The Filipino music scene is in mourning as legendary OPM folk-rock artist Freddie Aguilar passed away on Tuesday, May 27, at the Philippine Heart Center. He was 72.
Celebrities and public figures flooded social media with tributes, remembering the man behind iconic anthems that defined generations.
Senator-elect Vicente “Tito” Sotto III shared, “One of best if not the best singer/composer I have produced. We love you Pareng Freddie! He will now be performing for a far greater audience.”
Singer-songwriter Jim Paredes of the APO Hiking Society simply wrote, “Farewell Freddie. Salamat sa mga awiting iniwan mo.”
Theater veteran Audie Gemora tweeted, “Sadly another OPM icon has passed Freddie Aguilar,” while Senator Sonny Angara offered, “Paalam Freddie Aguilar. Your music will live on.”
Actress Vivian Velez confirmed the news with a heavy heart: “OPM icon Freddie Aguilar has passed away today (May 27) at the PH Heart Center Hospital. He was 72 years old. Our heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones. His music will forever live on in our hearts.”
Freddie’s wife, Jovie Gatdula Albao, posted a heartfelt message on social media.
“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 (were) fighting together.”
Born Ferdinand Pascual Aguilar, Freddie’s rise began in the early ’70s in Manila’s music clubs.
His 1978 hit “Anak” became a global phenomenon, translated into multiple languages.
His stirring rendition of “Bayan Ko” later became a rallying cry during the 1986 People Power Revolution.
Among his other hits include “Bulag, Pipi at Bingi,” “Magdalena,” “Ipaglalaban Ko,” “Sigarilyo,” “Mindanao,” “Mga Bata Sa Negros,” “Kumusta Ka,” “Minamahal Kita,” among many others.
