OPM Legend Freddie Aguilar Passes Away at 72
Filipino folk singer Freddie Aguilar, known globally for the hit song “Anak,” has died at age 72, according to early reports.
Freddie Aguilar, one of the Philippines’ most iconic musicians, has died at 72. The Original Pilipino Music (OPM) legend reportedly passed away early Tuesday morning, May 28, 2025, at the Philippine Heart Center in Quezon City.
فيديو ذات صلة
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As of now, Aguilar’s family has not released an official statement.
Family Posts Gave Glimpse of His Condition
Days before his passing, Aguilar’s wife, Jovi Gatdula Albao, had been posting emotional updates on social media.
On May 24, she shared a photo of a coffee cup from what appeared to be a hospital room, captioned, “Stay strong, things will get better. It may be stormy now, but it can't rain forever.”
Earlier that week, she hinted at the challenges they were facing:
“So much is happening this week, there have been many tearful moments, but we can't be weak just yet... What I can assure you is that he's in good hands and he's receiving all the medication he needs.”
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A Song That Defined a Generation
Aguilar rose to global fame in 1978 with his song “Anak” (meaning child), a heartfelt ballad about family and regret. It quickly became a massive hit — not just in the Philippines, but across the world.
Anak remains the best-selling OPM song of all time, with over 33 million copies sold globally. It topped charts in several countries including Japan, and was translated into 51 languages. Some versions of the song have also been recorded in over 20 other languages, highlighting its wide emotional reach.
A Music Icon and Family Man
Aguilar first married Josephine Queipo in 1978. The couple had four children together — Maegan, Jonan, Isabella, and Jeriko.
In 2013, he married Jovi Albao in an Islamic ceremony in Buluan, Maguindanao.
Freddie Aguilar leaves behind a legacy that shaped generations of Filipino music lovers. With timeless songs like Anak and his passionate storytelling through music, he remains a true pillar of OPM.
This article was previously published on UAE Moments. To see the original article, click here