Who was Pilita Corrales? Asia's Queen of Songs passes away at 85

Filipino music icon Pilita Corrales, widely known as Asia’s Queen of Songs, passed away on April 12, 2025, at the age of 85. She left her family and fans more than 70 years of music heritage. Her death was announced by her grandchild, Janine Gutierrez, in an Instagram post that detailed the gravity of the loss.

"It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of our beloved mami and mamita, Pilita Corrales," wrote Gutierrez.

"Pilita touched the lives of many, not only with her songs but also with her kindness and generosity... Please join us with your prayers and kind thoughts as we celebrate her beautiful life." — Janine Gutierrez, via Instagram, April 12, 2025

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A Musical Trailblazer

Pilar Garrido Corrales, who was born on August 22, 1939, in Cebu City, the Philippines, as Pilita Corrales, was a "musicologist" in the world of music. She had her special note in her voice, her stage manner was of the high style, and her ability to sing in many languages gave her the recognition of people around the world.

Corrales created an amazing thing: she became the first ever Filipino singer who got a number 1 record in Australia with the song "Come Closer to Me." Huge success came with her in Australia and later, she was notably recognized as a world-class artist who conveyed her music in Spanish, English, Cebuano, and Tagalog languages.

Some of her popular songs still in the air are:

• ”Kapantay ay Langit”
• ”A Million Thanks to You”
• ”Dahil Sa’yo”

Her special feature of bending gracefully on her back during her live shows was her way of making her sign, expressing even at that time her poise as well as showmanship.

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Corrales on TV and in the Cinema

Corrales was not just a singer, she was also at the top of Philippine television. The television show "An Evening with Pilita" was where she displayed her musical talent and appeal. She also related to young singers as a judge and a mentor at "Philippine Idol." Furthermore, she was the bearer of music from the past and the present.

She acted in movies, too, and she did it even with the most famous of Philippine actors like Fernando Poe Jr., and Dolphy which was another piece of evidence that she was truly a pop culture figure in the country.

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A Family of Artists

Being addressed as a legend in the music industry, Pilita Corrales was also famous as the matriarch of a family where a number of outstanding performers belong.

She is survived by:

• Jackielou Blanco is one of her daughters with Spanish executive Gonzalo Blanco, who is not only a famous actress but also a fitness advocate.
• Ramon “Monching” Gutierrez, the child that resulted from her relationship with actor Eddie Gutierrez, is also a member of show business.
• Her grandchild is like Janine Gutierrez, whose attitude is of the described nature that best adheres to the artistic heritage she left behind.
• She had an adopted son with the name VJ, who avoided media exposure.

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A Legacy That Endures for All Time

The life and career of Pilita Corrales have been a path that the music industry of the Philippines took—from post-war radio to global streaming platforms. The sound of her voice has become the music of generations, and her influence is felt in the young Filipino artists who are getting their influence from her work.

She leaves not just a discography but a cultural imprint. While Asia's Queen of Songs takes the final bow, the music world is in one accord and silent out of gratefulness.

"She will be remembered for her contributions to the entertainment industry, but most of all for her love of life and family." — Janine Gutierrez, April 12, 2025