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The Star
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Star
‘Anak' singer Freddie Aguilar dies aged 72
Filipino singer-songwriter Freddie Aguilar, best known for his chart-topping international hit Anak, died in Manila aged 72, local media reported. He had been receiving treatment at the Philippine Heart Center, according to social media posts by his wife, Jovie Albao-Aguilar. Aguilar was one of the leaders of the locally based Original Pilipino Music movement of the 1970s, and was known for his political activism, often tackling social issues through song. In the 1980s, he lent his voice to the People Power Movement that overthrew then-dictator Ferdinand Marcos, with his rendition of the traditional patriotic ballad Bayan Ko (My Country) serving as an anthem. In a special 2018 resolution, the Philippine Senate lauded him for 'lifetime outstanding contributions to Philippine arts and culture.' Anak, a Tagalog-language song about the struggles of raising a problematic child, sold more than 30 million copies. — AFP
Straits Times
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Straits Times
Filipino ‘Anak' singer Freddie Aguilar dies aged 72
Filipino singer-songwriter Freddie Aguilar had been receiving treatment at the Philippine Heart Centre, his wife said in social media posts. PHOTO: ROPER'S STUDIO MANILA - Filipino singer-songwriter Freddie Aguilar, best known for his chart-topping international hit 'Anak', died in Manila aged 72 on May 27, local media reported. He had been receiving treatment at the Philippine Heart Centre, according to social media posts uploaded by his wife, Jovie Albao-Aguilar. The one-time street musician was one of the leaders of the locally based Original Pilipino Music movement that emerged in the 1970s, and was known for his political activism, often tackling social issues through song. In the 1980s, he lent his voice to the People Power Movement that overthrew then-dictator Ferdinand Marcos, with his rendition of the traditional patriotic ballad 'Bayan Ko' (My Country) serving as an anthem. According to his profile on music service Spotify, he got his start in the business performing cover tunes for American military personnel stationed in the archipelago nation. 'This is not goodbye, just farewell for now,' Albao-Aguilar posted on her Facebook page. 'It was a good fight because we are fighting together.' Aguilar converted to Islam in 2013 at age 60 so he could marry Albao-Aguilar, then only 16 years old, under the country's Muslim Family Code. In a special 2018 resolution, the Philippine Senate lauded him for 'lifetime outstanding contributions to Philippine arts and culture.' He was the 'only singer and composer who broke into the Western market and gained massive global recognition, bringing pride and honor to our country,' the resolution said. 'Anak', a Tagalog-language song about the struggles of raising a problematic child, sold more than 30 million copies. AFP Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
France 24
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- France 24
Filipino 'Anak' singer Aguilar dies aged 72
He had been receiving treatment at the Philippine Heart Center, according to social media posts uploaded by his wife, Jovie Albao-Aguilar. The one-time street musician was one of the leaders of the locally based Original Pilipino Music movement that emerged in the 1970s, and was known for his political activism, often tackling social issues through song. In the 1980s, he lent his voice to the People Power Movement that overthrew then-dictator Ferdinand Marcos, with his rendition of the traditional patriotic ballad "Bayan Ko" (My Country) serving as an anthem. According to his profile on music service Spotify, he got his start in the business performing cover tunes for American military personnel stationed in the archipelago nation. "This is not goodbye, just farewell for now," Albao-Aguilar posted on her Facebook page. "It was a good fight because we are fighting together." Aguilar converted to Islam in 2013 at age 60 so he could marry Albao-Aguilar, then only 16 years old, under the country's Muslim Family Code. In a special 2018 resolution, the Philippine Senate lauded him for "lifetime outstanding contributions to Philippine arts and culture." He was the "only singer and composer who broke into the Western market and gained massive global recognition, bringing pride and honor to our country," the resolution said. "Anak", a Tagalog-language song about the struggles of raising a problematic child, sold more than 30 million copies.
Hype Malaysia
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Hype Malaysia
Legendary Filipino Singer & Voice Of Iconic Song 'Anak,' Freddie Aguilar, Passes Away Aged 72
Fans around the world are in shock over the news that Freddie Aguilar, the legendary Filipino folk singer-songwriter, whose heartfelt ballads became anthems of family, identity, and resistance, has passed away. The cause of his death is not immediately known. The passing of the 72-year-old, who entered Filipino politics later in life, was confirmed on 27th May (Tuesday), by George Briones, general counsel of the Partido Federal ng Pilipinas (PFP), where Aguilar was former national executive vice president. Ferdinand Pascual Aguilar began composing music at just 14 and shot to international fame in the late 1970s with the iconic song 'Anak' ('Child'), a poignant reflection on remorse and reconciliation. Inspired by his own experiences after leaving home at 18, 'Anak' became the Philippines' best-selling single of all time, with over 30 million copies sold worldwide, and being translated into 20 languages. Aguilar's music transcended entertainment, often serving as a vehicle for social commentary. His rendition of 'Bayan Ko' ('My Country') became an unofficial anthem during the 1986 People Power Revolution, rallying Filipinos in their fight for democracy. Throughout his career, he remained a vocal advocate for the marginalised, using his songs to highlight issues of poverty, injustice, and national pride. Known for his social activism, it came as no surprise that Aguilar would later devote his life to politics. Among his many political achievements was the introduction of the 'Tax-Free Balikbayan Box' Act, which aimed to provide better support and protection for Overseas Foreign Workers (OFWs) from the Philippines. Condolences have been pouring in over the star's death – from fans and celebrities alike – with many promising that he will live on through them and the music he leaves behind. His legacy shall be remembered with the music that he produced and the hardships he went through, which continue to inspire and resonate with generations of Filipinos and music lovers around the world. Hype extends our condolences to the legend's family with the hope that he will forever be remembered. Let's honour him by remembering what he left behind: Source: Facebook, YouTube
Daily Express
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Express
‘Anak' singer Freddie Aguilar dies at 72
Published on: Tuesday, May 27, 2025 Published on: Tue, May 27, 2025 By: FMT Reporters Text Size: PETALING JAYA: Filipino folk music icon Freddie Aguilar has died. He was 72. According to The Manila Times, Aguilar passed away at around 1.30am at the Philippine Heart Center. He was known for his international hit 'Anak', which became the best-selling Philippine music record of all time, with over 33 million copies sold worldwide. The song is also notable for being the only Filipino track translated into 51 languages. It not only topped the Philippine charts but also reached No 1 in Japan and gained popularity in countries such as Malaysia, Hong Kong, and parts of Europe. By some estimates, the song has been recorded in as many as 100 versions across 23 languages. Aguilar began his musical journey as a street performer in 1973 and rose to international fame following the release of 'Anak' in 1978. Advertisement A powerful advocate for social justice, his music – featuring songs like 'Bayan Ko', 'Magdalena', and 'Mindanao' – highlighted themes of nationalism, poverty, and human rights. Reports indicate that Aguilar will be buried within 24 hours in accordance with Muslim rites. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
