Megastar Sharon Cuneta paid her last respects to Superstar Nora Aunor on Sunday as she attended her wake at The Chapels at Heritage Park in Taguig City.


Cuneta, who visited the wake together with her husband, former Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan, described Aunor’s passing as a tremendous loss to the entertainment industry, saying her Cinderella story will continue to inspire generations of aspiring artists.


“Napaka-inspiring ng story niya. Mula doon sa nag-audition siya, nag-umpisa siya sa napaka-humble na buhay, naghahanap-buhay na siya bata pa siya,” Cuneta said in an interview.


“What an inspiring story. It’s such a Cinderella story. Natutuwa ako na ginawa siyang National Artist habang mayroon pa siyang panahon na ma-enjoy iyong honor na iyon. She was so deserving of it,” she added.


The Megastar said it was an honor to have known Aunor and to have performed alongside her, though she expressed regret over never having had the chance to star with her in a film.


“Napakalaking kawalan sa industriya. Hinding-hindi magiging pareho, naturally wala siya, pero iyong ganung kagaling na artista, parang naputol ang ehemplong maaaring nadagdagan pa sana niya para sa amin at sa mga henerasyong mas bata at paparating pa,” she added.


Pangilinan, for his part, echoed his wife’s pronouncement, describing Aunor as irreplaceable and a national treasure.


“Isang malaking kawalan. National treasure siya. Iyong istorya niya mula sa pagbebenta ng tubig hanggang sa maging Superstar siya ay talagang malaking inspirasyon sa marami nating kababayan,” Pangilinan said.