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Pilita Corrales

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In this Philippine name, the middle name or maternal family name is Garrido and the surname or paternal family name is Corrales.
Pilita Corrales
Corrales in 2017
Corrales in 2017
Background information
Birth namePilar Corrales y Garrido
Born(1937-08-22)August 22, 1937
Lahug, Cebu, Philippines[1]
DiedApril 12, 2025(2025-04-12) (aged 85)
Genres
Occupations
  • Singer
  • actress
  • comedian
  • television presenter
InstrumentVocals
Years active1957–2024
LabelsVicor Music Corporation
Aquarius Records

Pilar Garrido Corrales (August 22, 1937 – April 12, 2025),[1] better known as Pilita Corrales, was a Filipino singer, actress and comedian. She was known for her distinctive backbend[2] when singing and was popularly referred to as the "Greatest singer in the Philippines"[3][4] and "Asia's Queen of Songs" for her vocal style and longevity.[5][6][7][8]

Corrales recorded 135 albums throughout her six-decade career.[9] Her recordings were mainly in English and Filipino, while on occasion she recorded songs in Spanish and Cebuano.[9] Lauded for her sweet voice and iconic singing style,[3] Corrales was one of the first superstars in Philippines and became one of the first female artists to reach the top of the Australian pop charts.[2] In 1963, her single "A Million Thanks to You" became one of the few songs by local artists to reach number one on the Philippine chart in the 1960s.[10] "A Million Thanks to You" and other signature hits by Corrales, including "Kapantay ay Langit", have since become standards.[11] She was a recipient of the prestigious 'Lifetime Achievement Award' by the Philippine Association of the Record Industry (PARI) for introducing Filipino musical artistry to a global audience.[9]

Her success would later extend to film and television, where her show An Evening with Pilita is considered as one of the standards[clarification needed] in Philippine broadcasting history.[12]

Early life

Pilar Corrales was born in Lahug, Cebu City[9] on August 22, 1939, to José Corrales de Zaragoza and María Garrido Manzano.[citation needed] The second of six siblings,[9] she grew up in a "conservative [and] affluent home"[13] in Cebu City.[14] Her "upper-class and mestizo Spanish" family speaking primarily Cebuano, with Spanish being her "second mother tongue".[14]

Her cousin, Annie Corrales, was Miss Philippines in 1957 and married businessman Eddie Woolbright.[15] After completing her studies at Colegio de la Inmaculada Concepción in Cebu, she began attending Colegio Mayor de Padre Poveda, a finishing school in Spain, in 1955,[16] one of the first Cebuanas to do so.[17] She returned to the Philippines following her father's death from a heart attack in 1956.[9][16] With the loss of her father's income, her mother began taking in boarders, and Corrales took a secretarial course. Corrales said that had her father not died when he did, she never would have become a singer.[16]

Career

Corrales' "vocal production [was] medial rather than frontal...with a consistent use of head resonation," resulting in a "rounded, covered quality rather than a bright timbre". Her vocal delivery was "on pitch with a notable absence of slides, glides, or bending the pitch," and she used vibrato "for any duration longer than a quarter note".[14] She maintained her vocal technique across songs of different genres; for example, her performances of "Ang dalagang Pilipina" were not sung in the song's traditional bel canto style.[14]

Corrales recorded songs in Spanish in the early 1960s and songs in English, Tagalog, and Cebuano during the 1970s under Vicor Music Corporation.

In Australia

In 1958, Corrales began her recording career after arriving in Australia for a brief period.[14] She first appeared on Australian television on the show From Outer Space, and later appeared on The Bobby Limb Show[18] and In Melbourne Tonight.[9] She became a star of the Victoria Television circuit and her first hit, "Come Closer to Me", became part of a collection on which she was billed as one of the "Grand Dames of Victorian Radio and Television".[citation needed] She also recorded at least three LPs in the late 1950s and early 1960s: Pilita with Arthur Young: Pilita Tells the Story of Love (1959),[18] I'll Take Romance (1960)[18] and This Is Pilita under Astor Records.[19] Being one of the pioneers of Australia's early television years, a street was named after her in Victoria. The Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) featured Corrales and several pioneering female artists in Australia in the 2nd episode of the highly acclaimed TV special, Love is in the Air. [citation needed]

