A sad chapter has engulfed the entire country after the passing of the so-called “Superstar” of the Philippines, **Nora Aunor**. One of the first to express deep grief was Diamond Star **Maricel Soriano**, who could not help but express her grief over the sudden loss of the one whom the Filipino people idolized and loved.

In an emotional statement, Maricel shared how Nora Aunor has been a big part of her inspiration as an artist. “There is no equal in the change she made in the industry. She is a legend, a queen who will never be replaced,” said Maricel while almost in tears.

It was not only the world of showbiz that mourned. Even **President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.** expressed his condolences. In an official message from Malacañang, the President said:

_”The passing of Nora Aunor is a huge loss, not only to art and culture, but to the hearts of every Filipino she touched. A true treasure of the nation that should be celebrated and never forgotten.”_

According to reports, a **national tribute** is set to be given to Nora Aunor in recognition of her invaluable contribution to the country’s art and culture. Many artists and fans have also begun offering flowers, candles, and prayers for the late Superstar.

Undeniably, Nora Aunor’s passing has left a huge void — a void that cannot be easily filled. But with every tear of farewell, there is also deep gratitude for the life and memory of a Nora Aunor who will be loved by the people forever.

Maricel Soriano, upset over Nora Aunor not being declared a National Artist

“Well, I don’t know about them! But I’m so upset! So upset!”

This is Diamond Star Maricel Soriano’s reaction to Superstar Nora Aunor being removed from the list as one of the National Artists to be nominated this year.

The award-winning actress was interviewed by PEP.ph (Philippine Entertainment Portal) and several bloggers on the set of the Kapuso primetime teleserye Ang Dalawang Mrs. Real, yesterday, June 25, at the Tivoli Royale Executive Village, in Quezon City.

She continued, “There are many things that were meant for her [Nora] that didn’t go her way so it really hurts.

“You don’t know what should be. They don’t say anything about what should be.

“Maybe they want me to say it? Just say it!” Maricel seemed to be challenging.

Does she want to convey anything to the authorities regarding this matter?

She said firmly, “No more! Enough!

“It’s annoying, eh. I’m really annoyed.

Maricel said she really felt the overwhelming regret of what should have been a special recognition of Nora’s unforgivable contribution to the local film industry.

She said, “I feel hurt for Ate Guy.

“What are the credentials of a person to be… made a National Artist?

“Do the credentials include… what exactly do you need to submit?

“Because, I really wanted him to be a National Artist, that’s why I was hurt that he didn’t become one.”

One of the original Regal Babies added, “So I said, ‘What should it be? Shouldn’t it be, you’re a human being?’

“He’s a human being, eh. Isn’t it?

“Why didn’t he become a National Artist?

“That’s why I feel bad… really bad.

“Is that okay? It’s not enough, is it!”

LOVE ME FOR WHO I AM… After this, Maricel asked to just talk about the people who admire artists who continue to love the art of acting like her.

She said, in a joking tone, “I’m so happy for them because most of them have their differences!

“Like me, they have a difference that they love me so much, unconditionally.

“That’s why I love them [fans] so much, because even ‘not-so-long ago’ they were still there for me.

“That’s why I always thank them.

“That’s all I can do because I can’t dance with them anymore like I did ‘not-so-long ago,’ right, when I was still dancing on the show.”

She continued, “So when there is a win, there is always an achievement, they are always on my mind.

“I wouldn’t be able to go to that podium and say anything and be grateful if it weren’t for them.

“I always say that I am not here, I am not there, I did not go here or there…

“I only have one body, but because of them, I am still there.

“It’s been forty-four years, so from the bottom of my heart, from the bottom of my soul, I am grateful to those who have differences,” she joked again.

“They know that, I call them those who have differences.

“And the first thing I tell them is that they can’t fight because they are out if they fight. I will get angry.”

THE TWO MRS. REAL. Maricel is also very grateful to those who continue to support Ang Dalawang Mrs. Real, the Kapuso primetime series starring Dingdong Dantes and Lovi Poe.

He said, “That’s why I give them my deepest gratitude.

“What else should I do but improve what I do.

“Always and always, I don’t want to embarrass them.

“That’s all, from my heart that I can offer to those who always love me, for always defending me.

“It’s like I want to defend them too, apart from the inspiration I give them that I can do something good.

“Here, I really thank GMA for giving me a great opportunity to create a meaningful story.

“But hopefully, they will share with us what lessons they learned from this story.

“I want to hear what lessons they learned from our program, right?

“So that we can make it better and better so that they can be happy.