MANILA, Philippines – The University of the Philippines, College of Mass Communication on Friday, July 18 announced that actress Nora Aunor has been selected to receive this year’s UP Gawad Plaridel award.

In a press release, the department said that Aunor (real name Nora Cabaltera Villamayor) was recognized for her “unique artistry and versatility as a singer,” as well as for “portraying with keen intelligence and uncommon sensitivity an amazing range of cinematic roles.”

The ceremony is scheduled on August 27, 2014, 2:00 pm at the U.P. Film Institute Film Center’s Cine Adarna, where she will receive a trophy specially designed by National Artist Napoleon Abueva. Aunor is also expected to give a lecture at the event. 

The UP Gawad Plaridel Award, according to the release, is given to a Filipino media practitioner who has excelled in any form of media (print, TV, radio, and film), and who “performed with the highest level of professional integrity in the interest of public service.”

The announcement of the UP award comes after various groups from the arts scene expressed disappointment about her exclusion from this year’s list of National Artist awardees.

Last July 4, the group Gabriela gave Aunor the title of “Artista ng Bayan.” 

In a recent forum at the University of the Philippines, actresses Ma. Isabel Lopez and Evangeline Pascual expressed their disappointment over President Benigno Aquino III’s statement, that Nora was dropped from the list of nominated National Artists because of her involvement in a drug case in 2005.

“Hindi natin dapat husgahan ang background ng tao,” Lopez said. 

(We should not judge the background of a person.) 

Pascual on the other hand said that Aunor is an “ambassadress of the movie industry,” for her body of work.

On June 20, Malacañang announced the names of the National Artist awardees. Aunor, who was recommended for the honor, was not among those awarded the title. 

Last June 30, Aunor finally broke her silence, saying she was hurt over the issue but is grateful for the support she has received  from the people. –Rappler.com