Popular Filipino actress and singer Nora Aunor, wey many people for her country dey call their greatest entertainer, don die at the age of 71. Her family and government announce the sad news on Thursday.
Her pikin, Lotlot de Leon, post am for Instagram say:
“Na with deep sorrow we announce say our mama, Nora Aunor, don die.”
She die on Wednesday, but dem no talk wetin kill am.
Nora Aunor — born Nora Villamayor — be national icon for the Philippines. In 2022, dem crown her as “National Artist for Film and Broadcast Arts”, and now the government say she go get state funeral on April 22 for National Heroes Cemetery.
She start life as snack seller for train station to help her poor family for Bicol region southeast of Manila. Her grandma teach her to sing, and by 14 years, she win one national singing competition.
She blow for acting after she enter 1967 film “All Over the World”, then later pair with Tirso Cruz III as romantic duo “Guy and Pip.” People love her because she no get the fair skin wey dey common for actors that time — she look like real everyday Filipino, and dem call her “Ate Guy” (Big Sister Guy).
She star in 170 films, with some classic hits like:
- “Tatlong Taong Walang Diyos” (Three Years Without God)
- “Minsa’y Isang Gamu-gamo” (Once a Moth)
As musician, she sing plenty songs and release “Pearly Shells” in 1971 — one of the best-selling songs ever for Philippines.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. say:
“Her golden voice na balm for all. Her genius na gift to the Filipino nation.”
She marry actor Christopher de Leon in 1975, and dem get one biological pikin plus four adopted children, but dem separate after 20 years.
In 2005, she get arrested for drug possession in the US but escape jail through court-ordered rehab. She later return to Manila in 2011, resume her career and still shine.
