Philippines singer and actress Armida Siguion-Reyna passed away on Monday, February 11, aged 88.
Siguion-Reyna's death was confirmed by her sister, Irma Potenciano, who said she died of cancer at Manila's Makati Medical Center.
Her grandson, actor Rafa Siguion-Reyna also confirmed the news in a Tweet and adding details of a memorial service to be held in Manila.
It is with deep sorrow to inform you of the death of our beloved mother and grandmother, Armida Siguion-Reyna. We will be holding a memorial service at the Heritage Memorial Park from February 12, Tuesday, 6pm until February 15, Friday, 11pm. Pls join us in celebrating her life.
— Rafa Siguion-Reyna (@rafasreyna) February 12, 2019
We request you bring your thoughts, prayers and fondest memories of Armida.
— Rafa Siguion-Reyna (@rafasreyna) February 12, 2019
❤️🙏🏼
Thank you to all those who’ve sent their condolences. Much appreciated.
A beloved mother and grandmother
Known for her show Aawitan Kita, which translates to I Will Sing for You, Siguion-Reyna was the daughter of singer Purita Liwanag and the lawyer and politician Alfonso Ponce-Enrile.
Her career in the public eye began at eight, when she appeared in the film Yaman ng Mahirap, before moving to the United States to finish high school.
In 1950 she met lawyer, Leonardo Siguion-Reyna, whom she married a year later in 1951.
Siguion-Reyna was known for roles in operas, including La Traviata, The Merry Widow and Rigoletto.
And from 1970 she worked on Aawitan Kita, "one of the longest-running musical shows on Philippine TV", airing for over 30 years according to ABS CBN News.
She went on to become the Philippines' Movie and Television Review Classification Board (MTRCB) Chairperson from 1998-2001.
In 2010, her husband passed away, a "loss" that her granddaughter Cris Villonco said was deeply felt by Siguion-Reyna in a May 2018 interview.
Remembering Siguion-Reyna
"She was always fun and full of great stories, but also quite strict. All of us had to know our songs very, very well when we came to the recording sessions. Otherwise, she would send you home," Rachel Alejandro, who appeared with the star on Aawitan Kita told ABS CBN News.
"That never became a problem for me because I am a quick study and also very meticulous about learning the right notes. I was such a newbie singer then who hadn't yet found my own style of singing. My study material was Tita Midz's voice. I learned her phrasing and placement so exactly that I sounded like her."
Tributes to a star
Malacanang Palace – the official residence of the Philippines President – shared its condolences.
Salvador Panelo, a presidential Spokesperson, said that the “entertainment world has lost one of its pillars and the Palace expresses its condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of the former Movie and Television Review Classification Board (MTRCB) Chairperson .”
Tributes have also flooded in from her fans online, many of which are paying respect by listening to her most celebrated music.
A formidable force in the Philippine entertainment industry has recently left us, but her contributions and legacy will never be forgotten especially her golden voice. Thank you and farewell, Armida Siguion-Reyna!! pic.twitter.com/DFMvCjAG5U
— Ronie The Trubist (@roniethetrubist) February 11, 2019
Eternal Rest, grant to her, O Lord. And let perpetual light shine upon her. She may rest in peace. Amen.
— Romeo Jarantilla,Jr (@Rjarantilla12) February 12, 2019
R.I.P Ms. Armida Siguion-Reyna. pic.twitter.com/Ai8ETEhV4S
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