RENOWNED Filipino folk singer and songwriter Freddie Aguilar passed away Tuesday, May 27, at the Philippine Heart Center. He was 72.
The singer, who also served as Presidential Adviser on Culture and the Arts during the administration of President Rodrigo Duterte, died at around 1:30 a.m.
Aguilar rose to international fame with his timeless hit “Anak,” a song that resonated across generations and cultures. The single sold 33 million copies worldwide and was translated into 51 languages, making it one of the most successful Filipino songs of all time.
He also made waves with his stirring rendition of the protest anthem “Bayan Ko,” which became a symbol of resistance during the Edsa Revolution that ousted President Ferdinand Marcos Sr.
Beyond music, Aguilar was a passionate advocate for Filipino heritage. Aside from being a presidential adviser, he also became a member of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA).
His contributions left a lasting impact not only on the country’s music industry but also on efforts to preserve and celebrate Filipino identity and tradition.