The year 2025 will be remembered as a period of profound sorrow for the Philippine entertainment industry, which bid farewell to an unprecedented number of its most cherished icons. From the silver screen to the concert stage, the nation mourned the passing of 18 legendary figures whose contributions defined generations of Filipino culture.
A Solemn Timeline of Loss
The year began with the passing of Gloria Romero, revered as the Queen of Philippine Cinema, who died of old age on January 25 at 91. February saw the departure of veteran actress Evelyn Bontogon-Guerrero, who succumbed to a heart attack at 78 on Valentine's Day, February 14.
The season of loss continued into spring. Veteran actress Delia Razon passed away from a stroke at 94 on March 15. In April, the music world was stunned by the death of Pilita Corrales, Asia's Queen of Songs, who died in her sleep at 87 on April 12. Merely four days later, on April 16, National Artist and cinematic Superstar Nora Aunor lost her battle with a lung disease at 71. The month concluded with the passing of original heartthrob Hajji Alejandro, the "Kilabot ng mga Kolehiyala," who died from colon cancer at 70 on April 22.
Industry Pillars and Beloved Figures
May proved to be another difficult month. Actor-director Ricky Davao lost his fight with cancer on May 1 at age 63. Comedian Amay Bisaya (Roberto Reyes) passed away due to diabetes complications on May 8 at 67. The tragic month ended with two losses on May 27: Red Sternberg, the '90s T.G.I.S. actor, died from a heart attack three days before his 51st birthday, and OPM legend Freddie Aguilar succumbed to multiple organ failure at 72.
The summer brought more heartbreaking news. Veteran film and theater actor Victor "Cocoy" Laurel died on June 14 at 72 from multiple organ failure and cardiac arrest. On July 3, influential showbiz columnist and talent manager Lolit Solis died from a heart attack at 78.
As the year wound down, the industry faced further farewells. Veteran dancer and choreographer Anna Feliciano died of a heart attack at 65 on October 24. The next day, former actor and politician Patrick Dela Rosa passed away from lung cancer at 61. Jazz singer and New Minstrels co-founder Louie Reyes died from ovarian cancer on October 26 at 68. Hitmaker Piwee Polintan, lead vocalist of Jeremiah, died after suffering a stroke at just 47 on October 28.
November saw the passing of '70s teen idol Dondon Nakar from cardiac arrest at 66 on November 1. The iconic actress and dedicated Philippine Red Cross volunteer Rosa Rosal passed away at the remarkable age of 97 on November 15. Finally, on December 4, the music community grieved the loss of Errol "Budoy" Marabiles, Junior Kilat vocalist-songwriter and former Pinoy Big Brother housemate, who died at 54.
An Enduring Legacy for Filipino Culture
The collective passing of these 18 luminaries represents a significant cultural shift for the Philippines. Their careers spanned decades, from the golden age of Philippine cinema to the rise of OPM and contemporary television. Each artist left an indelible mark, not only through their performances but also through their charitable work and role as national treasures.
This series of losses has prompted a nationwide reflection on the rich tapestry of Philippine entertainment history. Fans, colleagues, and family members continue to celebrate the vast bodies of work and the personal memories these icons provided. While their physical presence is gone, their artistic legacies in film, music, comedy, and broadcast journalism will undoubtedly continue to inspire and entertain Filipinos for generations to come.
