Legendary Filipino Singer Freddie Aguilar Passes Away at 72

Early Life and Musical Beginnings

Born Ferdinand Pascual Aguilar on February 5, 1953, in Isabela, Philippines, Freddie grew up surrounded by music. He taught himself guitar at 17 and began writing songs at just 14.

Despite enrolling in Electrical Engineering, he dropped out at 18 to pursue music, performing in bars and clubs across Manila. His big break came in 1978 with “Anak” (“Child“), a song about a parents love and regret.

Rise to Fame with “Anak”

“Anak” became a global phenomenon, selling 33 million copies worldwide and being translated into 51 languages. Though it didn’t win the 1978 Metro Manila Popular Music Festival, it remains the best-selling Filipino song of all time.

Songs That Defined a Nation  

Aguilar music wasn’t just entertainment—it was a cultural force. His rendition of “Bayan Ko” (“My Country“) became the anthem of the 1986 People Power Revolution, which overthrew dictator Ferdinand Marcos.

Freddie Aguilar Most Famous Songs

Political and Cultural Influence

Beyond music, Aguilar was deeply involved in Philippine politics and culture:

• Presidential Adviser on Culture & Arts under Rodrigo Duterte
• Senatorial candidate in 2019(though he lost)
• Lifetime Achievement Awardsfrom global music organizations