FILIPINO MUSIC LEGEND FREDDIE AGUILAR DIES AT 72

Iconic “Anak” Singer Passes Away Due to Multiple Organ Failure

Manila, Philippines – The Philippine music industry is in mourning following the death of Filipino folk music legend Freddie Aguilar, who passed away on May 27, 2025, at the Philippine Heart Center in Quezon City. He was 72 years old.

According to reports confirmed by his former partner Josephine Quiepo in an interview with GMA News, Aguilar succumbed to multiple organ failure, a complication believed to be the result of long-standing health issues.

Freddie Aguilar, born Ferdinand Pascual Aguilar on February 5, 1953, in Santo Tomas, Isabela, leaves behind a legacy that reshaped Filipino music and captured the soul of a nation. With his emotionally powerful songs and fearless socio-political themes, he became one of the most iconic voices in Original Pilipino Music (OPM).

The Man Behind “Anak”

Aguilar first rose to fame in the late 1970s with his heart-wrenching ballad “Anak”, which resonated with millions of Filipinos and audiences worldwide. The song, a lament of regret and longing between a parent and child, became the best-selling Philippine music record of all time, with over 33 million copies sold globally. It was translated into 51 languages, turning Aguilar into an international figure.

“Anak” did not just break records — it broke cultural boundaries. The song spoke to family, forgiveness, and the struggles of youth and parenthood. In doing so, it transcended language and nationality. To this day, “Anak” remains a cornerstone in Filipino households and a staple in karaoke machines across the nation.

More Than a Musician

Aguilar was not just known for his music — he was a cultural and political figure. His stirring rendition of “Bayan Ko” became the unofficial anthem of the 1986 People Power Revolution, which led to the ousting of then-President Ferdinand Marcos. Despite later controversies over his political affiliations, Aguilar’s place in the history of Philippine activism through art remained indisputable.

Throughout his career, Freddie Aguilar used his platform to voice the struggles of the marginalized, often blending traditional Filipino instruments and storytelling with rock and folk influences. Songs like “Magdalena,” “Estudyante Blues,” and “Mindanao” highlighted issues such as poverty, war, and injustice.

A Complicated But Human Life

Aguilar’s life was not without controversy. He often made headlines not only for his music and political stands but also for personal decisions, including his marriage to a much younger woman in 2013. He was both celebrated and criticized, but always remained true to himself.

In 2023, Freddie made headlines again — not for a political statement or a new song, but for something deeply personal. After years of estrangement, he was reunited with his daughter, Maegan Aguilar. Their emotional reunion was shared online, with Maegan thanking her father for accepting her back into his life and allowing her children to know their grandfather.

“He may have been many things to many people, but to me, he’s still my dad. And I’m thankful we got our time,” Maegan posted on social media at the time.

Outpouring of Tributes

Tributes have poured in from artists, fans, and political figures across the Philippines and beyond. The Cultural Center of the Philippines, local and international musicians, and even former President Rodrigo Duterte issued statements honoring Aguilar’s contributions to Filipino identity and global music.

“He was the voice of our conscience. A patriot. A rebel with a cause. A man who sang from the heart of the Filipino people,” said one statement from a local music guild.

Legacy That Lives On

As the country grieves, plans are underway for a national tribute concert to honor Aguilar’s legacy. There is also growing support for posthumously awarding him the National Artist for Music title, a distinction he had long been rumored to be nominated for.

Freddie Aguilar may be gone, but his music lives on — in the voices of aspiring singers, in the chants of protests, and in the hearts of those who grew up listening to his melodies under the warmth of a Filipino home.

In a world of passing trends, Aguilar’s songs endure — raw, honest, and timeless.

Rest in peace, Freddie Aguilar. Your voice may be silent now, but your music will echo forever.

Let me know if you’d like a Filipino version of this article or if you’d like to add a quote from a fictional figure or family member for creative storytelling.