Honoring the legacy of the people that contributed significantly to our culture.
On Sunday, May 4, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.z in a ceremonial program at Malacañan Palace, bestowed the Presidential Medal of Merit to four female icons that have passed on this year.
The honor is one of the highest honors conferred by the President to individuals in recognition of their contributions to nation-building.
The posthumous awards were given to Nora Aunor, Pilita Corrales, Gloria Romero and Margarita Fores.
According to the Palace, they have exceptionally shaped the nation’s culture in their respective disciplines and showcased the best of Filipino talent in music, cinema, television and culinary recipes worldwide.
Nora Aunor, National Artist for Film and Broadcast Arts and the country’s ‘Superstar,’ passed away at the age of 71 last April 16.
Throughout her over five-decades in the industry, she earned multiple awards locally and internationally through her remarkable performances in her films.
Pilita Corrales, was known as ‘Asia’s Queen of Songs’, had more than 135 albums recorded in various languages such as Filipino, English, Spanish and Cebuano.
She passed on at the age of 87 on April 12.
Screen veteran Gloria Romero, who is touted as the ‘Queen of Philippine Cinema’, did not only cultivate multiple acting awards during her career, but also managed an enviable longevjty that saw her stay for over 70 years in the business.
But on January 25 this year, the beloved icon died at the age of 91.
Margarita Fores was an acclaimed restaurateur and chef who founded the Cibo chain of restaurants.
In 2016, she got the distinction of being Asia’s Best Female Chef, and after her death earlier this year, she was posthumously recognized by The World’s 50 Best Restaurants for her contributions to the culinary community.