OMNIBUS SPEECH HONORING RICKY DAVAO, GLORIA ROMERO, PILITA CORRALES, & NORA AUNOR
Proposed Senate Resolution Nos. 1351 (Davao), 1290 (Romero), 1336 (Corrales), & 1337 (Aunor)
4 June 2025
Mr. President, my dear colleagues,
I rise today with a heavy heart, but also with a sense of profound gratitude, to honor not just one, but several Filipino artists whose artistic legacy and lifelong contributions truly enriched contemporary television, cinema, music, and theater. This is the Philippine Senate’s solemn tribute to four (4) of the most revered pillars of the entertainment industry who devoted their lives to Filipino art, namely: Ricky Davao, Gloria Romero, Pilita Corrales, and also our National Artist, Nora Aunor.
Prefatory
Sa nagdaang mga buwan, ginulat tayo ng sunod-sunod na balita na gumulantang sa industriya matapos ang pagpanaw ng mga batikang artista.
The nation responded to the news with deep sorrow and collective mourning, and heartfelt tributes poured in to these great artists.
Their departure marks the end of an era. But for our nation that admired and loved them so much, this is the beginning of remembrance—a time to celebrate their legacy, preserve their work, and ensure that future generations fully understand the brilliance they brought to our culture and identity and sense of pride in being a Filipino.
Ricky Davao
Mr. President, I filed Proposed Senate Resolution No. 1351 honoring and celebrating the life and legacy of Frederick Charles Caballes Davao, or Ricky Davao as we fondly know him.
Personal na malapit sa akin si Ricky Davao. Lingid sa kaalaman ng publiko ay magkumpareng buo kami.
In an industry where stardom is the norm, Ricky Davao was built different. He clung on to something far deeper: his craft, his integrity, and his artistry. His extensive filmography across all genres, body of work, and professionalism are a testament to how much the local entertainment industry and his supporters fully embraced and admired his talent, not just as a performer but also as a director.
Napanood natin siya hindi lamang bilang isang ama, asawa, kapatid, at kaibigan, kundi ginampanan niya rin ang hindi pangkaraniwan at komplikadong karakter sa telebisyon, pelikula, at maging sa teatro.
He brought pride to the Philippines by winning the Best Actor in a Supporting Role award at the UK International Filmmaker Film Festival in 2008 for “Signos,” and another Best Supporting Actor award from the ASEAN International Film Festival in 2017 for the indie film “Dayang Asu.”
At home, institutions like FAMAS, Gawad Urian, Cinemalaya, and others honored his versatility and dedication. Whether in teleseryes or independent films, Ricky Davao was a constant presence—respected by peers, loved by fans, and admired by aspiring artists.
Kinikilala natin ang isang taong humubog sa ating kalinangang pangkultura sa tahimik ngunit pambihirang paraan. Isang tao na nagturo sa atin na ang tunay na kadakilaan o kasikatan ay hindi kailangang ipagsigawan; mas mamamayagpag kung sa mas tahimik ngunit mahusay na paraan.
Gloria Romero
Allow this representation to also take this opportune time for this chamber to formally present the previously adopted resolution to the family of Gloria Anne Borrego Galla, known to generations as the beloved as Ms. Gloria Romero, who was one of the final jewels from the golden age of Philippine cinema. In honor of her memory and legacy, this Representation had filed Senate Resolution 1290.
With a career spanning over six decades, the esteemed “Queen of Philippine Cinema” brought to life unforgettable characters that made us laugh, fall in love, and shed tears.
Also known as the “First Lady of Philippine Cinema,” she starred in more than 250 movies and TV shows. As a testament of her remarkable acting, she received numerous awards and honors throughout her career, including Best Actress or Best Supporting Actress from FAMAS, Luna Awards, Metro Manila Film Festival, Gawad Urian, Star Awards for Movies, and Gawad Tanglaw, among many others.
From her early acting years in 1941 as a budding talent for Sampaguita Pictures, to her memorable portrayals and product endorsements well into her senior years, she proved her deep connection with the Filipino audience, and that true artistry knows no age, and has no expiration.
Pilita Corrales
Next, Mr. President, is an icon in her field. Senate Resolution 1336, filed by this Representation, honors the grace, elegance, and distinctive style of Ms. Maria del Pilar Garrido Corrales.
Long before we had Spotify or Youtube to get familiarized with singers and their craft, we had Pilita Corrales whose fame extended across multiple continents. She is the one and only “Asia’s Queen of Songs,” an enduring symbol of Filipino artistry, a true icon, and a national treasure.
Siya lang naman ang kauna-unahang Pilipinong mang-aawit na nanguna sa Australian pop charts noong 1959 dahil sa kanyang locally-produced single na “Come Closer To Me.” At noong 2018, napabilang pa ang kanyang awitin sa Sounds of Australia[1] ng National Film and Sound Archive of Australia dahil sa “cultural, historical and aesthetical significance” nito.
