Manila, Philippines – The Philippine entertainment industry is in mourning following the confirmed passing of legendary singer and actress Pilita Corrales, often referred to as Asia’s Queen of Songs. She was 87.

The heartbreaking news was confirmed late Saturday evening by her granddaughter, actress Janine Gutierrez, through a heartfelt Instagram post that quickly went viral.

“She was not just my grandmother, but my inspiration, my light,” Janine wrote. “Lola Pilita, thank you for the music, the love, and the legacy. You will always be with us.”

According to family sources, Pilita Corrales died peacefully in her sleep at her home in Quezon City due to natural causes. Her health had been declining over the past few months, though the family had chosen to keep her condition private.

Born on August 22, 1937, Pilita Corrales enjoyed a career that spanned more than six decades, making her one of the most iconic and enduring figures in Philippine showbiz history. She was best known for her powerful vocals, elegance, and grace on and off stage.

Corrales was the first Filipino to top the Australian pop charts in the 1950s with her song “Come Closer to Me,” a groundbreaking achievement at the time. She went on to record over 135 albums in various languages, including English, Spanish, Cebuano, and Tagalog.

Her television show “An Evening with Pilita” became a staple of Filipino households in the 1970s and 1980s, earning her multiple awards and nationwide recognition.

Tributes from celebrities, musicians, and fans have poured in since the announcement of her passing.

“She paved the way for all of us,” said fellow singer Zsa Zsa Padilla. “There will never be another Pilita.”

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. also extended his condolences, calling Corrales a “national treasure” whose contributions to Filipino culture and music will never be forgotten.

Corrales also appeared in numerous films and was a frequent judge on talent competitions such as Philippine Idol and Asia’s Got Talent, where she became known for her wit, warmth, and timeless beauty.

Despite her age, she continued to perform occasionally until a few years before her passing, often alongside her son Ramon Christopher and other members of her talented family.

Family members have announced that a public viewing will be held at Heritage Memorial Park in Taguig, where fans and friends may pay their respects beginning Monday afternoon.

In her lifetime, Corrales received countless accolades, including a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Awit Awards and a star on the Eastwood Walk of Fame.

For many Filipinos, Pilita Corrales was more than just a singer — she was a symbol of grace, resilience, and talent.

Her voice, once called “the voice that launched a thousand serenades,” will echo in the hearts of millions.

She is survived by her children, grandchildren, and countless fans whose lives she touched through her music.

The Philippines has lost a legend — but her legacy will live on, forever.

‘Asia’s Queen of Songs’ Pilita Corrales dies at 87

Pilita Corrales. Instagram/@janinegutierrez 

MANILA (2ND UPDATE) — “Asia’s Queen of Songs” Pilita Corrales, an all-around entertainer who gave life to songs and recordings like “Come Closer To Me” and Mike Velarde’s “Dahil Sa ‘Yo” has passed away, her family confirmed Saturday.

“It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of our beloved mami and mamita, Pilita Corrales,” her daughter Jackielou Blanco announced on Instagram.

“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 added.

In her over seven decades as a singer and entertainer, Corrales spent drew big crowds while performing on local and foreign stages.

“Asia’s Queen of Songs” was the eminent title christened to Pilita Corrales, who started bringing honors to the country as early as the 1960s.

However, Pilar Garrido Corrales, her real name, was not just a singer. Eventually, she also made a name for herself as an actress, comedian, TV host and even a songwriter.

Born on August 22, 1937 in Lahug, Cebu City to Jose Corrales and Maria Garrido, Corrales was only 18 when she completed her education at Colegio de la Inmaculada Concepcion in Cebu City.

Then, she went to Spain to attend a finishing school, Colegio Mayor de Padre Poveda.

She didn’t return to the Philippines right away.

Instead, she tried her luck in Australia and ventured into the recording industry. She became the first Filipino and the first woman to land in the Australian pop charts with her original song, “Come Closer To Me,” that made her a star of the Victorian Television circuit.

Long before the likes of big name Australian artists such as Olivia Newton-John, Helen Reddy and even Kylie Minogue made it to the music charts, Corrales already conquered the territory.

She also recorded an album, “Pilita With Arthur Young: I’ll Take Romance,” “This Is Pilita” and “Pilita Tells the Story of Love.”

She also became a pioneer in Australia’s early years on television. She apparently made it big in Australia that’s why a street in Victoria was named after her.

It was in 1963 when Corrales returned to Manila and started to make a name for herself in the local entertainment industry.

She tried radio hosting and anchored a program, “La Taverna,” on DZPI.