In the Philippines

Corrales returned to Manila in 1963 to pursue a career in the Philippine music industry.[14] That same year, she recorded her hit "A Million Thanks to You".[19] Her Philippine career began when she hosted a radio program La Taverna over DZPI where she sang Spanish songs and played the guitar.[13] She performed regularly in stage shows at the Manila Grand Opera House.[citation needed] In 1966, she opened for The Beatles at Manila's Rizal Memorial Stadium.[19] By 1967, she was hosting the TV program An Evening With Pilita on Channel 3.[20]

Corrales appeared in movies, most of them musicals. Her film debut was a lead role in the 1967 film Miss Wawaw[20] and was followed by 11 films for the next two years.[citation needed]

In 1972, Corrales' career exploded with the release of her album Philippine Love Songs, a compilation of pop covers of traditional songs, through Vicor Music. The album became a best seller.[13] Among the songs on the album was "Kapantay ay Langit", George Canseco's Filipino translation of "You're All I Love".[citation needed] That year, she also performed at the inaugural Tokyo Music Festival, where she won the Best Performer award.[21] At the 2nd edition of the festival in 1973, she won the award for Best Singer.[22]

Aquarius Records Philippines produced a compilation of Pilita's Spanish songs on CDs like Noche de Ronda and Vaya Con Dios. Her signature song A Million Thanks to You by Alice Doria-Gamilla was translated into seven languages. She eventually recorded songs composed by Filipino composers like Danny Holmsen, George Canseco, Willy Cruz, Ryan Cayabyab and several others.[citation needed]

Corrales frequently performed for Seeing Stars with Joe Quirino on IBC-Channel 13 after the martial law years (1972-1981), where she demonstrated her range as a performer of Spanish, English, Cebuano and Tagalog music.[citation needed]

Through the personal invitation of Sammy Davis Jr., Corrales became the first Filipino to sing at Caesars Palace in the late 1970s, during which she sang Spanish, English, Cebuano, and Tagalog songs, all conducted and arranged by Ryan Cayabyab.[citation needed]

By 2006, she operated a restaurant bar in Greenhills named Pilita's.[23]

In 2006, Corrales was selected by Associated Broadcasting Company (ABC Channel 5, now TV5, formerly The 5 Network) and FremantleMedia to be one of the celebrity judges for the first-ever nationwide search for the Philippine Idol together with Ryan Cayabyab and rapper Francis Magalona.[24] She was a judge in the first Asian Idol held in Indonesia, representing Philippine Idol.[25]

Personal life and death

Corrales had two children, Jackie Lou Blanco[26] and Ramon Christopher Gutierrez, who also became actors.[citation needed] Corrales was married in 1963 to the Spanish executive businessman Jose Blanco and separated while Jackie Lou was still a child. Jose died in 1979.[16]

Corrales gave birth to her second child, Ramón Christopher Gutierrez, in 1971, known to be the father of Janine Gutierrez.[citation needed] Ramón Christopher's father is Filipino actor Eddie Gutierrez.[16][27] Corrales also had an adopted son, VJ.[citation needed] In September 2001, Corrales married Paraguayan/Australian businessman Carlos López.[16]

Corrales died in her sleep at her residence on April 12, 2025. She was 85 years old.[28][29]

Filmography

Film

Year Title Role Notes Production company Ref
N/A Port of Escape Shot in 1960; unfinished
Tas-American Television Corp.
1967 Miss Wawaw Directed by Efren Reyes [20]
1988 Mirror, Mirror on the Wall Caring / Caridad
Seiko Films
1994 Mars Ravelo's Darna! Ang Pagbabalik Valentina
Viva Family Entertainment
2014 Bride for Rent Avelina "Lala" Corazon
Star Cinema
Basement Lola Meding
Coffee House Productions
Reality Entertainment
Springboard Film Productions
GMA Pictures
My Illegal Wife Lala
Star Cinema
Skylight Films
2016 Enteng Kabisote 10 and the Abangers
OctoArts Films
M-Zet Productions
APT Entertainment
GMA Pictures

