Philippine showbiz icons Nora Aunor and Pilita Corrales–who both recently passed away–were honored one last time by the House of Representatives via two separate resolutions.
Adopted by the House plenary during its resumption of sessions last week following a four-month recess were House Resolution (HR) Nos. 2288 and 2289.
“We honor the memory of Ms. Nora Aunor and Ms. Pilita Corrales not only for their brilliance on stage and screen, but for the inspiration they gave generations of Filipinos to dream bigger and reach higher,” said House Speaker Martin Romualdez, a principal author of both measures.
In the entertainment industry, Aunor, a national artist, is known as “The Superstar”; while Corrales is dubbed “Asia’s Queen of Songs”.
According to the Speaker, the two late showbiz legends left an indelible mark on Philippine arts, culture and national identity.
In HR No. 2288, the House paid tribute to Aunor, who passed away last April 16 at the age of 71. Aunor rose from humble beginnings in Iriga, Camarines Sur, to become one of the most acclaimed figures in Philippine entertainment.
She starred in over 170 films and earned international recognition in the process.
Aunor groundbreaking win at “Tawag ng Tanghalan” at age 14 marked the beginning of a storied career in music, television, film and theater. Her accolades included Best Actress honors from both local and international bodies, including the FAMAS Hall of Fame, the Cairo International Film Festival and the Asia Pacific Screen Awards.
In 2022, she was named National Artist for Film and Broadcast Arts.
“She will forever be remembered for her unwavering dedication, invaluable contributions to cultural heritage, and her pivotal role in shaping creative expression – an essential force in defining the country’s identity,” the resolution read.
Meanwhile, HR No. 2289 recognized the immense legacy of Corrales, who passed away last April 12 at the age of 87. A trailblazing singer, actress and television personality, Corrales is best remembered for her back-bending vocal performances and for being the first Filipino to top Billboard’s Hits of the World chart.
Her hit “A Million Thanks to You” became a household anthem, while her multi-lingual discography of 135 albums in English, Filipino, Spanish and Cebuano cemented her as a pillar of Filipino music.
She was awarded the title Asia’s Queen of Songs after her international triumph at the 1st Tokyo Music Festival in 1972.
“She was a cultural icon whose passion for her craft, devotion to her family, and love for her country have defined her extraordinary career,” the resolution stated.
Copies of the resolutions will be furnished to the respective families of Aunor and Corrales.
Aside from Speaker Romualdez, the two resolutions were penned by Senior Deputy Speaker Pampanga 3rd district Rep. Aurelio “Dong” Gonzales Jr., Deputy Speaker Quezon 2nd district Rep. David Suarez, House Majority Leader Zamboanga City 2nd Rep. Manuel Jose “Mannix” Dalipe, House Minority Leader 4Ps Party-list Rep. Marcelino Libanan, Senior Deputy Majority Leader Ilocos Norte 1st district Rep. Sandro Marcos, and Tingog Party-list Reps. Yedda Romualdez and Jude Acidre.
