MANILA, Philippines – It’s rap artist Waiian’s turn to take the Rappler Live Jam stage on Tuesday, April 15!
2025 has been a busy year for the Makati-based musician. In March, he released his album BACKSHOTS, featuring some of his most well-loved tracks of all time.
Shaping up to be a prominent name in the local hip-hop scene, Waiian also co-founded LIAB Studios, a record label, in 2020, alongside his partner Misha Salud.
Catch Waiian’s set live at 8 pm by bookmarking this page or heading to Rappler’s YouTube! – Rappler.com
MANILA, Philippines – As many local celebrities take a break this Holy Week, Darren Espanto hopes to do the same with his family after an already eventful first quarter of the year.
“I plan to spend time with my family here in the Philippines, with my grandparents also, I hope to visit them,” said the 23-year-old Filipino-Canadian.
But after the pause, Darren expects to get all busy again soon.
Following a successful concert in Paris and a “manifested” endorsement, Darren said he aims to accomplish two more major goals this year.
Darren, the runner-up in the inaugural season of ABS-CBN’s The Voice Kids Philippines back in 2014, plans to drop a debut album under Star Music and hold more concerts here and overseas.
“Hopefully this year, I can release my first album with my Star Music family because we’ve released a lot of singles since I was launched with Star Music last year,” said Darren.
In 2024, the singer, actor, and television personality released three singles: “Iyo,” “Hanggang Kailan,” and “Miss.”
“So hopefully this year, it’s a full length album,” he added.
Darren, who recently announced his coffee partnership with 7-Eleven’s City Cafe, also looks forward to performing in more concerts this year as he continues the “Showstoppers” tour with fellow Filipino singer Morisette.
The “Showstoppers” concert series is part of the celebration of The Filipino Channel’s 30th anniversary, with the first three stops set in Germany, Spain, and France.
“In June, we start our North American leg, so we start in the US; hopefully matuloy pa ‘yun [at] masundan pa (it will continue, and hopefully, there will be more),” shared Darren.
His latest endorsement was also a welcome addition.
“I love coffee, it’s like a comfort drink for me,” he said. “I manifested this. I drink coffee so much that I’ve been manifesting for a project like this. Then 7-Eleven came. I feel so grateful, everything happened so fast.”
Outside of the “Showstoppers” tour, Darren, alongside his ASAP family, will travel to Birmingham in the United Kingdom in August, followed by another undisclosed city.
While the schedule for his performances abroad is being finalized, Darren — who celebrated his first decade in the industry with a solo concert at the Araneta Coliseum last year — also hinted about the possibility of staging another concert in the Philippines.
“It seems like it will happen,” said Darren. – Rappler.com
MANILA, Philippines – As the memorial service of the late Pilita Corrales is held on Wednesday, April 16, the OPM legend’s lasting legacy is remembered by the Filipino entertainment industry.
Corrales’ daughter Jackie Lou Blanco and son Ramon Christopher “Monching” Gutierrez recalled their final moments with her, saying that when they came to visit Corrales, she was happy and kept doing “thumbs up” gestures, they shared In an interview with ABS-CBN News on April 14.
Blanco said the best way for Corrales’ grandchildren to honor their “Mamita” is by being a good person and excelling in whatever they do — especially for the ones who have entered the showbiz industry.
In her own Instagram post, actress Lotlot de Leon, Gutierrez’s ex-wife, went on to say that her ex-mother-in-law “loved her family like there’s no tomorrow.”
“She would move heaven and earth just for them, for Ate Jacqui, for VJ, for Mon, and most definitely for her grandchildren. She’s the kind of grandmother anyone would wish for. And I know that if she can just give and gift her family with so much more, she would. Everything that belonged to her in a heartbeat she would pass on to those who are precious to her. Her family was her number one,” wrote De Leon.
A testament to the impact Corrales has made in local entertainment, her loved ones, and fellow actors and musicians paid their final respects to her.
Singer-songwriter Diego Gutierrez posted a childhood photo of himself with his grandmother, captioned, “Love you forever.”
Award-winning balladeer Martin Nievera looked back on his first duet with Corrales, thanking her for giving him his “first pair of wings.”
“Because of you I could fly into my dreams. Now I ask the entire Showbiz industry to bend the ‘Pilita bend’ with me in honor of a legend; an icon,” Nievera said. “We love you and honor you this day as we remember you and let your spirit live through all our good works from this day forward. A million thanks to you, tita mamita, Pilita Corrales!”
During the dedicated family tributes day of the memorial service, Nievera also sang one of Corrales’ 1999 hit songs, “A Million Thanks To You” for the family and friends who were present, just before getting on the flight he needed to catch the same night.
Another household name in the local music industry, Zsa Zsa Padilla said that it would be difficult for her to imagine a world without Corrales, adding that her “idol” was one of a kind.
“I’ll never forget the first time we worked together — what an honor it was to finally get to know you beyond the icon I had long admired. You were always so candid, so funny, so full of life. I will miss your stories deeply,” Padilla wrote in her post.
Gary Valenciano, meanwhile, reiterated the impact Corrales has made not just on him, but the entire industry — adding that she has “long deserved” to be a national artist. Valenciano reminisced all the times he had worked with the “Asia’s Queen of Songs,” including her last ASAP appearance, where he had the honor of guiding her.
“A special part of my history seems to have passed away with her,” Valenciano said.
Corrales’ death was confirmed by her granddaughter, actress Janine Gutierrez, on April 12. Her memorial services began with a viewing for family and friends on April 13, a general viewing on April 14, a special family tribute day on April 15, with the last service being on Wednesday, April 16.
Blanco and Gutierrez, Corrales’ daughter and son said that she died peacefully in her sleep.
Corrales was born in Lahug, Cebu City. She started her music career at 16 years old, and went on to become one of the Philippines’ most celebrated performers yet. Some of her other well-loved hits include “Matud Nila,” “Kapantay Ay Langit,” “Usahay,” and “Ang Pipit,” to name a few. – Rappler.com
MANILA, Philippines – The Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) has rated a total of eight films that Filipino moviegoers can catch when cinemas reopen this Holy Week.
