Sylvia La Torre, a Philippine legend known as the “Queen of Kundiman,” passed on yesterday, December 1, Thursday. She was 89.
Her granddaughter, American actress Anna Maria Perez de Tagle, confirmed her death through an Instagram post.
Anna shared that Sylvia passed in the morning, 7:02 a.m., in the presence of her husband, Celso Perez de Tagle, and their children, Artie, Bernie, and Cheche.
The actress, known for her roles in Hannah Montana and Camp Rock also used the post as an opportunity to express her fondness of Sylvia.
Sylvia, born in 1933, began her singing career at five after winning a singing competition in Manila. She made her first film appearance at seven in 1941’s Ang Maestra. She made her stage debut two years later and soon became a regular performer at the Manila Grand Opera House.
In the 1950s, Sylvia began recording more than 300 songs, including “Sa Kabukiran,” “Mutya ng Pasig,” and “Waray Waray,” earning her the title “Queen of Kundiman.”
She later established a presence in radio and television as the co-host of the 60s show Oras ng Ligaya. Sylvia then became known as “First Lady of Philippine Television.”
By her later years, Sylvia moved to Southern California, where she continued to perform. In 2017, she performed with the Filipino American Symphony Orchestra, giving her a first Excellence in Music Award.
