John Rendez, a longtime friend of National Artist Nora Aunor, has been deeply saddened by the death of his dear friend. John, who has been Nora's close companion for over three decades, was reportedly in Angeles City, Pampanga. However, he was also present at the hospital when Nora was confined before she passed away on April 16, 2025. PHOTO/S: John Rendez Facebook / PEP File.
The public has been eager to know John Rendez's reaction to the passing of National Artist for Film and Broadcast Arts and multi-awarded actress Nora Aunor.
John was one of Nora's closest friends, and their friendship has spanned more than three decades. He stood by the superstar in both good times and bad.
On Holy Tuesday, April 15, John was among those who visited the Superstar at The Medical City.
When Nora passed away on Holy Wednesday night, April 16, John shared on his Facebook Live that he wished to di e as well due to the overwhelming sadness of losing his dear friend.
The latest news that reached Cabinet Files reported that when Nora passed away that night, only her children—Ian, Lotlot, Matet, and Kenneth—were in the hospital room.
Also present were Ian’s wife, Kenneth's wife, and National Artist Ricky Lee, who was not just a close friend and collaborator but also like a father to Nora.
John was not in the hospital room when the Superstar passed away.
John has not been seen at Nora's wake, which began yesterday at The Heritage Memorial Park in Taguig City.
JOHN RENDEZ ACCEPTS NORA AUNOR'S AWARD IN JAPAN
John's most recent public appearance was on April 10, 2025, when he attended the World Class Excellence Japan Awards (WCEJA), where he accepted the World Class Global Icon of Philippine Cinema 2025 award on behalf of Nora Aunor. The official Facebook page dedicated to Nora Aunor, under the name "Nora Aunor National Artist," shared a photo of John attending the awards ceremony, celebrating Nora's immense contribution to Philippine cinema.
Despite the many challenges their friendship faced over the years, John and Nora maintained a strong bond until the end. John continued to stand by Nora through thick and thin, with their friendship surviving both personal and professional hurdles.
NORA AUNOR ON JOHN RENDEZ
Nearly two years ago, Nora shared a message about John.
According to a report by PEP Troika on May 21, 2023, Nora requested that her children love John during her 70th birthday celebration.
This is part of Nora’s statement during her 70th birthday celebration on May 20, 2023, at Seda Hotel, Vertis North, Quezon City.
"John, you know what happened to him. Let’s not make a big deal about what others are saying.
"Let’s think about this, my dear children, no one left me for years. You all disappeared, started families, but John was there.
"So I can’t just let people talk about him. I want you all to know that."
Nora also requested her children to “love” John.
"Let’s love him. Like earlier, he was here, but didn’t show himself much because he knew my family was here. He didn’t want people to talk about him again.
"So, he didn’t stay long, he left. But I know, in his heart, he wanted to talk to you, even just one of you.
"I just want us to love each other," said the Superstar.
Nora also clarified her relationship with John.
She continued: "Whatever the relationship with John… we don’t have a relationship, right? That’s just it… I just want everyone to know that I’m defending him, not for anything else.
"I hope I’ll see you all love him. Because I’m getting old.
"Let’s be grateful to him for being there from the past until now.
"So that’s it. I just want people to understand him, to be patient with him.
"Let’s give him a chance to show the talent that God gave him."
"He can’t show it because when he records, goes out, people say things about him.
"John has never left me all this time. We don’t have a relationship because people would say that he’s after young people, right? But I have a conscience..."
Short Biography:
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Nora Aunor: A Filipino actress and singer, Nora Aunor is regarded as a National Artist for Film and Broadcast Arts, known for her incredible contributions to Philippine cinema. She was one of the country's most iconic and beloved figures in the entertainment industry, celebrated for her talent in both acting and singing. Nora's career spanned decades, and she left an indelible mark on Filipino culture. She passed away on April 16, 2025.
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John Rendez: A rapper-actor and a long-time close friend of Nora Aunor, John Rendez had been a key figure in her life for over 30 years. Despite personal challenges, their friendship endured, with John standing by Nora through both her professional struggles and personal hardships. John accepted several honors on Nora’s behalf, and their bond remained steadfast until her passing.