National Artist and Filipino film icon Nora Aunor was laid to rest on Tuesday, April 22, with full military honors at the Libingan ng mga Bayani in Taguig City.
Her funeral began with a ceremonial departure honor led by the Armed Forces of the Philippines. Draped in the Philippine flag, Aunor’s casket was solemnly escorted through a funeral march from the Heroes’ Gate to her final resting place.
At the burial site, a priest conducted the final benediction, followed by a final viewing attended by her family, close friends, and fans. The ceremony concluded with a moving military tribute: a bugler played taps, four ruffle drums rolled, and a 21-gun salute was fired as her casket was lowered into the ground.
Earlier that day, a state necrological service was held in her honor at the Metropolitan Theater in Manila. Esteemed colleagues, including National Artist Ricky Lee and actor-director Joel Lamangan, delivered heartfelt eulogies reflecting on her profound impact on Philippine cinema.
Born Nora Cabaltera Villamayor in 1953 in Iriga City, Aunor rose from modest beginnings to become one of the most revered figures in Filipino film history. Her legendary roles in films like Himala, Bona, and T-Bird At Ako earned her widespread acclaim both in the Philippines and abroad.
Nora Aunor passed away on April 16 due to acute respiratory failure at the age of 71. She is survived by her children—Ian, Lotlot, Matet, Kenneth, and Kiko de Leon—and her grandchildren.