Manila, April 17 -- President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Thursday joined the country in mourning the passing of National Artist for Film Nora Aunor, or Nora Cabaltera Villamayor in real life, calling the cinema icon "a gift to the Filipino nation."

"Throughout her splendid career that spanned more than 50 years, she was our consummate actress, singer, and film producer," Marcos said in a statement.

Aunor, 71, died Wednesday night, according to her son, actor Kristoffer Ian De Leon.

The President acknowledged Aunor's scintillating career that saw her starring in highly acclaimed movies and garnering various acting awards both here and abroad.

"At the young age of 23, she began producing films that will forever be part of the national h...