Lotlot De Leon Shocked by Cocoy Laurel’s Death—Recalls Emotional Story Behind Nora Aunor Painting He Created Before Passing

The Philippine entertainment world is once again mourning the loss of one of its most beloved icons. Cocoy Laurel, a celebrated actor, singer, and painter, passed away at the age of 72. While tributes continue to pour in from artists, fans, and cultural institutions, one particular reaction has captured public attention—Lotlot De Leon’s emotional remembrance of the deeply personal painting Cocoy created of her mother, Nora Aunor, shortly before his passing.

The painting, which had remained largely unknown to the public until now, symbolizes more than just art—it tells a story of admiration, legacy, and a bond between two powerful figures in Filipino entertainment.

Cocoy Laurel’s Legacy: An Artist of Many Forms

Cocoy Laurel was known primarily for his outstanding contributions to theater and music. With a rich tenor voice and elegant presence, he starred in iconic roles in Broadway musicals such as The King and I, Camelot, and Miss Saigon. Over his decades-long career, he became a symbol of class and excellence in the performing arts.

But lesser known to the public was his passion for visual art, particularly portrait painting, which he pursued in private. Close friends said Cocoy often painted as a form of emotional release—an intimate expression of thoughts and memories he couldn’t always articulate through words or music.

Lotlot De Leon Reacts: “I Didn’t Know He Painted My Mama…”

In an emotional Instagram post shared just hours after Cocoy’s death was announced, actress Lotlot De Leon revealed her disbelief and heartbreak over losing a man she described as “gentle, soulful, and deeply respectful of the greats who came before him.”

But it was her revelation about Cocoy’s final painting that stunned fans and friends alike.

“I just learned that Cocoy painted a portrait of Mama [Nora Aunor] months ago. He never showed it to us. It was kept in his studio, unfinished, but full of emotion. The eyes… the expression… it was like he captured her spirit on canvas,” Lotlot wrote.

The revelation sparked immense interest, not just among fans of Nora Aunor, but among art collectors and historians who had long known of Cocoy’s secret talent.

The Painting: A Tribute to the Superstar

According to the Laurel family, Cocoy had quietly worked on the painting throughout early 2025. The portrait of Nora Aunor reportedly depicted her in a quiet moment, wearing a traditional baro’t saya, with her eyes gazing forward—not at the viewer, but beyond—as if looking into the future.

“He was deeply moved by Ate Guy’s journey,” said a family member. “He used to say, ‘Nora is not just a superstar, she’s the soul of a nation.’”

The portrait, now being preserved by Cocoy’s niece, is described as one of his most emotionally raw and intimate pieces. While he had done paintings of other Filipino artists and landscapes in the past, this one stood apart in tone and intent.

Lotlot shared that the painting reminded her of her mother’s struggles and triumphs:

“I cried when I saw it. It’s as if Cocoy saw not just the public icon, but the mother, the woman, the fighter. And he loved her without needing to tell anyone.”

A Deep Respect for Nora Aunor

Though Cocoy and Nora rarely worked together on projects, they were known to have mutual admiration for each other’s artistry. In the early 1980s, they were both mainstays of the golden era of Philippine cinema and television.

During interviews, Cocoy had previously mentioned that he watched all of Nora’s major films and considered her acting “revolutionary.” He even once referred to her as the “Meryl Streep of the Philippines” in a 2004 magazine feature.

They reportedly maintained a quiet friendship over the years, one built not on showbiz glamour but on shared artistic values and emotional depth.

Fans React: “This Is More Than a Painting—It’s History”

As the story of Cocoy’s Nora Aunor portrait spread across media outlets, fans and cultural advocates expressed how deeply the work resonates with the Filipino public.

“This is not just a tribute—it’s a piece of history. Two legends, one canvas,” wrote one Twitter user.

Others urged the Laurel and Aunor families to consider displaying the painting at a national museum or cultural center, where future generations could view it as part of the country’s cultural heritage.

Calls to Preserve Cocoy’s Art

In light of this discovery, renewed interest has emerged in cataloging Cocoy Laurel’s artworks. Several collectors and former colleagues have come forward, claiming to own small pieces he gifted over the years—mostly personal sketches, quick portraits, and even watercolor studies.

His family, still grieving, has acknowledged the public’s interest and says they plan to work with the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) to explore options for archiving and possibly exhibiting Cocoy’s paintings, including the one of Nora Aunor.

Lotlot’s Final Words: A Message of Gratitude and Love

In a follow-up video posted to her Instagram story, Lotlot tearfully thanked Cocoy Laurel for honoring her mother in such a personal way.

“You saw her, truly saw her. And even though you didn’t tell anyone, you poured your heart into that painting. That’s love. That’s respect. Thank you, Tito Cocoy. We will treasure this forever.”

She also added that her mother, Nora Aunor, was shown a photo of the painting and became emotional, reportedly whispering, “He remembered me,” while touching the screen.

Final Thoughts: An Artist’s Farewell Through Art

As the world says goodbye to Cocoy Laurel, it becomes increasingly clear that his legacy extends beyond stage and screen. In capturing the soul of Nora Aunor through a painting few knew existed, he gave his final performance—not with song, not with words, but with brushstrokes.

A silent tribute. A final bow.