Pilita Corrales, the Filipina singer who was known as ‘Asia‘s Queen of Songs,’ has passed away at the age of 85.
The star began her music career in the late 50s and notably recorded over 135 albums spanning over six decades.
Pilita’s granddaughter Janine Gutierrez confirmed her death in a moving Instagram statement on Saturday as she reflected on the performer’s ‘kindness’ and ‘contributions’ to music.
‘It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of our beloved mami and mamita, Pilita Corrales,’ she began alongside a black and white photo of Corrales.
‘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.’
Gutierrez concluded with, ‘Please join us with your prayers and kind thoughts as we celebrate her beautiful life.’
Pilita Corrales, the Filipina singer who was known as ‘ Asia ‘s Queen of Songs,’ has passed away at the age of 85; pictured in 1973
Pilita’s granddaughter Janine Gutierrez confirmed her death in a moving Instagram statement on Saturday as she reflected on the performer’s ‘kindness’ and ‘contributions’ to music
Details regarding a memorial service will later be revealed – and an exact cause of death has not yet been disclosed.
Social media users soon jumped to X to mourn the loss of Corrales upon hearing the news of her passing.
One penned, ‘A true icon whose voice shaped generations may her songs live on and comfort those she left behind.’
Another typed out, ‘Condolensces to her loved ones she was such a beautiful Filipina singer,’ and a fan added, ‘The music world bows to your legacy. #RIPPilitaCorrlaes.’
‘Graceful voice. Timeless presence. She left music better than she found it,’ one wrote, as another also commented, ‘RIP to his Queen!’
An X user shared, ‘So sorry to hear about the passing of Pilita Corrales. Her incredible voice and contributions to music will always be remembered. Rest in peace, Queen of Songs.’
‘Such a loss. Asia’s Queen of Songs will never be forgotten,’ one typed, and another added, ‘A legend never really leaves us.’
Pilita was born in Cebu City, Philippines in 1939 to parents Jose Corrales de Zaragoza and Maria Garrido Manzano.
Details regarding a memorial service will later be revealed – and an exact cause of death has not yet been disclosed
Social media users soon jumped to X to mourn the loss of Corrales upon hearing the news of her passing
Another typed out, ‘Condolensces to her loved ones she was such a beautiful Filipina singer,’ and a fan added, ‘The music world bows to your legacy. #RIPPilitaCorrlaes’
‘Graceful voice. Timeless presence. She left music better than she found it,’ one wrote, as another also commented, ‘RIP to his Queen!’
In the late 1950s, Pilita’s career began when she briefly lived in Australia at the time and made appearances on the Victoria Television Circuit.
She debuted her first hit titled Come Closer To Me in 1959 and was also labeled as one of the ‘Great Dames of Victorian Radio and Television.’
Throughout the late 50s and early 60s, the late star also released albums such as This Is Pilita and I’ll Take Romance.
Corrales also appeared in the second episode of the television special Love Is In The Air for ABC (Australian Broadcasting Company).
In 1963, she returned to Manila to focus on furthering her music career and hosted a radio show called La Taverna where she performed songs in Spanish. She also took to the stage at the Manila Grand Opera House.
Throughout the 60s and into the 70s, Pilita continued to record songs not only in Spanish, but also in English, Tagalog and Cebuano.
She also performed on the show called Seeing The Stars With Joe Quirino and additionally made songs with Filipino composers such as Danny Holmsen, George Canseco and Ryan Cayabyab.
Sammy Davis Jr. invited Pilita to perform at Caesar’s Palace in Las Vegas in the 1970s and she became the first Filipino singer to do so.
In 1963, she returned to Manila to focus on furthering her music career and hosted a radio show called La Taverna where she performed songs in Spanish. She also took to the stage at the Manila Grand Opera House
In 1972, Corrales also became the first Filipino to win an international music festival during the 1st Tokyo Music Festival.
Other milestones that she made during her music career included receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award in 1991 from the Philippine Association of the Record Industry.
She also received an honorary Doctorate in Music from the University of the Visayas and was a judge on Philippine Idol.
Other hit tracks that Pilita is known for include A Million Thanks To You as well as Kapantay Ay Langit.
Aside from her music career, the late singer also stepped in front of the camera and co-hosted An Evening With Pilita.
Other milestones that she made during her music career included receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award in 1991 from the Philippine Association of the Record Industry
She also landed roles on the big screen and made appearances in projects such as Zamboanga (1966). Corrales had the chance to work alongside other stars including Fernando Poe Jr. and Dolphy.
In 1963, Pilita married Gonzalo Blanco but the pair separated before his death in 1981. She later tied the knot with Carlos Lopez in 2001.
Corrales is survived by her two children Jackie Lou Blanco and Ramon Christopher Gutierrez.
Her granddaughter Janine Gutierrez is a Filipina actress who is known for the series Lavender Fields as well as Dirty Linen. She currently boasts 2.4 million followers on Instagram.
