John Rendez candidly revealed his emotional journey coping with the death of his “soulmate,” the iconic Nora Aunor, while also disclosing the unwelcoming atmosphere he experienced during the late superstar’s burial.

In a heartfelt interview with broadcaster Julius Babao on May 22, 2025, Rendez shared, “I’m moving on. I’m trying to stay positive. Dealing with the loss of someone you love is never easy.” He added, “But after the grief, there comes a kind of a liberating feeling when you find something to hold on to like the Lord. This has brought me closer to God.

Rendez was with Aunor in her final moments and expressed regret about medical decisions, saying, “Mali kami, hindi dapat siya nagpa-[angioplasty] e… Kung kailan na-opera, do’n pa siya kinuha.” (“We were wrong. She should not have undergone angioplasty. Even when she underwent surgery, she still died.”) He acknowledged, “You don’t know what God has planned. It’s just God’s will.”

When asked about his attendance at Aunor’s burial, Rendez admitted, “Pumunta ako do’n. Kaso lang, parang ano e, parang feeling ko hindi ako welcome.” (“I went there but it felt like I was not welcome.”) He elaborated, “I don’t know. When you walk into a room and people are looking at you like, ‘What’s he doing here?’ What do you think I’m doing here? I didn’t feel like I was welcome there so I just stood outside with the fans.”

Despite feeling hurt, Rendez accepted the situation: “Hindi naman ako mapapel. Hinahayaan ko lang sila… Nasaktan din ako pero okay lang ‘yan. Naiintindihan ko sila.” (“I am not seeking attention. I just let them. I was hurt but it was okay. I understand them.”)

Following Aunor’s passing, Rendez focused on his mission to care for her family, emphasizing the importance of extending love beyond the individual. “When you love someone, that love should also extend to their family. If you can’t do that, that means you only love yourself,” he explained. “I love her, I love her family and she also loved mine. It’s not a selfish love.”

Regarding his 34-year relationship with Aunor, Rendez described it as “friendship and mutual respect,” saying, “The people, they adore her. I [also] adore her.” When Babao asked why he considered Aunor his soulmate, he responded, “Because maybe in another life, it was reversed—I was older and she was younger. It’s like we knew each other already. After 34 years, what kind of relationship do you think would develop? It’s not something you can fake for 34 years.”

Rendez also expressed his affection for Aunor’s children, calling them “family” and stating, “In my heart, I’ll always have love and compassion for them. I have never said nothing bad about them, and I never will because I have respect for the family.”

Nora Aunor, known as the “Superstar” of Philippine cinema, had a remarkable career spanning over five decades with more than 170 films. She was named National Artist for Film and Broadcast Arts in 2022. She passed away on April 16, 2025, due to acute respiratory failure, leaving a lasting legacy in the entertainment industry.

John Rendez is a singer and actor who shared a close and long-standing relationship with Nora Aunor, often referring to her as his soulmate. Their bond lasted over three decades, marked by deep mutual respect and affection.