Nora Aunor’s first death anniversary was commemorated on Thursday, April 16, by loyal fans of the late Superstar and National Artist at the Libingan ng mga Bayani (LNMB) in Taguig, but some of her children were conspicuously absent at the affair.
Actresses Lotlot de Leon and Matet were not spotted at the event for their adoptive mother, dubbed “Bongga ka, Guy,” referencing Aunor’s nickname, held at the Philippine Navy Golf Course, Fort Bonfacio, Taguig.
Instead, they attended a mass with some members of their family, as well as Maricel Soriano, who was a close friend of Aunor.
Lotlot paid tribute to Aunor on her Instagram, as well as thanked Soriano for her presence. Commenting on her post was disabled.
Meanwhile, the fans day at the LNMB was organized by their brother Ian, who is the biological son of Aunor and veteran actor Christopher de Leon.
The program started in the morning with a mass at the foot of her grave, followed by a lunch meal shared among them, and then a coffee session.
Spotted at the events are their two brothers Kenneth and Kiko de Leon, as well as veteran actress Boots Anson-Rodrigo and film director Adolfo Alix Jr.
During an interview with the media, Ian said he invited his siblings to attend the commemoration program through their group chat.
Ian likewise thanked the Noranians who came to celebrate and remember their mother on her first death anniversary.
The actor, who recently declared himself the sole heir of the showbiz icon, said he is bound by the mission to continue her legacy of inspiring more individuals even after her death.
After declaring himself the sole heir, Ian said that he is establishing a One Person Corporation (OPC), which will oversee the establishment of two private organizations — the Nora Aunor Enterprise and the Nora Aunor Foundation.
Ian said his assertions as sole heir was not meant to exclude his adoptive siblings. “It does not exclude family members. I decided to do this to fast-track things. Eventually the OPC will become a corporation and everyone is welcome on the boat. I have discussed it with some of the siblings,” he said.
“We are aggressive in doing this, not for me, not for anyone, it is for mom — and what she has left behind. We don’t want the legacy to die down. We are working hard to get it passed down in generations. We want to continue her inspiration towards people. We don’t want this to die out,” he added.
Aunor died on April 16, 2025 at the age of 71 due to acute respiratory failure. Being a national artist, she was accorded a state funeral from her wake until she was laid to rest at the LNMB, attended by thousands of fans, supporters, friends, and even those in government. (Philippine Daily Inquirer)
