Freddie Aguilar

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Freddie Aguilar
Freddie.
Freddie.
Background information
Birth name Ferdinand Pascual Aguilar
Born February 5, 1953 (1953-02-05) (age 55)
Origin Isabela, Philippines
Genre(s) Folk
Pop
Occupation(s) Singer-songwriter
Years active 19?? – present
Label(s) Unknown
Associated acts Watawat Band

Freddie Aguilar is a famous Folk musician from the Philippines. He is best known for the hit "Bayan Ko",[1] which became the anthem for the opposition to the Marcos regime during the 1986 People Power Revolution.[2]

He is well known internationally, and within the Philippines and Asia-Pacific region, claiming fame as one of the best musician-songwriters of the Philippines.

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[edit] International acclaim

One of his hits, "Anak" (Filipino word for "child"), became a worldwide hit and was released in 56 countries and in more than 26 different foreign languages. It has sold over 30 million copies. Because of the hit song, Freddie Aguilar has gained the distinction of being the only Asian artist to achieve worldwide fame.[3] The song was also a finalist for the inaugural 1977 Metropop Song Festival held in Manila.

[edit] Life

Freddie studied Electrical Engineering at De Guzman Institute of Technology but did not finish the course. In 1973, he married Josephine Quiepo. One of their children, Maegan Aguilar, also became a singer.[3]

Freddie Aguilar left family and school unfinished at the age of 18. His father, who had wanted him to be a lawyer, was disappointed. Freddie traveled to far-away places carrying with him only his guitar. With no one to guide and discipline him, he got into gambling. Realizing and regretting his mistakes five years later, Freddie composed "Anak", a remorseful song expressing apology to his parents. He went back home and asked for forgiveness from his parents who welcomed him with open arms. After his father read the lyrics of "Anak", the two became closer to each other. The homecoming proved timely as his father died soon afterwards.[3]

[edit] Present day

Freddie still lives in the Philippines, and continues to perform. He currently has moved to his own place dubbed "Ka Freddies". Freddie still has a strong following in the Philippines and among many Filipinos living overseas.

On January 18, 2008, Freddie Aguilar received the Asia Star Award from the Korea Asia Model Award Festival.[4]

[edit] Discography

Year Title Record Label
19?? Ngayon Unknown
19?? Kasaysayan Ni Ka Freddie Aguilar Unknown
19?? The Best of Freddie Aguilar Live! (with the Watawat Band) Unknown
1994 Anak (Special Collector's Edition)# VICOR
2003 Juan Dela Cruz Unknown

[edit] References