Among the eight films, five of them have been rated PG or “family-friendly,” which are okay for children under the age of 13 to watch, so long as they are accompanied by a parent or guardian.
One film was rated R-13, which means that this is only suitable for viewers aged 13 and up. Meanwhile, two films received an R-16 rating — suitable only for viewers aged 16 and above.
In a press release on Wednesday, April 16, MTRCB urged Filipino viewers to continue supporting “age-appropriate” movies this Holy Week.
Find the films here:
PG-rated films
The King of Kings
Inspired by English author Charles Dickens’ book The Life of Our Lord, The King of Kings sees a young boy witness Jesus’ story firsthand — from his birth to the miracles he performed — with the help of his father.
Sneaks
In Sneaks, a pair of rare designer sneakers is stolen by “the Collector.” One of the shoes, Ty, manages to escape, but ends up separated from his sister Maxine — prompting him to befriend a well-used sneaker named JB.
Colorful Stage! The Movie: A Miku Who Can’t Sing
Colorful Stage! The Movie: A Miku Who Can’t Sing is the musical film adaptation of the famed Japanese mobile rhythm game Hatsune Miku: Colorful Stage!
ZEROBASEONE: The First Tour (Timeless World)
ZEROBASEONE: The First Tour (Timeless World) documents the moments behind the nine-member K-pop group ZEROBASEONE’s first world tour titled “The Timeless World.” The boy group made stops in Seoul, Singapore, Bangkok, Jakarta, Macau, Aichi, Kanagawa, and Manila, from September to December 2024.
Fatherland
Directed by Joel Lamangan, Fatherland follows a young man who flies back to the Philippines from the US to look for his father, only for their reunion to be marred by “a past full of secrets, identity issues and danger.”
R-13 film
Samahan ng Mga Makasalanan
The only R-13 film on this list, Samahan ng mga Makasalanan charts a church deacon’s mission to steer the sinful people of Kalye Makasalanan away from wrongdoing.
R-16 films
Sinners
Topbilled by Michael B. Jordan, Sinners follows a set of twins who run into massive dangers when they return home to lead new lives and escape their troubled past.
Warfare
The British-American action film Warfare, meanwhile, follows the US army’s “true-to-life” experience in the Iraq war. It’s written and directed by Iraq war veteran Ray Mendoza. – Rappler.com
MANILA, Philippines – Legendary Filipina actress Nora Aunor died on Wednesday, April 16, her son Ian de Leon confirmed. She was 71.
“We love you Ma… alam ng Diyos kung gano ka namin ka mahal.. pahinga ka na po Ma.. nandito ka lang sa puso at isipan namin..” De Leon wrote.
(We love you Ma… God knows how much we love you.. rest now Ma.. you’re here in our hearts and minds..)
Aunor’s cause of death has yet to be disclosed.
One of the country’s most decorated actresses, Aunor — the “Superstar” of Philippine entertainment — had an “extensive filmography” of 170 movies, “exceeded only by the number of awards and citations she has received from local and international organizations,” according to the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA).
Aunor’s death came just days after “Asia’s Queen of Songs” Pilita Corrales died on April 12 at the age of 87.
They were parents-in-law as Aunor’s daughter, Lotlot de Leon, was previously married to Corrales’ son, Ramon Christopher “Monching” Gutierrez.
Aunor, whose real name is Nora Cabaltera Villamayor, was named National Artist for Film and Broadcast Arts in 2022. She starred in many iconic films throughout her career, including Minsa’y Isang Gamu-gamo (1976), Ikaw ay Akin (1978), Atsay (1978), Bona (1980), and Himala (1982), to name a few.
The actress known for her expressive eyes also scored a “Grand Slam”— a feat achieved by winning in all five of the country’s award giving-bodies — when she won Best Actress for the 1990 movie Andrea, Paano ba ang Maging Isang Ina? in Gawad Urian, Filipino Academy of Movie Arts and Sciences (FAMAS), Film Academy of the Philippines (FAP), Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF), and the Philippine Movie Press Club (PMPC), the NCCA said.
Nicknamed “Ate Guy,” Aunor was also a recording artist, who released classics such as “Pearly Shells,” “Maria Leonora Theresa,” and “Dandansoy,” among others.
The pride of Iriga, Camarines Sur actually started in the industry as a singer, joining local competitions and eventually winning Tawag ng Tanghalan, a national singing contest on television, in 1967.
She had famous love teams as well with Tirso Cruz III — then known as “Guy and Pip” — and Edgar “Bobot” Mortiz in the ’70s.
Aunor — who lived a life as colorful and complex as her performances — was married to actor Christopher de Leon. They have one biological child, Ian, and adopted children Lotlot, Matet, Kiko, and Kenneth.
Outside of entertainment, Aunor also tried to enter politics, but had an unsuccessful congressional bid in 2022 as a party-list nominee for the National Organization for Responsive Advocacies for the Arts (NORAA).
She made a second attempt in the 2025 elections, filing for candidacy as 2nd nominee of the party-list group People’s Champ Guardians on October 7, 2024, but dropped out months later.
Aunor said on March 5 she decided to support another party-list’s election bid, Kabayan, instead of seeking a position.
Tributes
Lotlot said her mother “touched generations with her unmatched talent, grace, and passion for the craft. Her voice, presence, and artistry shaped a legacy that will never fade.”
Ian also described her as “the heart of our family — a source of unconditional love, strength, and warmth.“
“Her kindness, wisdom, and beautiful spirit touched everyone who knew her,” Aunor’s son said.
Aunor’s younger daughter, Matet, shared photos from her own wedding where she is captured beside her mother. “I love you mommy,” she wrote.
Veteran actress Vilma Santos — whose celebrated rivalry with Aunor saw loyal fans divided as “Noranians” and “Vilmanians” — extended her condolences to the family of her “mare” (close friend).
