Asia’s Queen of Songs Pilita Corrales has passed away. She was 85.

Pilita's demise was confirmed by her granddaughter actress Janine Gutierrez on social media on Saturday, April 12. Janine's full post:

"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," Janine wrote on Facebook.

Pilita is the mother of popular actors Jackie Lou Blanco and Ramon Christopher. 

On Aug. 22, 2024, Pilita turned 85, marking nearly 70 years as one of the country's greaest entertainers. 

Born in Cebu to Spanish parents, the young Pilita left her studies at a finishing school in Madrid to pursue a career in show business after her father's sudden death.

"My initial success came when I became a recording artist and television presenter in Australia," she said. 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 Victoria.

Upon returning to the Philippines, she transitioned from being a radio star on "La Taberna" to becoming the biggest draw in stage shows at the Clover Theater and the Manila Grand Opera House and a star in Manila's upscale nightclubs.

Pilita also became a favorite in the concert scene, performing alongside renowned acts such as The Beatles, Matt Monroe, and Sammy Davis Jr. She took her talents to Las Vegas and joined Bob Hope on tour.

Her 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 success led to her weekly TV show, "Your Evening with Pilita," which became one of the highest-rated and most awarded programs in local television history.

A pivotal moment in her career came with the release of the album "Philippine Love Songs." This collection featured classic Filipino originals like "Dahil Sa Iyo," "Irog Ako ay Mahalin," and "Hinahanap Kita," and is now considered a turning point for the local music industry. 

Pilita’s contemporary versions of these songs brought them to the attention of younger music lovers and are believed to have been a catalyst for the golden age of Philippine pop music during the 1970s.