25/05/2025
Of course, we wouldn’t let this day pass without paying tribute to our National Artist, Nora Aunor, on what could have been her 72nd birthday. In this special feature, we revisit Celia Diaz Laurel’s 14-page letter to then debutante Nora. This is an addendum to the story we’ve previously shared (Parts 1 to 6) about the moment Cocoy first heard Nora’s golden voice and instantly became a fan. This tribute also comes at a fitting time as FANEY—a film honoring Aunor’s enduring legacy and her deep connection with her fans—was screened just last week at Gateway Cinema 11 in Quezon City.
Before Cocoy entered the local showbusiness, Mrs. Laurel quite knew what "fans" meant. But as she would soon realize, theater fans and movie fans were entirely different patrons. On the day of their departure for Hollywood for the shooting of "Lollipops and Roses," she had her first real taste of the "Nora sensation."
"That afternoon was unforgettable. It seemed like all the women folk of the nearby provinces had made an exodus to the Manila International Airport that day. They all wore a uniform wide eyed searching look, yet they passed you without seeing you at all." Mrs. Laurel swore she feared of being trampled upon after one of them shouted, "Ayan na!" Good thing, she said, they were able to seek refuge within the airport's restricted zone. And yet, she remembered, boarding the plane was another challenge: "The mob was milling around it. We could not wade through the solid wall of people."
However, as soon as they were airborne, she and Dr. Doy went to see Nora for the first time thinking that that would be a good way to break the ice for their son Victor, her leading man, who the young superstar also had not met yet. To her surprise, Mrs. Laurel found a little and frail girl whom she described as someone who "didnt look a day older than 12."
Her face was so carefree and without any trace of make-up and her hair worn loose -- just a picture of a tired, sleepy, and exhausted lady who was curled up beside her mother, Aling Tonying who was also quick to awaken her despite Mr. and Mrs. Laurel's request not to. "Hello, Nora. Kami ang Daddy at Mommy ni Victor. Pumarito kami para kamustahin ka," to which Nora replied with a soft, almost inaudible "Salamat po."
The Laurels and Nora's entourage had to part ways in Honolulu. Nora's group headed straight to Los Angeles while the parents had to pickup their son in San Francisco. Later, the groups met up in LA with director Cirio Santiago who was also meeting Cocoy for the first time. That night, a dinner party was held for the production staff, and it is where Nora was introduced to Cocoy. Mr. and Mrs. Laurel decided not to join the party; however, information had reached Mrs. Laurel that when Cocoy tried to make a handshake, his reel partner hid behind her Mamay. After the short talk, Nora apparently disappeared into a dark corner until Cocoy went over to join her.
That night, Cocoy went to report to his Mom that they were to record a few songs the next morning but his very shy leading lady was reluctant about it. Mrs. Laurel suggested that Cocoy should sing first so that his on-screen partner would feel more relaxed to follow suit. Victor did just that. However, instead of calming her, Nora refused to sing all the more! "Ang galing niya pala," Nora was heard commenting about Cocoy's singing.
For some time, the whole production was at a loss how to proceed. Then Mrs. Laurel had a light bulb moment which quite eased the situation. Noticing the pile of giant-sized lollipops in a basket of roses which were supposed to be given by Victor in a scene to Nora the following day, Cupid Mrs. Laurel whispered to Cocoy to give them to her at that exact moment. Nora was delighted at the "big" or rather, "giant" gesture. And after a few more songs from Cocoy, Nora finally sang! The mother and son duo succeeded! We know why this moment remains special to Cocoy -- it was his first day as a Nora fan. But Mrs. Laurel's reaction was priceless too. In the letter, she wrote: "I was impressed with her voice --now without the benefit of an amplifier -- it was crystal clear and resonant. It didn't seem possible that this rich, mellow voice could come from such a tiny frame. The voice is really golden."
Without a doubt, stories like this remind us why Ms. Nora Aunor is truly golden. May her golden voice continue to echo in our hearts and her extraordinary talent to shine and inspire us even more now that she's gone.
