The artistical and musical legend that is Nora Aunor may not have passed the critical eyes of a select juror and the awarding authority to be bestowed the National Artist award but her enrapturing film artistry and musicality and mass acceptance surpass any technical recognition given by any entity or authority. Her phenomenal rise to movie and musical stardom that counted a generation of shrieking and adoring fans unparalleled in the movie and music industry is a walking testament to her mesmerizing artistry and singing voice and the people’s acceptance. She truly is the crowned people’s artist.
Ms. Nora Aunor is still young and in God’s perfect time we are optimistic that she will be proclaimed as a National Artist. Her non-inclusion does not diminish her iconic stature as the country’s Superstar and her significant contributions to film, theater, television and music industries.
Her non-inclusion should be viewed as to spare Ms. Nora Aunor from the emotional and psychological torment she will go through as a result of the barrage of mixed reactions the award will bring. As she herself stated in her statement:
“Ano ba naman ang isang award kung ang kapalit neto ay paulit-ulit na paghamak sa pagkatao ko at sa mga taong naniniwala sa akin.”
“Sapat na po sa akin ang respeto natatanggap ko sa mga kasamahan ko sa trabaho.”
Salvador S. Panelo
Presidential Spokesperson &
Chief Presidential Legal Counsel
