The Market Monitor Minding the Nation's Business
by Boy Villasanta
This early, family members of the Villamayor and de Leon clans are prepping up for the commemoration of the first death anniversary of their beloved Nora Aunor, Nora Cabaltera Villamayor in real life.
It is Ian de Leon, Nora’s eldest son and biological unico hijo with ex-husband Christopher de Leon, who is on top of the preparation.
Ian intends to put up a family reunion of all members from his maternal side.
But he also includes the invitation to the Aunors, his mom’s extended family and the de Leons, his paternal kinship
Ian’s immediate family is surely at the core of the affair that includes his sisters Lotlot and Matet de Leon whom Nora and Christopher had adopted during their early marriage.
Aunor’s latter fostering children as her own like Kiko and Kenneth de Leon are also part of the inner circle and advance party during the lifting of the mourning after one year.
On April 16, 2026 at the Libingan ng mga Bayani (LNMB) where the remains of the National Artist for Film and Broadcast are entombed, a mass will be celebrated to the transcendence of her soul to eternity.
Meanwhile, in life as in death, Nora’s hordes of fans are still agog over her in spite of absence and death.
After Ian’s hosting the event in the early part of the day, Noranians from all walks of life will also say a mass for the repose of the soul of their beloved icon.
Immediately after the service, a grand party will be held at the nearby Philippine Navy Club in Taguig.
“Ang gusto namin, ‘yong masaya na parang si Ate Guy noong nabubuhay pa, laging may (We want fun like what she wanted when she was still alive, always having) party,” said Marie Cusi, an avid Noranian.
Within the grand gig is a celebration of life for Nora with many contests for her memories.
Among the competitions to spice up the event are “Group Superstar Production Contest” as a way of reminiscing the world-class appeal of Nora; “Aura Mala-Nora,” a look-alike contest; “Outfitera of the Night ” a competition that shows the fashion sense of Nora and “Bongga Ka, ‘Day,” a pair dance contest.