Nora Aunor (left) and Charo Santos. Santos/Instagram
MANILA -- Screen veteran and former ABS-CBN president and CEO Charo Santos turned to social media to pay tribute to Philippine Cinema's superstar Nora Aunor, who passed away at the age of 71.
On Thursday, Santos expressed her gratitude to Aunor for her contributions to arts and entertainment industry.
She started her post by sharing Aunor's famous line from the 1982 classic film "Himala," adding that the actress is in the heart of every Filipino. Santos worked with Aunor in "Himala" as executive producer.
"'Walang himala… Ang himala ay nasa puso ng tao.' And in the heart of every Filipino, there lives a deep love for one woman—the Superstar, Nora Aunor," she said. "Today, we say goodbye to a legend, but her voice, her brilliance, and her soul-stirring performances will echo forever."
A fan of Aunor, Santos followed the Superstar's showbiz career: "From the moment she stood on the 'Tawag ng Tanghalan stage,' I was already a fan. I followed her journey closely—how a simple girl from Iriga became the country's most iconic actress."
"Her rise to superstardom was not just destiny—it was legacy in the making," she declared. "Whether it was in 'Himala,' 'Bona,' 'Tatlong Taong Walang Diyos,' 'Thy Womb,' or 'Minsa’y Isang Gamu-Gamo,' she made us feel every emotion. Every tear she shed onscreen felt like a collective heartbreak. Every line she delivered became etched in the memory of Philippine cinema."
Santos, host of the the iconic drama anthology "Maalaala Mo Kaya," concluded by writing a short letter to Aunor, stressing that the latter will always be the country's Superstar.
She also extended her condolences to the actress' family, friends and fans.
"Nora, salamat sa sining. Salamat sa puso. You were never just an actress. You were our mirror. Our voice. And always, our Superstar," she said.
Born Nora Cabaltera Villamayor, Aunor started her entertainment career in the 1960s as a singer and was known for her "golden voice."
She went on to do powerful portrayals in films such as "Himala" in 1982, "Bulaklak sa City Jail" in 1984, and "The Flor Contemplacion Story" in 1995.
Aunor received recognition and awards for her acting prowess, including Best Actress honors at Gawad Urian and FAMAS for her performance in "Tatlong Taong Walang Diyos."
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