Freddie Aguilar, an icon singer-songwriter and pillar of Original Pilipino Music (OPM), has died May 27 at the age of 72.
Aguilar began composing songs at just 14—a calling that eventually led him to leave his studies and pursue a life as a musician, performing in folk clubs and bars.
He would later express regret about dropping out of college in his song “Anak”—a deeply personal song that, despite losing at the first Metro Manila Popular Music Festival in 1978, would go on to become a global phenomenon.
“Anak” sold over 33 million copies worldwide and has since been translated into 51 languages, becoming the most internationally recognized Filipino song of all time.
Much of Aguilar’s music served as social commentary. This was evident in songs like “Magdalena,” “Mindanao,” “Bulag, Pipi at Bingi,” and his stirring rendition of “Bayan Ko,” which became an anthem for protest and national awakening.
Aguilar is survived by his wife, Jovie, and his four children from a previous marriage: Maegan, Jonan, Isabella, and Jeriko.
