MANILA, Philippines – Pilar Garrido Corrales, affectionately known to fans as Pilita Corrales and celebrated as “Asia’s Queen of Songs,” passed away on Saturday, April 12, 2025. She was 85.
The beloved singer’s passing was confirmed by her granddaughter, actress Janine Gutierrez, in a heartfelt Instagram post.
“It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of our beloved Mami and Mamita, Pilita Corrales,” she wrote.
“Pilita touched the lives of many, not only through her music but also through her kindness and generosity. She will be remembered not just for her immense contributions to the entertainment industry, but for her deep love of life and family. Please join us in offering your prayers and kind thoughts as we celebrate her beautiful life.”
Gutierrez added that details regarding memorial services will be announced soon.
Pilita Corrales was widely hailed by critics and the media as the “Greatest Singer in the Philippines.” Over a remarkable six-decade career, she recorded an astounding 135 albums, becoming a cherished icon of Original Pilipino Music (OPM).
A trailblazer in many respects, Corrales was among the first Filipino artists to achieve international success. She was the first Filipina to top the Australian pop charts and made history again in 1972 as the first Filipino to win at the inaugural Tokyo Music Festival.
Her 1963 hit, “A Million Thanks to You,” became one of the earliest songs by a Filipino artist to reach number one on the local charts. It remains a classic, along with her signature ballad “Kapantay ay Langit.”
In recognition of her groundbreaking work, Corrales was honored with the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award by the Philippine Association of the Record Industry (PARI) for her role in bringing Filipino music to the world stage.
Pilita Corrales leaves behind a rich legacy of timeless music, cultural pride, and artistic excellence—one that will continue to inspire generations to come.
— The Summit Express
