It was a tearful and emotional moment as actress Matet de Leon stood before the casket of her adoptive mother, National Artist for Film and Broadcast Arts Nora Aunor, during her wake on Tuesday. The veteran actress was laid to rest at the Libingan ng mga Bayani, but not before her daughter poured her heart out in a touching eulogy that left many in the room in tears.
Fighting back sobs, Matet bravely took the microphone and opened up about the complicated relationship she had with her late mom — a bond filled with love, but also marred by years of misunderstandings and distance.
“Of course, it’s no secret to anyone that my mom and I had our issues,” she said with a bittersweet smile. “According to the close friends who took care of her, Mommy always talked about me. I was her ‘sutil’ daughter — the stubborn one.”
Her voice trembled as she looked back on the moments they lost — phone calls that were never made, conversations left unsaid, and hugs that now can never be given.
“There were times we didn’t understand each other. A lot of times, actually. While my siblings still got to talk to her, I didn’t get that chance often,” she said, holding back tears. “I don’t want to say much right now because honestly, I’m still full of regrets.”
Their most public conflict, known in media as the “tuyo wars,” stemmed from a business venture that Matet pursued — a bottled fish brand that unintentionally caused a rift between them. The tension became the symbol of the emotional gap that grew between mother and daughter in recent years.
But all that faded away in the face of loss. As Matet turned to face Nora’s casket, her grief overflowed. Her voice cracked as she spoke directly to her mom one last time.
“You already know, Ma, what I told you,” she said quietly, her voice breaking. “I love you so, so much, Mommy. Please rest now.”
The wake was filled with heartfelt tributes from family, friends, and fans, all gathered to honor the incredible legacy of Nora Aunor — a woman whose voice and presence helped shape Philippine cinema. But in that one raw, vulnerable moment, Matet reminded everyone that behind the icon was a mother — and behind the tears was a daughter longing for one more chance to make things right.
Nora Aunor may be remembered by the world as the “Superstar,” but to Matet, she’ll always be Mommy — strong, complicated, and dearly loved.
“Rest well, Ma,” she whispered again, wiping her tears. “I hope you know how much I love you.”
Lovely is an entertainment news contributor at BrigadaNews.ph, covering the hottest buzz in showbiz, television, music, and pop culture. With a keen eye for trending stories and a flair for storytelling, she delivers fresh updates that keep readers in the know — from viral celebrity moments to the latest in local and international entertainment.