THE entertainment world continues to grieve the sudden passing of Nora Aunor, the country’s one and only Superstar and National Artist for Film and Broadcast Arts.
Among those hit hardest by her death is her longtime “rival” and fellow screen legend, Vilma Santos.
In a heartfelt tribute shared via Instagram Stories, the Star for All Seasons offered her condolences to Aunor’s family and fans, referring to her fondly as “mare.”
“Our sincerest condolences and prayers. Rest in peace, Mare. Ms. Nora Aunor, our Superstar and National Artist… Maraming salamat,” Santos wrote.
The two icons, often portrayed as friendly rivals, shared the screen in several memorable films including the landmark 1982 drama T-Bird at Ako, where they played against type as powerful women caught in a complicated relationship. They first appeared together in the 1978 film Ikaw Ay Akin with Christopher de Leon, who was then Nora’s husband and one of Vilma’s most frequent co-stars.
In recent interviews, both Aunor and Santos had expressed willingness to reunite onscreen, provided the project was meaningful and fitting for their stature.
“Kung may magandang proyekto na parang T-Bird at Ako na tumutugma sa aming dalawa, bakit hindi? Para sa akin, walang problema,” Aunor said.
Santos echoed the sentiment: “Sana mabigyan kami ng magandang script. Kasi, sa klase ng tayo namin ngayon, we’re not getting any younger. Kailangan ng isang matibay na kuwento para papanoorin pa rin kami ng mga tao.”
