NORA AUNOR Wake: Cocoy Laurel Visits, Remembers Shared Moments From ‘Lollipops and Roses’
MANILA, Philippines — The city’s cultural landscape has been in a somber mood this week as the wake of beloved icon Nora Aunor continues to draw mourners from all walks of life. Among them was esteemed actor and longtime friend Cocoy Laurel, whose emotional visit touched everyone present.
Yesterday afternoon, Cocoy Laurel quietly entered Nora’s wake, dressed in a simple black suit and clutching a bouquet of white roses—an evergreen symbol of remembrance. With a steady but gentle step, he approached the podium, placed the flowers beside Nora’s portrait, and paused for a moment of silence.
An Emotional Reunion
Gathering himself, Cocoy offered a short prayer. His voice, steady yet tinged with emotion, spoke of gratitude for a friendship spanning decades. Several mourners, including fellow performers, journalists, and ordinary fans, watched as he reached into his coat pocket and pulled out a faded film still from “Lollipops and Roses,” their 1981 drama.
The portrait shows a much younger Nora and Cocoy, poised under a cascade of petals in an iconic scene from the film. Cocoy held it close to his chest as he murmured, “We were just two dreamers in that grove—today, I’m here with a lifetime of memories.”
Remembering ‘Lollipops and Roses’
Amidst soft prayers and hushed conversations, Cocoy spoke to a few press members about the film, credited by many as one of Nora’s most intimate performances.
“Working with Nora on Lollipops and Roses changed me. We spent weeks shooting in a rural setting—fields of flowers, long days, endless takes,” Cocoy recalled. “She brought the character to life with such raw, honest emotion. It wasn’t just acting—it was living.”
He described how, during one pivotal scene, Nora broke down on camera, moved to tears by a line he delivered. The director, overcome by the authenticity, decided to roll with it. That unscripted moment remained in the final cut—haunting and unforgettable.
Cocoy’s words carried the weight of lived experience: two actors sharing a rare artistic synergy. Their on-screen chemistry captured the bittersweet beauty of growing up and letting go, a story many found universal.
Legacy of Compassion and Artistry
At the wake, which is open to the public and expected to run for several days, rows of candles surround a larger-than-life portrait of Nora. A steady stream of artists, dignitaries, and fans approach to pay their respects—some with flowers, others with tear-stained envelopes of heartfelt notes.
Meanwhile, Cocoy placed his bouquet near Nora’s portrait and said:
“Nora offered us more than roles—she gave us part of her heart. She believed in the soul of storytelling. That belief shaped Philippine cinema.”
He spoke of Nora’s humility, even in stardom, and how her presence illuminated the room on and off camera. He noted that whenever they met over rice or coffee, she would ask about his family, his art, and remembered the little things with an uncanny clarity.
A Friend’s Promise
Cocoy then knelt for a final moment, laid the film still beside the roses, and whispered a promise:
“Thank you, Nora, for everything—you’ve carried so much art and love into this world. I promise, as long as I breathe, I will keep your light alive.”
He rose and quietly exited the venue. Reporters described the sight of him walking away, shoulders squared, eyes remaining moist—an image that struck a chord with many grieving hearts.
Fans Honor the Star
Social media platforms have been flooded with shared memories of Lollipops and Roses, ranging from rare behind-the-scenes photos to written reflections. One fan wrote on X:
“Cocoy Laurel and Nora Aunor were magic in that film. Seeing him today, still so moved—it reminds me how timeless her art was.”
Others spoke of personal memories: how Nora’s voice in song and film shaped childhood afternoons, how her characters made them feel seen and understood.
The Wake Continues
Nora Aunor’s wake, held at a prominent chapel in Manila, is expected to continue for several more days. Her funeral service and tribute concert are scheduled to follow, with prominent figures from entertainment and politics expected to attend.
Among the anticipated highlights is a speech from her longtime director, an intimate musical interlude featuring some of Nora’s earliest songs, and a live screening of clips from her most iconic roles—including Lollipops and Roses.
A Final Bow
Cocoy Laurel’s heartfelt gesture added solemnity and grace to the collective remembrance. His presence served as a reminder of the power of connection—how shared moments in art can forge bonds deeper than fame.
Over the coming days, as Manila—and the country—grieves a towering figure in Philippine culture, one thing is sure: Nora Aunor’s legacy lives on in the stories she told, the friendships she nurtured, and the hearts she touched. Her light—embodied by friends like Cocoy and fans like all of us—will continue to shine long after the candles burn out.