“Our sincerest condolences and prayers. Rest in peace, mare. Ms. Nora Aunor! Our Superstar and National Artist… Maraming Salamat! (Thank you very much),” Santos wrote in an Instagram story. – Rappler.com
MANILA, Philippines – Filipinos woke up on Maundy Thursday, April 17, to the news that entertainment icon Nora Aunor, died the day prior, Wednesday, April 16, at the age of 71.
“Ate Guy,” a National Artist, left behind a legacy of iconic roles that shaped Filipino pop culture for over five decades. Just recently, she was in talks with a director and fellow actors for a new project.
“Every tear she shed onscreen felt like a collective heartbreak,” wrote fellow actress and former ABS-CBN president and CEO Charo Santos in an online tribute. “Every line she delivered became etched in the memory of Philippine cinema.”
Following the sudden news of her passing, family, friends, peers in the industry, shared their heartfelt tributes to the entertainment icon, remembering her unique talent, generous heart, and passion for her craft.
Family members share memories
Aunor’s children talked about her love and her place in their lives.
Actress Matet de Leon posted a photo from her wedding day with her mother by her side, writing, “I love you mommy.”
“She was a star not only on screen, but in the hearts of many — and stars like hers never stop shining,” actress Lotlot de Leon wrote.
“She touched generations with her unmatched talent, grace, and passion for the craft. Her voice, presence, and artistry shaped a legacy that will never fade.”
Lotlot, mother of actress Janine Gutierrez, added that Aunor was “the heart of our family — a source of unconditional love, strength, and warmth.”
“Her light lives on — forever loved, never forgotten,” she said.
Their brother Ian de Leon also wrote a short message in Filipino.
“We love you Ma.. alam ng Diyos kung gaano ka namin kamahal.. pahinga ka na po Ma.. nandito ka lang sa puso at isipan namin.”
(“We love you, Ma. God knows how much we love you. You can rest now. You’ll always be in our hearts and minds.”)
Industry icons pay their respects
Nora Aunor’s longtime onscreen rival and close friend, Vilma Santos-Recto, paid tribute to “our Superstar” on Instagram stories.
“Our sincerest condolences and prayers. Rest in peace, mare. Ms. Nora Aunor! Our Superstar and National Artist… Maraming Salamat!”
Santos and Aunor’s decades-long “rivalry” defined Philippine cinema for generations, drawing fans into the “Noranians” vs. “Vilmanians” era that made headlines and box office history. Off-camera, the two shared a friendship that grew stronger through the years.
Veteran actress Hilda Koronel also posted about her shock and sadness, saying she and director Adolfo Alix Jr. were recently in talks with Aunor for a new project.
“What a big loss to our industry… but you will never be forgotten.”
Koronel co-starred with Aunor in the films Beloved (1985) and Nakaw na Pag-ibig (1980).
Film producer, writer, and talent manager Noel Ferrer honored Aunor’s contributions to the global and local film industry, alongside a photo of him and the actress sharing a hug.
“Hanggang sa huli, sana maramdaman mo ang pagmamahal… ng industriya at sektor na kinamulatan mo; at ng sambayanang Pilipino na lubos ang pagpapahalaga sa lahat ng magagandang nagawa mo sa pagpapayabong ng sining at kultura sa ating bansa,” he wrote.
(“Until the end, I hope you felt the love… of the industry and sector you grew up in; and of the Filipino people who deeply value all the wonderful contributions you made to enriching the arts and culture of our country.”)
Award-winning director, screenwriter, and playwright Chris Martinez thanked Aunor for being an inspiration.
Actresses Eugene Domingo and Cherry Pie Picache also posted short but heartfelt messages for Ate Guy.
“Ate, I will never ever forget you. Thank you. God bless you,” Domingo wrote.
On her Instagram stories, Picache thanked Ate Guy.
Former ABS-CBN president Santos said: “Today, we say goodbye to a legend, but her voice, her brilliance, and her soul-stirring performances will echo forever.”
“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 wrote.
“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 added, calling Aunor “our mirror, voice, and always, our Superstar.”
Actor Dingdong Dantes recalled a memorable night in August 2015, when he had the chance to work with Aunor during the filming of Pari ‘Koy, under the direction of the late Maryo J. delos Reyes.
Dantes admitted he was nervous to act opposite “the Nora Aunor.” But what stood out to him wasn’t just her presence in the scene; it was how she carried herself in between takes. During a short break, instead of retreating to her tent, Aunor sat beside him on a monoblock chair.
“There was no fanfare. No walls. Just two people talking — about nothing in particular, and maybe everything that mattered in that moment,” he wrote.
He recalled how she didn’t make him feel like he had to prove anything. “She was generous with her presence — not just in the scene, but in that in-between space where actors wait and breathe.”
“And yes,” he ended, “I’m proud to say I shared it with a National Artist. With a Superstar. Maraming salamat, Ate Guy… Rest in power.”
One of the country’s most decorated actresses, Aunor — the “Superstar” of Philippine entertainment — had an “extensive filmography” of 170 movies, “exceeded only by the number of awards and citations she has received from local and international organizations,” according to the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA).
Wake details will be announced by the family soon. The NCCA also said it will be holding necrological services in her honor. – Rappler.com
MANILA, Philippines – There’s no Nora Aunor line more popular, perhaps, than “Walang himala!” (There’s no miracle).
It’s from the 1982 movie Himala, a religious drama masterpiece considered one of the Philippines’ all-time best films that starred Aunor, directed by Ishmael Bernal and written by Ricky Lee — all three eventually named National Artists.
Aunor proved her acting prowess many times over — in a filmography reaching over 170, according to the National Commission for Culture and the Arts — with starrers in award-winning movies like Minsa’y Isang Gamu-gamo (1976),Ikaw ay Akin (1978), Atsay (1978), Bona (1980), and Andrea, Paano Ba ang Maging Isang Ina?