Television

Year Title Role Network Ref
1964–1972 Your Evening with Pilita Host ABS-CBN
Dance O Rama ABC
Seeing Stars with Joe Quirino IBC
Awitawanan IBC
1985–1988 Ang Bagong Kampeon Host, together with Bert Marcelo RPN
Tanghalan Ng Kampeon GMA Network
1988, 1993 Ryan Ryan Musikahan Guest Performer ABS-CBN
1990–1993 Mag-Asawa'y Di Biro RPN
Awitanghalan ABS-CBN Regional Network Group
2003–2007 Lagot Ka, Isusumbong Kita Rosa/Mamita GMA Network
2006 Philippine Idol Judge ABC
2007 Love Spell Presents: Cindy-rella ABS-CBN
Celebrity Duets Season 1 Duet partner for Frederick Peralta GMA Network
Asian Idol Judge [25]
2008 Celebrity Duets Season 2 Duet partner for Bayani Fernando GMA Network
Talentadong Pinoy Judge TV5
Show Me Da Manny GMA Network
2009–2010 Full House Anita Lazatin GMA Network
2010–2011 My Driver Sweet Lover Maximilliana "Abuela Maxi" Barrinuevo TV5
Toda Max Lola Momsie ABS-CBN
2012 The X Factor Philippines Judge ABS-CBN [30]
2013–2016 Vampire Ang Daddy Ko Sonya Ventura GMA Network
February 28, 2015 Maynila: YOLO si LOLA GMA Network
February 25, 2016 Eat Bulaga!: Just Duet Performer GMA Network
March 12, 2016 Maynila: My Classmate GMA Network
September 11, 2016 Hay, Bahay! Amelia GMA Network
2018 Sana Dalawa ang Puso Leonora Chavez (guest cast) ABS-CBN
2019, 2023 Bravo Executive Lounge Guest Performer RJDigiTV
2020 Tawag ng Tanghalan Season 4 Judge ABS-CBN
2020–2021 Kesayasaya Mommy G NET 25

Discography

Albums

Australia

  • Come Closer to Me
  • Pilita with Arthur Young: I'll Take Romance (1960, Astor Records)
  • This Is Pilita
  • Pilita Tells the Story of Love

Philippines (including albums released internationally)

  • Pilita, Live at the Riviera (recorded in Hong Kong in 1976)
  • Pilita, Live at the Riviera Vol. 2 (recorded in Hong Kong in 1976)
  • Pilita, Live at the Riviera Vol. 3 (recorded in Hong Kong in 1977)
  • Pilita, Now
  • Pilita Sings
  • Para Ti Mama
  • Love
  • Pilita in Motion
  • Pilita Corrales: Greatest Hits
  • Pilita: Greatest Hits Vol. 2
  • Matud Nila (Cebuano)
  • Philippine Love Songs
  • Philippine Love Songs Vol. 2
  • Kapantay Ay Langit
  • A Song for You
  • Sampaguita
  • Best of Philippine Pop Songs
  • Sa Tanang Panahon (mostly Cebuano versions of Tagalog songs)
  • Minamahal, Sinasamba
  • Oh La La! (1971)
  • For Love's Sake Only (1971)
  • Pilita in Tokyo (1972)
  • Filipiniana (1972, Vicor)[31]
  • Pilita: The Queen of Songs (Ang Mutya ng Awit)
  • Pilita, Christmas Special
  • Gaano Kadalas ang Minsan?
  • The Best of Philippine Music
  • Salakot
  • Pagsapit ng Pasko
  • Araw-araw, Gabi-gabi
  • Pilita: Visayan Love Songs Vol. 1 (Cebuano)
  • Pilita Sings George (If I Had My Life to Live Again)
  • Pilita: Great Songs from Filipino Movies
  • Sa Aking Pag-iisa
  • Walang Pagmamaliw
  • Pilita Sings...Love Themes from Viva Films
  • Pilita y Amado en Español
  • Pilita Y Amado en Español, Vol. 2
  • Pilita Goes Pop (OctoArts now PolyEast Records, 1990)
  • Ang Nag-iisang si Pilita (Viva Records, 1994)
  • Together at Last (with Elmo Makuil) (Quantum Music Corporation, 1996)
  • When My Eyes Are Filled with Tears (Dyna Records)
  • The Best of Love Duets (Viva Collection Forever) (Viva Records, 1998)
  • Pilita Corrales Sings Visayan Songs (Cebuano) (Villar)
  • If You Go Away
  • Hoy
  • Pilita y los mensajeros del Paraguay
  • Viajar ("Travel")
  • Abrázame ("Embrace Me")
  • Yukbo sa Bisayanhong Awit (Cebuano and Ilonggo duet album with Susan Fuentes)
  • A Million Thanks to You

