Filipino music stars who deceased at age 45
Here are 4 famous musicians from Philippines died at 45:
Helen Vela
Helen Vela (October 31, 1946 Manila-February 14, 1992 Rochester) a.k.a. Helen P. Vela was a Filipino actor, television show host and radio personality. She had four children, Reuben Punzalan, Paolo Punzalan, Princess Punzalan and Meg Punzalan.
Helen Vela started her career in the entertainment industry as a radio broadcaster in 1964 at DZRH, one of the leading radio stations in the Philippines. She became very popular with her distinct and melodious voice, which led her to become a television host in the 1970s. She also appeared in various Philippine movies, including the popular film "Nakaw na Pag-ibig."
Aside from being a talented broadcaster and actor, Vela was also known for her advocacy work. She was actively involved in various charitable activities and campaigns, particularly those aimed at helping the poor and underprivileged Filipino children. Her commitment to social work earned her numerous accolades and recognition throughout her career.
Unfortunately, Vela's life was cut short when she was diagnosed with lung cancer in 1991. Despite undergoing chemotherapy and radiation treatments, she lost her battle with the disease on Valentine's Day in 1992 at the age of 45. Her death was a great loss not only to her family and loved ones but to the entire entertainment industry and the Philippines as a whole. Nevertheless, her legacy lives on to this day, as she continues to inspire and touch the lives of many Filipinos.
One of the most significant contributions of Helen Vela to the entertainment industry was her radio program "Kay Ganda ng Ating Musika" (Our Music is Beautiful), which she hosted for over 12 years. The show featured popular Filipino songs and showcased local talent, and became a favorite of many Filipinos. It was also broadcast in other countries with large Filipino communities, such as the United States and Canada.
Apart from her work in the entertainment industry and social causes, Vela was also a devoted wife to her husband Hermie Rivera, a businessman, and a loving mother to her four children. Her daughter, Princess Punzalan, followed in her footsteps and became an actress.
In honor of her contributions to the entertainment industry and society, Vela was posthumously inducted into the Philippine Radio Hall of Fame in 2008. Her legacy continues to inspire those who have heard her melodious voice on the radio or have seen her on television and in movies.
Helen Vela was also known for her iconic looks, as she often donned a simple yet elegant Filipiniana dress whenever she appeared on camera. Her fashion sense became popular among Filipinos, particularly among women who saw her as a style icon. She even designed her own Filipiniana dresses and donated them to various charity events.
Aside from her showbiz and advocacy work, Vela was also a writer. She authored a book entitled "Ano'ng Pangalan Mo Sa Gabi?" (What's Your Name at Night?), which is a compilation of poetry and short stories. The book was published in 1981 and was well-received by readers.
In 1984, Vela was awarded the Natatanging Gawad Urian (Distinguished Urian Award) for her outstanding contribution to Philippine cinema. The award was given by the Manunuri ng Pelikulang Pilipino (Filipino Film Critics).
Overall, Helen Vela was a multi-talented and inspiring woman who left a lasting impact on the entertainment industry and the Philippines as a whole. Her legacy continues to live on, and she remains a beloved figure among Filipinos.
Read more about Helen Vela on Wikipedia »
Rio Diaz
Rio Diaz (August 14, 1959 Manila-October 4, 2004 Daly City) also known as Rosario Diaz or Rio Diaz-Cojuangco was a Filipino actor. She had three children, Claudia Diaz Cojuangco, Jaime Diaz Cojuangco and Ali Diaz Cojuangco.
Rio Diaz was known for her work in the Philippine entertainment industry during the 1980s and early 1990s. She starred in several films and television dramas, including "Kaliga" and "Alabang Girls." She was also a singer and released her self-titled album in 1981. Apart from her acting career, Diaz was also involved in politics and was an advocate for women's and children's rights. She ran for public office multiple times, but was unsuccessful in her bids for election. Diaz's battle with colorectal cancer was widely covered by the media, and her death at the age of 45 was a great loss to the industry and her fans.
In addition to her successful entertainment career, Rio Diaz was also a businesswoman. She owned a popular restaurant in Makati City called "Rosario's Kitchenette" which specialized in home-style Filipino cuisine. Diaz was also a philanthropist and was involved with several charitable organizations, including the Philippine Cancer Society and Children's Hospital Foundation. She was a prominent advocate for cancer awareness and was actively involved in promoting early detection and prevention. Her legacy lives on through the Rio Diaz Foundation, which was established in her honor to support cancer patients and their families. Diaz's contributions to the entertainment industry, politics, business, and charity have made her a beloved figure in the Philippines and continue to be celebrated by fans and colleagues alike.
Rio Diaz was born in Manila, Philippines to a prominent political family. Her father, Jose "Pepe" Diaz, was a prominent lawyer and government official, while her mother, Pacita Madrigal-Warns, was a former senator. Diaz's siblings, Maricris Diaz-Granados and Jose Mari Diaz, are also known for their work in the entertainment industry.
Diaz began her career as a child actress, appearing in several films in the 1970s. She gained wider recognition in the 1980s as a leading lady in films and television dramas. Despite her success in entertainment, Diaz never lost sight of her advocacy work. She was particularly passionate about women's and children's rights, and was involved in several organizations that aimed to improve the lives of marginalized groups.
Diaz's diagnosis of colorectal cancer in 2001 was a turning point in her life. She became an active voice in the fight against cancer, using her platform to raise awareness about the disease and encourage early detection. Despite her illness, Diaz continued to work and was determined to make a difference in the lives of cancer patients.
