Freddie Aguilar, Pinoy folk legend, 72

May 28, 2025 | 12:00am

MANILA, Philippines — Original Pilipino Music icon Freddie Aguilar has passed away at the age of 72.

George Briones, general counsel of Partido Federal ng Pilipinas where Aguilar had served as national executive vice president, confirmed the death yesterday.

Days earlier, Aguilar’s wife Jovie posted on Facebook how she was touched by people who had shown concern while she and her husband were at the Philippine Heart Center.

“A lot has happened this week, so many crying moments, but we cannot be weak. I need to be strong so that I could take care of him,” she said. “Sorry, I couldn’t give detailed info because pang-pamilya at malalapit na kaibigan lang muna ‘to. But what I can assure you is that he’s in good hands and he’s getting all the medication he needs.”

“I know that you are all worried. I understand the curiosity about what happened but all I can share for now is what Freddie wants to share. Let’s just pray. Everything will be OK,” she added.

Aguilar is best remembered for his international hit “Anak,” which has sold over 33 million copies and has been interpreted in 51 languages.

He was born on Feb. 5, 1953 in Santo Tomas, Isabela and started writing his own songs at the age of 14.

Aguilar made a rendition of “Bayan Ko,” originally composed by Constancio de Guzman, which became an anthem of resistance during the People Power revolution in 1986.

His other hits include “Magdalena,” “Ipaglalaban Ko” and “Bulag, Pipi at Bingi,” to name a few.

In 2018, former president Rodrigo Duterte named him presidential adviser on culture and the arts and a member of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts.

Duterte also endorsed him as a senatorial bet in the 2019 elections, but Aguilar didn’t make it.

Aguilar had four children with former partner Josephine Queipo: Maegan, Jonan, Isabella and Jeriko.

He married his then 16-year-old girlfriend Jovie in 2013 under Islamic rites in Maguindanao.

Condolences

Tributes have poured in for the OPM folk singer after his demise.

“I am deeply saddened by the passing of Freddie Aguilar, a true legend and icon of Original Pilipino Music,” former senator Manny Pacquiao posted on Facebook.

Pacquiao recounted how Aguilar’s track “Anak” made an impact on him.

“It spoke to me and to millions of people around the world. Every word is true. You could feel the pain, regrets and love of a child,” Pacquiao said.

Former Senate president Tito Sotto said, “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.”