Legendary singer Sylvia La Torre, dubbed the First Lady of Philippine Television and the Queen of Kundiman, has passed away at the age of 89, her family confirmed on Friday.
In a Facebook post, La Torre's granddaughter, actress Anna Maria Perez Tagle, said Sylvia died peacefully in her sleep on December 1 at 7:02 AM. She was with her husband of 68 years, Celso Perez de Tagle, and their children Artie, Bernie, and Cheche when she passed away.
"My grandmother was my first inspiration when it came to singing and acting. She was my first vocal coach and taught me all of her kundimans. Thank you for passing on your love of music to me and I will surely continue your legacy," Anna wrote.
"Gone too soon but always in our hearts. Your song has ended but your melody will linger on. Love you Mama Cita."
Born in 1933, Sylvia started her singing career at the young age of five, when she won a singing competition in Manila. She appeared in her first film at seven years old, in 1941’s Ang Maestra, and made her stage debut two years later, soon becoming a regular performer at the Manila Grand Opera House.
Starting in the 1950s, she recorded more than 300 songs, including the Philippines’ traditional folk songs such as “Sa Kabukiran,” “Mutya ng Pasig” and “Waray Waray," for which she earned the "Queen of Kundiman" title.
La Torre also became part of a radio program in DZRH in 1961 entitled "Tang-Tarang-Tang." It was later adapted to the silver screen in 1962.
In her later years, she had been based in Southern California, where she continued to perform.
In 2017, she performed with the Filipino American Symphony Orchestra, which gave her its first Excellence in Music Award.