Recorded songs

  • "A Million Thanks to You" (1963)
  • Ako Raw Ay Makasalanan
  • Ampingan Mo ba
  • Ang Dalaga Noon at Ngayon
  • Ang Diwa ng Pasko
  • Ang Kawayan
  • Ang Pag-ibig
  • Ang Pag-ibig ay Mahiwaga
  • Ang Pipit (true)
  • Ang Tangi Kong Pag-ibig
  • Apat na Dahilan
  • Awit ng Labandera
  • Awit ng Mananahi
  • Ay Pag-ibig
  • Ay, Ay, Ay Pag-ibig
  • Ayaw nang Magmahal
  • Bakas ng Lumipas
  • Bakasin Mo sa Gunita
  • Bakit Kita Inibig
  • Balud sa Kalimot
  • Balut
  • Baryo Fiesta
  • Basta't Magkasama Tayo
  • Basta't Mahal Kita
  • Bisan sa Damgo Lang
  • Buhat
  • Bulak Akong Bukidnon
  • Cariñosa
  • Come Close and Love Me
  • Dahil sa Isang Bulaklak
  • Dahil sa Iyo
  • Dalagang Pilipina
  • Dalagang Pilipinhon
  • Dalawang Filipina
  • Di Ko Kasalanan
  • Di na Iibig
  • Dili na Mausab
  • Gipangita Ko Ikaw
  • Goodbye
  • Had I Known It
  • Hanggang Langit Mahal Kita
  • Hinahanap Kita
  • Hinugpong nga Mga Awit
  • Hiwaga ng Pag-ibig
  • Huling Halakhak
  • Ibong Kakanta-kanta
  • If I Had My Life to Live Again
  • Iibigin Ka
  • Ikaw ang Mahal Ko
  • Ikaw Na Lamang
  • Iniibig Kita
  • Ipagdarasal Kita
  • Irog Ako ay Mahalin
  • Isumbong Ko Ikaw sa Langit
  • Iyong-iyo Kailan pa Man
  • Kahit Sino Ka Man
  • Kamingaw Gayud
  • Kapantay ay Langit (Original by Amapola in 1970; later covered in 1972; Sharon Cuneta for the film of the same title in 1994 with her co-star Richard Gomez; Re-recorded feat. King of Soul Janno Gibbs in Janno's 2002 Album by VIVA Records).
  • Kataka-taka
  • Katulog na Inday
  • Kay Hirap ng Umibig
  • Kay Langit Ko ang Gugma Mo
  • Kung Batid Mo Lamang
  • Kung Kita'y Kapiling
  • Kung Nagsasayaw Kita
  • Lahat ng Araw
  • Lahat ng Gabi Bawat Araw
  • Lahat ng Oras
  • Lamok
  • Landas sa Pag-ibig
  • Larawan ng Pag-ibig
  • Let's Forget The Time
  • Lihim na Damdamin
  • Lonely Nights
  • Luluha Ka Rin
  • Maalaala Mo Kaya
  • Magandang Gabi Po
  • Mahal Kita Hanggang Langit
  • Mahal Mo Ba Ako?
  • Mahiwaga
  • Mamang Tsuper
  • Mangga
  • Mano Po Ninong
