A LEGEND of Original Pilipino Music (OPM), who popularized the beloved Cebuano songs “Matud Nila” and “Usahay,” has passed away.
Hailing from Cebu, Pilita Corrales, known as “Asia’s Queen of Songs” and whose contributions significantly shaped Philippine music, died at the age of 85, her family announced in a social media post on Saturday, April 12, 2025.
“It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of our beloved mami and mamita, Pilita Corrales,” her granddaughter, actress Janine Gutierrez, posted on Facebook. The post had garnered 67.2K reactions, 5.1K comments, and 3.4K shares as of 4 p.m.
“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 further stated.
An original diva with a distinctive, pure voice and an unforgettable back-bending performance style, Corrales was a formidable musical force. Beyond her own artistry, Corrales inspired generations of singers and hosted the influential TV show “Ang Bagong Kampeon,” the very platform that launched Asia’s Songbird, Regine Velasquez.
She is the mother of well-known personalities Jackie Lou Blanco and Ramon Christopher “Monching” Gutierrez, Janine’s father.
For many in Cebu, Corrales was more than just a celebrated artist; she was the soundtrack to their lives, a familiar voice that evoked cherished memories of home and family. This sentiment was poignantly captured in a phone message from a Cebu resident who wished to remain anonymous.
“When I was younger, I remember watching my grandmother listen to Pilita Corrales on the radio every Sunday. She would always sing along to ‘Usahay,’ her favorite, and lovingly encouraged me to join her,” she said.
While she described herself as not really a fan of Corrales, she further said that it was bittersweet to learn of the passing of the artist who was such an integral part of those cherished memories with her late grandmother.
“Yet, even now, hearing ‘Usahay’ on the radio or music platforms brings back the same wave of nostalgia. It’s a testament to Pilita Corrales’ lasting legacy in Filipino music and the deep emotional connection she created through her art,” she said.
The resident further shared the personal impact of Corrales’ music, “I even learned to play ‘Usahay’ on my ukulele when I first owned one, simply because I loved hearing it so much.”
This intimate connection highlights the profound way Corrales’ artistry wove itself into the fabric of everyday life for Cebuanos.
In Manila, Mayor Honey Lacuna-Pangan expressed her deepest sympathies to the family of Corrales, the OPM sector and the millions of fans mourning the loss of a singing icon.
“We mourn the passing of Ms. Pilita Corrales, Asia’s Queen of Songs and Icon of Cebuano and Filipino music,” Pangan said in a statement.
Recognizing Manila’s diverse population, which includes a significant number of migrants from Cebu and the Visayas, where Corrales is deeply revered, the mayor emphasized the city’s shared grief.
“It is therefore fitting that we Manileños join our Cebuano and Visayan brothers and sisters in thanking Pilita Corrales and her family for her life, legacy, sacrifice, beauty, and musical majesty,” she said.
The mayor highlighted Corrales’ status as a “national treasure,” whose talents extended beyond music to encompass movies, television, talent management, and the fostering of goodwill among Filipino communities worldwide.
Born in Cebu City, Pilita’s musical journey began at 16. Her talent transcended borders, reaching Australia where her 1958 recording of “Come Closer to Me” topped the pop charts. In 1972, she was celebrated as the best performer at the Tokyo Music Festival.
Her most beloved hits include the Cebuano classics “Matud Nila” and “Usahay,” alongside national treasures like “Rosas Pandan,” “A Million Thanks to You,” and “Kapantay ay Langit.”
According to google.com, Corrales recorded 135 albums in multiple languages, including Cebuano, Spanish, Tagalog and English. / CDF