Asia’s Queen of Songs turns 85 today

Pilita Corrales, Asia’s Queen of Songs, turns 85 today, marking nearly seven decades as one of the Philippines’ most iconic entertainers.

Born in Cebu to Spanish parents, Corrales initially pursued finishing school in Madrid. However, the sudden death of her father led her to shift paths and enter the world of show business. Her career initially took off in Australia, where her rendition of “Come Closer to Me” topped the charts, resulting in multiple albums and television appearances. Her popularity in the Land Down Under was such that a street in Victoria was named in her honor.

Returning to the Philippines, Corrales became a radio star with La Taberna station, later dominating the stage at venues like the Clover Theater and Manila Grand Opera House. She quickly became a fixture in the country’s top nightclubs and concert scenes, performing alongside international stars such as The Beatles, Matt Monro, and Sammy Davis Jr. She even graced stages in Las Vegas and toured with Bob Hope.

Corrales’ career reached new heights with her recording of “A Million Thanks to You,” written by Alice Doria Gamilla. This hit song not only topped the charts but also led to her own television show, “Your Evening with Pilita,” which became one of the highest-rated and most awarded shows in Philippine history.

A pivotal moment in her illustrious career was the release of her album “Philippine Love Songs,” which revived old Filipino classics like “Dahil Sa Iyo” and “Hinahanap Kita” with a modern pop twist. The album is credited with sparking the golden age of Philippine pop music in the 1970s. Among the tracks was “Kapantay ay Langit,” composed by then-unknown George Canseco, which became one of Corrales’ signature songs.

Corrales also made her mark internationally, winning the Best Singer Award at the Tokyo Music Festival in 1972 for her performance of “My Daughter,” another Canseco composition. In addition to her singing career, she ventured into acting and comedy, further solidifying her status as a versatile performer.

Now semi-retired, Corrales celebrates her 85th birthday surrounded by family, cherishing the quiet moments as she reflects on her remarkable career and the legacy she has built in the entertainment industry.