Islamabad, May 28, 2025: Freddie Aguilar, the well-known Filipino folk singer passed away at the age of 72. He was globally recognized for his song Anak which has long held a special place in Southeast Asia’s music scene.
According to reports from local media in the Philippines, Aguilar died early in morning around 1:00 AM at the Philippine Heart Center in Quezon City. The suspected cause of death is cardiac arrest.
Aguilar, a convert to Islam, was no stranger to Malaysia and neighboring countries. He often performed live in the region, where audiences connected deeply with his heartfelt and emotional musical style.
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His signature hit Anak, released in the late 1970s, struck a powerful chord among listeners across generations. The song telling the story of parent’s pain and love quickly became a huge hit and went on to sell an estimated 33 million copies globally. It remains the best-selling music record ever produced in the Philippines and is uniquely known for being translated into over 50 languages.
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Furthermore, in recognition of his cultural impact, Freddie Aguilar was appointed as Presidential Adviser on Culture and the Arts by former President Rodrigo Duterte. With his passing, the region loses one of its most iconic musical storytellers.
