Janine, Diego Gutierrez grateful for Pilita Corrales’ FMA legacy award

October 23 ------ Janine and Diego Gutierrez gave a heartfelt thanks to the Filipino Music Awards (FMA) for recognizing the legacy of the late Pilita Corrales, whom they referred to as their Mamita, as the latter was awarded the Tribute Award.

The siblings accepted the trophy on behalf of Corrales at the inaugural FMA, with the actress saying the late singer’s career started with a determination to succeed in music as a means to help her family survive. “On behalf of our family, maraming, maraming salamat sa Filipino Music Awards for this honor. Despite Mamita’s achievements, at the core, siya pa rin ang batang Cebuana na kinailangan kumanta kasi namatay nang maaga ang kanyang ama,” she said. “That’s a very Filipino survival story, and her career is proof that if you put purpose and passion together, you will be propelled forward. And her legacy has propelled lots of young musicians and artists forward. Kahit wala na siya dito, lahat ng mga musician at fans, you keep her legacy alive,” she added.

Meanwhile, Diego said Corrales set the standard for OPM and where it is today. “She inspired many artists and gave us so many opportunities for the local and international music scene and she worked so hard for everything she had achieved.” “She worked tirelessly; she gave everything [in] her craft,” he continued. “And that’s why people love her. Every performance, every song she wrote, every album recorded, and that’s why she’s so loved.”

Diego said that beyond her glittery career, the veteran singer was the “most generous” person to her loved ones. “But off the stage, she was just our Mamita, the most loving, most generous, the purest soul, and the kindest heart, and the amount of work she put in the music industry. She gave twice as much to her loved ones and to her family. She’s looking down, and she’s happy where OPM is right now,” she said.

Corrales, dubbed as Asia’s Queen of Songs, died in her sleep last April at the age of 87. Her most notable songs include “A Million Thanks to You” and “Kapantay ay Langit.” The FMA held its first iteration of the award ceremony last Tuesday, Oct. 21, at the Mall of Asia Arena. The biggest winners of the night were SB19 and Cup of Joe, who bagged six and two plums, respectively.

Source: inquirer.net