In my years at the Cultural Center of the Philippines, I have attended several necrological state tributes for departed National Artists. Each one is a moment of national mourning, marked by quiet sorrow and deep respect for lives that shaped our cultural identity
While there is a quiet sorrow in the air, these tributes are not only about mourning. They also stand as powerful tributes to a life fueled by imagination, defined by artistic vision, and rooted in love for the nation.
Amidst the grief, there is a vibrant and heartwarming honoring—an orchestra plays music, performances are staged, and stories are told that narrate a life well-lived. These tributes become not just farewells, but also affirmations that though the National Artist has passed, their art remains.
and government officials
For us working at the CCP, the passing of a National Artist means dropping everything – no matter what project we’re in the middle of or whether we are on leave or it’s a holiday – to focus all our efforts on producing a necrological state tribute.
It is an unspoken understanding, almost instinctual. The entire institution shifts its rhythm. Production teams are mobilized, schedules are cleared, and everyone moves with a shared sense of urgency and reverence.
For us, it is not about organizing just any event; it is about honoring a legacy. We feel the weight of responsibility, knowing we’re paying tribute to someone whose life’s work helped define our cultural identity.
When I found out that National Artist Nora Aunor had passed away on April 16, I was in Singapore. I had been in the middle of exploring the city and enjoying the Holy Week break. But the moment I got the news, everything else faded. Exploring had to take a backseat as soon as the quiet sense of duty settled in.
Having worked at the CCP for years, I knew what needed to be done. Even while abroad, my thoughts turned to preparations—the press release, production meetings, media coordination, and event details.
The CCP and the National Commission for Culture and the Arts began work as soon as news of the National Artist’s passing came. Coordination with the family was the first step.
With the CCP Main Building under renovation, the tribute for Nora Aunor was held at the Metropolitan Theater. The stage featured the ONA Medallion, her portrait, and white orchids, setting a solemn tone.
The program began with Arrival Honors from military personnel, followed by the main ceremony. I’ve attended many state tributes, but the Pag-aalay ng Bulaklak ng mga National Artists always moves me—it’s a moment that feels personal and profound.
National Artists Ricky Lee, Ryan Cayabyab, Alice Reyes, and Dr. Ramon P. Santos offered flowers during the necrological services for Aunor, followed by a tribute by National Artist Ricky Lee who has collaborated with the Superstar on numerous films.
“Rebelde si Guy. Sa loob ng pitong dekada ay nilabanan niya ang status quo. Binago niya ang koloniyal na pagtingin na nagsasabi na mapuputi lang at matatangkad ang maganda sa puting-tabing. Ginampanan niya ang papel ng babae na palaban at makatotohanan,” shared Lee.
Singer Aicelle Santos-Zambrano, with the Philippine Madrigal Singers, performed “Walang Himala.” Director Joel Lamangan reminisced about working with Nora. He directed six films with Nora, hailing her as a brilliant actress.
ABS-CBN top honcho Charo Santos-Concio, a self-confessed Noranian, talked about the first time she worked with Nora in Himala; she was the producer, while Nora was Elsa, the lead character and remembered how Nora’s silence was louder than any scream.
“Nora is even bigger than all her roles. Higit pa sa mga character na kanyang binigyang buhay, binigyan niya ng buhay ang pangarap ng milyong-milyong Pilipinos. Kahit saan probinsiya ka manggaling, anong hirap mo, Nora gave millions of Filipinos the most important gift – hope,” said Santos-Concio.
Nothing captured Nora’s brilliance as an actress more perfectly than when Santos-Concio said, “When she is in her element, when the camera starts rolling, she is unstoppable.”
“Nora Aunor means so much more to so many. She is an empowered woman, a wife, a mother, a lover, an actress, a complicated person, a genius, and a National Artist. Pero sa mga solid Noranians na tulad ko, Nora is our Ate Guy, our Superstar. She was a legend while she lived, she will be immortal after she died,” Santos-Concio concluded her eulogy.
I didn’t have a life-changing encounter with Ate Guy, only brief moments. The first was in 2023 at the CCP Cine Icon launch—she attended after some encouragement from National Artist Ricky Lee.
I saw her again at a Bulaklak sa City Jail screening, where she initially avoided the media but later answered questions with grace.
The last time was at the Bona screening during Cinemalaya 2024. She arrived in a wheelchair and quietly said she wanted to walk. Her humility and quiet kindness left a lasting impression.