Thankfully, Sagip Pelikula Project, a film restoration program by ABS-CBN Film Archives and Central Digital Lab, has brought to life many classic Filipino films, including several Aunor movies, allowing younger generations to appreciate the brilliance of the country’s one and only “Superstar.”
Here are some of Aunor’s restored classics:
Himala (1982)
Aunor stars as Elsa, a village lass who miraculously started healing the sick after seeing an apparition of the Virgin Mary.
The movie, set in the fictional small, barren town of Cupang, virtually swept the 1982 Metro Manila Film Festival awards, including Best Picture, Best Actress (Aunor), and Best Director (Bernal).
It also won a Bronze Hugo award in the Chicago International Film Festival and a Golden Bear nomination in the Berlin International Film Festival in 1983.
Minsa’y Isang Gamu-gamo (1976)
The award-winning film sees Aunor saying another one of her iconic lines: “My brother is not a pig!”
Cora (Aunor), a young Filipina nurse hoping for a better life, finds a way to work in the US. But just when she’s about to leave, her dream takes a heartbreaking turn when an American soldier shoots her brother, mistaking him for a wild boar.
The film is diirected by Lupita Aquino-Kashiwara and written by Marina Feleo-Gonzales.
Tatlong Taong Walang Diyos (1976)
The film follows Rosario (Aunor), a school teacher engaged to guerrilla fighter Crispin (Bembol Roco) during the Japanese occupation of the Philippines in the 1940s. But while he’s away, a Japanese military officer Masugi (Christopher de Leon) rapes her.
Directed by Mario O’Hara, the film won Best Picture in the Filipino Academy of Movie Arts and Sciences Awards (FAMAS) and Best Actress nods for Aunor in the Gawad Urian and Famas.
T-Bird at Ako (1982)
The movie, starring two of Philippine cinema’s most celebrated actresses and rivals, plays out a different kind of tension on the big screen — the romantic kind.
T-Bird, a slang for lesbian, follows the story of lawyer Sylvia Salazar (Aunor), who gets attracted to local dancer Sabel (Vilma Santos) while she’s defending her homicide case.
It’s directed by Danny Zialcita and written by Portia Ilagan.
Banaue: Stairway To The Sky (1975)
Directed by Gerardo de Leon, the movie set in the country’s famed rice terraces tells the story of Banaue (Aunor), the chieftain’s daughter fighting to protect their tribe’s land from conquerors.
The film, which features nudity, is age-restricted on YouTube.– Rappler.com
MANILA, Philippines – Deserving of her title as the Philippines’ Superstar, the late Nora Aunor was an entertainment legend with a five-decade-long legacy that includes several iconic roles and an impressive roster of film awards.
With eight Best Actress trophies, the National Artist for Film and Broadcast Arts holds the record for the most wins in the category since the festival began in 1975.
Timeline of wins and films
Aunor’s first MMFF acting award came in 1979 for Ina Ka ng Anak Mo, directed by Lino Brocka, and where she co-starred alongside Lolita Rodriguez. Aunor played daughter Esther, who discovered that her husband was having an affair with her own mother.
Aunor’s second MMFF win was for 1982’s Himala by director Ishamel Bernal and screenplay writer Ricky Lee. Set in the desolate town of Cupang, Aunor starred as Elsa, a faith healer who claims to have seen the Virgin Mary.
Aunor also won for Mario O’Hara’s Bulaklak sa City Jail (1984), where Aunor played Angela Aguilar, a woman jailed for stabbing a man who tried to rape her.
In 1990, Aunor won for Andrea, Paano Ba ang Maging Isang Ina?. Directed by Gil Portes, Aunor played Andrea, a pregnant communist rebel on the run, who takes refuge in a friend’s home.
Aunor bagged another award for 1991’s Ang Totoong Buhay ni Pacita M, directed by Elwood Perez and written by Ricky Lee. She played Pacita M., a mother grappling with the decision to end her comatose daughter’s life support after a tragic accident.
In 1995, Aunor won for her role as a fading kundiman singer in Muling Umawit ang Puso, directed by Joel Lamangan. And in 2012, Aunor made her cinema comeback in Brillante Mendoza’s Thy Womb (2012), where she portrayed a Badjao midwife named Shaleha in Tawi-Tawi who could not bear children.
Aunor’s final MMFF win was for Kabisera in 2016. Directed by Arturo San Agustin and Real Florido, Aunor portrayed Mercy in the film, the matriarch of a family shaken by the violent death of her husband.
Right behind Aunor in the same category are fellow screen royalties Maricel Soriano and Vilma Santos-Recto, each with five Best Actress wins. All three, including Amy Austria, were honored with MMFF Hall of Fame awards in 2019 for their contributions to Philippine cinema. – Rappler.com
MANILA, Philippines – Filipino entertainment legend Nora Aunor will be laid to rest in the Libingan ng mga Bayani (Heroes’ Cemetery) on Tuesday, April 22, in what is expected to be a state funeral honoring her contributions to Philippine film, arts, and culture.
Aunor’s daughter, actress Lotlot De Leon, shared details on the funeral service on Thursday, April 17.
The wake is being held at Chapel 7 of The Chapels at Heritage Park, with nightly masses and viewing open to the public starting April 19.
April 17, 18, and 21 are reserved for family and close friends, while public viewing schedules are set from 10 am to 4 pm on April 19 and 20, followed by private hours and nightly masses.
On April 22, Aunor will be given final honors through an interment ceremony at the Libingan ng mga Bayani, which is a testament to her legacy as a National Artist and national treasure.
The National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) said that state necrological services and funeral details are to follow.
Aunor, National Artist for Film and Broadcast Arts, starred in celebrated works like Minsa’y Isang Gamu-gamo (1976), Ikaw ay Akin (1978), Atsay (1978), Bona (1980), and Himala (1982).