  • Matagal na Rin
  • Matud Nila (Visayan)
  • May Ibong Kakanta Kanta
  • Minamahal Kita
  • Minamahal Ko Siya
  • Minsan Ay Nakasama Kita
  • Nahigwa-os
  • No Puede Ser (Spanish Version of "Minamahal Kita")
  • O Maliwanag na Buwan
  • Paano
  • Pag-ibig Ikaw ang Dahilan
  • Pagka't Kapiling Ka
  • Pagkadali
  • Pasko sa Nayon
  • Patatawarin Kita
  • Pilipinas
  • Pobreng Alindahaw
  • Porbida
  • Puto Kutsinta
  • Rosas Pandan
  • Sa Araw ng Pasko (Ikaw Lang ang Siyang Kailangan)
  • Sa Bawat Sandali
  • Sa Libis ng Nayon
  • Saan Ka Man Naroroon
  • Salakot
  • Salamat sa Alaala
  • Sampaguita
  • Sana Kahit Minsan (original by Ariel Rivera)
  • Sapagkat Ikaw ay Akin
  • Sapagkat Kami ay Tao lamang (Because We Are Only Human)
  • Sapagkat Malapit na
  • Sayaw sa Ilaw
  • Sayo sa Kabuntagon
  • Sinumpa Ko sa Diyos
  • Sumpang Walang Hanggan
  • Tama Na
  • The Shadow of Your Smile [Live in Toronto]
  • Titibok-Tibok
  • Together
  • Together at Last (duet with Elmo Makil)
  • Tugoti Kami
  • Tunay na Tunay
  • Ulilang Puso
  • Walang Kapantay
  • When Eyes Are Filled with Tears
  • Yesterday I Heard the Rain
  • Noche de Ronda
  • Vaya con Dios (Farewell)
  • Historia de un amor (Story of a Love)
  • Abrázame (Embrace Me)
  • Obsesión
  • Gracias amigo (Thanks my Friend)
  • Solamente una vez (Just Once)
  • Espérame en el cielo (Wait for Me in Heaven)
  • La foto (The Picture)
  • Hasta el fin de mi existir (Til the End of My Existence)
  • Con estas manos (With These Hands)
  • Filipinas
  • Tema del padrino (Theme of the Godfather)
  • Grande, Grande, Grande
  • A flor de piel
  • Quisiera saber (I'd Like to Know)
  • Desde que tú has ido (Since You've Been Gone)
  • Tu sonrisa (Your Smile)
  • Concierto de un otoño
  • Perfidia
  • Aldila
  • Angustia
  • Río rebelde
  • Voy (I Go)
  • Amor (Love)
  • Waray-Waray
  • Nganong Mipakita Ka
  • Sayri Ako
  • Ngano Ba Gugma
  • Ampinging mga Bulak
  • Ilingaw-Lingaw Lang
  • Mao Ba Kini ang Gugma
  • Hain Ka na Pinangga
  • Uhaw sa Gugma

