Remembering Pilita Corrales and her legacy that will live forever.
PILITA CORRALES – Known for her iconic “liyad,” here are some things to remember about her glamorous and sophisticated career.
Whenever someone hears the name Pilita Corrales, not only are they reminded of her as “Asia’s Queen of Songs,” but they also remember her as an image of a graceful backbend. Her career in the show business industry spanned six decades, which made her deserving of the title.
On Saturday, April 12, a piece of sad news broke many hearts. Pilita died at the age of 85, and her granddaughter, actress Janine Gutierrez, shared the sad news on Facebook.
“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,” she said.
No cause of death was announced, while further details regarding memorial services will be shared soon, as per the post.
About the “Asia’s Queen of Songs”
She was born Pilar Garrido Corrales on August 22, 1939. She was a singer, songwriter, actress, comedienne, and beloved TV personality. She was hailed as the “Greatest Singer In The Philippines” for having been able to have 135 albums recorded in English, Filipino, Spanish, and Cebuano.
In 1963, her song “A Million Thanks To You” topped the PH charts, which was a rare feat during that time for a local artist. She was also the first local artist to conquer international charts and coveted the top spot in Australia.
Pilita was the first Filipino artist to win the Best Performer Award at the inaugural Tokyo Music Festival in 1972, a groundbreaking moment that paved the way for other Filipino artists on the world stage.
For her significant role in showing the world Filipino music, she was given the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Philippine Association of the Record Industry (PARI) and other accolades.
The University of Visayas even bestowed upon her an honorary Doctorate in Music for her significant contributions to the music industry. To further cement her reputation as a respected figure in the contemporary music scene, she received recognitions such as the Philippine Citizen’s Award for TV in 1965 and numerous Cecil, Aliw, Tinig, and Awit awards.
Her other hit songs include “Kapantay Ay Langit,” “Usahay,” and “Ang Pipit.”
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