Known for her emotionally charged performances, Aunor made history when she achieved a rare “Grand Slam” in acting, winning Best Actress across all five major Philippine award-giving bodies for her role in Andrea, Paano Ba ang Maging Isang Ina? (1990). The distinction came from the Gawad Urian, Filipino Academy of Movie Arts and Sciences or FAMAS, Film Academy of the Philippines, Metro Manila Film Festival, and the Philippine Movie Press Club.
Affectionately called “Ate Guy,” Aunor was also a recording artist, known for beloved hits like “Pearly Shells,” “Maria Leonora Theresa,” and “Dandansoy.” – Rappler.com
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.
“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?
Holy Week has always been a time to reflect. And if you’re staying home, watching religious movies may inspire introspection.
Online, there are many free movies featuring beloved saints, whose lives are filled with sacrifice, miracles, and unshakable faith.
Here are some free films to watch this Holy Week that may help with your devotion:
The Miracle of Our Lady of Fatima (1952)
Shot in vibrant Technicolor in 1952, The Miracle of Our Lady of Fatima brings to life the extraordinary events surrounding the Marian apparitions witnessed by three shepherd children in Fatima, Portugal, in 1917.
It’s a well-loved classic, an Oscar-nominated one at that, and relays a timeless message about the power of belief, the courage of children, and the enduring presence of grace.
Padre Pio (2022)
Released in 2022, Padre Pio offers an intimate portrayal of one of the most revered modern saints.
The film, set in post-World War I Italy, intertwines the spiritual struggles of Padre Pio, a young Capuchin friar grappling with physical suffering, divine visions, and sociological doubt.
Francesco offers a humanized portrayal of St. Francis of Assisi, the beloved Italian saint known for his radical embrace of peace, humility, and love for all creation.
The film has a poetic approach to the saint’s life, showing how he tried to live authentically in pursuit of the divine.
The Song of Bernadette (1943)
One of the most recommended religious films, The Song of Bernadette is a moving portrayal of St. Bernadette Soubirous, the young French girl whose visions of the Virgin Mary at Lourdes would captivate the world.
The movie shows the emotional and spiritual journey of a young girl who becomes a symbol of purity and devotion.
Jennifer Jones, who played St. Bernadette in the film, delivered a stellar performance that garnered her the Best Actress award in the 1943 Oscars.
Restless Heart is a historical drama that chronicles the life of one of Christianity’s greatest thinkers — St. Augustine of Hippo.
A journey from doubt to devotion, the film shows a philosophical depth, with a great portrait of a saint through an exploration of grace and free will.
Miracle of St. Therese (1952)
Set in late 19th-century France, the Miracle of St. Therese is a French film that highlights her spiritual life, struggles with illness, and faith that would posthumously make her one of the most beloved saints of the Catholic Church.
The semi-documentary features Therese’s quiet and simple journey from a sensitive, devout child to a young Carmelite nun whose profound love for God and humility became her “little way” to holiness.
The Reluctant Saint provides a heartfelt and often humorous portrayal of Italian friar St. Joseph of Cupertino.
It blends reverence with light comedic charm, highlighting the saint’s innocence and humility rather than his miracles alone. It also shows Joseph’s sincerity and grace toward sainthood.
Don Bosco (1988)
Don Bosco offers a heartfelt look at the life of St. John Bosco, the beloved 19th-century Italian priest who dedicated his life to the care of disadvantaged youth.
The film has a compassionate tone, portraying the saint as a father figure who remained patient through faith.
Saint Anthony of Padua is an early Italian silent film that pays homage to the life of Anthony, a Portuguese-born Franciscan friar known for his powerful preaching and miracles.
Made during a time when religious cinema was still finding its voice, the film combines historical reverence with the restrained cinematic style of early 20th-century filmmaking. – Rappler.com
“A treasure to our family, but truly always more the people’s than ours,” Gutierrez wrote in her tribute. “She had a life of giving her immeasurable love to everyone she touched — whether on screen, through music, or in person.”
Gutierrez, the daughter of Lotlot de Leon — Aunor’s adopted daughter — expressed her family’s gratitude for the public’s overwhelming support and love, requesting to keep her family in their prayers, “especially Mama, Uncle Ian, Ate Matet, Kuya Kiko, and Ken.”
“We find comfort in knowing she, the one and only Superstar, will be forever loved,” she added.
The award-winning Aunor, who died on Wednesday, April 16, at the age of 71, leaves behind an entertainment legacy that spanned over five decades. Her wake is being held at Chapel 7 of The Chapels at Heritage Park, with public viewing scheduled on April 19 and 20 and an internment ceremony on April 22 at the Libingan ng mga Bayani.
Aunor’s death comes less than a week after Gutierrez’s paternal grandmother, Pilita Corrales, died on April 12. The 87-year-old singer, known as “Asia’s Queen of Songs,” was referred to by Gutierrez as “our beloved Mami and Mamita.”
She shared that Pilita touched the lives of many not only with her songs but also with her kindness and generosity.
“She will be remembered for her contributions to the entertainment industry, but most of all for her love of life and family. Please join us with your prayers and kind thoughts as we celebrate her beautiful life,” Gutierrez wrote then.
Actress Jackie Lou Blanco and Ramon Christopher “Monching” Gutierrez, Corrales’ daughter and son, said that she died peacefully in her sleep. Her memorial services began on April 13 and ended on April 16. – Rappler.com
MANILA, Philippines – The late Philippine Superstar and National Artist Nora Aunor “passed away peacefully,” her son Ian de Leon confirmed in a press briefing at The Heritage Park in Taguig City on Thursday, April 17.
“[She] was surrounded by the people who loved her the most,” said Ian, joined by his siblings Lotlot, Matet, and Kenneth.
In a GMA News clip, Ian also clarified that his mother did not die during a medical procedure, contrary to earlier rumors.
“She was being operated on, and after that, she had a hard time breathing. Eventually, things went downhill from there, and they had to perform another procedure,” he said. He did not go into further detail on the reason for the procedure and her condition.
