EVEN beyond death, superstar and National Artist Nora Aunor, Asia’s Queen of Songs Pilita Corrales and movie queen Gloria Romero continue to be honored, albeit posthumously with the Presidential Medal of Merit.

This was confirmed middle of this week by Malacañang, which will also include internationally acclaimed chef Margarita Fores.

The awarding ceremony will be spearheaded by President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. and will be held at the Malacañang Palace on May 4, as reported by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA).

Established under Executive Order 236, the Presidential Medal of Merit is awarded to individuals, Filipino or foreign, for achievements that bring “prestige for the country in an international event, in the fields of literature, the sciences, the arts, entertainment and other civilian fields of endeavor that foster national pride and artistic excellence.”

Personalities and artists from Philippine showbiz who received the Presidential Medal of Merit in the past include Broadway and West End star Lea Salonga, Black Eyed Peas member Apl.de.Ap and classical pianist Cecile Licad.

Nora, tagged as the Philippine entertainment industry’s “Superstar,” passed on last April 16 due to acute respiratory failure. She would have turned 72 on May 21.

She was laid to rest with state funeral honors at the Libingan ng mga Bayani on Tuesday, April 22. The date was declared by President Marcos as a day of national mourning,

In 2022, through Proclamation 1390 signed by then President Rodrigo Duterte, Nora became the first female actor to be inducted to the Order of National Artists, the highest honor given to Filipinos who have made distinct contributions to Philippine arts.

Just a few days before Nora’s passing, the nation mourned the death of Pilita Corrales, dubbed Asia’s Queen of Songs.

Known for her signature backbending (liyad) pose while performing, Pilita captivated audiences, even abroad, with timeless hits, among them “Kapantay ay Langit” and “A Million Thanks to You,” her signature anthems.

Her career spanned over six decades, during which she recorded over 100 albums in various languages – Tagalog, Cebuano, English, Spanish.

Last January, the entertainment industry also bid farewell to Gloria Romero, referred to the “Queen of Philippine Cinema.”

She starred in films now regarded as classics, like Eddie Romero’s “Kasintahan sa Pangarap” (1954), Olive La Torre’s “Dalagang Ilokana” (1954), the classic “Iginuhit ng Tadhana” (1965).

Gloria’s last film was Joel Lamangan’s critically-acclaimed and award-winning 2018 Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) entry, “Rainbow’s Sunset.”

With a successful TV and movie career spanning seven decades, Gloria who passed on a nonagenarian, received multiple acting and lifetime achievement awards.

Chef Margarita Fores passed away last February and was known as a figure in the local culinary scene. She was recognized for promoting Filipino cuisine globally and honored as Asia’s Best Female Chef in 2016.

MTRCB supports relaunch of two Nora Aunor films

IN recognition of the Superstar and National Artist for Film and Broadcast Arts Nora Aunor’s outstanding contributions to the Philippine entertainment industry, the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) has given age-appropriate ratings to two of her highly regarded movies ahead of their theatrical relaunch.

The films “Tatlong Taong Walang Diyos” and “Tatlong Ina, Isang Anak” have been rated PG (Parental Guidance) by the MTRCB review committee, making them suitable for family viewing.

Parents are encouraged to guide younger viewers and have a meaningful conversation with their children about the themes presented in the films.

Mario O’Hara’s 1976 wartime drama “Tatlong Taong Walang Diyos” (1976) received high appreciation from critics and is considered one of the best Filipino films.

While “Tatlong Ina, Isang Anak” (1987) explores the emotional complexities of motherhood through the lives of three women connected by love and sacrifice.

Through the initiative of ABS-CBN Film Restoration Project (Sagip Pelikula), the relaunch of these iconic movies serves as a special tribute to Nora Aunor, whose life and work has left an indelible mark on Philippine arts and culture.

“The Superstar, Ms. Nora Aunor is not only a national treasure but also a symbol of excellence in the Philippine entertainment industry,” MTRCB chairperson and CEO Lala Sotto-Antonio said.

“As a tribute to our superstar, we are pleased to classify these classic films with age-appropriate rating, ensuring that all viewers, regardless of age, can enjoy these masterpieces.”

The MTRCB invites the public to watch and celebrate the legacy of Nora Aunor by revisiting these timeless movies and considering the rich culture and arts of the Philippine film industry.

AUTHOR PROFILE

Leah C. Salterio