MANILA — Tributes continue to pour in for Philippine Cinema’s superstar Nora Aunor, who passed away on Wednesday, April 16, at the age of 71.

Aunor, fondly called “Ate Guy” in the entertainment industry, was known for her “golden voice” as a singer and was recognized for her acting prowess in film and television.

Among those who mourned the passing of Aunor were Diamond Star Maricel Soriano, who got to work with the Superstar in the movie “Minsan May Isang Ina.”

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“Mama Guy, mahal na mahal kita,” she said in an Instagram post.

Also paying tribute to Aunor was Coco Martin, through his production company CCM Productions. The two worked together in the movie “Padre de Familia” in 2015.

“Nag-iisang kang Superstar. Mananatili ang liwanag ng isang bituin! Salamat, Nora!” read the post on CCM Productions’ Instagram page.

In a previous vlog, Aunor described Soriano and Martin as the kindest people in showbiz she has met.

“Mabait si Coco kasi pupuntahan ako sa bahay noon, noong nagkasama kami sa ‘Padre de Familia’ naaalala niya ako lagi. Mabait ‘yung batang ‘yon,” she said.

She went on: “Alam mo ba ang gusto ko roon, pinapangaralan ako. Sabi niya, ‘Alam mo ‘Nay, dapat ganito ang ginagawa mo sa buhay mo.’ [Sabi ko] ‘Huy, ang anak ko pinangaralan ako.’ Pero totoo naman ‘yung pangaral niya.”

Aunor also revealed at the time that Martin wanted her on set of “FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano” but she declined because of her health condition and location.

Meanwhile, actor Dingdong Dantes also shared his memorable moment with Aunor when they worked in a television drama. He highlighted Aunor’s generosity and humility as an artist.

“She didn’t make me feel like I had to prove anything. She made sure I was okay. She was generous with her presence—not just in the scene, but in that in-between space where actors wait and breathe,” he said.

Nora Aunor tributes: Maricel Soriano, Coco Martin, and more | ABS-CBN Entertainment

“It’s that kind of grace that stays with you. The kind that reminds you why people like her are legends—not just because of the work, but because of how they carry the weight of it with humility,” he added.

Renowned screenwriter, director, and actress Bibeth Orteza recounted the moment Aunor helped her move to a new place in 1971.

She was a television writer for the Superstar’s show, “Ang Makulay na Daigdig ni Nora.”

Historian Xiao Chua, for his part, said the screen veteran has become a part of many Filipinos’ identity and character.

“Biglang tumaas ang balahibo ko kagabi nang malaman kong patay na siya. Parang may isang maliit na bahagi na nawala sa akin. Bahagi kasi siya ng pagkakakilanlan at pagkataong Pilipino,” he said.

“Mabuhay ka sa ambag mo sa bayan, sa pagbibigay sa amin ng iyong lahat sa kasiyahan ng iyong mga tagahanga,” he added.

The Movie and Television Review and Classification Board, or MTRCB, also honored Aunor in a social media post, calling her a pillar of Philippine cinema.
Coco Martin, Julia Montes nagbigay pugay, dumalaw kay Nora Aunor
“Ang iyong legasiya sa industriya ng pelikula at telebisyon ay mananatiling buhay sa puso at alaala ng sambayanang Pilipino. Maraming salamat sa pagiging haligi ng pelikulang Pilipino, Ate Guy! Rest in power, Superstar!” it said.

Born Nora Cabaltera Villamayor, Aunor started her entertainment career in the 1960s as a singer and was known for her “golden voice.”

She went on to do powerful portrayals in films such as “Himala” in 1982, “Bulaklak sa City Jail” in 1984, and “The Flor Contemplacion Story” in 1995.

Aunor received recognition and awards for her acting prowess, including Best Actress honors at Gawad Urian and FAMAS for her performance in “Tatlong Taong Walang Diyos.”