State necrological service, funeral rites for Nora Aunor to be held on April 22
LIVE UPDATES: Remembering Nora Aunor, Superstar and National Artist
Nora Aunor. Image: Courtesy of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) and the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP)
The life and legacy of Nora Aunor will be honored in a state necrological service at the Metropolitan Theater (MET), before capping off with her funeral rites at the Libingan ng mga Bayani on Tuesday, April 22.
In a joint statement by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) and the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP), the necrological service will take place at the Metropolitan Theater in Manila, beginning with the arrival honors at 8:30 a.m. and followed by a tribute program at 9:00 a.m.
It will be open to the public, although limited slots are available, with registration starting on Monday, April 21, on the social media platforms of the government agencies.
The necrological services will also be livestreamed on the Facebook pages of the NCCA and CCP. Meanwhile, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is expected to provide ceremonial elements.
Aunor’s internment will be held at the Libingan ng mga Bayani in Taguig.
“She was conferred the Order of National Artist (Orden ng Pambansang Alagad ng Sining) by the Office of the President in 2022. The Order of National Artist is the highest national recognition given to Filipino individuals who have made significant contributions to the development of Philippine arts,” NCCA and CCP said of Aunor.
Born Nora Cabaltera Villamayor, Aunor was named a National Artist for Film and Broadcast Arts in 2022, where she was noted for her “extensive filmography” and the “number of awards and citations she has received from local and international organizations.”
She started her entertainment career as a contestant in singing competitions before winning the championship at Tawag ng Tanghalan on her second attempt in 1967. She soon became a recording artist and the lead host of the long-running music variety show “Superstar.” She also delved into stage acting.
Aunor was also noted for her acting prowess, having appeared in 170 films, including “Himala,” “Bona,” “Thy Womb,” “Bulaklak sa City Jail,” “The Flor Contemplacion Story,” and recently, “Mananambal.”
She died of acute respiratory failure at the age of 71.
