Singing legend Pilita Corrales passed away today, April 12, 2025. The sad news was shared by her granddaughter Janine Gutierrez on social media. “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,” wrote the actress in her announcement. “Please join us with your prayers and kind thoughts as we celebrate her beautiful life.”
Dubbed “Asia’s Queen of Songs,” Pilita was a pillar of the Philippine music industry. As a revered multi-hyphenate, she also made a name for herself as an actress, comedian, and television presenter. In honor of her awe-inspiring life and career, below we list down 10 things you need to know about her.
Who Was Pilita Corrales?
1. She was a Leo
Pilita was born on August 22, 1939 in Lahug, Cebu City, making her 85 years old at the time of her passing.
2. She went to school in Madrid, Spain
Born to José Corrales de Zaragoza and María Garrido Manzano, Pilita is of Hispanic descent. After graduating in Cebu, the singer went to Madrid to attend a finishing school, the Colegio Mayor de Padre Poveda. In a 2019 interview with Preview, she fondly looked back on her days abroad. “They taught me everything—music, cooking, etiquette, how to dress up. But more than that, I’ve always wanted to look that I cared—even if I am running errands at the bank or grocery.”
3. She has a street named after her in Australia
Before she broke into the Philippine music scene, Pilita’s recording career actually began in Australia. While there, her single “Come Closer to Me,” shot her to national recognition. For her contributions to Australia’s television scene, she was hailed as one of the "Grand Dames of Victorian Radio and Television.” So loved was Pilita there that a street was even named after her in St. Forrest Hill, Melbourne.
4. She’s lauded as the “Greatest Philippine Singer”
Media and critics alike have named her the “Greatest singer in the Philippines,” a fitting title considering she’s achieved many firsts throughout her career. To name a few, she was the first Filipino to sing at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, the first to win at an international music competition, and one of the first female singers to top the pop charts in Australia. Additionally, her 1963 track “A Million Thanks to You” reached number one on the Philippine charts that year, which was a near impossible feat at the time for local singers.
5. She won in a singing competition against Olivia Newton-John
As mentioned above, Pilita was the first Filipino to triumph at an international competition. This was held at the Tokyo Music Festival in 1972 where she went home with the Best Performer Award. One of the singers she bested? None other than Grease star Olivia Newton-John.
6. She performed with international icons
Legends recognize legends. It was American singer Sammy Davis Jr. who invited Pilita to perform in Las Vegas, at the same time as Diana Ross. She once also opened for The Beatles, and has performed with other greats like Frank Sinatra, Julie Andrews, Bob Hope, Julio Iglesias, and Engelbert Humperdinck.
7. She recorded over 135 albums
Pilita’s illustrious six-decade career birthed over 135 albums to her name. As a multilingual queen, she has songs in Tagalog, English, Cebuano, and Spanish
8. She was given a Lifetime Achievement Award
In 1991, the Philippine Association of the Record Industry (PARI) bestowed upon the singing icon a Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of her contributions to the Philippine music industry, specifically for having brought global attention to Filipino artistry.
9. She has an award named after her
From a street in Australia to a prestigious honor from the PMPC Star Awards, Pilita’s name will undeniably live on forever. In the latter, artists with a significant contribution to the Filipino music scene are given the Pilita Corrales Lifetime Achievement Award every year.
10. She once played the infamous villain Valentina
Apart from her musical prowess, Pilita has also proven herself in the acting scene. A notable role she played was Valentina for the 1994 film Mars Ravelo's Darna! Ang Pagbabalik. She starred alongside Edu Manzano, BB Gandanghari, Cherie Gil, and Anjanette Abayari as the titular heroine. You can also watch her in Bride for Rent, My Illegal Wife, and Enteng Kabisote 10 and the Abangers.
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