IN PHOTOS: Nora Aunor laid to rest in steadfast presence of family, friends, fans
MANILA, Philippines – National Artist Nora Aunor was laid to rest on Tuesday, April 22, at the most fitting place for a legendary Superstar: the Libingan ng mga Bayani.
Aunor was a phenomenal artist — an exceptional actress who could completely transform on screen, and a singer whose vocals were unlike any other. But beyond her talent, she was remembered as an artist who was selfless about the love she gave to those around her.
In a solemn procession to where Aunor would be interred, the icon’s children — Ian, Lotlot, Matet, Kiko, and Kenneth — led the way along with their own families.
The family was teary-eyed as they were called to sprinkle holy water on Aunor’s casket. The fans present at the funeral, however, enveloped them into a warm hug as they all sang “Handog,” a Florante original that Aunor herself famously covered.
Aunor’s loyal fans known as the Noranians paid their final respects at the funeral rites with their Nora memorabilia. Many of them had shown up in shirts with Aunor’s face on it. Some brought along their photo collections of the late Superstar, CDs and cassette tapes of her greatest hits, and large tarpaulins with messages of love for their departed idol.
But perhaps the true testament to their love for Aunor were the fond memories they shared with her.
Most of the fans there were senior citizens who took pride in being Noranians, and it showed. They traveled all the way from their hometowns, some from the provinces, to Manila for the necrological services at the Metropolitan Theater, then to Taguig City for the burial at the Libingan ng mga Bayani, enduring the scorching heat if it meant they could bid farewell to “Ate Guy” in person, one last time.
Music was clearly a big part of the funeral — a fitting ode to Aunor’s first rise to fame as a singer. After the screen icon’s family viewed her remains for the last time, they were asked to toss flowers into the plot where Aunor’s casket was lowered.
The perfect song had come on at that moment: “Superstar ng Buhay Ko.”
From there, the rest of the funeral attendees were invited to toss their own flowers onto Aunor’s casket, and they all did so while singing along to the track, as if they were trying to attest that, yes, she was the Superstar of everyone’s lives.
Last message
Aunor’s family displayed quiet strength. After her casket was lowered and sealed shut, the late icon’s son Ian thanked everyone who supported their family the past week, his voice trembling but clearly fighting to finish delivering the message.
“Dahil sa pagmamahal na binigay ‘nyo sa mommy namin, siya lang po ang nag-iisang Superstar dahil sa inyong lahat,” he said.
(Because of the love you gave to our mommy, she is the one and only Superstar.)
Even after the funeral rites had already ended, fans still continued to show love to the late Atsay actress. The flower arrangement perched at the foot of the plot was broken up among the many Noranians who weren’t ready to leave yet, and they tossed the flowers and branches into the open space.
“I love you, Ate Guy,” they would say. “Rest in peace, Ate Guy. Thank you.”
Aunor was a Superstar for a reason, and it wasn’t just because of her artistic abilities. It was because she was good to those around her, and that was something that held through until the very end of the National Artist’s funeral rites. – Rappler.com