Diaz's death in 2004 was a great loss to the entertainment industry and the country as a whole. Her legacy, however, continues to live on through the Rio Diaz Foundation, which provides support to cancer patients and their families. Diaz's commitment to her advocacy work and her dedication to helping others is remembered and celebrated by Filipinos around the world.
She died in colorectal cancer.
Read more about Rio Diaz on Wikipedia »
Lauro Delgado
Lauro Delgado (December 10, 1932 Bocaue-January 15, 1978 Philippines) was a Filipino actor.
He started his career in the entertainment industry in the 1950s and appeared in various films and television shows. Some of his notable films include "Iginuhit ng Tadhana," "Dambanang Putik," and "Kung Bakit Dugo Ang Kulay ng Gabi." Delgado was also known for his roles in action films and was often cast as a villain. He received numerous awards and nominations including the Best Actor award from the Filipino Academy of Movie Arts and Sciences (FAMAS) for his performance in the film "Ganito Kami Noon, Paano Kayo Ngayon?" Delgado was married to actress Daisy Romualdez, and they had two children together. He passed away at the age of 45 due to a heart attack.
Delgado was a talented actor who was well-respected in the industry. He was also a member of the Philippine Actors Guild, and his contributions to the industry were appreciated by many. Apart from acting, Delgado was also a skilled singer and had released several records throughout his career. He was a versatile performer who could tackle various roles with ease, be it drama, comedy, or action. Even after his untimely death, he remains a beloved figure in Philippine cinema and is remembered for his contributions to the industry.
In addition to his numerous acting roles, Lauro Delgado was also a talented scriptwriter and director. He made his directorial debut in the film "Biktima" in 1959 and went on to direct several other films throughout his career. Delgado was also involved in politics and was elected as a councilor in his hometown of Bocaue, Bulacan. He was known for his charitable work and was a supporter of various social causes. Delgado's legacy continues to inspire younger generations of Filipino actors and filmmakers. In 2013, a documentary film entitled "Lauro Delgado: Koleksiyon ng Pag-ibig sa Pelikula" was released, paying tribute to his life and contributions to the industry.
Read more about Lauro Delgado on Wikipedia »
Marcelo H. del Pilar
Marcelo H. del Pilar (August 30, 1850 Bulakan-July 4, 1896 Barcelona) also known as Marcelo del Pilar was a Filipino journalist, writer, lawyer, politician and musician. He had seven children, Sofía H. del Pilar, Anita H. del Pilar de Marasigan, José H. del Pilar, María H. del Pilar, Rosario H. del Pilar, María Consolación H. del Pilar and María Concepción H. del Pilar.
Marcelo H. del Pilar was one of the leading propagandists of the Philippine Revolution and is considered as one of the most important figures of the Philippine nationalistic movement. He was instrumental in spreading the ideas of the reformist movement to a wider audience through his prolific writings through various publications such as La Solidaridad, El Grito del Pueblo, and Diariong Tagalog.
Aside from being a journalist, del Pilar was also a lawyer and served as the legal counsel for the pro-reform movement in Spain. He was also a member of the Masonic Lodge, where he met and became friends with fellow revolutionaries such as José Rizal and Graciano Lopez Jaena.
Del Pilar's legacy as a nationalist and revolutionary was cemented through his contributions to the establishment of a national consciousness among the Filipino people, and his efforts in securing reforms from the Spanish colonial government.
During his time as a revolutionary, Marcelo H. del Pilar took on the pen name "Plaridel", and used his writings to criticize the Spanish colonial government and its oppressive policies towards the Filipino people. His works were often scathing commentaries on the injustices and abuses committed by the colonial authorities, and he used humour, satire and irony to effectively convey his message. Del Pilar also advocated for the use of the Filipino language, and wrote some of his most famous pieces in Tagalog, such as "Dasalan at Tocsohan" and "Sagot ng España sa Hibik ng Filipinas".
Del Pilar's contributions to the Philippine nationalist movement were recognized posthumously, and in 1925 he was declared a national hero of the Philippines by the country's legislative assembly. The town of Bulakan, where he was born, was renamed in his honour to Marcelo H. del Pilar, and many monuments and memorials have been erected in his memory throughout the Philippines. His writings continue to be studied and admired as important works in the development of Filipino nationalism and the struggle for independence.
In addition to his contributions as a writer and activist, Marcelo H. del Pilar was also a talented musician. He was skilled in playing the guitar, piano, and various wind instruments. He often performed at social gatherings and events, and his musical talents were highly celebrated by his contemporaries. Del Pilar was also known for his wit and sense of humour, which he often incorporated into his writings and speeches. He was greatly admired by his fellow revolutionaries, who saw him as a charismatic and inspirational leader. Despite facing numerous challenges and setbacks in his life, Del Pilar remained committed to the cause of Philippine independence and fighting against colonial oppression.
After his death, his wife, Marciana "Marcy" del Pilar, worked tirelessly to preserve his legacy and continue his work as an activist. She founded the Marcelo H. del Pilar National Shrine in Bulacan, which houses a museum and library dedicated to his life and achievements. The shrine has become a popular destination for tourists and visitors interested in learning about Philippine history and culture. Today, Del Pilar is remembered as a hero and icon of the Philippine nationalist movement, whose ideas and writings continue to inspire generations of Filipinos.
He died as a result of tuberculosis.
Read more about Marcelo H. del Pilar on Wikipedia »