MANILA, Philippines – President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Thursday, April 17, joined the nation in mourning the passing of Filipino actress Nora Aunor, paying tribute to her legendary career.

Aunor died at age 71 on Wednesday, April 16.

“Throughout her splendid career that spanned more than 50 years, she was our consummate actress, singer, and film producer,” Marcos said of Aunor, who was Nora Cabaltera Villamayor in real life.

Marcos noted some of Aunor’s films which she began producing at 23, such as Banaue, Bona, and Tatlong Taong Walang Diyos. He said that these films will “forever be part of the national heritage.”

Marcos also hailed her “stellar performances” which can be found in Himala, Thy Womb, and The Flor Contemplacion Story.

“She has won national and international awards for her performances. Her golden voice was a balm for all. Her genius was a gift to the Filipino nation,” Marcos said.

The President offered his condolences to Aunor’s family, friends, and the film industry itself. “Let us pray together for the eternal repose of the soul of our beloved National Artist.”

Aunor, one of the country’s most decorated actresses, starred in at least 170 films. She received numerous local and foreign awards for her performances.

Among her notable achievements was her grand slam in 1990 of winning all the Best Actress awards from Urian, Filipino Academy of Movie Arts and Sciences Awards (FAMAS), Film Academy of the Philippines (FAP), Metro Manila Film Festival, and Philippine Movie Press Club for her lead role in Andrea, Paano ba ang Maging Isang Ina?

Aunor’s family, friends, and peers in the film industry also mourned her death as Filipinos woke up to the news on Maundy Thursday.

The “Superstar” actress will be laid to rest at the Libingan ng mga Bayani on April 22. – Rappler.com