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- Actress Nora Aunor is excluded from among those granted the National Artist title.
- Palace explained that the distinction would only torment her emotionally and mentally.
- She encouraged her supporters to just forget about the award and focus on making meaningful films.
Nora Aunor was not included in the list of National Artist[s] this year.
Malacañan Palace explained that they actually did the veteran actress a favor by excluding her as the distinction would only “torment” her.
According to Presidential spokesperson and Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Salvador Panelo, they are still positive that she will still be in the future lists of National Artists.
“In God’s perfect time we are optimistic that she will be proclaimed as a National Artist. 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.
“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.
“Her 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. She truly is the crowned people’s artist.”
Nora Aunor speaks up.
The actress then commented regarding the recent happening.
She stated that even if she’s not included in the list, the respect that she gets from her colleagues is enough; and if people are just going to use the title to attack her personal achievements, then it’s better to just forget about it.
“Sapat na sa aking ang respetong natanggap ko sa mga kasamahan ko sa trabaho. Kung gagamitin lang naman ang National Artist para pagpiyestahan at hamakin ang mga personal kong pagpupunyagi sa buhay, ako na ang nakikiusap na itigil natin ang lahat ng ito.
Nora Aunor then encouraged people to continue making meaningful movies as she will also continue doing her craft.
“Ano ba naman ang isang award kung ang kapalit naman nito’y ang paulit-ulit na paghamak sa pagkatao ko at sa mga taong naniniwala sa akin? Mas nakabubuti pong ipagpatuloy nalang natin ang paglikha ng makabuluhang pelikula at mga awit na magsisilbing inspirasyon sa ating mga Filipino.
“Tuloy lang ang buhay. Tuloy ang trabaho hangga’t binibibiyayaan parin ako ng Diyos para makapagtrabaho. Kaya mga minamahal kong mga Noranians at mga kaibigan, huwag na kayong malungkot o masaktan. Kalimutan na nating ang Nationa Artist na yan.”
