowed to the legacy of her showbiz predecessor, gushing at the inspiring “Cinderella story” that Aunor lived through and immortalized for all time with her passing.

“Napaka-inspiring ng story niya. Mula doon sa nag-audition siya, nag-umpisa siya sa napaka-humble na buhay, naghahanap-buhay na siya bata pa siya,” Cuneta said. (Her story is so inspiring. From her audition, she started with such a humble life. She was already working as a kid.)

“What an inspiring story. It’s such a Cinderella story. Natutuwa ako na ginawa siyang National Artist habang mayroon pa siyang panahon na ma-enjoy iyong honor na iyon. She was so deserving of it,” she added. (I’m glad they made her a National Artist while she still had time to enjoy that honor.)

Long before her meteoric rise as “The Grand Dame of Philippine Cinema,” Aunor was just one of nine siblings and grew up poor in Iriga, Camarines Sur, where she helped her family peddle food and other wares just to make ends meet.

Like many others, Cuneta said Aunor’s passing is a monumental loss to the Philippine entertainment industry and lamented the fact that they never shared the big screen together for a film.

“Napakalaking kawalan sa industriya. Hinding-hindi magiging pareho, naturally wala siya, pero iyong ganung kagaling na artista, parang naputol ang ehemplong maaaring nadagdagan pa sana niya para sa amin at sa mga henerasyong mas bata at paparating pa,” she added.

(She was a great loss to the industry. No one will ever compare. With an artist of her caliber gone, it’s like a line of great examples that she could’ve still continued was cut for us and future generations.)

Aunor will be laid to rest on Tuesday, April 22, with a deserved state funeral at the Libingan ng mga Bayani in Taguig City. – Rappler.com