Two Senate Resolutions honoring the life and achievements of the country’s one and only Superstar, Nora Aunor, and Asia’s Queen of Songs, Pilita Corales, were filed to express the upper chamber’s profound sympathy and condolences to both families.
In a press release on Tuesday, April 22, Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada recognized the two trailblazers’ contributions to Philippine cinema and the music industry. Both the icons passed just days apart in April, Nora at 71 and Pilita at 87.
Philippine Cinema’s one and only Superstar
"Nora Aunor's contributions to advancing the cause of Philippine arts and culture is as immeasurable as her local and international recognitions, but as secure as her undeniable talent," Estrada said in his Senate Resolution No. 1337.
"Her unquantifiable achievements in both local and international scenes propel her as one of the most awarded Filipino actors in history, bringing great pride, honor, and glory to the nation," he added.
Conferred with the prestigious National Artist for Film and Broadcast Arts title, Nora Cabaltera (famously known as Nora Aunor), etched her place in history as one of the nation’s most revered cultural treasures. With a seven-decade career, the actress won multiple accolades from prestigious institutions like Gawad Urian, FAMAS, Luna Awards, the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF), and PMPC Star Awards.
Additionally, she was recognized globally, gaining public recognition from various film festivals like Cannes, Venice, Cairo, Asian Film Awards, Asia Pacific Screen Awards, and many others.
From her humble beginnings as a singer in the 1960s, Nora’s transition to cinema brought the most decorated and iconic figures to life. As the nation mourns her passing, the Senate resolution seeks to remember her legacy as a true beacon in the film industry.
Asia’s Queen of Songs
Meanwhile, Estrada noted that Pilar Garrido Corrales (famously known as Pilita Corrales) is hailed as one of the nation’s finest vocalists. With over 135 albums, Pilita recorded them in various languages like Filipino, English, Spanish, and Cebuano.
"Her immense talent has inspired generations of Filipino artists, and her departure has left a void in the hearts of those who admire and look up to her not just as an artist but also as an empowered woman," Estrada said in Senate Resolution No. 1336.
With a career spanning over six decades, Pilita’s significant contributions to the Philippine entertainment industry will be remembered through the resolution, recognizing her as an empowered woman.
She also amassed several accolades and awards from Cecil, Aliw, Tinig, Awit, and FAMAS. She also earned the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Philippine Association of the Record Industry.
"She captivated audiences both locally and internationally, winning the Best Performer Award at the Tokyo Music Festival in 1972, where she triumphed over legendary artists like Paul Williams and Olivia Newton-John. She was also the first Filipino singer and one of the first women to reach the top of the Australian pop charts, further cementing her global recognition," Estrada stated.
He furthered that Pilita’s talent allowed her to dominate world stages like the Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, Carnegie Hall in New York, and the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C.
“She was celebrated not only for her vocal prowess but also for her signature backbending pose while singing high notes, a unique trademark that endeared her to millions,” he continued.
