ON Wednesday, June 4, Senator Grace Poe paid a moving tribute to the late Nora Aunor—known to all as the one and only “Superstar”—during the Senate’s adoption of a resolution honoring her life and legacy. It was a fitting homage to a woman whose voice and artistry echoed through more than five decades of Philippine cinema.
Senator Poe recalled how Aunor was not just a star in the industry—she was the industry. From her internationally acclaimed performance in Himala, to unforgettable portrayals in Bona, Naglalayag, and Thy Womb, Aunor’s gift transcended acting. “Siya mismo ang karakter,” Poe said. “The acting begins with her eyes.”
The tribute turned deeply personal when Senator Poe shared how Nora Aunor had stood by her during one of the most difficult times in her political life. In the 2016 elections, when Poe was a beleaguered candidate, Aunor showed up—not as a celebrity, but as a true friend. “Hindi bale kung talo ako, basta nariyan siya sa tabi ko,” Poe recalled with gratitude.
But perhaps the most poignant moment came when Poe approached Nora’s children in the gallery and returned a cherished gift Aunor had once given her—a small statue of the Madonna and Child. “I think it is the perfect time for me to give this back to you,” she told Aunor’s children, her voice filled with quiet emotion. “This is from your mom, but I think it is a symbol of something that she will always be reminding you of.”
As she handed the image to Lotlot, Matet, Ian, Kiko, and Kenneth, Poe revealed another shared bond—the fact that she, too, was adopted. “I can totally feel what the children are feeling,” she said.
That day in the Senate, it wasn’t just a statue that was passed on. It was a legacy of love and kindness—an echo of Nora Aunor’s enduring light.
