Sylvia La Torre, Queen of Kundiman, dies at 89

Sylvia La Torre Perez de Tagle, the Queen of Kundiman, has passed away. She was 89 years old.

According to a statement sent to GMA Integrated News from her family, the singer “died peacefully in her sleep on December 1st at 7:02 a.m.” The news was also confirmed by GMA News and Public Affairs’ former head, Marissa La Torre Flores.

“At the time of her death, she was with her husband of 68 years and her children, Artie, Bernie and Che-Che,” the statement said.

The family described La Torre as a “devoted wife of Dr. Celso Perez de Tagle, loving mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, caring auntie, and affectionate friend.”

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.”

Aside from her work on screen, La Torre is known for her music as the Queen of Kundiman, the smooth-flowing genre of traditional Filipino love songs.

She is the voice behind the classic Filipino songs “Maalala Mo Kaya,” “Sa Kabukiran,” “Paskong Anong Saya,” “Waray Waray,” and many more.

La Torre 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. —JCB, GMA Integrated News