Freddie Aguilar, the iconic Filipino folk singer whose music echoed the soul of the nation, passed away early Tuesday, May 27. He was 72. Known for the global hit “Anak” and the protest anthem “Bayan Ko,” Aguilar was the voice of generations.
Here are six things you should know about the man behind the music:
He once turned down a $10 million record deal
Even with “Anak” translated into 29 languages and covered in 53 countries, Freddie stayed true to his values. Freddie’s discography was a voice for the silenced. His version of “Bayan Ko” was once banned during Martial Law. “Magdalena” tackled exploitation. “Higit sa Lahat Tao” was a reminder of dignity. And “Anak Dalita” honored the forgotten poor.
He started performing at age 5
According to Manila Bulletin 2023, Freddie first sang and danced for guests at home when prompted by his father, the town’s chief-of-police in Isabela. Even then, he already had an audience.
He taught himself guitar, secretly
At 17, Freddie learned to play the guitar using Jingle Magazine while his father was away. His dad disapproved of his musical ambitions at first. The guitar he practiced on belonged to his sister Zoraida, who had bought it for a school project.
His musical influences ranged from kundiman to Elvis
Freddie was a sponge for sound, inspired by Fred Panopio, Ruben Tagalog, Pilita Corrales, and Elvis Presley.
He wrote ‘Anak’ as an apology to his parents
In a 2021 interview with the late Ricky Lo for Philstar, Freddie said the song was his way of seeking forgiveness after running away from home at 18. “Anak was my way of atoning for my sins,” he admitted.
He became a working musician earning P20 per night
In the 1970s, Freddie sang at a music lounge in Quiapo — no mic, no sound system — just him and his guitar. After stepping in for a frontman in Ermita, buzz grew around a new voice.