PILITA Corrales, “Asia’s Queen of Songs,” passes away

Lifestyle & Entertainment

PILITA Corrales, the iconic Cebuana singer and actress known as “Asia’s Queen of Songs,” passed away on April 12, at the age of 85.

Her granddaughter, actress Janine Gutierrez, confirmed the news on social media.

“Rest now, Mama Pili,” Gutierrez said in the post that was accompanied by a black-and-white photo of the legendary artist.

Corrales is survived by her children, including actress and singer Jackie Lou Blanco, and several grandchildren.

The family has not yet released the cause of death or announced funeral arrangements.

Born in Cebu City on August 22, 1939, Corrales rose from her humble beginnings to become one of the most influential and internationally recognized figures in Philippine music.

She was the first Filipino artist to achieve major success in Australia, where she hosted her own television show, An Evening with Pilita, and released chart-topping albums.

Corrales returned to the Philippines in the 1960s, where she became a key figure in the rise of Original Pilipino Music (OPM).

Her voice, known for its emotional depth and versatility, made her a beloved icon. She recorded in several languages, including English, Spanish, Tagalog, Japanese, and Cebuano.

Among her most iconic Cebuano songs were “Matud Nila,” a timeless Visayan ballad, and “Usahay,” a heart-wrenching love song that remains a staple of her repertoire.

“Rosas Pandan,” another popular Cebuano song, also became one of her signature performances, highlighting her deep connection to her Cebuano heritage.

Corrales’ career spanned over seven decades, and she became a household name not only for her music but also for her role in television and film.

She served as a judge on Philippine Idol in 2006 and appeared regularly on variety shows such as ASAP. Her acting career included numerous films, where she showcased her versatility beyond her musical talents.

She was widely recognized with several honors, including lifetime achievement awards from the Awit Awards and the Philippine Association of the Record Industry, as well as a star on the Eastwood City Walk of Fame.

Corrales’ legacy as a Cebuana who achieved success both locally and internationally continues to inspire generations of artists and musicians.