THIS Sunday, “Citizen Pinoy” airs a heartfelt tribute to one of the Philippines’ most revered icons — National Artist and legendary actor Nora Aunor — who passed away on April 16, 2025.
The episode re-airs a powerful and emotional segment first shown in 2008, where the superstar candidly shared her immigration story and how she achieved her American Dream with the help of leading U.S. Immigration Attorney Michael J. Gurfinkel.
Nora Aunor arrived in the U.S. in 2004 to quietly begin a new chapter in her life. Far from the glitz and glamour of her showbiz career, she was often spotted doing everyday errands — at laundromats, on trains — sparking criticism from some who claimed the Superstar had “fallen.” But what many did not know was that Nora had chosen a humbler life while pursuing legal residency in the U.S., with determination and dignity.
In 2006, she first approached Atty. Gurfinkel for assistance. Despite warnings from others that she might be a difficult client; Michael took her case. Though she briefly left to collaborate with another lawyer, she later returned, asked for forgiveness, and resumed her journey with Atty. Gurfinkel — who never turned his back on her. By 2008, she received her green card and appeared on “Citizen Pinoy” to inspire others with her story of perseverance.
As Attorney Gurfinkel shares in the episode, “Nora was a fighter. She overcame adversity and never gave up. I am honored to have helped her, and even more honored to share her journey once again with our viewers.”
Be sure to watch this heartfelt story on this special episode of Citizen Pinoy on Sunday, April 27 at 6:30 PM PT (9:30 PM ET) through select Cable/Satellite providers, right after TV Patrol Linggo. Citizen Pinoy is also available on iWantTFC. Viewers may download the free app.
A SUPERSTAR’S JOURNEY: “CITIZEN PINOY” PAYS TRIBUTE TO NORA AUNOR. This Sunday, Citizen Pinoy honors the late National Artist and Philippine icon, Nora Aunor, with a special re-airing of her inspiring immigration journey. Known for her legendary career in showbiz, Nora quietly moved to the U.S. in 2004 to pursue her green card — choosing a simple, humble life far from the spotlight. Despite public judgment and personal challenges, Nora sought help from leading U.S. Immigration Attorney Michael J. Gurfinkel in 2006. Though she briefly turned to another lawyer, she returned to Atty. Gurfinkel, asked for forgiveness, and together they worked to secure her legal status. In 2008, she was granted her green card and shared her story on “Citizen Pinoy” to inspire others chasing their own American Dream. This special episode is a moving reminder that even superstars face struggles — and rise above them. Be sure to watch this success story on Citizen Pinoy on Sunday, April 27 at 6:30 PM PT (9:30 PM ET) through select Cable/Satellite providers, right after TV Patrol Linggo.
