Actor and public servant Alfred Vargas paid tribute to Nora Aunor, calling her the “one and only Superstar” following her death.
The National Artist for Film and Broadcast Arts died on Saturday due to acute respiratory failure. She was 71.
To honor the revered actress, Vargas shared a scene from their film Pieta, one of Aunor’s final screen appearances, and spoke about the experience of working with her.
“This scene was taken from one of Ate Guy’s last ever films, Pieta. I played Isaac, her long ‘lost’ son,” he said. “When Isaac finally returned home, he was greeted by a mother who couldn’t remember anything anymore. Instead of surprising his mother, he ended up being the one surprised… for the wrong reasons.”
He described Pieta as a story about “love, family, truth, mistakes, and forgiveness,” and said one of the film’s scenes left a lasting impression on him.
“This was a painful but loving scene at the same time. Painful because Rebecca, Nora Aunor’s character—the mother of Isaac—couldn’t recognize her son at all. Loving because she still showed how much she cared for and loved her son despite the incomprehensible situation.”
Vargas said working with Aunor was among the most meaningful moments in his acting career
“As an actor and as a human being, you have touched my heart. You have taught me so much without saying anything, and you have inspired me tremendously by mentoring me through our scenes together,” he said. “Pieta will always be one of the most special and favorite films I’ve ever done in my entire life because of you.”
He also shared the most valuable lesson he learned from Aunor: “True stars shine because of their humility and generosity in everything they do and whoever they meet. I deeply felt this in you, Ate Guy.”
“Thank you so much for accepting me into your heart and for giving me the chance to work with and get to know the one and only Superstar that we will ever have. Rest in peace, Ate Guy. I love you so much,” he added.
Vargas said he plans to organize a tribute screening of Pieta in selected SM Cinemas nationwide later this year.
“As a tribute to our one and only Superstar, I’m planning to show Pieta in selected SM Cinemas nationwide, for free, later this year. So Noranians can watch one of Ms. Nora Aunor’s final masterpieces,” he said. “Rest in peace, Ate Guy. I love you so much.”
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Filipino-Chinese business group
mourns passing of Nora Aunor
The Federation of Filipino Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (FFCCCII) paid tribute to National Artist Nora Aunor, calling her a cultural icon whose legacy transcended generations.
In a statement led by FFCCCII president Victor Lim, the group said Aunor’s body of work reflected the soul of the Filipino people — from their hardships to their resilience and hope.
Aunor, known for her acclaimed roles in Himala, Bona, and The Flor Contemplacion Story, was remembered not just as an actress but as a storyteller who gave voice to the nation’s collective struggles.
“She was a bridge between the personal and the political,” the group said, describing her films as parables that dignified everyday pain and elevated the human experience.
The FFCCCII extended its condolences to Aunor’s family, friends, and fans, and said her legacy will continue to inspire Filipinos.
“Even in darkness, art can ignite the path forward,” the group added.