State necrological services are expected to be held in honor of National Artist for Film Nora Aunor, one of the country's most iconic stars.
The National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) made the announcement on Thursday in a Facebook post confirming Aunor's passing.
"The National Commission for Culture and the Arts announces with great sadness the passing of National Artist Nora Aunor on April 16, 2025, at the age of 71," said the NCCA, the agency responsible for policies related to preserving, developing, and promoting Philippine arts and culture.
"State necrological services and funeral details to follow," it added.
In its Facebook post, the commission also looked back on the decades-long career of Aunor, who was dubbed "Superstar" for her mass appeal, in both film and television.
No further details on the cause of Aunor's death were immediately given.
At around 2 a.m., the vehicle of a funeral service parlor was seen leaving a hospital in Pasig City.
The vehicle led a convoy that included cars carrying Aunor’s daughter, Lotlot De Leon, and close friend, Nadia Montenegro.
De Leon expressed her grief through a heartfelt tribute on social media. She also said details regarding her mother's funeral services would be announced soon.
Nora Aunor’s inspiring life: Five facts you need to know about the Superstar
Aunor burst onto the entertainment scene in the 1960s as a singer with a powerful, soulful voice. She later starred in movies where her petite, dusky looks broke stereotypes of fair-skinned leading ladies patterned after Hollywood.
She went on to play unforgettable characters in several iconic films, including "Himala" in 1982, "Bulaklak sa City Jail" in 1984 and "The Flor Contemplacion Story" in 1995. — With a report from Agence France-Presse and Bea Cuadra, ABS-CBN News