Palace: Nora Aunor is ‘People’s Artist’

MALACAÑANG on Thursday, October 25, called veteran actress Nora Aunor the “People’s Artist” after she failed, for the second time, to get the nod for an Order of National Artists award.

“Ms. Nora Aunor is still young and in God’s perfect time we are optimistic that she will be proclaimed as a National Artist,” Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo told a press conference Thursday.

“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,” he added.

Aunor was nominated to be National Artist for Film in 2014, but her nomination was rejected by former President Benigno Aquino III because of her supposed links to illegal drugs.

Aunor was automatically nominated to become among this year’s National Artist since she was included in the previous shortlist of nominees.

For the second time, her nomination was turned down.

Asked if Aunor’s alleged involvement in illegal drugs might be the reason for her non-inclusion, Panelo said, “Of course, the power and the privilege to appoint rest on the President. So that’s discretionary.”

Panelo said the veteran actress failed to secure unanimous vote from members of the joint boards of the Cultural Center of the Philippines and the National Commission for Culture and the Arts.

“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,” he said.

“Her non-inclusion is to spare Ms. Nora Aunor from the emotional and psychological torment coming from the barrage of mixed reactions the award will bring,” the Palace official added.

Panelo said the multiawarded actress’ “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.”