'First Lady of Philippine Television' Sylvia La Torre passes away at 89
Sylvia La Torre, the "First Lady of Philippine Television," has passed away. She was 89.
Her death was announced by her family in a statement that said she died peacefully in her sleep on Thursday, Dec. 1 at 7:02 a.m.
According to her loved ones, she was with her husband of 68 years and her children Artie, Bernie, and Cheche—who also found their way into the entertainment scene—at the time of her passing.
In a Facebook post on Friday, Dec. 2, her granddaughter Anna Maria Perez de Tagle, who is making a name for herself in the same field in the United States, referred to La Torre as her "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," she wrote.
The loving child of a singer and movie director, La Torre stood out in all aspects of Philippine entertainment—from radio, television, and record, to stage and film.
La Torre had her very first live stage show at nine years old at the Manila Grand Opera House, which kicked off her theater career. "I enjoyed and learned so many things performing with veteran actors and actresses,” she said in a previous interview, reminiscing about her life as an actress and singer. “Our show was three times a day. Because of this strenuous schedule, it made my voice stronger and more powerful.”
La Torre debuted on the big screen with Ang Maestra (1941). Her film career lasted for over five decades, although most of her movies are now considered lost.
The "Queen of Kundiman" (traditional Filipino love songs) recorded over 300 songs since the 1950s, including traditional folk songs like Sa Kabukiran, Mutya ng Pasig, and Waray Waray.
From the 1950s to the 1960s, the multi-talented La Torre became loved for her stints on radio and television. She played the role of Ibyang on a radio show that later turned into a TV series. She also dabbled in hosting, acting, and singing on the hit 1960s TV show Oras ng Ligaya for more than 10 years.
La Torre was conferred the Excellence in Music Award by the Filipino American Symphony Orchestra in 2017. An article published on the prestigious Golden Globe Awards website stated there was a "clamor for La Torre to be declared a National Artist, the highest recognition given to Filipino individuals who have made significant contributions to Philippine arts."
Rest in peace, Sylvia La Torre.
