Unveiling the Cinderella Song: Nora Aunor as the Superstar ng
- Manila Sound began in 1975, leading to the golden age of local popular music in the ‘70s
- Dennis Garcia of Hotdog mixed English and Filipino words in songs like Ikaw ang Miss Universe ng Buhay Ko
- Vicor Music formed band Cinderella and released T.L. Ako Sa ‘yo, a mix of English and Filipino lyrics
- Cinderella’s debut album included romantic ballads like Superstar ng Buhay Ko
- Sunny Ilacad suggested Nora Aunor sing Superstar ng Buhay Ko for her album Noon at Ngayon
- Nora Aunor effortlessly sang Manila Sound tunes, including Superstar ng Buhay Ko
- Yolly Samson and Chito, who wrote the song, passed away, as did Nora Aunor
- Superstar ng Buhay Ko now holds deeper meaning and is sung in tribute to Nora Aunor
Entertainment: Superstar ng Buhay Ko – The Cinderella song for Nora Aunor
Filipino music history was forever changed 50 years ago in 1975 when the Manila Sound era began, bringing a new pop music style to the forefront of the local music scene. One of the pioneers of this movement was composer and bassist Dennis Garcia, who broke new ground by incorporating a mix of English and Filipino lyrics in his songs, such as Ikaw ang Miss Universe ng Buhay Ko and Pers Lab, which became massive hits for his band Hotdog.
In response to the success of this new music trend, Vicor Music formed a band called Cinderella and released the single T.L. Ako Sa ‘yo, a song that also featured a blend of English and Filipino lyrics, with T.L. standing for True Love. The song quickly became a commercial success.
Following the success of their debut single, Cinderella swiftly put together a studio album that included a mix of upbeat pop tracks and romantic ballads. One of the standout tracks from this album was Superstar ng Buhay Ko.
Around the same time, Nora Aunor, the beloved singer and actress known as the superstar for her immense popularity, was working on a new album for Vicor Music. As she was selecting songs for the album, composer and producer Sunny Ilacad approached her with the idea of recording Superstar ng Buhay Ko, originally performed by Cinderella. Nora embraced the idea, and the song made it onto her album titled Noon at Ngayon.
No drastic adjustments were needed for Nora to adapt to the Manila Sound style, as her beautiful and expressive voice seamlessly fit the genre. The album included Filipino classics on one side and Manila Sound tracks on the other, showcasing Nora’s versatility as an artist.
Tragically, Yolly Samson, the soloist from Cinderella, passed away in 1997, followed by her husband Chito in 2024. Just recently, on April 16, 2025, Nora Aunor also left us. However, the legacy of Superstar ng Buhay Ko lives on.
As Nora lies in state, friends and fans gather to mourn her passing, often singing Superstar ng Buhay Ko as a tribute to the iconic artist. The song has taken on a new meaning in the wake of Nora’s passing, resonating deeply with those who loved her and her music.
The heartfelt lyrics of the song capture the essence of Nora Aunor’s impact on the lives of many, as they sing:
“Kung alam mo lang/ ikaw ang superstar ng buhay ko/ ‘Di mo ba pansin/ may crush ako sa ‘yo/ ‘Sang kindat mo lang/ Kinikilig na ako sa ‘yo.
“Ikaw ang superstar/ ang star ng buhay ko/ mahirap ma-in love sa isang katulad mo/ ikaw ang superstar/ ang star ng buhay ko/ mahirap ma-in love sa isang katulad mo.
“Ako ay dead sa ‘yo/ ‘Di ko malaman ang gayuma mo/ Mayroon ka pa yatang anting-anting/ Sa ‘yong pag-smile/ hinihimatay sila sa ‘yo.
“Ikaw ang superstar…”
As Nora Aunor’s legacy continues to inspire and touch the hearts of many, Superstar ng Buhay Ko remains a poignant reminder of the impact she had on Philippine music and entertainment.
/Digital Sauce