“We are profoundly grateful to everyone who has reached out with love, prayers, and condolences. Your messages are a powerful testament to how deeply she was cherished, not just by us, but by the entire nation. Thank you for honoring her life, her work, and the lasting mark she leaves behind,” he said.
The late entertainment icon, whose real name was Nora Cabaltera Villamayor, died on Wednesday, April 16. She was 71.
NEW YORK, USA – Drake expanded his defamation lawsuit against Universal Music Group, saying more people were duped into believing he was a pedophile after rapper Kendrick Lamar performed “Not Like Us” during the Super Bowl halftime show and the Grammy Awards.
In an amended complaint filed late Wednesday night against his record label, Drake said the performances introduced millions of new listeners to Lamar’s smash hit, and have led to more threats against the Canadian rapper and his family.
Drake said this occurred though Lamar omitted the word “pedophile” from his Super Bowl performance, seen by more than 133.5 million people, ostensibly because “nearly everyone understands” it was defamatory.
“It was the first, and will hopefully be the last, Super Bowl halftime show orchestrated to assassinate the character of another artist,” Drake said.
“Not Like Us” also includes the lyric “Drake, I hear you like ’em young,” which Lamar sang at the Super Bowl.
In a statement on Thursday, UMG called Drake’s accusations baseless and his lawsuit an affront to creative expression.
“Drake, unquestionably one of the world’s most accomplished artists and with whom we’ve enjoyed a 16-year successful relationship, is being misled by his legal representatives into taking one absurd legal step after another,” UMG said.
UMG had sought to dismiss Drake’s original lawsuit, which was filed on January 15 in Manhattan federal court, and will have a chance to dismiss the amended lawsuit.
Drake is seeking unspecified damages, saying UMG tried to boost profit and make him a pariah by promoting Lamar.
“UMG will be held accountable for the consequences of its ill-conceived decisions,” Drake’s lawyer Michael Gottlieb said in a statement.
Drake and Lamar have feuded for about a decade, including through a series of competing diss tracks.
“Not Like Us” was released last May 4, one day after Drake’s “Family Matters” appeared to accuse Lamar of physical abuse and infidelity and questioned the parentage of one of his children.
Lamar’s song won Grammy Awards for Record and Song of the Year, and topped Billboard’s Hot 100 for three weeks.
Drake’s given name is Aubrey Drake Graham. Lamar, an American, won the 2018 Pulitzer Prize for Music.
The case is Graham v UMG Recordings Inc, U.S. District Court, Southern District of New York, No. 25-00399. – Rappler.com
MANILA, Philippines – National Artist and Philippine superstar Nora Aunor died of acute respiratory failure, her son Ian de Leon revealed on Friday, April 18.
“Technically and clinically speaking, the cause of death was acute respiratory failure,” he told GMA News’ 24 Oras.
According to the US National Institutes of Health, “acute respiratory failure happens quickly and without much warning” and “often caused by a disease or injury” that affects one’s breathing.
De Leon also shared that his mother was already saying her goodbyes through an online chat.
“Ang pinakahuling message po sa akin, sabi niya sa’ kin: ‘Anak, pakihalik mo ako sa mga apo ko. Hug mo ako sa kanila. Sabihin mo sa kanila na mahal na mahal ko sila,'” he said. “Sabi ko, ‘Ma, ‘wag ka namang ganyan magsalita. Mag-a-outing pa tayo, magbe-birthday ka pa, ‘di ba? Magba-bonding pa tayo.'”
“‘Yun na po yung huling chat namin. Nasabi ko rin sa kanya kung gaano ko siya kamahal, gaano siya kamahal ng mga apo niya, kung gaano siya laging hinahanap gabi-gabi ng mga apo niya at pinagdadasal siya. ‘Yun na po yung pinakahuling usap namin ni Mommy.”
(Her last message to me, she told me, “Son, please kiss my grandchildren and hug them for me. Tell them I love them so much. I said, “Ma, don’t talk that way. We will still have an outing, you’ll still celebrate your birthday, right? We have more bonding to do.” That was our last chat. I also told her how much I love her, how much she was loved by her grandchildren, how they look for her every night and pray for her. That was my final talk with Mommy.)
De Leon, his siblings, and the rest of his family members are bracing for some sort of tribute from the government, given that Aunor is a National Artist and will be buried at the Libingan ng mga Bayani in Taguig City.
“Aside from a state funeral that will be conducted on Tuesday, us siblings we’ve spoken to [one another] and we’re asking [one another] any updates from the local government, and so far, we haven’t received anything official from them. If we do, we’ll be sure to let you know,” he told GMA News.
Aunor’s public viewing will last until Sunday, April 20, 4 pm, while her final wake night on Monday, April 21, is reserved for family and friends. – Rappler.com
What do you call someone who hasn’t seen you for 50 years and greets you like it was only yesterday? A friend.
That’s Mitch. A generous, no-nonsense, what-you-see-is-what-you-get kind of person. She doesn’t suffer fools and I feel fortunate to be counted as her friend.
There’s no business like show, and in the Philippines, there is no tougher business. And for a woman, it brings its own set of challenges. It’s not enough to have talent, but you have to pour your figure into an evening gown.
“How I wished that I could perform like those stand-up comics in the US who would come out in a black t-shirt and jeans,” she says.
This was not easily accepted in the early days of Mitch’s career, when she was better known as Maya. But the show must go on, and sequins and hairspray it had to be.
Mitch has a career that spans several decades, and through her professional history she has rolled with the punches, adapting to an ever-changing audience.
A fiercely independent thinker, Mitch always chose to cut through the B.S. Leading the movement to fight for artists’ Intellectual Property (IP) rights, she went toe to toe against the establishment. She’s paid the price to the extent of getting cancelled (long before it became a thing).
When the chips are down, she prays and lo and behold! She’s still around after more than 50 years.
