No’ng isilang ka sa mundong ito, laking tuwa ng magulang mo…
Our country’s music scene has just lost one of its most iconic voices. Freddie Aguilar, the legendary folk musician best known for the timeless anthem Anak, passed away on May 27, 2025 due to multiple organ complications.
One of the Original Pinoy Music “OPM” Composer & Singer
Born on February 5, 1953, Ferdinand Pascual Aguilar, a.k.a “Ka Freddie,” hit the spotlight of Filipino fame in the 1970s with a style that was raw, emotional, and nationalistic. He was known for his soulful songs and signature long hair. He wasn’t just a singer, he was a great storyteller, protester, patriot, and a man whose music echoed the struggles and triumphs of the Filipino spirit.
The Song That Touched the World: “Anak”
There is no remembering Freddie without remembering Anak. Released in 1978, this ballad was about a child’s regret and a parent’s unconditional love that could be applied to several generations, even until today. Because of the meaning of the song, it was appreciated beyond the Philippines and had been translated into over 20 languages and covered by countless artists. Soon enough, it became one of the best-selling Filipino songs of all time.
While Anak was his biggest hit, Freddie Aguilar’s discography is filled with songs that could stir anyone’s emotion and inspired action, such as “Estudyante Blues,” “Magdalena,” “Bayan Ko,” and “Katarungan.”
An Activist for the People
Freddie Aguilar was never afraid to speak his mind—be it through his lyrics or his activism. He often used his platform to voice out the struggles of the poor, the abused, and the forgotten. His music became a synonymous anthem with protest and advocacy during some of the Philippines’ most challenging eras.
Even in his later years, he continued to perform, collaborate, and serve as an inspiration to both established artists and new musicians.
Freddie Aguilar may have left this world, but his music will forever be carved in our collective memory, as Filipinos. He gave us songs that healed wounds, generations, and even fueled revolutions. As we say goodbye, we don’t just mourn the man. We celebrate the legacy that he left from his lifetime of soundtracks and hymns.
Rest in peace, Ka Freddie.
