Who is the mysterious man Nora Aunor trusted most?
The one who never left her side for 30 years?

When Nora Aunor passed away, there was one man who never left her side—not during her 30 years of challenges, not during her hospitalization, and not even now during her wake. His name is John Rendz, once the target of criticism, but now receiving praise across social media after proving himself as the only man who never abandoned the Superstar.

In the 1990s, during Nora Aunor’s stay in the United States when she was going through personal struggles, she met John Rendz, a rapper and underground artist based in California. Though not widely known in the mainstream music scene, John was deeply passionate about music and the arts—something he and Nora instantly connected over.

In interviews, Nora introduced John to her friends as a close companion and creative partner. Their bond grew quickly. At a time when the Superstar was grappling with loneliness, a declining career, and personal challenges, John stood by her through every step.

Their friendship flourished through collaborative projects, including indie music recordings and performances for Filipino communities in the U.S. While Nora gradually faded from the spotlight in the late 1990s, John remained a strong pillar of support.

John became more than a friend—he was her personal assistant, caregiver, confidant, and partner in rebuilding her career upon returning to the Philippines. His loyalty was undeniable. In one interview, John said, “I’m the only one who stayed. Everyone else left. I never thought of myself—I just wanted her to see that I would never leave her, no matter what people say.”

From being a simple friend, John became Nora’s defender during her weakest moments. But it wasn’t easy for him. Over the years, he faced criticism, especially from some of Nora’s children. Reports surfaced of tensions, misunderstandings, and statements that suggested John was never fully accepted as part of Nora’s life by her family.

Still, Nora bravely stood by her friend. On her 70th birthday, she even appealed to her children. She said, “Let’s love him. Let’s love this person. He was here earlier, but he kept a low profile because he knew my family was here. He didn’t want people to say anything bad about him.”

This was a clear and heartfelt expression of how deeply she valued and trusted John. Nora defended him not just in words but in action. In her weakest moments, John was always there. According to an insider, “John took care of her when nobody else did. He made sure she ate. He managed her schedule. He was there even when it hurt.”

In 2025, as Nora continued to be recognized as a National Artist, John Rendz accepted international awards on her behalf, including the World-Class Global Icon of Philippine Cinema 2025 award in Japan. During the ceremony, he dedicated the award to his “partner in life and struggle,” showing once again the profound bond they shared. This was more than friendship—it was a connection forged by time, hardship, and devotion.

On April 15, 2025, Nora was rushed to The Medical City. Among the first people there was John Rendz. According to reports by PEP.ph, John was present in Nora’s final days. Although he wasn’t there at the exact moment of her passing on April 16, he was by her side during the most critical hours.

In a Facebook Live broadcast following her passing, John said the heartbreaking words:
“The Superstar is gone. I have no more reason to live. I’m not a celebrity, I’m not famous. But now, it feels like I’m gone too.”

These words pierced the hearts of many Noranians, proving that what he and Nora shared was more than friendship—it was love in its purest form.

At Nora Aunor’s wake at Heritage Memorial Park, John Rendz attended and was seen shaking hands with Christopher de Leon in front of Nora’s casket—a deeply emotional moment. These were the two men closest to Ate Guy at different stages in her life. John also offered a short prayer beside Nora’s casket, where he quietly knelt and tapped the coffin while holding a small photo of them together from their days in America.

His presence there was not just a farewell—it was a declaration that he remained until the very end. He never let go.

For over three decades, things were never easy for John and Nora, but their bond became a symbol of unwavering loyalty. In times when most people left her, John stayed. Through illness, career collapse, and up to her final moments, John Rendz was by Nora’s side.

One Noranian commented on social media: “I didn’t know him before, but now we owe him the peace our Ate Guy had in her final days.”

Many Noranians now hope John will someday receive the recognition he deserves—not as an artist, but as the man who lovingly and selflessly took care of the nation’s superstar.

Meanwhile, it appears John Rendz and Nora’s children now share a respectful relationship. At Nora’s wake, his interaction with family members, including Ian de Leon and Lotlot de Leon, was cordial and warm. Reports suggest John had long reconciled with Nora’s children. In 2023, Matet de Leon even publicly stated that the family had accepted John as one of their own. John himself shared that he had grown close to Ian and Matet, even working with them on a few projects.

John’s presence at the wake reflected his important role not just in Nora’s life, but also in the life of her family. The story of Nora Aunor and John Rendz is a moving reminder that in a world full of controversy, trials, and fame—true love and friendship endure.

John was not just a shadow behind the Superstar.
He was a pillar of her world.
And in the final chapter of Ate Guy’s life, John Rendz was the quiet witness—the loyal friend who stood by her until the very end.

In the hearts of true Noranians, the man who was always there for Nora will never be forgotten.
Not for the cameras.
Not for fame.
But because he loved Nora Aunor in every sense of the word.

Today, the criticisms have turned into praise on social media.
More and more Noranians and netizens are expressing their respect for him.
He is a portrait of loyalty—of staying when presence meant more than words.