Palace awards Presidential Medal of Merit to 4 late Filipina icons

On Sunday, May 4, a special ceremony at the Palace saw President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. honor four extraordinary Filipina icons, posthumously awarding them the prestigious Presidential Medal of Merit.

These remarkable women, Nora Aunor, Gloria Romero, Pilita Corrales, and Margarita Fores, were recognized for bringing immense pride to the nation through their outstanding contributions in their respective fields.

Known as the Philippines' "Superstar," Nora Aunor was celebrated as a National Artist for Film and Broadcast Arts. Her prolific career spanned over 170 acting credits before her passing on April 16 at the age of 71.

Gloria Romero, hailed as the "Queen of Philippine Cinema," had a career spanning decades and over 250 films, including classics like *Dalagang Ilocana*, *Sino Ang May Sala*, *Paru-Parong Bukid*, and *Magnifico*. She passed away on January 25 at 91.

Pilita Corrales, "Asia's Queen of Songs," was a legendary figure in the OPM music scene and also an accomplished actress. Her iconic voice is behind beloved songs such as "Rosas Pandan," "Usahay," "A Million Thanks to You," "Matud Nila," and "Kapantay ay Langit." She died on April 12 at 87.

Finally, Margarita Fores, recognized as Asia's Best Female Chef in 2016, was a culinary pioneer who founded renowned restaurants like CIBO, Grace Park, and Lusso. She passed away on February 11 at 65.

President Marcos Jr. paid tribute to the honorees, stating, "To Gloria, to Margarita, to Pilita, to Nora — it seem very little but the best we can do, maraming, maraming salamat po (Thank you very, very much). 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 emphasized their profound impact, adding, "They are undeniably icons. But more importantly, we can see that the true quality of their art, of their performances came from the core of them being Filipinos. They are women who spent their lives sharing their gifts and deepening how we understand ourselves through their respective disciplines."

Families of Aunor, Romero, Corrales, and Fores were present at the ceremony to accept the awards on behalf of their beloved members.

Addressing the families, the President remarked, "These women, they illuminated our consciousness. They taught us who we are and who we could become. So the families of the awardees: Thank you for sharing them with us. What they contributed to the country cannot even, even be realized, and certainly cannot be paid back. But we will remember and we will pass it on."

He also highlighted the ongoing importance of arts and culture, saying, "Sa ating mga kababayan, nawa’y ipaalala sa atin ng gabing ito na ang sining at kultura ay hindi lamang bahagi ng ating mga nakaraan. Hinuhubog din [nito] ang ating pagkakakilanlan at nagbibigay inspirasyon sa atin patungo sa mas maunlad na kinabukasan." (To our countrymen, may this night serve as a reminder for us that arts and culture are not just parts of our past. They also shape our identity and give us inspiration towards a better future.)

The Presidential Medal of Merit is among the highest distinctions granted by the Philippine President, honoring individuals whose work has significantly contributed to nation-building.