By Charmaine Y. Rodriguez

Cebu-born artist is survived by her two children and grandchildren

“Asia’s Queen of Songs” Pilita Corrales, an all-around entertainer, who spent seven decades in the music, film and TV industry had passed away, her family confirmed Saturday (Philippine time).

“It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of our beloved mami and mamita, Pilita Corrales,” her daughter Jackielou Blanco, also an actress, announced on Instagram.
“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,” she added.

“Please join us with your prayers and kind thoughts as we celebrate her beautiful life. Further details regarding memorial services will be shared soon,” her grand daughter, Janine Gutierrez, also posted on Facebook.

Unknown to many, Pilita or Pilar Garrido Corrales in real life started her show business career in Australia that a street in Victoria was named after her.

Born on August 22, 1937 in Lahug, Cebu City to Jose Corrales and Maria Garrido, Corrales was only 18 when she completed her education at Colegio de la Inmaculada Concepcion in Cebu City.

Then, she went to Spain to attend a finishing school, Colegio Mayor de Padre Poveda, an ABS-CBN report said.

She still appeared in films in the Philippines in 2014 and was a judge in X Factor Philippines in 2012 that aired in ABS-CBN—a proof of her legacy and celebrity prowess even in her 70s.

Career in Australia

She ventured into the recording industry in Australia and became the first Filipino and the first woman to land in the Australian pop charts with her original song, “Come Closer To Me,” that made her a star of the Victorian Television circuit.

She also became a pioneer in Australia’s early years on television.

It was in 1963 when Corrales returned to Manila and the rest, they say, was history.

She tried radio hosting and sang Spanish songs on air.

From the radio station, she went on to perform at the  Manila Grand Opera House, and eventually graced the stage of Caesar’s Palace in Las Vegas, Nevada.

That made her the first Filipino to perform in the venue. She sang her Spanish, English, Tagalog and even Cebuano songs — much to the delight of the audience — all arranged by National Artist Ryan Cayabyab.

From 1965 to 1972, she was seen on TV in “An Evening With Pilita,” that became one of the benchmarks in Philippine broadcasting industry.

Meanwhile, Corrales’ signature songs include, “A Million Thanks To You,” “Rosas Pandan”, “Ang Pipit,”  and her famous versions of Visayan classics like “Matud Nila” and “Usahay.”

She also charted close to a hundred albums with classics like “Kapantay ay Langit,” “Dahil sa ‘Yo,” “Sapagka’t Kami ay Tao Lamang,” “Buhat,” “Araw-Araw, Gabi-Gabi,” “Saan Ka Man Naroroon,” “Hindi Kita Malilimutan,” “Carinosa” and “Dalagang Pilipina.”

Film and love life

Pilita was first married to Spanish business executive Gonzalo Blanco, the father of veteran actress Jackielou.

In 1971, Corrales’ romance with actor Eddie Gutierrez, produced a son, Ramon Christopher.

Her last marriage was to Paraguayan-Australian businessman Carlos Lopez in May 2001.

Pilita also made several films and was awarded the FAMAS Lifetime Achievement Award in 2005.