When Nora Aunor passed away on April 16, 2025, at 71, she left behind a body of work that few of her peers and the generations of actors that followed could rival.
Her resumé spoke volumes about her brilliance — from award-winning performances to blockbuster films, capped by her 2022 recognition as a National Artist for Film and Broadcast Arts.
Nora was truly in a league of her own.
That’s why preserving Nora's legacy — her name, likeness, and works — now that she’s gone, matters deeply to her loved ones.
Read: Nora Aunor’s legacy: a Superstar onstage and onscreen
Her son, actor Ian de Leon, is her sole heir and now oversees her estate and legacy through the Nora Aunor Enterprise and Nora Aunor Foundation.
"We had to establish structure and authority, and to put order to things for these people [fans and casual audiences] to genuinely still enjoy her essence, even though she's not around," Ian told broadcast journalist Rico Hizon of the program Beyond the Exchange.
PROTECTING THE LEGEND OF NORA AUNOR
The two entities mentioned by Ian serve as custodians of Nora’s legacy, managing her intellectual property and ensuring that the “Superstar” maintains her value as an artist.
Ian likened their efforts to common practice in foreign countries, where an artist’s interests are protected even after death, ensuring their body of work and image aren’t misused, misrepresented, or undervalued.
"We are pioneering this in this country. Because if you've noticed abroad, like Elvis Presley, or Audrey Hepburn, or even Marilyn Monroe, they have legacy management businesses where their names are protected by copyright, intellectual properties, and their names are protected by values, and it's structured in a way where their legacy is being organized," Ian explained.
Ian said that even when her mom was still around, he noticed how some people would loosely use Nora's name for "their own personal gain."
He stressed, "We have to put order and structure to that. So that's why we came up with both entities to manage her legacy."
If plans push through, fans and the public can look forward to a range of events — an exhibition, a musical, fan conventions, merchandise releases, concerts, and even a documentary series — all designed to keep Nora’s memory alive, with the full support and approval of the late actress’s family.
Read: Ian De Leon organizes reunion for Nora Aunor's death anniversary
NOT EXCLUDING OTHER FAMILY MEMBERS
Beyond preserving the legacy, families or loved ones often establish entities to manage a deceased artist’s estate to ensure that any income — whether from royalties or licensing — rightfully goes to the heirs.
Given that Ian is the sole heir and caretaker of Nora’s estate, it raises questions about whether he will be the only member of her family to benefit financially from these ventures.
For context, Nora had five children: Ian, Lotlot de Leon, Matet de Leon, Kiko de Leon, and Kenneth de Leon.
However, Ian, whose father is actor Christopher de Leon, is her only biological child, while the other four were adopted.
While adopted children have the same legal rights as biological children under Philippine law, it remains unclear how Nora structured the distribution of her assets or whether she designated anyone in particular to oversee them after her passing.
Ian, for his part, has said that details of his mother’s estate and assets are confidential, making any circulating information purely speculative.
Read: What to expect from Nora Aunor's 1st memorial anniversary
Rico asked Ian about his siblings’ involvement in managing the enterprises representing Nora.
"I respect my siblings a lot, and under the law, I hold the responsibility to do this first and foremost," replied Ian.
"It's not mainly for show, it's not mainly for fame, just because I'm the sole heir, not to brag about [it].
"But, of course, I hold the responsibility to do this in their favor, and of course, to uphold the enterprise on its own.
"It's not an exclusion or family politics. My responsibility here is not to exclude them or erase them from any family relationships."
For now, Ian emphasized that he is focused on laying the groundwork to protect their mother’s artistic and business interests moving forward.
"As soon as the OPC gets traction and momentum, we can always change that to a company," said Ian.
OPC stands for one-person corporation, a structure in which a single stockholder also serves as the sole director and president.
The Nora Aunor Enterprise and Nora Aunor Foundation are currently set up under Ian in this manner.
Continued Ian, "To fast-track the legacy management of Mom, it first has to be legalized, and as the sole heir, it is my responsibility to do all of that work."
Ian said he is doing this “just for the sake of mom” and not for himself or anyone else, but “for the management of her legacy.”