National Artist for Film and Broadcast Arts Ricky Lee paid tribute to the late Nora Aunor who became a close friend of his several decades ago. During the necrological service for the Superstar, the screenwriter and journalist expressed how the late actress gave her all for the love of arts.
Nora died at the age of 71 after a medical procedure according to her son, Ian De Leon.
READ: Nora Aunor's passing marks 'end of a golden era,' says Sharon Cuneta
Ricky and Nora first met on the iconic film, Himala, where the latter was the actress while the former was the writer. He recalled how his dear friend fought the status quo for seven decades while she was active in the industry.
“Rebelde si Guy. Sa loob ng pitong dekada ay nilabanan niya ang status quo. Binago niya ang kolonyal na pagtingin na nagsasabing na mga mapuputi lang at matatangkad ang maganda sa ‘Puting Tabing,’” he claimed.
“Sa isang panahon na hindi tanggap ng mga tao na namamatay ang bida sa ending, namatay siya sa ‘Tatlong Taong Walang Diyos,’ ‘Himala,’ ‘Nakaw na Pag-Ibig,’ ‘Andrea,’ ‘Flor Contemplacion,’ at iba pa,” he added.
He maintained that his fellow National Artist for Film and Broadcast Arts embodied the true meaning of being an artist.
“Ipinakita niyang mahalaga ang nararamdaman ng mga taong nasa gilid ng lipunan, may mga boses na kailangan pakinggan. Pinili niyang huwag lang maging Superstar, kung hindi maging isang tunay na artista ng bayan,” he continued.
Ricky then shared towards the end of his speech that the legacy of Nora will continue even if she has already passed.
READ: National Artist Nora Aunor to be given hero’s burial
“Minsan lang mangyayari ang isang Nora Aunor pero hindi pa tapos ang kwento mo–– nagsisimula pa lang. Ang pangalan mo ay ang pangalang sasambitin namin lagi ng walang pagod sa mga susunod pang henerasyon upang hindi nila makalimutan kailanman na minsan sa isang ginintuang panahon ay may isang butuin walang kupas na nag ningning sa kalangitan ng aming buhay. Minahal mo kami ng lubos maski na halos wala ng natira para sa sarili mo. Hayaan mong mahalin ka rin namin hanggang sa walang hanggan,” he expressed.
For the veteran screenwriter, Nora gave hope to everyone who dreams big and has become a voice of the ordinary Filipino citizens.
“Binigyan din niya tayo ng pag-asa at tinuruan na pwede tayong lumaban upang matupad ang ating mga pangarap. Ipinakita niya sa atin ang kapangyarihang hindi natin akalain mayroon pala ang ordinaryong tao. Ginawa niyang totoo ang ibig sabihin ng sining,” he said.