Actor and former congressman Alfred Vargas took to Instagram to pay tribute to the late National Artist for Film and Broadcast Arts, Nora Aunor, following her passing on April 16, 2025, at the age of 71.
In his emotional post today, April 20, Alfred reflected on his time working with the legendary actress in Pieta, under the direction of Adolfo Alix, Jr. This is one of her final film projects.
“This scene was taken from one of Ate Guy’s last ever films, Pieta,” Alfred wrote, sharing a still from their emotional mother-and-son scene. “I played, Isaac, her long ‘lost’ son. When Isaac finally returned home he was greeted by a mother who couldn’t remember anything anymore. Instead of surprising his mother, he ended up the one being surprised… for the wrong reasons.”
He described Pieta as “a story about love, family, truth, mistakes and forgiveness,” and recalled the specific scene they shared, which left a deep impact on him both as an actor and a person.
“This was a painful but loving scene at the same time. Painful because Rebecca, Nora Aunor’s character, the mother of Isaac, couldn’t recognize her son at all. Loving because she still showed how much she cared for and loved her son despite the incomprehensible situation.”
Alfred then expressed how deeply he valued the opportunity to work with the Superstar.
“Ate Guy, working with you has been one of the greatest honors of my life. As an actor and as a human being, you have touched my heart. You have taught me so much without saying anything and you have inspired me tremendously by mentoring me through our scenes together.”
He called Pieta “one of the most special and favorite films” he has ever done because of Nora, and highlighted the most valuable lesson he learned from her:
“TRUE STARS SHINE BECAUSE OF THEIR HUMILITY AND GENEROSITY IN EVERYTHING THEY DO AND WHOEVER THEY MEET. Sayo ko naramdaman ito nang sobra, Ate Guy.” (I truly felt this from you, Ate Guy.)
“Maraming salamat dahil tinanggap mo ako sa puso mo at nagkaroon ako ng chance to work at makilala ang ONE AND ONLY SUPERSTAR that we will ever have! Rest in peace, Ate Guy… Mahal na mahal kita.”
(Thank you so much for welcoming me into your heart and for giving me the chance to work with and get to know the one and only Superstar that we will ever have. I love you so much.)
As a final tribute to Aunor and her legacy, Alfred announced that he is working on a special screening of Pieta later this year.
“As a tribute to our one and only SUPERSTAR, I’m planning to show PIETA in selected SM Cinemas nationwide, for free, later this year. Para mapanood ng Noranians ang isa sa mga pinakahuling obra ni Ms. Nora Aunor!”
(So that Noranians can watch one of the final masterpieces of Ms. Nora Aunor!)
“Rest in peace, Ate Guy 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽 Mahal na mahal kita.”
(Rest in peace, Ate Guy. I love you very much.)
CinemaBravo 
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