Pilita Corrales, Asia’s Queen of Songs, passed away at the age of 85 today, April 12. The news was shared by her granddaughter, actress Janine Gutierrez, in a heartfelt Instagram post that paid tribute to Corrales’ enduring legacy both on and off the stage.
“It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of our beloved mami and mamita, Pilita Corrales,” Gutierrez wrote. “She 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.”
Born in Cebu City, Corrales was a fierce advocate for Bisaya music long before regional artists gained mainstream recognition. She rose to fame with her stirring renditions of Visayan folk classics like “Usahay” and “Matud Nila,” songs that carried the soul of her heritage to national audiences. Yet it was her timeless performance of “Dahil Sa’yo” — a love ballad so enduring it became a jazz standard, reinterpreted by generations of artists — that cemented her status as a Filipino music icon.
Corrales’ six-decade career was defined by her warm, resonant contralto voice, a rare and powerful instrument that commanded attention without sacrificing emotional nuance. Whether performing traditional kundiman, pop ballads, or jazz standards, her technical mastery and heartfelt delivery set her apart as a true vocal powerhouse.
Beyond her musical achievements, Corrales was a beloved figure in entertainment, a trailblazer who paved the way for Visayan artists, a mentor to younger performers, and a devoted matriarch to her family. Her passing marks the end of an era, but her voice will continue to echo through the songs that defined Philippine music for generations.
