During the observance of the Holy Week this year, the nation mourned the passing of two cultural icons.
Asia’s Queen of Songs, Pilita Corrales, died just days apart from the country’s one and only Superstar, Nora Aunor. As hundreds of their supporters and families grieved over the loss of two cultural icons, Janine Gutierrez, granddaughter to both of them, reflected on losing her grandmothers.
In her Instagram channel, which was also shared through her stories, Janine stated that it was the first time in ten days that she was not at a wake.
“This holy week, my siblings and I lost two lolas, mama and papa’s mothers. Kakauwi lang namin galing sa wake ni mamita (Pilita) ng mga alas-kwatro ng hapon nung April 16. Pagdating ng alas-diyes ng gabi, tumatawag na ulit yung kapatid ko sa chapel para kumuha ng kwarto, para naman kay mama guy (Nora Aunor),” Janine wrote.
“It’s been difficult and even unbelievable, but all throughout, you have helped us so much with your support and love. Thank you so much for your thoughts and prayers. We love you so much, everyone who sent a message, dropped by, or had us and our lolas in your mind,” she continued.
The actress shared that she blocked off the week to travel, but decided to spend her free time at home instead. For the week-long vacation, she planned on studying and memorizing her script and caring for things in the house. However, Pilita passed away on her first free day. In contrast, they buried Nora during her last free day.
“Buti nalang hindi na ako umalis. Mamita passed away on my first free day and we buried Mama Guy on my last,” she said.
Now, she thinks of how to make her two new angels proud.
“Driving to my location today, I think of my two new angels and how they always powered through. I think of how I can continuously make them proud. It gives me comfort to know there are many of us who will always them in our hearts. Thank you,” she ended her statement.
On April 12, Pilita Corrales passed away at 85, her family announced through a Facebook post. Meanwhile, Nora Aunor died on April 16 due to acute respiratory failure. She was 71 years old.
Following the latter’s burial, Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada filed two Senate Resolutions to honor Pilita and Nora’s lives and contributions to the arts and culture of the Philippines.
