Sylvia La Torre known as the ‘Queen of Kundiman’ and ‘First Lady of Philippine Television’ has passed away. Let’s see what happened to her and Sylvia La Torre cause of death in detail.
What happened to Sylvia La Torre?
Philippines’ MANILA- The “Queen of Kundiman” and renowned singer Sylvia La Torre passed away at the age of 89. Her granddaughter, the actress Anna Maria Perez de Tagle, announced her passing on Friday, December 2.
According to Anna, Sylvia passed away on December 1 at 7:02 a.m. in front of her 68-year-old husband Celso Perez de Tagle, and their three children, Artie, Bernie, and Cheche.
“My grandmother served as my initial source of motivation for acting and singing. She was my first vocal instructor, and I learned all of her kundimans from her. I’m grateful that you shared your love of music with me, and I’ll do my best to carry on your legacy, Anna remarked.
Sylvia La Torre cause of death
La Torre was the first talent to enjoy a successful career in all major entertainment fields in the Philippines. Sylvia La Torre, 89, the Philippines’ First Lady of Television, died today, Dec. 1, her Granddaughter informed in an Instagram post the statement reads,
| RIP to my grandmother, Ms. Sylvia La Torre Perez de Tagle.- First Lady of Philippine Television, Queen of Kundiman and Tandang Sora Awardee, devoted wife of Dr. Celso Perez de Tagle, loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, caring auntie, and affectionate friend, died peacefully in her sleep on December 1st at 7:02 am. At the time of her death, she was with her husband, of 68 years, and her children, Artie, Bernie, and Che-Che. 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. Gone too soon but always in our hearts. Your song has ended but your melody will linger on. Love you Mama Cita. 🕊️🤍 |
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Who is Sylvia La Torre?
The Queen of Kundiman and The First Lady of Philippine Television, Sylvia La Torre was a Filipino singer, actress, and radio personality who lived from June 4, 1933, to December 1, 2022.
La Torre is the daughter of director Olive La Torre and Filipino artist Leonora Reyes. She is the mother of the on-screen couple Bernie Pérez and Cheche. She was an early vocal tutor for actresses Sarita Pérez de Tagle and Anna Maria Perez de Tagle and is the paternal grandmother of both of them.
She has a degree in music with a major in voice and a minor in piano from the University of Santo Tomas Conservatory of Music. She is a coloratura soprano. When she entered a singing contest in Manila in 1938 at the age of five, she started singing.
Also, she began her theatre career during World War II. She began performing at the Manila Grand Opera House in 1948. “Si Petite Mon Amour,” her debut song, appeared on the Bataan Records label in 1950. Later, she relocated to Villar Records. In the 1950s and 1960s, she was referred to as “The Queen of Kundiman”.
She moved to Sampaguita Pictures, the company where her father worked as a director, and started making movies in 1941 (Ang Maestra). She was a Los Angeles resident.
Sylvia La Torre: 2017 Excellence in Music Award
Sylvia entered a singing contest in 1938 when she was just five years old, and she came in first. Sylvia made her stage debut at the age of nine, appearing in vaudeville performances not once, not twice, but three times a day at the Manila Grand Opera House.
Close your eyes and visualize Sylvia playing alongside other renowned musicians like Bayani Casimiro and Katy de la Cruz. In the 1950s, Sylvia, a student at the University of Santo Tomas Conservatory of Music, first appeared on albums.
Over 300 songs, including “Sa Kabukiran” and “Waray Waray,” were recorded by her. And more, to name a few: lovely kundiman like “Bituing Marikit,” “Mutya ng Pasig,” and “Nasaan Ka, Irog.”
Sylvia successfully entered the radio and television industries in the 1950s and 1960s, completing her hegemony over all five forms of entertainment in Manila. In the TV program “Oras ng Ligaya,” we adored her. She was dubbed the First Lady of Philippine Television due to her dominance on television.
The news that Sylvia had been impressed when she attended a FASO concert for the first time, conducted by our maestro Robert, or Bob, Shroder, made us at FASO feel honored. When Sylvia consented to perform with FASO for the first time, we became even more enthusiastic.
Sylvia rocked the house and received a standing ovation during that concert in August of last year. The opportunity to perform with Sylvia’s wonderful granddaughter, Anna Maria Perez de Tagle, made her very happy and proud.
Sylvia will commemorate a significant achievement next year. She will commemorate her remarkable 80th year in the entertainment industry. Friends, that’s Eight-Zero!
A friend of mine suggested that Sylvia be designated a National Artist of the Philippines when FASO announced that she will be one of our two Excellence in Music Awardees. That acknowledgment is long overdue.
But in my opinion, Sylvia is already a national treasure and a part of our minds and hearts. Ladies and gentlemen, allow me to introduce Sylvia La Torre, the recipient of our Excellence in Music Award.
Tributes to Sylvia La Torre
Rocio Nuyda said,
2 distinguished women at a FASO gala that I chaired Sylvia La Torre was an awardee and VP Leni Gerona Robredo accepted my invitation as the gala’s esteemed Guest of Honor. Sylvia La Torre is a national treasure…my condolences.
Marivic Puzon said,
Grew up watching her in Oras ng Ligaya, among others. My mother called her Ibyang. She was a great entertainer. Thank you, Madame Sylvia La Torre! May our heavenly Father welcome you with open arms into His paradise!
Bessie Cruz commented,
My father loved listening to your music..he played your 33rpm types of vinyl after dinner when he was around. May you sing lovely kundimans to them Up There. You are the “Mutya ng Pasig”.
Titchy Ignacio posted,
Many thanks for the years you shared your presence and talent to enrich Philippine entertainment. Your musicality will forever be remembered and treasured. Rest in peace po Mam Sylvia la Torre. Go sing happily and enthrall our Lord with your beautiful voice.
William Willy R. Reyes posted,
I watched Pugo and Bentot movie recently on YouTube she was there as the daughter of Pugo as Ibyang and the wife of Eddie San Jose and the daughter-in-law Aling Rosa Aguire, I remember I was counting the actors who already passed away in that movie and I’m glad that Sylvia La Torre was still alive but now she’s gone too, may she rest in peace. Condolence to the Family my thoughts and prayers
Carol Ojeda-Kimbrough said,
So very sad to hear this. I grew up watching her on TV and listening to her singing – the last time was at a FASO concert where she sang with her apo, Anna Maria Perez de Tagle.
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