Asia’s Queen of Song turns 85

The legendary Pilita Corrales turns 85 on Aug. 22 and with this milestone marks nearly 70 years as one of the country’s greatest entertainers.

Born in Cebu of Spanish parentage, the young Pilita left her finishing school studies in Madrid to take up show business after the sudden death of her father.  

Initial success came as a recording artist and television presenter in Australia. Her recording of “Come Closer to Me” topped the charts and led to several albums and other shows.  She was so popular that a street was named after her in the city of Victoria.

Back home in the Philippines, she became the radio star of La Taberna, the biggest draw in stage shows at the Clover Theater and the Manila Grand Opera House, and the star of Manila’s posh nightclubs. She was also a favorite in the concert scene which included performances with The Beatles, Matt Monroe, Sammy Davis, Jr., and other foreign acts. She also performed in Las Vegas and joined Bob Hope on tour.

Pilita’s recording of “A Million Thanks to You” composed by Alice Doria Gamilla became one of the few original Filipino songs to top the hit charts. This led to her own weekly TV show Your Evening with Pilita, one of the highest raters and most awarded in local television history.   

A pivotal moment in her career came with her recording of the album Philippine Love Songs.  The collection of old Filipino originals like “Dahil Sa Iyo,” “Irog Ako ay Mahalin,” “Hinahanap Kita” and others is now considered the turning point of the local music industry. Pilita’s new versions with its modern pop touch brought the old songs to the attention of young music lovers.  This is believed to have provided the jumpstart to the golden age of Philippine pop music during the ‘70s era.

Philippine Love Songs included a song titled “Kapantay ay Langit” composed by then new songwriter George Canseco. This became Pilita’s other signature song and the apt vehicle for her famous backbend. It was also Canseco who wrote “My Daughter,” which brought Pilita the Best Singer Award at the Tokyo Music Festival in 1972. Pilita is also a movie and television actress and comedienne. 

Now semi-retired from performing Pilita observes her 85th birthday with her family, treasuring the quiet moments when she can look back at the beautiful memories of her incredible career.