CLASSIC. Mitch Valdes (bottom left) in the Lino Brocka movie ‘Lunes, Martes, Miyerkules, Huwebes, Biyernes, Sabado, Linggo,’ where she won the Gawad Urian Best Supporting Actress. Also in the photo are Lolita Rodriguez, Lauice Guillen, June Kiethley, Lorli Villanueva, and Bembol Roco. All photos courtesy of Mitch Valdes
Mitch was already a performer in her teens, starting with the cooperation between De La Salle University and St. Scholastica’s College, forming the first drama guild headed by Direk Peque Gallaga.
I had met Mitch when we were both performing in Julie Borromeo’s production of the Broadway musical Sweet Charity. Dare I say it was the ‘70s? Okay millennials, look it up.
Already then, Mitch was a natural with that strong singing voice and even stronger presence on stage.
Mitch would host Peque’s drama workshops in her home and I was impressed by the warm, cozy atmosphere — I don’t know what I was expecting — but maybe more edgy décor to match her persona. But no, it was sweet and homey. She had wall-to-wall bookshelves with an eclectic collection of books and she had read them all.
“If I see a wrong, I want to make it right,” she says. And artists have certainly suffered in an industry that favors the box-office headliners and neglects the “working actor.” Long hours, no health insurance or paid vacations. It’s a feast or famine career, and artists felt the brunt of the COVID lockdown.
TV HIT. Mitch Valdes hamming it up with Edu Manzano (left) and Rowell Santiago in ‘Ang Probinsyano.’
Then comes the Performer’s Rights Society of the Philippines (PRSPH), a collective management organization which started out after the IP Code was enacted. With the help of the late Senator Raul Roco, the item for residual revenue for artists was inserted in the Bill he was sponsoring.
In its current form, the PRSPH has a strong Board of Directors with Leo Martinez as chairman, Mitch (president), Celeste Legaspi (vice president and treasurer), Mel Villena (corporate secretary), Joel Torre (board member), and Debbie Gaite (managing director).
And in the world of live streaming and social media, our artists are missing out on revenue that rightfully belongs to them.
OPM LEGENDS. Mitch Valdes with (from left) Martin Nievera, Celeste Legaspi, and the late great Pilita Corrales.
In the ‘90s, Mitch noticed that her movies were being replayed on TV and she wondered if local artists might also enjoy some income from their work being replayed.
Paying royalties to actors for their participation in movies or TV shows is properly legislated and enforced in other countries, especially in Hollywood, where they have strong unions.
Rez Cortez, in his testimony to support the IP Bill, said he received royalty checks from the American TV show The Great Raid from its initial airing to replays for a couple of years down the road. So, it can be done.
It’s been a long hard climb and maneuvering their way through the legalese and bureaucracy, but the PRSPH is gaining traction, locally and with international partners showing their support. It’s still a way to go but with Mitch driving this vision, there is light at the end of the tunnel.
PRSPH calls out to all artists, “Know your rights!” – Rappler.com
MANILA, Philippines — Nora Aunor may not have been the perfect mother — her public spats with her kids ranged from serious to petty — yet every time, they always find their way back to forgive.
Nora was married to actor Christopher de Leon. They have one biological child, Ian, and adopted children Lotlot, Matet, Kiko, and Kenneth.
But being the country’s “Superstar,” both in movies and music, had its pitfalls, including being a mother.
“Buong buhay po namin hindi naging madali. Ang buhay ng tao ay hindi madali, maraming pagsubok, maraming pinagdadaanan. Hindi po iba ang aming ina,” Ian de Leon shared in an interview with 24 Oras on Friday night, April 18, two days after the death of his mother.
(Our entire life wasn’t easy. People’s lives aren’t easy, it’s full of challenges and hardships. It’s the same thing with our mother.)
“Bawat isa sa atin may pinagdadaanan. Minsan may konting hindi pagkakaintindihan, pero sa [kabila] ng lahat, ang importante nagbalik loob tayo sa Diyos, matutong magpatawad, matutong magmahal nang totoo, matutong umunawa sa kapwa kahit sila ‘yung nag-agrabyado sa atin.”
(All of us go through something. Sometimes there are misunderstandings, but despite everything, what’s important is we turn to God, learn to forgive, to love, and to learn to understand others even if they hurt you.)
Their family rifts often land on local entertainment news, like when Nora didn’t show up at Lotlot’s wedding to Lebanese businessman Fadi El Soury in 2018 (a decade after her annulment with actor Ramon Christopher Gutierrez) because of a supposed “silent feud.”
In 2020, Ian’s years-long conflict with Nora led to a private reconciliation, but their relationship quickly got strained again when Nora told him that she’s going to share it in her vlog. The falling out even led to Ian not showing up in a birthday party that Nora organized.
Then there’s the “tuyo war” with Matet in 2023, where she admittedly got furious when Nora directly competed with her gourmet tuyo business.
But through it all, they always ended up forgiving each other. When Nora celebrated her 70th birthday on May 21, 2023, her five children came — all saying that no matter what, they love her very much.
“Maraming tao sa paligid natin na hindi nakakaintindi sa kung anong naging buhay naming personal kasama ang aming ina. Pero natuto kaming magpatawad, at ‘yun ang ipanapakita sa amin ng aming ina,” said Ian.
(There are a lot of people who don’t understand our personal life with our mom. But we learned to forgive, that’s what our mom showed us.)
“Natuto kaming magmahal nang lubos, magbigay. Kasi ayun din ang ibinigay na example sa amin ng aming ina…. Kung hindi dahil sa kanya, hindi kami mapapalaki ng ganito,” he added.
(We learned how to love with all our hearts, to give. That’s because of the example shown by our mother…. We wouldn’t grow up this way if it weren’t for her.)
Lotlot said she understands how difficult it had been for Nora, who had been in the public eye all her life.
“She’s in the books, at school, so how can we not know? People come and go sa bahay namin, ilang bus ang dumadating para lang makita siya (to our house, buses arrive, just to see her),” she said.
