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.

- Todd Sales Lucero

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.