The Iriga City Plaza came alive on the evening of May 20, 2026, as Irigueños, families, and fans of the Superstar gathered for the first night of festivities leading up to the first-ever Nora Aunor Day, a historic evening of arts, talent, and heartfelt tribute to the iconic actress and National Artist who called Iriga City home.
The event was spearheaded by the Iriga Culture, Heritage, Arts and Tourism Office (ICHAT) under Engr. Nona Vanessa M. Santiago. The celebration drew not only local residents and families of the contestants but also Noranians from as far as Metro Manila, Samar, and Leyte, a testament to the enduring reach and love for the Superstar that transcends geography. Members of the Indigenous Peoples community of Iriga City were also well-represented among the evening’s participants and audience.
The program was opened by Councilor Jor-El O. Caayao, who set the tone for the evening with his remarks. He noted that in Iriga City, the word “guy” is a term of endearment for friends, which is how the beloved nickname “Ate Guy” came to be naturally adopted for Nora Aunor in her hometown. He spoke of her extraordinary gifts as a singer and actress, how she mirrored the triumphs and struggles of Filipino women, and how she became an integral part of the raw, vibrant, and growing film scene in the Philippines, particularly through landmark works such as Himala and The Flor Contemplacion Story. He reflected on what Nora Aunor means to Iriga City, a pride that is uniquely felt and heard in the city itself, whose hopes and aspirations run as deep as Nora’s prolific career, history, and generous spirit.
The evening’s competitions were judged by Dr. Maria Teresa Velasco-Septimo, Associate Professor III from Camarines Sur Polytechnic Colleges, Mr. Leo Francis Barbonio, Instructor I also from CSPC, and Mr. Dandy Nagrampa, Jr., Musical Director of Firefly Alley Band. The night featured competitions spanning poetry, singing, Bicolano oral tradition, and original songwriting, each one a unique expression of love and admiration for the Superstar.
The celebration was made possible with the strong support of Mayor Rex C. Oliva and Vice Mayor Edsel S. Dimaiwat, whose backing was instrumental in bringing the first-ever Nora Aunor Day commemoration to life. Also present during the celebration were Councilors Jeff B. Tino, Nikki C. Lagrimas, Jessie DV. Abonite, Jr., and Ex-Officio Member and Indigenous People Mandatory Representative Margarita B. Cabria, reflecting the Sangguniang Panlungsod’s strong support for the commemoration.
Councilor Nikki C. Lagrimas delivered the closing remarks, encouraging all Irigueños to take part in the annual observance of Nora Aunor Day. She expressed her heartfelt gratitude to all the contestants who enthusiastically joined the very first year of the celebration. She also shared a moment that struck her during the evening, when one of the contestants raised the question of how the younger generation, the Gen Z, would come to know and appreciate Nora Aunor. It is precisely for this reason, she said, that the observance of May 21 matters, to keep alive the enormous legacy and contribution of Nora Aunor,
not only to Iriga City but to the entire nation, as a National Artist worthy of emulation and inspiration by every Filipino.
Last night’s festivities mark the opening of what the City Government of Iriga hopes will become a cherished and enduring annual tradition. Today, May 21, with a motorcade starting at 3:00 PM at the Iriga City Ceremonial Grandstand, winding through the city proper before concluding at the Saint Anthony of Padua Parish and Shrine for a Mass in her memory. The day culminates with the Nora Aunor Superstar Variety Show, and everyone is welcome to come, celebrate, and be part of this historic day of tribute to Iriga City’s most beloved daughter.
Source: Lungsod Ng Iriga