Even though they were not born from her womb, the late Superstar and National Artist Nora Aunor loved and considered her adopted children with all her heart and without a doubt.

Lotlot, Matet, Kiko, and Kenneth de Leon are not her blood relatives, but in the eyes of their recognized mother, they are her children in every respect. In an interview on the program “Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho” (KMJS) that aired on Sunday, April 20, memories of the love and care that Ate Guy showed to her children were reopened, while she was buried at Heritage Park, Taguig City.

In the interview, the siblings could not help but get emotional as they recalled their mother’s generosity and concern. Despite the fact that she only had one biological child—Ian de Leon, her son with Christopher de Leon—Nora never once made it seem like there was a difference between Ian and her adopted children.

According to Lotlot and Matet, the love Nora gave them was equal. They never felt that they were different, that they were just “adopted.” Instead, throughout their lives, they have claimed the identity that they are the true children of the Superstar—not because of blood, but because of honest and sincere love.

Also shared in the said interview was Nora’s previous statement on why she is open to adopting children. According to her, many people bring her children who need a home and care. And as a mother in heart and feelings, she cannot abandon them. In her words:

“They are brought to the house. Those people, especially the children who are brought to you, you will feel guilty if you do not accept them. Because if you hear, let’s say, you did not accept them, and you hear that what happened to the children was not good, it is as if you have a conscience as to why you did not accept them, that at least you can help them a lot.”

This is proof of a mother’s concern that is not limited to blood relatives. For Nora, motherhood is not just about pregnancy and childbirth, but about how you love, protect, and raise a child—with respect, dignity, and equality.

Lotlot also gave a funny reaction in the interview. She joked, “Are we adopted? No, not at all. Ian is the adopted one.”

Which was followed by Matet’s explanation, “He really didn’t like it (being told we were adopted). He never made us feel that. We found out we were adopted from the helpers.”

These words served as proof of the depth of Nora’s love for her children—a love that knows no form or origin.

Despite her status as a famous artist and recognized pillar of the arts, Nora’s heart was simple and open to those in need. She is a symbol of motherhood in a broader and more humane sense.

Now, as the entire nation mourns the passing of a legend, her children remain in the memory of a mother who was incomparable—caring, fair, and above all, genuine. She is proof that parenthood is not measured by blood, but by a heart that is willing to nurture, accept, and love without asking for anything in return.