Another day, another confirmation of a 1970's "Movie Queen" Cocoy Laurel painting.
I woke up this Sunday to a very sunny day in Luna county of New Mexico (USA) to a message from Marie Cusi verifying that the painting with Nora Aunor as muse that I have given a title "Movie Queen" is indeed a Cocoy Laurel masterpiece.
How marvelous! Thanks Marie Cusi!
Ms Marie Cusi, a Nora Aunor fan and at times assisted Ms. Aunor both in her personal and professional life sent me a message in relation to this blog Is this Nora Aunor "Movie Queen" painting by Cocoy Laurel? July 12, 2025 stating "Yes, this was Cocoy painting".
There you go folks, Marie Cusi and few others have confirmed that the painting "Movie Queen" with Nora Aunor as muse is indeed painted by Cocoy Laurel.
"Movie Queen' Provenance.
In my blog Who is the painter for this Nora Aunor portrait "MOVIE QUEEN" ? July 11, 2025, I asked for anyone to substantiate the painter of the painting "Movie Queen".
Why the need for validation and confirmation of who painted "Movie Queen"?
It is important to know the history of this painting, who painted it and who it was given to and the ownership of said painting as it gives the painting it's very own life story which connects people, and impacts cultural heritage and community or a nation's pride and honor.
Especially now that the muse has been honored as Philippines National Artist for Film and Broadcast Arts. Also with the sad passing of both the painter and the muse in 2025 - a mere less than two months of each other's death, the more that the painters work should be celebrated.
Therefore, an artwork should have a story of its own journey from its creation to the present day.
Ian De Leon and son Jaden De Leon.
Let me at this stage thank Ian De Leon because through his fb profile IDL Arts and Paintings I am able to see the actual painting in a clear photo. Although it is not focused on the painting alone, it is clear enough to see the details of the painting.
Here on the blog with the link below is the photo from IDL Arts and Paintings of Jaden De Leon and the painting.
Who is the painter for this Nora Aunor portrait "MOVIE QUEEN" ? July 11, 2025
In the photo is Jaden De Leon (Nora Aunor's grandson) son of actor Ian De Leon looking eye to eye with the portrait of his lola (grandmother) - Nora Aunor. It is a poignant photo showing a great artist and an admiring grandson who may just as well take on the throne of his lola's greatness someday - time will tell.
The Genesis of this "Movie Queen" painting.
I blogged about the Genesis of "Movie Queen" painting by Cocoy Laurel. July 13, 2025 to give us - art lovers and art connoisseur - a taste of some of the details, few of readily available record and indeed beautiful history of the "Movie Queen" artwork.
Nora and Victor - an epic love story!
It appears that this painting was given to Nora Aunor by no less than the painter himself who is also her showbiz leading actor Victor "Cocoy" Laurel as a gift perhaps after the box office success of their first film together "Lollipops and Roses".
This gesture to me shows the beginning of Cocoy's love for Nora. A beautiful love story I call "Nora and Cocoy" or "Nora & Victor" which is more epic and even better love story than the love story of Romeo and Juliet.
A love story that begun in 1970's or even earlier perhaps.
"Nora & Cocoy" or "Nora & Victor" can be a good title for an epic film that someday may be made by some great filmmakers.
Nora Aunor as and is a "Movie Queen".
They honored Nora Aunor as a Queen of Philippine Cinema in 1971 as evidence of the success of her film with Cocoy Laurel titled "Lollipops and Roses".
In fact, Nora Aunor still have the trophy for this event if I am not mistaken. I am hoping that some fans or family members who will read this to take a photo of this particular trophy and send me a copy please!
It is also reported by some fans that alongside Nora Aunor, Cocoy Laurel was also honored as King of Philippine Cinema in 1971 although this information has to be confirmed. Anyone who have news clipping or info on Cocoy's King of Philippine Cinema for 1971 kindly send them my way - TIA.
Nora Aunor's label "Queen of Philippine Movies" and my label to her as represented in Cocoy Laurel's painting as "Movie Queen" seems appropriate especially now that we know that she have achieved an unparalleled success in the music, theatre and film industry.
Back in 1971, she was just 18 years old and at the beginning of her now very successful life in the world of entertainment. Her widespread appeal and charisma from the adoring public made her the most sought after artist and the envy of many. She reigns supreme in that year which continued to her last day on Earth.
Impact on the Philippines entertainment industry.
Her influence and impact on the cinematic landscape not only in the Philippines but internationally will forever be a subject for appreciation, a matter for institutions, and a story for re-imagination and adaptation.
Nora Aunor is synonymous with box office success especially during her heyday. An actress who got the attention of critical acclaim and a human being labeled as entertainer that brings cultural significance.
Her legacy does not only mirrors excellence but also social justice and equity which becomes the theme of her most awarded films.
Where was the last house of the painting?
The painting was last seen at her Xavierville home in the Philippines. I believe that this will obviously end up in the hands of her children conceivably by her child Ian De Leon.
Here below is a photo taken by Mari Cusi during a videocall in December Christmas Party 2024 showing Jen Morera with the photo in the wall of the painting "Movie Queen" at Nora Aunor's Xavierville residence.
There must be newspaper reports in existence out there about its creation and gifting by the artist to his muse. This records if found will form part of "Movie Queen" Cocoy Laurel painting provenance.
It is clear to me that Nora Aunor took really good care of it from when she was gifted it in the 70's until her death in 2025. Nora Aunor valued Cocoy Laurel's painting for it to survive more than fifty (50) years from its creation. Where it goes from here is for everyone's guess now.
Importance of "Movie Queen" in the world of Philippine Art.
Once this painting is officially verified as being by Cocoy Laurel, it will form part of the Corpus Artis Opus of the painter Cocoy Laurel.
Women in Filipino artist work.
Women in Cocoy Laurel's Corpus Artis Opus.
It must be stated that Cocoy Laurel have other painting of women in his life such as his painting of his mother Celia Diaz Laurel and many more.
The women in Francis Tanseco's artwork.
Allow me to introduce also the women in my life and in my paintings as I portrayed them in my canvas and artwork. The links provided are blogs with photos of my work as visual for the blog.
NORA AUNOR.
IMELDA MARCOS.
CORY AQUINO.
Cory Aquino as part of my series ICONS,
ROSALINDA - my mother.
My mother -
Rosalinda as part of the series ICONS.
ARLENE - my sister's wedding.
I painted my sister's wedding in Fiji which you will see a photo of it in this
link.
KATE.
My friend Kate from England which is unfinished.
I even have an unfinished Mama Mary, Mediatrix of All Grace as of this writing.
Significance of Cocoy Laurel's Opus.
The creation of "Movie Queen" was very significant in the world of Philippines popular culture, it embodies a beautiful story that is now part of Philippines music and film sciences, art and industry.
It will continue to create historical context and value in the coming eons and eras.
Who knows that it may be that it will bring about economic prosperity, attracts tourist and inspires another renaissance for the Philippines and Asia simply because of its subject matter.
This painting is part of Nora Aunor's journey in life and the political life of the Philippines, It bore witness to the ups and downs, the light and the dark the above and belows and the challenging roller coaster ride in the life of a muse known to many movie fans as the "Superstar".
Whereas Cocoy Laurel have this painting I call "Movie Queen"; I just realized that I did a similar painting portraying Nora Aunor as the entertainer in my piece I titled "Superstar".
This painting of Cocoy Laurel I call "Movie Queen" along with his other Nora Aunor work and of course his other work of art should be loaned for an exhibit at the National Museum of the Philippines one day.
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