Philippine Folk Legend Freddie Aguilar dies at 72

Filipino music icon Freddie Aguilar, the man behind the legendary folk-pop song “Anak” died of cardiac arrest in the early hours of Tuesday, May 27. He was 72.

Multiple news outlets reported on the musician's death, citing Partido Federal ng Pilipinas general counsel George Briones. Aguilar, who was national executive vice president of the political party, died at the Philippine Heart Center in Quezon City.

Born Ferdinand Pascual Aguilar on February 5, 1953 in Santo Tomas, Isabela, Aguilar was a folk icon who was widely considered to be a pioneer and pillar of Philippine rock music.

The 1978 hit “Anak,” which is the bestselling Philippine record of all time, has been translated to over 50 languages and has garnered global praise and recognition. The song made it to the finals of the inaugural year of the Metro Manila Popular Music Festival in 1977, the country’s pioneering songwriting competition. It spawned a film that bears the same name starring Vilma Santos and a screenplay written National Artist for Film and Broadcast Arts Ricky Lee. "Anak" has also been covered over 100 times in at least 27 different languages.

In 1978, Aguilar put out the first recording of “Bayan Ko,” a traditional kundiman ballad, which was used as a protest song during the dictatorship of former President Ferdinand Marcos Sr. and after the assassination of former Senator Benigno "Ninoy" Aquino. 

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Another classic folk rock from Aguilar that cemented his legacy in the annals of Original Pilipino Music is "Magdalena." The 1983 single, and the accompanying eponymous album, illustrates the tragic tale of a woman named Magdalena, who turns to prostitution to support her family, highlighting the social and economic struggles of Filipinos at the time.

The folk musician, who is also referred to as “Ka Freddie,” is survived by his wife Jovie Gatdula Albao, and his four children from his previous marriage.

Aguilar’s legacy is not without controversy. In 2013, he drew the public’s ire after he publicized his relationship with Albao, who was 16 years old at the time. (The musician was 60). The two were eventually married under Islamic rites in Maguindanao.

In 2022, Aguilar ran for the Senate as an independent candidate and was even backed by former President Rodrigo Duterte. He only placed 30th in the race.

A polarizing figure, Aguilar has nevertheless cemented his place on Filipino music, having made a profound social and cultural impact with his music.