She brought Filipino music and talent to the global stage, at a time when very few had such opportunities. She performed across Asia, Europe, the United States and Middle East. In 1972, she etched her name in history as the first Filipino to conquer the international stage at the prestigious Tokyo Music Festival, seizing the Best Performer Award and winning over global icons like Paul Williams and Olivia Newton-John—a moment that declared that the voice of a Filipino could stand shoulder to shoulder with the world’s best.
She was once hailed as the “greatest singer in the Philippines” for her vocal prowess, unique style, and versatility, backed by a career spanning more than six decades that included 135 albums recorded in Filipino, English, Spanish, and even Cebuano.
At talagang wala ring makakalimot sa signature backbreaking bend ni Pilita kapag kumakanta, na maraming gumagaya sa entablado, sa telebisyon at sa social media.
While we already bid goodbye to her, she is most remembered as a true friend and a trailblazing icon of Filipino music for her unparalleled contributions as a singer, performer, ambassador, and mentor to our nation’s successful singers.
Nora Aunor
Finally, we give honor and thanks to one of the country’s most beloved and decorated artists whose fame and acting style reverberated across the country and celebrated by the world. This Representation filed Senate Resolution 1337 to honor her invaluable contribution to our nation’s heritage.
Ginoong Pangulo, maraming pangalan ang kinikilala ng iba’t ibang henerasyon—mga pangalang nauukit na sa ating kamalayan dahil sa natatanging kontribusyon sa kanilang larangan, at sa pagbibigay ng karangalan sa ating bansa. At isa sa mga pangalang ito ay si Ms. Nora Cabaltera Villamayor, ang aming kaibigan, na kilala nating lahat bilang Nora Aunor. The one and only “Superstar,” our National Artist for Film and Broadcast Arts.
In retrospect and for the appreciation of the newer generations, Ate Guy, or Tita Guy, was a singing champion. In her hometown Iriga City, Camarines Sur, the young girl, who started selling water on trains to help support her family, won in amateur contests sponsored by leading milk brands at that time—Liberty and Darigold. In Manila, the 14-year-old later became the grand champion of Tawag ng Tanghalan, the country’s top amateur talent show, in 1967.
At a time when fair skin, tall stature and mestiza features were the industry benchmark, Nora Aunor defied conventional beauty standards—she was authentic, had impeccable talent, and most importantly, she very well connected with the everyday Filipino.
At her time, she passed the vibe check. She was the face of magazine covers, brand endorsements, and TV commercials; she frequented radio programs and TV shows; starred in hundreds of films including globally-recognized and award-winning films; broke records with her recording albums; and actors lined up to serve as her prince charming. And “Guy and Pip” was among the earliest and probably one of the most successful loveteams in our country.
Ate Guy had multiple Best Actress awards, lifetime achievement awards, and several achievements from local and international award-giving bodies, including an Asian Film Award for Best Actress. Her dedication to her craft and simplicity are forever etched in the hearts and minds of Filipinos.
She offered masterclass in her performances and strongly commanded movie scenes with her intensity, raw emotional power, and silence.
“Himala,” “Thy Womb, “Bona,” and the biopic “The Flor Contemplacion Story,” among others, are not just mere films, they are milestones which brought honor and pride to our country. Her 1982 Ishmael Bernal film “Himala” is the most celebrated and critically acclaimed films in Philippine cinema history, and one of the most important Filipino films ever made, often cited for its cinematic excellence and cultural impact. Ate Guy was also the first Filipino to receive the Bisato d’Oro Award for Best Actress at the 69th Venice International Film Festival in 2012 for her poignant portrayal of a midwife in the Brillante Mendoza opus “Thy Womb.”
Nais ko rin pong ibahagi na naging on-screen partner ni Ate Guy ang aking ama sa pelikulang “Bakya Mo Neneng” noong 1971 at “Erap Is My Guy” noong 1973.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Mr. President, though their voices are now still, their art will continue to resonate for generations to come. Their legacy lives on in the hearts of those that they touched, the countless stories they told, and the dreams they inspired.
Their talents were not just admired; they were already woven into the very fabric of our national identity.
Mr. President, these resolutions are a token of the Senate’s highest esteem. We immortalize their legacy for bringing honor to our nation, for being relevant and deeply respected in the entertainment industry, and for bringing inspiration and happiness to many.
In closing, Mr. President, we, the members of this august chamber, extend our deepest sympathies and condolences to their families, remember them with deep respect and admiration, and spread into the records of this hall their lasting contributions.
Mabuhay ang sining. Mabuhay ang alaala ng ating mga alamat.
Maraming, maraming salamat po, Ginoong Pangulo.
[1]https://www.nfsa.gov.au/collection/curated/sounds-australia-2018?fbclid=IwY2xjawKouP5leHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFMcDhZNFRic0oySWxkZThXAR66CboQKvSDyj1nHlfUpvC6fNRBe3FL2zd9Jez1Qt7rrVvCNUybc9uF3Who9Q_aem_VRzj49ejURidjUTsV-rxFA