The Philippine music industry has lost a true legend. Original Pilipino Music (OPM) icon Ferdinand Pascual “Freddie” Aguilar passed away on May 27, 2025, at 72. He died around 1:30 a.m. at the Philippine Heart Center in Quezon City due to complications reportedly involving a blocked artery, as confirmed by Atty. George Briones of Partido Federal ng Pilipinas (PFP). Aguilar previously served as PFP’s national executive vice president.
Here are some notable trivia and lesser-known facts about the music icon:
1. “Anak” Sold Over 33 Million Copies
Freddie Aguilar’s breakout hit “Anak” is the best-selling Philippine music record of all time, with over 33 million copies sold worldwide. It was translated into 51 languages, a feat no other Filipino song has matched.
2. He Composed “Anak” After Regret
Aguilar wrote “Anak” after leaving home and dropping out of college at age 18. The song was born from deep regret and reflection—a heartfelt apology to his parents.
3. Voice of Protest
Freddie’s rendition of “Bayan Ko” became the anthem of the People Power Revolution in 1986. The song blared from radios and jeepneys during protests following the assassination of Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino in 1983.
4. Musical Activist
Before becoming a political figure, Aguilar used his music to challenge social injustice, poverty, and government oppression. His songs like “Magdalena” and “Mindanao” tackled harsh realities that many Filipinos faced.
5. Recognized Abroad
In 2008, he was honored with the Asia Star Award in South Korea. In the 1980s, Billboard reported Aguilar as Europe’s second-best-selling recording artist in 1981.
6. A Presidential Favorite
Aguilar composed “Para sa Tunay na Pagbabago”, a campaign jingle for then-presidential candidate Rodrigo Duterte, who often cited Freddie as his favorite singer.
7. He Ran for Senate
In 2019, Aguilar ran for a Senate seat as an independent, endorsed by Duterte, but did not win, placing 30th overall.
8. Controversial Personal Life
In 2013, Aguilar sparked public debate after admitting to a relationship with then 16-year-old Jovi Gatdula Albao, whom he later married under Islamic rites. He had converted to Islam and taken the name Abdul Farid.
9. Fire Tragedy in 2018
His home in Quezon City caught fire in 2018, destroying ₱15 million worth of property, including musical memorabilia and awards. Fortunately, no lives were lost.
10. Survived by Family
Freddie is survived by his wife Jovie, and children Maegan, Jonan, Isabella, and Jeriko. His family requested privacy, with updates shared sparingly online.
Freddie Aguilar will forever be remembered not only as a musical icon but also as a symbol of patriotism, cultural pride, and social advocacy. His voice may be gone, but his music will continue to speak for generations of Filipinos.