Music, memories, a million thanks: Family, friends honor Pilita Corrales in final memorial

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OPM icons and family members pay respects to the "Asia's Queen of Songs" in their own ways — remembering her legacy through portraits, special performances, and the memories they shared with her

MANILA, Philippines – As the memorial service of the late Pilita Corrales is held on Wednesday, April 16, the OPM legend’s lasting legacy is remembered by the Filipino entertainment industry. 

In an interview with ABS-CBN News on April 14, Corrales’ daughter Jackie Lou Blanco and son Monching Gutierrez recalled their final moments with her, saying that when they came to visit Corrales, she was happy and kept doing “thumbs up” gestures.

Blanco said the best way for Corrales’ grandchildren to honor their “Mamita” is by being a good person and excelling in whatever they do — especially for the ones who have entered the showbiz industry.

In her own Instagram post, actress Lotlot de Leon, Gutierrez’s ex-wife, went on to say that her ex-mother-in-law “loved her family like there’s no tomorrow.” 

“She would move heaven and earth just for them, for Ate Jacqui, for VJ, for Mon, and most definitely for her grandchildren. She’s the kind of grandmother anyone would wish for. And I know that if she can just give and gift her family with so much more, she would. Everything that belonged to her in a heartbeat she would pass on to those who are precious to her. Her family was her number one,” wrote De Leon. 

A testament to the impact Corrales has made in local entertainment, her loved ones, and fellow actors and musicians paid their final respects to her. 

Singer-songwriter Diego Gutierrez posted a childhood photo of himself with his grandmother, captioned, “Love you forever.”

Corrales’ husband, Carlos Lopez, performed a song on the harmonica during the family tributes day of the memorial service on April 14.

Award-winning balladeer Martin Nievera looked back on his first duet with Corrales, thanking her for giving him his “first pair of wings.”

“Because of you I could fly into my dreams. Now I ask the entire Showbiz industry to bend the “Pilita bend” with me in honor of a legend; an icon. We love you and honor you this day as we remember you and let your spirit live through all our good works from this day forward. A million thanks to you, tita mamita, Pilita Corrales!” Nievera said.

During the dedicated family tributes day of the memorial service, Nievera also sang one of Corrales’ 1999 hit songs, “A Million Thanks To You” for the family and friends who were present, just before getting on the flight he needed to catch the same night. 

Actor-comedian Michael V., meanwhile, paid his respects in the form of a portrait of the late icon. 

Another household name in the local music industry, Zsa Zsa Padilla said that it would be difficult for her to imagine a world without Corrales, adding that her “idol” was one of a kind.

“I’ll never forget the first time we worked together — what an honor it was to finally get to know you beyond the icon I had long admired. You were always so candid, so funny, so full of life. I will miss your stories deeply,” Padilla wrote in her post.

Gary Valenciano, meanwhile, reiterated the impact Corrales has made not just on him, but the entire industry — adding that she has “long deserved” to be a national artist. Valenciano reminisced all the times he had worked with the “Asia’s Queen of Songs,” including her last ASAP appearance, where he had the honor of guiding her.

“A special part of my history seems to have passed away with her,” Valenciano said.

Blanco left a comment under Valenciano’s post thanking him for his tribute. “She loved you, Gary.”

Actress Ruffa Gutierrez also looked back on her memories with her Tita Pilita, thanking her for the “love, laughter, and music.”

Corrales’ death was confirmed by her granddaughter, actress Janine Gutierrez, on April 12. Her memorial services began with a viewing for family and friends on April 13, a general viewing on April 14, a special family tribute day on April 15, with the last service being on Wednesday, April 16.

Blanco and Gutierrez, Corrales’ daughter and son said that she died peacefully in her sleep.

Corrales was born in Lahug, Cebu City. She started her music career at 16 years old, and went on to become one of the Philippines’ most celebrated performers yet. Some of her other well-loved hits include “Matud Nila,” “Kapantay Ay Langit,” “Usahay,” and “Ang Pipit,” to name a few. – Rappler.com