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Manila Bulletin devider Entertainment devider Celebrities devider OPM icon Freddie Aguilar passes away at 72

OPM icon Freddie Aguilar passes away at 72

Published May 27, 2025 10:30 am
Freddie Aguilar
OPM icon singer-songwriter Freddie Aguilar has died at the age of 72.

The news was confirmed by Freddie's wife, Jovie Gatdula Albao, after posting a photo of her and the singer with a heartfelt message.

"I will live a good life so I can meet you in Jannah. Inna Lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji'un,to Allah we belong and to Allah we shall return. This is not goodbye, just farewell for now. Mahal na mahal kita, hanggang sa muli bhabe. It was a good fight, because we are fighting together," Jovie wrote on her post.

  

Although the cause of his death was not disclosed, many fans and close friends of the couple expressed their condolences to Jovie. Just six days earlier, Jovie had provided an update on Freddie's condition and thanked netizens for their concern.

"Nakakatouch yung mga kinukumusta rin ako sa gitna ng kalagayan ni Freddie. Hindi ko kayo maisa-isa replayan pero wag kayo mag alala ok lang ako, always finding courage in the face of fear. Ang priority natin ngayon ay ang kalagayan ni Freddie, pasensya na kayo na wala akong mabigay na detailed info sa inyo kasi pang-pamilya at malalapit na kaibigan lang muna ito. (It's touching to hear from those who are also asking how I am amid Freddie's situation. I can't reply to you individually but don't worry, I'm fine, always finding courage in the face of fear. Our priority right now is Freddie's situation, I'm sorry that I can't give you any detailed info because this is only for family and close friends)," she said.

Personalities, including Jim Paredes, Senator-elect Vicente "Tito" Sotto III, Sonny Angara, and theater veteran Audie Gamora, paid tribute to the OPM singer.

The two songs that made Freddie famous were his versions of "Bayan Ko" and "Anak," which have sold 33 million copies worldwide and have been translated into other languages.

Freddie also rolled out the hits “Katarungan,” “Magdalena,” “Pangako,” and “Luzviminda," which tackle social cultures.

Beyond his musical prowess, Freddie's appearance was equally iconic: his guitar, which he used as a prop during his performances; his long, straight hair, frequently capped with a beret or newsboy cap; and his clear eyeglasses.

Life in politics

With his open mind when it comes to social issues, it was no surprise that Freddie would enter politics. He was one of the celebrities who planned on serving the public during the 2016 presidential bid of then-Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte.

When Duterte won, Freddie was appointed as the Presidential Adviser on Culture and Arts. He was also a member of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts.

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