Queen Sylvia La Torre, 89
As the Queen of Kundiman, Sylvia La Torre has recorded over 300 songs, including Waray Waray, Maalala Mo Kaya, Sa Kabukiran, Galawgaw, Kalesa, Mutya ng Pasig and Bituing Marikit.
First Lady of Philippine Television Sylvia La Torre Perez de Tagle has passed away. She was 89.
According to her granddaughter Anna Maria Perez de Tagle, she “died peacefully in her sleep” on Thursday morning, Dec. 1.
“At the time of her death, she was with her husband of 68 years and her children Artie, Bernie and Che-Che,” Anna’s Facebook post read.
She described her grandmother as a “devoted wife of Dr. Celso Perez de Tagle, loving mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, caring auntie and affectionate friend.”
“My grandmother was my first inspiration when it came to singing and acting. She was my first vocal coach and taught me all of her kundimans (love songs). Thank you for passing on your love of music to me and I will surely continue your legacy. Gone too soon but always in our hearts. Your song has ended but your melody will linger on. Love you Mama Cita,” she added.
La Torre debuted on the big screen with 1941’s Ang Maestra and appeared on television via The Big Show, OK Sha and Biglang Sibol, Bayang Impasibol.
In the 1960s La Torre was part of the early evening variety show Oras ng Ligaya along with Oscar Obligacion, Eddie San Jose and Vic Pacia. In black and white and directed by Tony Santos Sr., the show set the template for noontime Filipino TV in the fledgling years of local television.
She starred in the classic movies Oh Sendang, Buhay Pilipino, Nukso Nang Nukso and Tang-Tarang-Tang.
As the Queen of Kundiman, she has recorded over 300 songs including Waray Waray, Maalala Mo Kaya, Sa Kabukiran, Galawgaw, Kalesa, Mutya ng Pasig and Bituing Marikit.
In 2017, she was conferred the Excellence in Music Award by the Filipino American Symphony Orchestra.
