Fred Panopio, 71

MANILA, Philippines - The “yodel king” is dead. He was 71.

Fred Panopio (photo), who popularized the song Pitong Gatang (theme song of a ‘60s FPJ movie), died of cirrhosis of the liver at 4 o’clock on Thursday afternoon, April 22, at the Capitol Medical Center where he was confined.

Aside from the classic song, Panopio was also the voice behind other hits, including Markado, Tatlong Baraha and Kawawang Cowboy, which are also the theme songs of hit movies.

He was the composer of the radio jingle Gloria, Gloria, Labandera (also a TV commercial) and Bilmoko, another TV commercial.

He is survived by his wife “Buliglig,” only daughter Jane and one grandchild.

His remains lie at the Greenpark, Pasig City. Burial date will be announced as soon as Jane arrives from Japan where she works. She’s married to a Japanese.