Nora Aunor. Image: Screen grab from Fast Talk with Boy Abunda

MANILA, Philippines – Another showbiz death shocks the nation yet again as Nora Aunor, the country’s lone Superstar and National Artist passed away at the age of 71. Her son, actor Ian de  Leon announced her death in a social media post on Wednesday, April 16. 

“We love you Ma.. alam ng diyos kung gano ka namin ka mahal.. pahinga ka na po Ma.. nandito ka lang sa puso at isipan namin..” De Leon said. 

Image: Screen grab from Kristoffer Ian De Leon/Facebook 

In another post, the actress’ son gave more confirmatory statements about the passing of the award-winning actress and announced that details will be announced on Thursday (April 17). 

“With deep sorrow and heavy hearts, we share the passing of our beloved mother, Nora C. Villamayor “Nora Aunor” who left us on today April 16, 2025 at the age of 71,” De Leon said. 

Image: Screen grab from Kristoffer Ian De Leon/Facebook 

“She was the heart of our family — a source of unconditional love, strength, and warmth. Her kindness, wisdom, and beautiful spirit touched everyone who knew her. She will be missed beyond words and remembered forever,” De Leon said. 

“Details to be announced tomorrow,” he said. 

Aunor’s passing came just after the death of legendary singer Pilita Corrales. Both were grandmothers to the children of ex-couple LotLot De Leon and Ramon Christopher “Monching” Gutierrez. 

Born Nora Cabaltera Villamayor, Aunor was a National Artist for Film and Broadcast Arts whose body of work and acting prowess were critically acclaimed locally and internationally. 

From a singing champion in the ‘60s, she rose to becoming revered as the best Filipino actor of her time. 

To date, Aunor is the only Filipino to win international acting recognitions from five different countries. 

• 19th Cairo International Film Festival in 1995 (Africa); 
• 1st East Asia Film and Television Award in 1997
• Asian Film Awards in 2013;
• 3rd Sakhalin International Film Festival (Asia); 
• 31st Festival International du Film 

Starring in over 170 movies, she is best remembered for the films “Himala,” “Bona,” “T-Bird at Ako,” “The Flor Contemplacion Story,” “Sidhi” ang “Naglalayag” among many others. 

She also remains to be the most nominated performer in Gawad Urian history with 21 nominations and seven wins and inducted into the FAMAS Hall of Fame.