Manila: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has declared April 22, 2025, as a Day of National Mourning to honor the passing of National Artist for Film and Broadcast Arts, Nora Aunor, known in real life as Nora Cabaltera Villamayor. The national flag will be flown at half-mast from sunrise to sunset on all government buildings and installations across the Philippines and abroad on this day, as stipulated by Proclamation 870 signed by Marcos.
According to Philippines News Agency, Republic Act 8491, also known as the Flag and Heraldic Code of the Philippines, mandates that the flag be flown at half-mast as a sign of mourning on the day of the interment of a recipient of the National Artist award. President Marcos expressed that Nora Aunor's passing is a significant loss to the Filipino people and the nation's cultural and artistic community.
Marcos further stated that the nation joins Aunor's family and friends in mourning and remembrance. He highlighted Aunor's outstanding contributions to Philippine cinema, television, and music, noting that her work has left a lasting legacy on the nation's collective memory and identity. Marcos emphasized that her artistry and dedication elevated standards in the fields of arts and culture, inspiring generations of actors, filmmakers, and audiences both locally and internationally.
Aunor, often referred to as the "Superstar" of Philippine cinema, starred in 170 films and received numerous awards from both local and international organizations. She first gained acclaim with Best Actress awards from the Gawad Urian and the Filipino Academy of Movie Arts and Sciences Awards (FAMAS) for her role in "Tatlong Taong Walang Diyos." Her notable performances also include films such as "Bona" (1980), "Himala" (1982), "Bulaklak sa City Jail" (1984), and "The Flor Contemplacion Story" (1995).
In 2022, Nora Aunor was named National Artist for Film and Broadcast Arts under Proclamation 1390 by former president Rodrigo Duterte. Her last film role was in the horror movie "Mananambal," released in February.
The state funeral for Nora Aunor began with arrival honors at the Arroceros Forest Park in Manila at 8:30 a.m., followed by a necrological service at the Metropolitan Theater at 9 a.m.
