Senate resolutions honoring Nora Aunor, Pilita Corrales filed

National

A PAIR of resolutions that seek to honor the life and achievements of National Artist for Film and Broadcast Arts Nora Aunor, and Asia’s Queen of Songs, Pilita Corrales, have been filed in the Senate.

Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada filed Senate Resolution No. 1337, where he sought the Senate’s recognition for Nora Aunor’s contributions to “advancing the cause of Philippine arts and culture.”

Estrada described Aunor’s contribution in the country’s arts and culture scene “is as immeasurable as her local and international recognitions, but as secure as her undeniable talent.”

“Her unquantifiable achievements in both local and international scenes propel her as one of the most awarded Filipino actors in history, bringing great pride, honor, and glory to the nation,” Estrada said.

Aunor or “Ate Guy” to generations of fans was born Nora Cabaltera Villamayor on May 21, 1953 in Iriga City, Camarines Sur.

From humble beginnings as a singer in the 1960s, she soared to film stardom with her debut in All Over the World (1967). Aunor went on to become one of the most decorated and iconic figures in Philippine cinema and was conferred the prestigious title of National Artist for Film and Broadcast Arts in 2022.

Aunor bagged numerous Best Actress awards from prestigious institutions such as the Gawad Urian, Filipino Academy of Movie Arts and Sciences Awards (FAMAS), Luna Awards, the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) and PMPC (Philippine Movie Press Club) Star Awards during her seven-decade career.

She also earned global recognition with awards from Cannes, Venice, Cairo, Asian Film Awards, Asia Pacific Screen Awards, Singapore International Film Festival and many other prestigious events.

“As the nation mourns her passing, the Senate expresses its deepest sympathies to her family, colleagues, and countless admirers who cherished her work. A copy of the resolution will be provided to her bereaved family as a testament to the nation’s recognition of her extraordinary legacy,” Estrada said.

“With her passing on April 16, 2025, at the age of 71, Nora Aunor’s legacy as the one and only ‘Superstar’ of Philippine Cinema will forever be etched in history,” the senator added.

Estrada also sought the Senate’s highest commendation for Corrales, known as “Asia’s Queen of Songs”, in recognition of her unparalleled legacy in music, television and film.

Born as Pilar Garrido Corrales on August 22, 1937 in Cebu City, Corrales passed away on April 12, 2024, at the age of 87. She was hailed as one of the country’s finest vocalists.

“Her immense talent has inspired generations of Filipino artists and her departure has left a void in the hearts of those who admire and look up to her not just as an artist but also as an empowered woman,” Estrada said in Senate Resolution No. 1336.

Estrada pointed out that Corrales’ decorated career spanned over six decades, during which she made significant contributions to the Philippine entertainment industry.

Estrada noted the more than 135 albums Corrales recorded in various languages including Filipino, English, Spanish, and Cebuano, showcasing diversity and Filipino artistry.

“She captivated audiences both locally and internationally, winning the Best Performer Award at the Tokyo Music Festival in 1972, where she triumphed over legendary artists like Paul Williams and Olivia Newton-John,” Estrada said.