3 weeks Ago
Nora Aunor was laid to rest at the Libingan ng mga Bayani in Taguig City on Tuesday. As seen in GMA Integrated News’ livestream, military personnel carried the Superstar’s casket. During the military funeral honors, Nora’s son Ian de Leon , held a white rose.
This was then followed by a funeral march. At Nora's final resting place, a priest led the prayers. The immediate family composed of Ian, Lotlot de Leon, Matet de Leon, and the artist’s grandchildren, including Janine Gutierrez, gave tearful farewells as they looked into the casket.
When the casket was closed, another military ritual of removing the flag was carried out. When Nora was lowered, the family and fellow artists like Ricky Lee and Iza Calzado threw white roses into the resting place. Nora’s hit songs “Handog” and “Ikaw ang Superstar” played throughout the ceremony.
In a speech, Ian held the Philippine flag and thanked everybody present for the love they gave to Nora. “Siya lang po ang nagiisang Superstar po dahil sa inyong lahat. Nagkaroon ng isang National Artist po dahil sa inyong lahat,” he said.
“At kaming mga anak niya, sa halip na ang daming pinagdaanan sa buhay andito pa rin kami magkakasama dahil ‘yun ang ginusto ng aming ina,” Ian added, and said that they became closer to God because of Nora. “Marami siyang natulungan. Marami siyang binigyan ng inspirasyon.
At nagkakasama tayo ngayon sa huling araw niya,” Ian added, then ended his speech in tears. Nora passed away on April 16 due to acute respiratory failure. She was 71 years old.
Her wake was held at Heritage Park in Taguig, and fans were able to visit through two days of public viewing. Celebrities and even international media paid tribute to Nora by sharing her memories and honoring her legacy in Philippine cinema. The Superstar and National Artist for Film and Broadcast Arts is best known for the films “Himala,” "T-Bird at Ako," “Bulaklak sa City Jail,” “The Flor Contemplacion Story,” and many more.
—Nika Roque/CDC, GMA Integrated News.
