Pumanaw na ang tinaguriang Asia’s Queen of Songs na si Pilita Corrales sa edad na 87 years old.

Ang malungkot na balita ay kinumpirma mismo ng apo niyang si Janine Gutierrez sa kanyang socmed accounts.

Narito ang official statement ni Janine:

“It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of our beloved mami and mamita, Pilita Corrales.

“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.

“Please join us with your prayers and kind thoughts as we celebrate her beautiful life.

“Further details regarding memorial services will be shared soon.”

Hindi na sinabi pa ng aktres ang sanhi ng pagyao ng kanyang pinakamamahal na Mamita.

Naulila ng music icon ang dalawang anak na sina Jackie Lou Blanco at Ramon Christopher “Monching” Gutierrez.

Nagsimula ang singing career ni Pilita noong 1957 sa Victoria, Australia kung saan ay sumikat siya nang husto to the point na ang pangalan niya ay ipinangalan sa isang street doon.

Taong 1963 nang umuwi ng Pilipinas si Pilita at dito na niya ipinagpatuloy ang kanyang singing career.

Itinuring na “Greatest Singer in the Philippines,” nakilala si Pilita sa kanyang estilo na pagliyad (backbend) tuwing umaawit na kanyang-kanya lang.

Sa kanyang six-decade career ay nakapag-record siya ng 135 albums at ang ilan sa mga pinakasikat niyang awitin ay ang “A Million Thanks To You” na nai-translate pa sa seven languages, “Kapantay ay Langit,” “Sapagkat Kami ay Tao Lamang” and “Dahil Sa ‘Yo,” among others.

MARTIN, OGIE NAGPUGAY KAY PILITA

Isa sa mga pinakaunang nagbigay-pugay sa pumanaw na music icon na si Pilita Corrales ay sina Martin Nievera at Ogie Alcasid.

Sa kanyang Instagram account ay nag-post si Martin ng isang video kung saan ay makikitang nagdu-duet sila ni Pilita in one event.

Sa caption ay nagpasalamat siya sa nanay nina Jackie Lou at Monching sa nagawa nito sa kanya.

“Thank you for giving me my first pair of wings. Because of you I could fly into my dreams. Now I ask the entire showbiz industry to bend the “Pilita bend” with me in honor of a legend, an icon.

We love you and honor you this day as we remember you and let your spirit live through all our good works from this day forward,” pahayag ng Concert King.

“A million thanks to you, tita mamita, Pilita Corrales! I will never forget this, our last duet,” pagtatapos ni Martin.

Pahayag naman ni Ogie sa IG, “We lost a national treasure. We send our prayers and our deepest sympathies to the families and loved ones of Mamita. Ty so much for your kindness, your generosity and your heavenly voice.”

AUTHOR PROFILE

Vinia Vivar