Pilita receives Honoris Causa

CEBU, Philippines - Asia’s Queen of Songs, Pilita Corrales, expressed her gratitude to the University of the Visayas after being conferred with the honorary degree of Doctor of Music during the university’s graduation ceremonies yesterday.

Corrales described the award as the biggest award she has ever accepted in her entire career as a singer.

In a resolution, the university’s Board of Directors said it considers Corrales as an iconic advocate of music and arts, “especially those reflective of Cebuano sentiments and worldview and advocacy, which she has persistently pursued in the past four decades.”

UV President Eduardo R. Gullas personally congratulated Corrales.

UV Executive Vice President Jose “Dodong” R. Gullas, who recommended the giving of the honorary degree, said that Corrales is worthy of emulation, especially by the Filipino youth, taking into account her dedication to the performing arts and her love for Cebuano music.

Corrales told The FREEMAN that she was surprised but humbled by the honor vested upon her.

She added that she will always be a proud Bisaya. She also said she takes pride in Visayan music because it is unique in terms of meaning and melody.

“Music is my life. Every place I go, any TV show, I would never do a show without singing a Visayan song. I had no album without a Visayan song,” she stated.

Corrales is set to launch her latest album titled “Pilita Corrales Duets” on November 13. She has recorded a Visayan song with Cebuano singer Chad Borja in the album.

In her acceptance speech, Corrales encouraged the graduates to do things with passion and have faith in God to make their dreams come true without losing their integrity.

She also advised the youth to be dedicated and disciplined to stay longer in the profession they have been dreaming of.

After receiving her honorary degree, Corrales performed the “Ikaduhang Bathala”, one of the favorite songs of the Gullas family.

Corrales has performed with internationally acclaimed artists like Sammy Davis Jr., Bob Hope, Pat Boone, Frank Sinatra and Julie Andrews. She had also appeared in Philippine movies, most of them musicals. Her multi-awarded TV program “An Evening with Pilita” (1965–1972), is widely considered as one of the benchmarks in Philippine broadcasting history.   (FREEMAN)