She was a voice you never forgot. A presence that warmed the stage, the screen, and every Filipino household—whether in the Philippines, in the heart of Melbourne, or other parts of the world.
On 12 April 2025, the world lost a legend. Pilita Corrales, Asia’s Queen of Songs, passed away at the age of 87. For decades, her songs echoed through radios and concert halls, but it was the way she carried herself – with grace, humour, and quiet strength – that made her unforgettable.
Her granddaughter, actress Janine Gutierrez, shared the family’s heartfelt message:
“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.”
Melbourne – where the legend began
Long before the world called her a queen, Pilita Corrales was making waves on Australian shores. In 1959, following a dramatic shipwreck off the coast of Darwin, she found herself in Melbourne, where she quickly became a favourite on television and in live venues.
Her sweet, multilingual voice—singing in English, Spanish, and Filipino—captivated audiences. She made regular appearances on iconic shows like In Melbourne Tonight, and in November 1959, she became the first female artist in Australia to score a hit on the pop charts.
To revisit this fascinating chapter of her life, read Jason Cordi’s article:
👉 Pilita Corrales, the successful career that originated in Melbourne
A cultural icon across two worlds
After returning to the Philippines in 1963, Pilita Corrales blossomed into a cultural icon. Her signature songs – Kapantay ay Langit, Ang Pipit, and A Million Thanks to You – became part of the Filipino musical DNA.
Yet, she remained a beloved figure in Australia. She performed in concert halls across the country, bringing Filipinos together in moments of shared memory, joy, and pride. In 2019, we reflected on this dual legacy in Pilita: A Musical Icon to Filipinos and Australians.
Honouring a life of grace
In recognition of her impact, a street in Forest Hill, Melbourne, was named in her honour – a rare tribute for a Filipino artist overseas. To many Filipinos in Australia, she wasn’t just a star from back home – she was part of their own migrant story. She was proof that talent, humility, and resilience could take you anywhere.
The music will never fade
We bid goodbye to Pilita Corrales with hearts full of gratitude. Her voice was a lullaby, a love letter, a serenade. She sang not only to entertain, but to comfort, to heal, and to connect.
From all of us at Philtimes, we offer a million thanks to you, Pilita.
You may have left this world, but your melody will play on – in every Filipino home, in every mother’s favourite ballad, and in every memory you helped soundtrack.
As The Philippine Times publisher Alice Nicolas shared, “Pilita held a special place in the hearts of many Filipinos – including those in Australia. She performed several concerts here and left a lasting impression on Melburnians. In a fitting tribute to her legacy, a street in Melbourne was named in her honour — a rare recognition for a Filipino artist. Thank you, Pilita, for the music, the memories, and the magic. Your voice will forever echo in our hearts.”
Rest in peace, Asia’s Queen of Songs.
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