There are stars, and then there is Nora Aunor—an icon whose brilliance transcended time, defied trends, and embodied what it means to be a true artist.
Viva Films honors the unparalleled artistry and enduring legacy of National Artist for Film and Broadcast Arts Nora Aunor with The Superstar Collection: A Tribute to the National Artist—a cinematic showcase of some of her most iconic and powerful movies. This special presentation is a rare opportunity to revisit the work and legacy of the Philippines’ one and only “Superstar” through a curated lineup, screening exclusively in select cinemas starting April 25.
Born Nora Cabaltera Villamayor on May 21, 1953 in Iriga City, Camarines Sur, the world came to know her as Ate Guy, the “Superstar” who rose from humble beginnings selling water near the railway tracks of Bicol to become one of the most celebrated artists in Philippine history. For over five decades, Nora Aunor moved, challenged, and inspired audiences with performances marked by quiet power and emotional precision. Her gaze could slice through silence. Her voice could shake hearts. Her presence onscreen was never just acting—it was truth embodied.
With more than 170 films to her name, Nora Aunor’s career is both prolific and historic. Widely regarded as the greatest Filipino actress of all time and one of the finest in the world, she holds the distinction of being the most awarded and nominated actress in Philippine cinema. In 1990, she became the first actress to achieve a Grand Slam, sweeping all five major local award-giving bodies (Urian, FAMAS, FAP, MMFF and PMPC), for her performance in Andrea, Paano Ba Maging Isang Ina?
In 1992, she was inducted into the FAMAS Hall of Fame. A year later, she received the FAP Lifetime Achievement Award. In 1999, the Cultural Center of the Philippines named her one of the 100 Centennial Honorees for the Arts.
Internationally, she stood tall alongside the world’s best. Her turn in The Flor Contemplacion Story (1995) earned her the Best Actress Award at the Cairo International Film Festival and helped catapult Filipino cinema to global acclaim. She later won Best Actress at the Asia Pacific Screen Awards and Asian Film Awards for Thy Womb (2012), further cementing her place in the pantheon of world cinema.
She was also a voice that resonated far beyond the screen. As a recording artist, she recorded more than 500 songs and holds the record for the most singles (over 260), including the million-selling “Pearly Shells” cover (1971). Her contributions to film, television, music, and theater form an indelible part of Filipino culture.
In 2022, she was conferred the Order of National Artist—the highest cultural distinction in the Philippines. This year, she is set to posthumously receive the Presidential Medal of Merit, further acknowledging her extraordinary impact on Philippine society and the arts.
As the nation mourns her passing and celebrates her legacy, Viva Films invites audiences to revisit her powerful performances with a selection of titles for only P150 per ticket. The Superstar Collection will be shown in SM Cinemas, Robinsons Movieworld, Fisher Mall Cinemas, and Gateway Mall this April 25.
The featured films include:
Beloved – Digitally Enhanced (1985, directed by Leroy Salvador)
This film pits Aunor opposite Hilda Koronel in a gripping narrative about two women whose friendship is torn apart by betrayal and moral choices.
The Flor Contemplacion Story – Digitally Enhanced (1995, directed by Joel Lamangan)
One of her most critically acclaimed roles, Aunor plays an OFW caught in a harrowing plight for justice. This landmark film won multiple awards globally and remains one of Viva Films’ most groundbreaking productions.
Mananambal (2024, directed by Adolfo Alix, Jr.)
In her final film appearance, this horror-drama co-starring Bianca Umali explores mysticism, healing, and darkness in the island of Siquijor—offering a poignant reminder of the range she carried into every role until the very end.
Rediscover and relive the greatness of Nora Aunor in The Superstar Collection. For devoted fans and new generations alike, it’s an opportunity to honor the woman who elevated Philippine cinema and held a mirror to the Filipino soul. Though legends may leave the stage, their light never dims.
