Tributes from celebrities, public figures, and fans continue to pour in following the passing of iconic Filipino singer and actress Pilita Corrales, widely celebrated as “Asia’s Queen of Songs.”
Corrales, born María del Pilar Garrido Corrales, passed away as announced yesterday. She was known for her trailblazing contributions to Original Pilipino Music (OPM), her distinctive vocal style, and her signature “backbend” during performances.
Among those who honored Corrales was actress-singer Zsa Zsa Padilla, who referred to her as an idol and personal inspiration. OPM icon Martin Nievera also paid tribute, encouraging the entertainment industry to adopt the “Pilita bend” as a gesture of remembrance for the late legend, whom he credited with helping him pursue his dreams.
Actor-musician Janno Gibbs shared a duet version of one of Corrales’ songs, calling her voice “golden until the end” and recalling her joy at creating her first-ever music video.
Other personalities who offered tributes included actor Jericho Rosales, Senator Grace Poe, and Corrales’ grandchildren Janine, Jessica, and Max Gutierrez, among many others.
A native of Lahug, Cebu, Pilita Corrales recorded 135 albums across several languages, including English, Filipino, Spanish, and Cebuano. Her 1963 hit A Million Thanks to You was one of the first local songs to top the Philippine charts. In 1972, she became the first Filipino artist to win at the Tokyo Music Festival.
Beyond music, Corrales made significant contributions to film and television. She hosted the long-running show An Evening with Pilita, appeared in numerous movies, and served as a judge on both Philippine Idol and the inaugural Asian Idol.
She is survived by her children, Jackielou Blanco and Ramon Christopher Gutierrez, both of whom are established names in the Philippine entertainment industry.
Pilita Corrales leaves behind a lasting legacy that continues to inspire generations of Filipino artists.
