Pilita Corrales and the End of an Era

The Philippines recently lost a beloved icon when Pilita Corrales, known throughout her career as “Greatest singer in the Philippines” and “Asia's Queen of Songs”, passed away on April 12, 2025. As an actress, a comedienne, and a TV personality --all at the same time-- Pilita has carved a niche for herself in the world of music with her distinctive vocal style and longevity. Well-known for her iconic “liyad” (bending backwards) that served as the signature of her performances in the past six decades with a global impact, her glamour and sophistication that were often seen on stage, this Original Pilipino Music (OPM) icon left a mark that will stay forever. She was considered a pioneering figure in OPM.

Pilita Corrales was born on August 22, 1939, in Cebu City, Philippines, to Jose Corrales de Zaragoza and Maria Garrido Manzano. She spent her early years in Cebu, where she studied at the Colegio de la Inmaculada Concepción. Later, she pursued her education further in Spain at the Colegio Mayor de Padre Poveda, where she also completed a course in Music, building the foundation for her future in music and entertainment.

Her musical career began in Australia in 1958. It was there that she launched her recording career and made history as the first female artist to top the Australian pop charts with the hit "Come Closer to Me". This achievement marked the start of a remarkable career that would span continents and decades. Upon returning to the Philippines, Corrales continued to thrive in the entertainment industry. She hosted the radio program "La Taverna" on dzPI, where she showcased her talent in Spanish music and guitar playing. Her performances at the Manila Grand Opera House further solidified her reputation as a world-class performer.

Corrales expanded her presence to television and film, becoming a familiar face in Filipino households. From 1965 to 1972, she hosted the popular television show “An Evening with Pilita” on ABS-CBN. She also acted in several films, including “Miss Wawaw” in 1968, among others.

Internationally, Corrales shared the stage with renowned artists such as Sammy Davis Jr., The Beatles, Bob Hope, Pat Boone, Frank Sinatra, and Julie Andrews. She was the first Filipino to perform at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas and made history again in 1972 when she became the first Filipino to win an international music festival. At the inaugural Tokyo Music Festival, she earned the Best Performer Award, surpassing global acts including the celebrated Olivia Newton-John.

Her discography includes more than 130 recordings in English, Filipino, Spanish, and Cebuano. Some of her most memorable songs are “A Million Thanks to You” and “Kapantay ay Langit”, which have become staples in the Philippine musical canon. Pilita Corrales left an indelible mark on Philippine music. She played a vital role in popularizing OPM on the global stage and served as a mentor and inspiration to generations of Filipino artists. Her contributions to the industry were recognized with a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Philippine Association of the Record Industry (PARI).

In her personal life, Pilita married Gonzalo Blanco in 1963 and had a daughter, Jackie Lou Blanco. She also had a son, Ramon Christopher, with actor Eddie Gutierrez. In 2001, she married Carlos Lopez, with whom she spent her later years.

Pilita Corrales passed away on April 12, 2025, at the age of 85. Following her death, her granddaughter Janine Gutierrez announced plans to produce a documentary celebrating her extraordinary life and enduring legacy. Like many of her contemporaries, her death has left another void to their generation, spelling out truly another end of an era.