‘She left behind a musical legacy that will forever cement her place in Original Pilipino Music (OPM) history’

When Filipino music legend Coritha (born Socorro Avelino) passed away on September 27, 2024 due to a lingering illness, she left behind a musical legacy that will forever cement her place in Original Pilipino Music (OPM) history.

A peek into Spotify would show some of the singer-songwriter’s most popular songs: “Oras Na,” “Lolo Jose,” “Sierra Madre,” “Gising Na, O Kuya Ko” and “Awit Kay Leandro.” Of these, “Oras Na” and “Lolo Jose” has the most number of streams on Spotify at 5.3+ million and 3+ million, respectively.

Could the interest in her been prompted by the vlog report back in August? The one by broadcaster Julius Babao, about Coritha’s paralyzed state (due to numerous strokes), the call for donations for her medical care, and her subsequent death?

Maybe.

But even before the rise of the internet, Coritha was already a well-known folk singer in the ‘70s and ‘80s for her haunting voice, poetic lyrics and poignant melodies.

“Oras Na,” an anthem at protest rallies, was used in the soundtrack of “Buy Bust,” a 2018 action film by Erik Matti starring Anne Curtis.

In a discussion on Reddit back in August, netizens talked about their fond memories about Coritha.

“Sumikat yata siya late ‘70s to ‘80s,” said Reddit user tced112.

“I loved her songs and growing up with them – very meaningful!” wrote Angies_Tasty_Foodies.

Coritha was a favorite of radio DJs whose songs were all outstanding, said Prestigious-Ad 6953. “Was also curious what happened to her after her first and only album. Her songs were staples on AM radio up until the late ‘80s to early ‘90s. Was able to listen to the album around since 2010s… I must say it’s a great album. Walang tapon.”

Julius’ vlogs mentioned details about Coritha’s last days and years – of how she lived in a tent when her house burned down, fell into depression before Mr. Luisito “Chito” Santos (an old acquintance of the singer) convinced her to accept his offer to care for her and live with him in Tagaytay. And how she fell very ill because of multiple strokes, became bedridden and couldn’t talk anymore.

“How could this happen to someone we hear singing on radio or TV everyday?” asked Romeo Babao, a retired doctor, producer and sound engineer, on Facebook.

Chito Santos, who adored Coritha until her last breath, described her as “maganda” and “malihim.”

A Google search of Coritha’s photos shows only beautiful images of the long-haired, slim singer-songwriter. Even on a hospital bed with a tube inserted in her nose, she still radiated a certain glow and grace that could only come from living life and practicing her art honestly and generously. Mr. Santos told Julius Babao how Coritha was very helpful to those in need of financial assistance.

Philippine art, music, film are filled with wonderful creatives like Coritha. It should not take a vlog to “put them on the radar” and back into people’s consciousness. Hopefully, through Coritha’s life, we learn to appreciate and value them while they are still alive.