President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Sunday honored the late Pilita Corrales as Asia’s Queen of Song and a trailblazer whose humility and passion shaped Philippine music and culture.
“Pilita Corrales, the one and only Asia’s Queen of Song. Her voice cradled people across continents, but she always came home to her native Cebuano and Tagalog— to the music that raised us,” the President said during the posthumous Presidential Medal of Merit awarding ceremony.
President Marcos recalled Pilita Corrales as a regular presence at major events, political rallies, and government program launches during the time of his parents, former President Ferdinand E. Marcos and First Lady Imelda Marcos.
“She (Corrales) would always be there, whether at rallies or programs, singing for the people,” the Chief Executive said.
A cultural icon for decades, Corrales brought Philippine music to the global stage, winning the Best Performer award at the Tokyo Music Festival and receiving FAMAS and Lifetime Achievement Awards.
“Hindi lamang siya isang reyna ng sining, nagsilbi rin bilang haligi ng industriya ng musika. Pinakilala at binigyang kinang niya ang musikang Pilipino sa pandaigdigang entablado,” President Marcos said.
President Marcos fondly remembered Corrales’ generosity, elegance, and spontaneity—even recalling a humorous encounter in La Union when she was asked to perform unexpectedly.
“Sabi nila, ‘Ma’am Pilita, kumanta kayo.’ Eh hindi siya nakabihis. Sabi niya, ‘O sige, magbibihis lang ako.’ Pero sabi ko, ‘Huwag ka diyan, makikita ka sa labas.’ At ang sagot niya, ‘Wala silang makikita na hindi pa nila nakita noon. So never mind,’” the President said.
“Sabi ko, ibang klase ’to. Queen of Song ito pero wala siyang pakialam. Talagang cowboy,” Marcos said, drawing laughter and applause from the audience.
Corrales, who passed away on April 12, 2025, was known not only for her timeless voice but also for her charm and bold spirit—qualities that made her beloved by fans across generations.
The President noted that Corrales’ legacy lives on in every song that moves, comforts, and reminds Filipinos of home. | PND