She entertained her listeners by rendering Spanish songs and playing the guitar at the same time. She became a regular name in stage shows and also performed at the Manila Grand Opera House.

The same year, Corrales tied the knot with Spanish business executive Gonzalo Blanco, the father of veteran actress Jackielou Blanco.

Corrales also made a name for herself as an entertainer, sharing the stage with big name international artists such as Sammy Davis, Jr., Bob Hope, The Beatles, Frank Sinatra, Julie Andrews and Pat Boone. She blazed onstage at the Manila Grand Opera House, where she performed regularly.

Upon the invitation of Davis, Jr., Corrales graced the stage of Caesar’s Palace in Las Vegas, Nevada.

That made her the first Filipino to perform in the venue. She sang her Spanish, English, Tagalog and even Cebuano songs — much to the delight of the audience — all arranged by National Artist Ryan Cayabyab.

Next came her recording career. In the early 1960s, Corrales lorded it over the charts not only with English and Tagalog songs, but also with Spanish and Cebuano ditties under Vicor Music Corporation.

From 1965 to 1972, she was seen on TV in “An Evening With Pilita,” that became one of the benchmarks in Philippine broadcasting industry.

In the 1970s, Aquarius Record Philippines bankrolled a compilation of Corrales’ Spanish songs. In the album were tracks like “Noche de Ronda” and “Vaya Con Dios.” She later recorded other popular tunes in Spanish – “Viajar” and “Abrazame.”

Meanwhile, Corrales’ signature song, “A Million Thanks To You,” was originally by Alice Doria-Gamilla, a pianist-teacher. The song was later translated into seven languages and was inevitably associated with Corrales.

Corrales’ recording career showed no let-up in her early years. Under Vicor Records, she released several Filipino classics and catered them to the young audiences. The songs were written by George Canseco, Willy Cruz, Ryan Cayabyab and Danny Halmsen.

From “Rosas Pandan” to “Ang Pipit,” Corrales even made Visayan songs like “Matud Nila” and “Usahay” familiar to common Filipino.

Her classics were “Kapantay ay Langit,” “Dahil sa ‘Yo,” “Sapagka’t Kami ay Tao Lamang,” “Buhat,” “Araw-Araw, Gabi-Gabi,” “Saan Ka Man Naroroon,” “Hindi Kita Malilimutan,” “Carinosa” and “Dalagang Pilipina.” She charted close to a hundred albums.

In 1971, Corrales’ romance with actor Eddie Gutierrez, produced a son, Ramon Christopher, born in 1971. The latter was married to actress Lotlot de Leon but eventually also separated.

Gutierrez later married Annabelle Rama, with whom he has six children. Corrales and Rama never became at odds against each other. In fact, they even became good friends. Rama was producing shows and every time, she would get Corrales to perform onstage and be part of the line-up.

They proved that the present wife and the past girlfriend could harmoniously exist, although not under one roof. They could even work together professionally. The former as singer-talent and the latter as concert producer. That happened a number of times.

In May 2001, Corrales tied the knot with Paraguayan-Australian businessman Carlos Lopez.

FROM STAGE TO SCREEN

Corrales started her acting career back in 1962 with Tony Camonte’s “Trigger Squad.” In 1966, she played the title role in Efren Reyes’ “The Jukebox Queen.” That same year, she appeared in another Reyes’ directorial project, the adventure-romance, “Zamboanga,” starring Fernando Poe, Jr. and Susan Roces.

The year 1966 was somewhat a banner year for Corrales’ acting career. Aside from playing the title role in “The Jukebox Queeen,” she completed a total of ten films — from comedy to musical to drama and action.

She won the FAMAS Lifetime Achievement Award in 2005. In 2014, Corrales appeared in three of her last few big screen credits – Mae Czarina Cruz’s “Bride for Rent,” starring Kim Chiu and Xian Lim; Tony Y. Reyes’ “My Illegal Wife,” with Pokwang and Zanjoe Marudo; and Topel Lee’s “Basement,” topbilled by Aljur Abrenica and Ellen Adarna.

In 2012, Corrales was a judge in “X Factor Philippines” that aired on ABS-CBN. It was the first franchise to be adapted in Southeast Asia. Hosted by KC Concepcion, the show had Martin Nievera, Charice Pempengco and Gary Valenciano in the judging panel. KZ Tandingan was named winner.

In May 2024, award-winning documentary maker Baby Ruth Villarama said she was working on a documentary production about Corrales’ life for Cannes Producer’s Network and Spotlight Asia.