President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and First Lady Liza Marcos (center) pose with the families and representatives of the four posthumous awardees, who accepted the honors on their behalf, alongside government officials, cultural leaders, and members of the artistic community during the conferment of the Presidential Medal of Merit at Malacañang Palace. All pictures are from President Bongbong Marcos’ social media account
President Marcos Jr. honors Nora Aunor, Pilita Corrales, Gloria Romero, and Margarita Forés with the Presidential Medal of Merit in a ceremony at Malacañang recognizing their contributions to Philippine culture.
MANILA, Philippines – In a heartfelt ceremony at Malacañang Palace on Saturday, May 4, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. posthumously conferred the Presidential Medal of Merit to four Filipina cultural icons whose work shaped the nation’s artistic identity and touched generations of Filipinos.
Honored at the Heroes Hall were Nora Aunor, Pilita Corrales, Gloria Romero, and Margarita Forés—each recognized for elevating Philippine culture through film, music, and cuisine.
Celebrating Timeless Legacies
Nora Aunor, the “Superstar” of Philippine cinema, was honored for her body of work that gave voice to the struggles and dreams of ordinary Filipinos. Her critically acclaimed performances in films like Himala and Bona made her one of the most influential artists in the country’s history. She passed away on April 16, 2025, at age 71.
Pilita Corrales, known as “Asia’s Queen of Songs,” was a trailblazer in music and entertainment. Born in Lahug, Cebu City, she recorded more than 135 albums in English, Filipino, Spanish, and Cebuano. Her 1963 hit “A Million Thanks to You” was among the first locally produced songs to achieve international popularity. She also hosted An Evening with Pilita, a landmark television variety show that ran from 1964 to 1972. Corrales passed away peacefully on April 12, 2025.
Some reports listed Corrales’s age as 85, but other sources cite 1937 as her birth year, making her 87. The discrepancy stems from unverified records, though her legacy remains undisputed.
Gloria Romero, an enduring presence in Philippine cinema, was best known for her elegant performances across genres—from classic romantic roles to dramatic matriarchal figures. Her career spanned more than seven decades, and she remained active in film and television into her 90s. Romero passed away on January 25, 2025, at age 91.
Margarita Forés, an internationally acclaimed chef, transformed Filipino cuisine with modern interpretations of traditional dishes. Named Asia’s Best Female Chef in 2016, Forés championed local ingredients, regional flavors, and culinary education. She passed away on February 11, 2025, at age 65.
Words from the President
The Presidential Medal of Merit is one of the highest civilian honors in the Philippines, awarded to individuals who have made exceptional contributions to national identity, culture, and service.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., who personally led the conferment ceremony, offered moving remarks:
“To Gloria, to Margarita, to Pilita, to Nora—it seems very little but the best we can do, maraming, maraming salamat po. You live on in every artist who takes the risk, in every child who has fond dreams, and every citizen who wishes to let the world know what it means to be a Filipino.”
He added:
“We are here to honor four outstanding individuals who, though they have passed from our world, continue to shape our art, our cinema, our music, and our culinary landscape.”
Families of the honorees accepted the awards on their behalf, surrounded by government officials, cultural leaders, and members of the artistic community.
A Cultural Tribute
National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) Chairman Victorino Manalo has previously emphasized the importance of honoring Filipino creatives, stating during National Arts Month:
“The creativity of a nation springs forth from the spirit and passion of its people.”
The posthumous awards come at a time of renewed national appreciation for cultural heritage, and the four honorees serve as reminders of how art, music, film, and food shape the country’s identity and spirit.
As the nation mourns their passing, it also celebrates their lives—legacies that continue to inspire, educate, and empower future generations.