But for all her fame and faults, it’s always Nora’s kindness that made them love her unconditionally.
“As a person, a lot of people can testify to my mom’s generosity, not just with her craft, but in everything. And that’s why she’s really loved by plenty. She’s genuine, malambingsa lahat (sweet to everyone), the way she helps others also,” Lotlot added.
“Kaming mga anak (Us kids), we just try our best. We will never be able to match her work. No one will be able to match her work. She’s the only Superstar.” – Rappler.com
MANILA, Philippines – It’s Pinoy pride at a Californian desert as Filipino content creator and dancer Niana Guerrero makes her surprising debut at the 2025 edition of the American festival Coachella in Indio, California, on Friday, April 18 (Saturday, April 19, in Manila).
Guerrero appeared during the set of American singer-songwriter d4vd on the second Friday of the festival at the Gobi stage and danced to his song, “Feel It.”
Guerrero is best known for her dance covers, which have captivated social media users and international artists such as BTS’ Jungkook, BLACKPINK’s Lisa, and Meghan Trainor, among others. She currently has over 45.6 million followers on TikTok and 15.8 million followers on Instagram.
She also recently met BTS’ J-Hope and danced with him to his recent single “MONA LISA” backstage at the Manila stop of the HOPE ON THE STAGE tour at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Guerrero is not the only Filipino who took the Coachella 2025 stage; Filipino-British artist beabadoobee also performed at the festival on April 13 and 20. – Rappler.com
MANILA, Philippines – The sweltering heat proved no hindrance to fans who paid their respects to the late Nora Aunor.
Supporters, many of them senior citizens, braved the hot weather and came in droves for the first day of the public viewing of the Philippines’ “Superstar” at The Chapels at Heritage Park in Taguig on Saturday, April 19.
An estimate of 1,600 people from all over Metro Manila and nearby provinces went to see the National Artist for the final time.
Lina Par, 72, came all the way from Lipa, Batangas, to pay tribute to the icon she has admired for nearly six decades since Aunor won the singing competition Tawag ng Tanghalan in 1967.
“This is Nora’s last moment, so why don’t we give her our time?” Par said in Filipino.
Aunor, born Nora Cabaltera Villamayor in Iriga, Camarines Sur, in 1953, died of acute respiratory failure on Wednesday, April 16, at the age of 71.
When 84-year-old Esperanza Abian found out Aunor’s death, she made sure to be there to send her idol off.
“Even if it’s hot, even if it’s difficult to walk, my body got strong because I really wanted to see Nora in her last moments,” Abian said.
“I’m happy to see us old fans of Nora Aunor. We now use walking sticks, we all have gray hairs, and we’re all here.”
Armed with portable fans and umbrellas, some of Aunor’s followers, called Noranians, lined up as early as 6 am — four hours before the start of the public viewing.
They did not care about the heat, the lack of sleep, and the long lines; they just wanted to show their love to Aunor, who treated her supporters like her own friends and family.
“As long as you’re a die-hard fan of someone, especially someone like Nora Aunor, you won’t mind the heat,” said Jun Favila. “That’s just the way Filipinos are. As long as they do it from the heart, they don’t get impatient.”
“Filipinos are used to that kind of sacrifices, especially for people we love.”
Virginia Camba, 68, had wanted to invite Aunor as a special guest for her 70th birthday, given that Ate Guy has been part of almost her entire life.
Camba still vividly remembers following Aunor during a parade for the 1972 movie And God Smiled At Me, for which “The Grand Dame of Philippine Cinema” won the first of her countless Best Actress awards.
But now that Camba could no longer turn that plan into fruition, she asked her children for an early gift.
“I made a request to my children, I asked them for money to go here. I really wanted to see Nora because this was only the second time I got to see her — once when she was alive, and now that she’s dead,” said Camba.
More of Aunor’s supporters are expected to visit her on the second and final day of her public viewing on Sunday, April 20.
Aunor will then be laid to rest at the Libingan ng mga Bayani on Tuesday, April 22. – Rappler.com
MANILA, Philippines – Nora Aunor and Hilda Koronel, two giants of Philippine cinema, were supposed to do a reunion movie.
Director Adolfo Alix Jr. on Saturday, April 19, said Aunor had shown enthusiasm about working with Koronel again before her death, which brought her legion of fans and the entire country to mourning.
Appearing in the public viewing for the “Superstar” at The Chapels at Heritage Park in Taguig, Alix said they had planned to start shooting in June.
“She was trying to get stronger because she was excited to do that project,” Alix said in Filipino.
Alix directed Aunor in several of her recent films, including Padre de Familia (2016), Pieta (2023), and her last locally released movie, Mananambal (2024), a horror picture wherein the National Artist portrayed the role of a healer.
He said Aunor, who died of acute respiratory failure on Wednesday, April 16, at the age of 71, was already dealing with health issues when they shot Mananambal.
“Actually, the doctor prohibited her [from working] because of her condition, which, I think, made it difficult for her to breath when she was around a lot of people. So, as much as possible, we limited that,” Alix said.
“She was trying to get stronger before because there were plans for her condition. There were rehabilitation and operation for her to be better.”
Aunor and Koronel starred in the 1985 film Beloved, which also featured Christopher de Leon, to whom Ate Guy was married for two decades.
“Elsa” and “Insiang” were also together in Tisoy! (1977) and Nakaw na Pag-ibig (1980).
“What a big loss to our industry,” Koronel wrote on Instagram in one of her tribute posts for Aunor. “But you will never be forgotten.”
Alix hopes for a local release of Kontrabida (2021), which shows Aunor in her first antagonist role and won the Network for the Promotion of Asia Pacific Cinema Prize for Best Asian Film in the 2022 Hanoi International Film Festival.
“It has been shown in festivals in different countries, but we’re looking for the right timing [to show it here,” Alix said.
“So, I told the producers that this can probably be a fitting tribute because this is the film where you’ll see Ate Guy in her best form.” – Rappler.com
