Pilita Corrales, ‘Asia’s Queen of Songs,’ dies

MANILA, Philippines – Original Pilipino music (OPM) has bid farewell to another legend.

Pilita Corrales, who earned the title of “Asia’s Queen of Songs” for her invaluable legacy in Philippine music, has died, her family announced on Saturday, April 12. She was 85.

“It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of our beloved mami and mamita, Pilita Corrales,” Pilita’s granddaughter, actress Janine Gutierrez, wrote in a Facebook post.

“Pilita touched the lives of many, not only with her songs but also with her kindness and generosity. She will be remembered for her contributions to the entertainment industry, but most of all for her love of life and family. Please join us with your prayers and kind thoughts as we celebrate her beautiful life,” Janine added.

With her crystal clear voice and unique singing style, Pilita is regarded as one of the Philippines’ original divas. Part of the superstar’s signature performances was bending her back while singing effortlessly.

A native of Cebu, Pilita served as an inspiration to young singers and hosted the iconic TV show “Ang Bagong Kampeon,” where Asia’s Songbird Regine Velasquez came from. Pilita is the mother of local showbiz figures Jackie Lou Blanco, and Ramon Christopher “Monching” Gutierrez, Janine’s father.

Born in Lahug, Cebu City, Pilita started her music career at age 16, according to Cebu-based The Freeman. She also made a name in Australia, topping its pop charts, with her “Come Closer to Me” recording in 1958, and was hailed as Tokyo Music Festival’s best performer in 1972, The Freeman reported.

Pilita’s most memorable songs include “Rosas Pandan,” “Usahay,” “A Million Thanks to You,” “Matud Nila,” and “Kapantay ay Langit.”

Tributes

Filipinos paid tribute to Pilita online, among them Senator Grace Poe who extended her condolences to the family she left behind.

“Si Pilita ang halimbawa na ang tunay na ganda at talento ay hindi kumukupas sa pagdaan ng mga taon. Sa kanyang anim na dekada niya sa showbiz, nakatatak sa kaisipan ng mamamayang Pilipino ang kanyang natatanging istilo ng pagkanta at ang kanyang nakakahalinang liyad kapag tumataas ang mga nota. Ang kanyang 135 na album ay patunay ng kanyang matimbang na ambag sa musikang Pilipino,” the senator said in a Facebook post.

(Pilita is an example that genuine beauty and talent do not fade over the years. She had ingrained her singing style among Filipinos during her six decades in showbiz, including her bending backwards as she hit high notes. Her 135 albums are proof of her contribution to Philippine music.)

“Isang milyong pasasalamat sa iyong kontribusyon sa sining at industriya at sa mabuting pagkakaibigan sa aming pamilya, Tita Pilita (A million thanks to your contribution to art and the industry and to the good friendship with our family),” she added, referencing one of the icon’s hit songs.

Actor Jericho Rosales said in his IG story, “Her songs engraved in my mother’s heart. Grateful for this artist.”

Janno Gibbs, who collaborated with Pilita for a remake of “Kapantay ay Langit” in 2002, recalled how thrilled she was to do her first-ever music video for the song. “Your voice stayed golden till the end,” he said on IG. – Rappler.com