Sylvia La Torre's family shares details of her wake and funeral

Sylvia La Torre Perez de Tagle passed away on December 1. She was 89.

Her family shared with GMA Integrated News the details of the Queen of Kundiman's public viewing and funeral.

There will be a viewing on December 21 from 5-9pm at the Forest Lawn Mortuary (21300 Verde Dr., Covina CA 91724).

On December 22, church services will be held at St. Denis Catholic Church (located at 2151 S. Diamond Bar Blvd, Diamond Bar CA).

It will begin at 9:30 a.m. with a viewing, followed by the Holy Rosary at 10 a.m., and finally a Holy Mass at 10:30 a.m.

She will be laid to rest at 12 p.m. at Forest Lawn Mortuary.  

"Our mom was in fact a very loving, caring and kind person. She helped relatives, friends, and even fans in times of need," La Torre's daughter, Bernie Evangelista, said in a statement.

"She was always the life of the party, cracking jokes and reacting to stories. She taught us about God and and her faith never wavered," she added.

According to Evangelista, La Torre had declined several show biz projects, choosing instead to stay in the US and be with her family.

"She and our dad were inseparable, a true love team. They were together for 73 years! Our Mom was happiest when the whole family was with her," Evangelista wrote.

According to a family statement, La Torre died peacefully in her sleep on December 1 at 7:02am. She was with her husband Dr. Celso Perez de Tagle and her three children, Artie, Bernie, and Che-Che.

Born on June 4, 1933, La Torre is also dubbed as the First Lady of Philippine Television. Some of her TV credits include the series “The Big Show,” “OK Sha,” and “Biglang Sibol, Bayang Impasibol."

As a film actress, she is best known for “Ulila ng Bataan,” “Buhay Pilipino,” “Nukso Nang Nukso,” and “Tang-Tarang-Tang.”

But it was her music that really touched people's hearts. Known as the Queen of Kundiman, La Torre is the voice behind the classic Filipino songs “Maalala Mo Kaya,” “Sa Kabukiran,” “Paskong Anong Saya,” “Waray Waray,” and many more.

She is a recipient of the Tandang Sora Award, which is given to women who embody the Philippine hero’s traits of courage, service, and goodness, among others. — LA, GMA Integrated News