Once estranged, Nora Aunor reunites with her children as she celebrates her 70th birthday
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MANILA — National Artist Nora Aunor marked her 70th birthday Saturday with a rare family reunion and prayer for extended life and good health.

All of the film icon’s five children were present at the ’70s-themed party at Seda Hotel Quezon City, namely Ian de Leon, his wife Jennifer Orcine and their kids; Lotlot de Leon and her husband, Fadi El-Soury; Matet de Leon and husband, Mickey Estrada, and their kids; as well as Kiko and Kenneth.

Previously estranged from their mother, Lotlot, Matet, and Ian all expressed their unconditional love for Aunor, who also thanked her children for standing by her, most recently when she was under critical care for her respiratory illness.

“My birthday wish for mommy is always good health,” Lotlot told ABS-CBN News. “Even if you call me at two, three in the morning, I will get up I will be there for you! I’m here because of you.

All’s well that ends well, Lotlot agreed with her mother’s intimate guests who have witnessed how their family drama played out in public through the years.
Ian also spoke about the unique love expressed by her mother. “Sometimes, we, and even she, cannot comprehend it. But she sees beauty and goodness in everyone despite the darkness,” he said in his tribute. “This, I humbly accept and embrace without judgment.”

Nora Aunor (left-most, bottom) poses with her children during her 70th birthday celebration. ABS-CBN News
Matet elicited the loudest laughter after she admitted she was the most vocal in her misunderstanding with her mother. “I’m the one who always has the most to say about mommy,” she said.

“Mommy and I always chat so I can tell her everything,” added Matet, who was embroiled in a now-resolved issue with Aunor involving their supposed competition in selling bottled tuyo or dried fish. “But mommy, we love you so much! Forever!”

Aunor is only thankful for the extended gift of life after her health issues. “The Highness is still there, taking care of me. My only wish is for my life to be longer, to do more projects and to help others in need,” she told ABS-CBN News.

After finishing the Adolf Alix movie “Pieta” with Gina Alajar and Alfred Vargas, Aunor is slated to do another movie thriller in Siquijor about the life of a healer. She is also traveling to Japan to receive an achievement award from the Filipino-Japanese entertainment advocacy group headed by Emma Cordero in Fukuoka October this year.