Awards and honors

References

  1. ^ a b "Philippines, Manila, Civil Registration, 1899-1984 Image Philippines, Manila, Civil Registration, 1899-1984; ark:/61903/3:1:939F-679H-WW — FamilySearch.org". FamilySearch. Retrieved December 30, 2015.
  2. ^ a b "Rediscovering the Golden Divas". www.philstar.com. October 17, 2008. Retrieved June 7, 2023.
  3. ^ a b "Pilita Corrales, with her iconic songs and legendary style, captures the hearts, minds and souls of Winnipeggers!". Filipino Journal. June 23, 2014. Retrieved June 7, 2023.
  4. ^ "Dulce still wagi after 30 years". www.philstar.com. November 17, 2008. Retrieved June 8, 2023.
  5. ^ "LOOK: Jackie Lou Blanco shares snaps from mom Pilita Corrales's 85th birthday | GMA Entertainment". GMA News. Retrieved June 7, 2023.
  6. ^ "Regine and Sharon to pay tribute to Pilita". Manila Bulletin. Retrieved June 7, 2023.
  7. ^ Nicolas, Jino (November 6, 2017). "A million thanks". BusinessWorld. Retrieved June 7, 2023.
  8. ^ "Janine Gutierrez asks grandmother Pilita Corrales: "Do you like Rayver?"". PEP.ph. Retrieved June 7, 2023.
  9. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k "Top 100 Cebuano Personalities: Pilita Corrales Asia's Queen of Songs". www.philstar.com. April 9, 2019. Retrieved June 7, 2023.
  10. ^ "Billboard Hits of the World: Philippines". Billboard. The Billboard Publishing Company. September 28, 1963. p. 31. Retrieved August 18, 2021.
  11. ^ Salterio, Leah C. (January 16, 2021). "Behind the Music: "Kapantay ay Langit" by Pilita Corrales". ABS-CBN News. Retrieved June 7, 2023.
  12. ^ "Pilita Corrales is the fourth mentor-judge of The X Factor Philippines". PEP.ph. Retrieved June 7, 2023.
  13. ^ a b c Gil, Baby A. (August 11, 2024). "Pilita Corrales and her lifetime of music". Philstar.com. Retrieved April 16, 2025.
  14. ^ a b c d e f Weintraub, Andrew N.; Barendregt, Bart (July 31, 2017). Vamping the Stage: Female Voices of Asian Modernities. University of Hawaii Press. pp. 269–272. ISBN 978-0-8248-7419-3.
  15. ^ Razon, Conchita C. (February 18, 2018), "Revisiting the Cebu I missed", Philippine Daily Inquirer, retrieved April 2, 2021
  16. ^ a b c d e f Azarcon-dela Cruz, Pennie (April 14, 2002). "Pilita's Endless Summer". Philippine Daily Inquirer.
  17. ^ Jarque, Edu (September 9, 2012). "A Million Thanks To You, From Pilita Corrales". Philstar.com. Retrieved April 16, 2025.
  18. ^ a b c Bollen, Jonathan (May 6, 2020). Touring Variety in the Asia Pacific Region, 1946–1975. Springer Nature. pp. 70–71. ISBN 978-3-030-39411-0.
  19. ^ a b c Santos, Aldus (March 22, 2024). "Pilita Corrales: A Philippine Icon Like No Other". Billboard Philippines. Retrieved April 16, 2025.
  20. ^ a b c "From The Music Capitals Of The World". Billboard. April 29, 1967.
  21. ^ a b "A Million Thanks To You, From Pilita Corrales". www.philstar.com. September 9, 2012. Retrieved June 7, 2023.
  22. ^ a b "Sights at the 2nd Tokyo Music Festival". Billboard: 13. June 2, 1973.
  23. ^ "Queen of Song sings only of love". Philippine Daily Inquirer. May 1, 2006.
  24. ^ San Diego, Bayani Jr. (May 30, 2006). "Pilita, Francis M complete trio of RP 'Idol' judges". Philippine Daily Inquirer.
  25. ^ a b San Diego, Bayani Jr. (December 11, 2007). "Pilita in Jakarta". Philippine Daily Inquirer.
  26. ^ Vibas, Danny; Ventura, Dinah S. (August 23, 2024). "Pilita Corrales at 85". Daily Tribune. Retrieved April 16, 2025.
  27. ^ "Pilita and Kuh in Valentine concerts". Manila Times. January 25, 2005.
  28. ^ Wang, Nikkie (April 12, 2025). "Pilita Corrales, Asia's Queen of Song, dies at 85". The Manila Standard. Retrieved April 12, 2025.
  29. ^ Severo, Jan Milo (April 15, 2025). "Pilita Corrales peacefully died in her sleep — Jackie Lou Blanco, Monching". The Philippine Star. Retrieved April 16, 2025.
  30. ^ "Pilita Corrales is the fourth mentor-judge of The X Factor Philippines". PEP.ph. May 10, 2012. Retrieved April 16, 2025.
  31. ^ "Double-Jacket Album Drive in Manila". Billboard: 71. August 5, 1972.
  32. ^ Angan, Kara (March 14, 2024). "Pilita Corrales Is Billboard Philippines Women In Music Icon Awardee". billboardphilippines.com. Retrieved April 16, 2025.
  33. ^ Lo, Ricky. "The day Pilita came along". Philstar.com. Retrieved June 7, 2023.
  34. ^ "Janine Gutierrez greets grandmother Pilita Corrales on her 82nd birthday: 'I love you so." Push. Retrieved June 7, 2023.
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