Iriga’s memory of a girl turned Superstar

By Keren Anne Bernadas

IRIGA CITY, Camarines Sur ---“Nagtagal man ang panahon, hindi siya nakalimot sa mga taong unang tumulong sa kaniya.” (Despite the passing of decades, she never forgot the people who first helped her).

Elena Malate, a fan turned close friend, said of the late superstar of Philippine movies and National Artist for Film and Broadcast Arts Nora Cabaltera Villamayor, known professionally as Nora Aunor.

Malate, who witnessed Aunor’s early days as a 14-year-old contestant on “Tawag ng Tanghalan” in 1967, shared her recollection during a tribute organized by the Iriga City government last Monday.

Before Aunor entered the entertainment industry, her friends and relatives called her “Ate Gay,” a local term for “migay” or friend.

Malate described Aunor as a simple, hardworking, dedicated and passionate person who never changed.

Arthur Magallo, one of Aunor’s former classmates, described her as possessing “timeless and natural beauty.”

Blushing, he admitted to a fond admiration for her after they performed a duet in a literary musical contest during junior high

school.

“Sadit sadit sana na babaye, morena talaga. Pilipinang Pilipina, pero si urong niya kung pagmasdan mo, talagang matangos na kaya si Nora kadto di nagpa-plastic surgery. Talagang kinano su lalawgon niya, talaga amo nadto.”

(She was a really beautiful woman, truly morena. A Filipina through and through, but if you look at her, she has a high nose, so Nora didn’t need to have plastic surgery. She just embraced her natural features, that’s really how she was.)

Yna Sumpay, former secretary of Nora Aunor Worldwide and a close friend, shared her fondest memories.

“Kumakanta na siya bata pa, and I looked up to her as my model and inspiration… Kung sino ang gitarista ni Ate Guy noon, si Tatay Panoy, yun din ang naggitara sa kanya during the competitions na sinalihan niya sa Manila. Isa siya sa mga mapagkumbaba ng taong nakilala ko.”

(She was already singing when she was young, and I looked up to her as my model and inspiration… Tatay Panoy who was Ate Guy’s guitarist back then, was also the one who played the guitar for her during the competitions she joined in Manila. She is one of the most humble people I have ever met.)

Sumpay recalled Aunor’s love for her elderly fans, providing them with food and fare during tapings and guest appearances.

A day before Aunor’s death, Sumpay saw a large white butterfly land on her legs, prompting her to call Aunor’s caretaker, who confirmed her passing. Though saddened, Sumpay and other supporters found solace in knowing Aunor had found peace.

Sumpay also led a dance and song homage with fellow Noranians from Nora Aunor Worldwide.

Josie Rempillo, known as Prodaka and one of Aunor’s closest friends, said she established the Nora Aunor Foundation in honor of Aunor’s compassion.

“Sobrang dami po ng aming natulungan kasama ni Nora. Nagkaloob din po kami ng ambulansya sa city hall. Nagbigay pa kami ng higit 50 baby cribs sa Santa Maria Josefa Foundation Hospital noong panahon. 10-wheeler truck sa mga ayuda mula sa foundation na ito kasama ang aking asawa na siyang limang taong nagtrabaho kay Nora.”

(We were able to help so many people together with Nora. We also donated an ambulance to the city hall. We provided over 50 baby cribs to the Santa Maria Josefa Foundation Hospital at that time. A 10-wheeler truck was also used for aid from this foundation, along with my husband, who worked with Nora for five years.)

Rempillo said Aunor’s greatest contribution was inspiring her to serve others with dedication and love, despite a lack of formal education.

In 2015, the Naga City government conferred Aunor with the title of Honorary Nagueña.

Malacañang proclaimed today a national day of mourning for Aunor, who was laid to rest at Libingan ng Mga Bayani. (PIA Bicol)

FANS of Superstar and National Artist Nora Aunor honors her through a night of tribute in Iriga City on April 21, 2025.