Filipino music icon Coritha, whose real name was Socorro Avelino, passed away on the evening of Friday, September 27. The news of her death was confirmed by her partner, Chito Santos, in a video shared by broadcaster Julius Babao on YouTube.
According to Santos, while Coritha’s condition briefly improved, he no longer wished to prolong her suffering, especially as it became evident that she was struggling due to her health condition. In July, it was revealed that Coritha had become bedridden after suffering a stroke. Santos explained that Coritha was rushed to the hospital after losing control of her body when she got up to use the bathroom. She underwent a CT scan, which revealed that she had already experienced multiple strokes. After her condition stabilized, Santos brought her home to his residence in Tagaytay, where she had been living since her house in New Manila was destroyed by a fire in October 2018.
Santos added that at first, Coritha could still speak normally and did not require an oxygen tank. However, as time went on, she gradually lost the ability to move her mouth and body.
Coritha’s passing comes just a month after several OPM (Original Pilipino Music) artists held a joint concert to raise funds for her medical treatment. She was a prominent figure in the Filipino music scene during the 1960s and 1970s, known for her folk-country songs performed with traditional Filipino instruments. One of her most iconic songs was the protest anthem “Oras Na,” which solidified her place as a leading musical figure in the country.
As a significant part of the Original Pilipino Music (OPM) movement, Coritha’s death is a tremendous loss to the music industry. Her songs and activism not only entertained but also carried meaningful messages to those who listened.