Filipino folk music icon Freddie Aguilar passed away at the age of 72 on Tuesday, May 27, 2025, at the Philippine Heart Center.
The news was confirmed by Atty. George Briones of the Partido Federal ng Pilipinas (PFP), where Aguilar served as the national executive vice president.
Aguilar, widely regarded as a pillar of Original Pilipino Music (OPM), rose to fame with his globally recognized song “Anak”, which became an anthem across generations.
The song “Anak” was translated into more than two dozen languages, including English, Japanese, German, and Spanish, marking it as one of the most phenomenally successful Filipino songs in history.
Born on February 5, 1953, Aguilar began writing songs at the age of 14 and started his musical journey as a street performer before gaining prominence in folk clubs and local bars.
Aside from his musical achievements, Aguilar was known for his political involvement and once ran for the Philippine Senate, although he did not win a seat.
He was also famously associated with his stirring rendition of “Bayan Ko,” which became a symbolic protest anthem during the 1986 EDSA Revolution against Martial Law.
His contributions to Filipino music and culture have left a lasting imprint on the nation and the global stage.