On April 22, 2025, the funeral of Philippine cinema legend Nora Aunor took place in a solemn atmosphere at the Libingan ng mga Bayani. She was remembered and honored not only by her loved ones, but also by millions of fans and colleagues in the entertainment industry.

During the ceremony, many emotional moments brought tears to the eyes of those in attendance. However, the moment that made the online community express the strongest sympathy was when her grandson – Ian De Leon’s son – burst into tears when he saw her coffin. The young man could not control his emotions when he had to say goodbye to his beloved grandmother.

These images were quickly shared on social media platforms, and caused a wave of emotion in the online community. The comments were filled with grief and sympathy, with many people unable to hold back their tears as they witnessed the family’s deep love for Nora Aunor, who dedicated her life to the Philippine film industry.

“It’s heartbreaking. I can’t imagine the great loss this family has suffered,” one fan wrote. “The moment her grandson cried made me cry. Her passing is a huge loss.”

In addition to the emotional moments from the family, Ian De Leon also couldn’t hold back his emotions when sharing about his mother. He said at the memorial service: “My mother is the heart of the family. She was not only a wonderful mother but also a warm flame that guided us through difficult times. It was because of her that we were able to stand strong and united like today.”

Nora Aunor, with her illustrious career and far-reaching influence, is an irreplaceable legend in the hearts of the Filipino people. Her passing is a pain not only for her family but also a great loss for the national cinema. She left behind a great legacy, an immortal symbol in the entertainment industry.

Although she is no longer present in this life, her memories and works will always live on in the hearts of those who love her.

With the passing of Nora Aunor, her family and generations of artists will continue to preserve and promote the legacy she left behind. The emotional moments at this funeral will certainly forever be cherished memories, not only for her family but also for all those who loved her.

Ian de Leon reveals cause of death of Nora Aunor
Ian: “My mommy and I, my siblings and I, we are open books to each other.”
Ian de Leon revealed the cause of Nora Aunor’s death on April 16, 2025.

Read: Nora Aunor dead at 71

“Technically and clinically speaking, the cause of death was acute respiratory failure,” Ian directly said in an interview with Vicky Morales on 24 Oras, Friday, April 18, 2025.

Acute respiratory failure, according to mcgill.ca, refers to the inability of the lungs to carry sufficient oxygen to the blood and systemic organs.

Apart from this, Ian did not elaborate further on Nora’s confinement at The Medical City in Pasig City.

On April 16, Ian first said in a press conference that his mother underwent surgery.

After the surgery, Nora reportedly had difficulty breathing, and from then on, the multi-awarded actress’ condition did not improve.

“And that’s why they had to do another procedure after that,” Ian briefly added.

NORA AUNOR LAST MOMENTS
On April 16, as gathered by PEP.ph (Philippine Entertainment Portal), siblings Ian, Lotlot, Matet, and Kenneth were with Nora at the very moment she passed away. The only one who did not make it to her mother was Kiko.

Nora’s doctor made “at least four attempts” to revive the actress, and at one point even had her body rested before reviving her again.

Nora was said to have been unconscious at the time, and never regained consciousness.

Nora’s children simply whispered their final message to their mother, believing that the actress would still hear it.

Aside from Nora’s four children, Ian’s wife, Kenneth’s wife, and the father-in-law of Nora’s children, National Artist Ricky Lee, were also present at the time. Nora was confined to the hospital for a week before she passed away at exactly 9:53 P.M. on April 16.

IAN DE LEON LAST EXCHANGE WITH NORA AUNOR
Continuing Vicky’s interview with 24 Oras, Ian confirmed that her siblings were with her the day Nora passed away.

They said they didn’t leave her until the last moment.

Ian also shared that before Nora was hospitalized, they exchanged messages via chat.

There was a farewell tone in the flow of Nora’s message, according to Ian.

“Her last message to me was, ‘Son, please give my grandchildren a kiss. Tell them I love them very much.’

“I said, ‘Mom, don’t talk like that. Let’s go outing. Let’s have a birthday party. Let’s bond.’

“That was our last chat, our last conversation.

“I told her how much I love her, how much her grandchildren love her… I’m praying for her. IAN DE LEON ON FAMILY ISSUES
Ian did not hide that Nora’s personal life is complicated and that there are times when their family goes through misunderstandings.

Ian added his story to Mariz Umali on 24 Oras: “Our whole life, it hasn’t been easy.

“Human life is not easy. There are many trials. Our mother is no different.

“Each of us has our own struggles. Sometimes there are little misunderstandings.

“But instead of everything, what’s important is to turn our hearts to God, learn to forgive, learn to truly love, learn to understand others even if they are the ones who wrong us.”

Ian continued, “Because there are many people around us who don’t understand what our personal life with our mother has been like.

“But we learned to forgive. That’s what our mother showed us.

“We learned to love completely, to give, because that’s what our mother set an example for us.”

Ian said he had no other message to give for his late mother.

“My mom and I, my siblings, we were open books to each other,” Ian explained.

“We didn’t choose to hide our resentment, we didn’t choose to hide our anger towards each other.

“Yes, it’s normal, there are times when we don’t understand each other. Each of us has probably experienced that in our own families.

“But we see to it that before we talk again, our hearts are connected to each other again. Of course, the Lord is our example. IAN DE LEON ON NORA AUNOR’S FAITH IN GOD
Is there anything else Ian can share about Nora that the public doesn’t know, Mariz Umali asked.

Ian replied, “She was public property up until the very end.

“All she ever wanted to happen, when she was still alive, was to be with just us. No one else. Us, her children, her grandchildren.

“But sometimes that’s next to impossible. You would understand.”

For Ian, the best legacy his mother left him was her faith in God.

“But she would always remind us not to let go of our good Lord. No matter what bad things we hear from other people, those who disagree with us.

“She told us, ‘Forgive them. Understand them. Always remember, Son, how other people treat you, is not your bad manners. That’s just a reflection of their character.

‘If you are going to be affected by what people say to you, it means they are in control of you, not you. You should be in control of your life, your emotions, not other people, not other situations.’”

Ian is optimistic despite grieving Nora’s passing.

“That’s why we found peace in this moment because we know that our good Lord is with us right now, healing us, giving us strength, wisdom, and knowledge.

“It’s not a loss, but a gain in our Father’s heavenly kingdom. So, we should celebrate her life.”