OPM Singer Coritha Dies
CORITHA – The OPM singer renowned for her hit songs like “Oras Na,” “Lolo Jose,” and “Sierra Madre,” has died following a long illness, as confirmed by her partner, Chito Santos. Santos announced the sad news during a YouTube vlog with broadcaster Julius Babao on September 27.
Reflecting on her final days, Santos mentioned that they closely monitored Coritha until she became increasingly frail. He expressed his desire to prevent her from suffering any further, stating, “Tumigil na lang siya [sa paghinga]. Lumalaban siya kanina… [Pero] nakita ko na hirap na hirap na siya kaya nag-decide na ako na gano’n… Hindi ko na kayang tiisin e.” This led him to make the difficult decision to let her go, as he could no longer bear to see her in pain.
Following her passing, Santos indicated that Coritha’s remains will be cremated. Additionally, plans are underway for a “one day, one night viewing” at their residence in Tagaytay, although the date for this event has yet to be finalized. Santos expressed gratitude to those who have offered condolences, prayed for Coritha, and made donations to support her care.
Coritha’s health had been a concern for some time, as Santos previously revealed her condition in July. He shared that Coritha had been bedridden and unable to speak due to a stroke. In response to her situation, several fellow OPM artists, including Cooky Chua, Lolita Carbon, and Bayang Barrios, organized a fundraising concert titled “Awit para kay Coritha” in August to assist her. Her legacy in the OPM scene will be remembered, and her passing is felt deeply by fans and fellow artists alike.
Meanwhile, Coritha, born Socorro Avelino, is a Filipina folk-country singer-songwriter who gained fame in the 1960s and 1970s. She is known for her innovative use of native Filipino instruments and her song “Oras Na,” which became a popular protest anthem during the 1970s.