A Million Thanks To You, From Pilita Corrales

The inimitable Pilita Corrales has run the gamut of the entertainment world, from appearances in stage shows and performances in elegant nightclubs to roles on television and in movies. In her decades-long career, the Queen of Song has conquered the shores of the Philippines, Australia, America and beyond, making her a true legend of show business.

This superstar grew up in her hometown of Cebu, a place that she remembers fondly for she had a “very, happy childhood” with her six siblings. Then, because of a reversal of fate, the young lady and her family migrated to Sydney. In 1958, she started her music career in Australia with the hit song Come Closer to Me, a recording that earned her the distinction of becoming the first woman to enter the Australian pop charts.

In 1963, she returned to the Philippines, and jumped into the showbiz scene, initially as a radio disc jockey for the Spanish program La Taverna. Then, the singer became a regular at the popular Clover Theater and the Manila Grand Opera House. Back then, an inability to speak Tagalog was her biggest challenge. But over the years, this has become part of Pilita’s charm as the artist continues to pepper her acts with endearments in her native Cebuano.

Pilita has performed with many music greats such as Frank Sinatra, Bob Hope, Julio Iglesias, Engelbert Humperdinck, Matt Monro, Jack Jones, and Sammy Davis Jr., who personally invited the singer to Caesar’s Palace in Las Vegas, making her the very first Filipino to sing on the main stage of the famed venue.

Pilita was also among the lucky local artists who played as the front act for The Beatles’ Manila concert in 1966. “The band manager was too strict for comfort,” she remembers. “But the guys were very charming, eran muy civilized. John Lennon and George Harrison were very English with their ‘How do you do’s.’ Ringo Starr and Paul McCartney — the latter era el mas guapo, el mas simpatico — were very chatty, engaging in more than small talk.”

Apart from music, Pilita stormed the world of TV and movies, appearing in many musicals and headlining shows such as the long-running Your Evening with Pilita and, most recently, The X Factor Philippines, for which she is a judge.

The prolific singer has recorded over 150 songs in Filipino, English and Spanish. Her favorites include the English song No Other Love from the musical Me and Juliet, the Filipino song Kahit Isang Saglit by Martin Nievera, and the Spanish song Como Han Pasado Los Años by Rocio Dúrcal, “esposa de Junior el famoso cantante que era un Filipino.” As for the tune that best describes her life? “It is What I Did for Love,” she shares with a deep sigh, before launching into a smile.

There are 10 things that are distinctly Pilita — a unique combination of sound and style that come together beautifully in all her performances: The glittering, beaded gown. A skirt with a slit to the heavens that shows off her million-dollar legs. A pair of tacones. Those long brightly colored nails. A chic-and-high bouffant. Funny banter with the audience. That famous liyad or backward bending, an elegant technique that, according to Pilita, enables her to reach the high notes. Her sweet purring. All those love songs. And, finally, A Million Thanks to You, her trademark song composed by Alice Doria-Gamilla.

Before every performance, Pilita prays. “I offer my songs to you, Lord,” she says. “Take care of me and my voice.” Then, she sings, cooing away the worries of all who watch her, even for just a moment. It is this ability to bring joy — to transform the wounded or transport the lost into a place of peace — that keeps Pilita Corrales, the one and only, singing and dancing and going.

PHILIPPINE STAR: What do you remember most of your first trip abroad?

I was one of the first four Cebuanas, together with Maruja Celdran, Antonia Vallejo, y mi hermana Maria Luisa, who were sent abroad to attend the finishing school, Colegio Mayor de Padre Poveda in Madrid, Spain. I remember we had classmates from all over the world — de todas las partes del mundo — so it really felt like an international school or, shall I say, a mini United Nations. We were taught social graces—how to walk and talk (laughs), art and art appreciation, floral arrangement and table setting, cooking and guitar lessons—for an entire year. Our lessons were designed to make us well-rounded persons, but I thought they were really preparing us to become housewives. Damas de casa. (Laughs)

What won’t you leave home without?

My makeup! (Laughs) My beauty kit is never, ever far from me. I also bring my prayers like mis novenas a Padre Pio. I also have special intentions to the soon-to-be canonized Pedro Calungsod of Cebu and Blessed Pope John Paul II.

Who are your ideal traveling companions?

Most of my travels are for work. And for these, I will be nowhere without my all-round assistant Ester Comia, whom I have been with for 32 years. For trips to Australia, it is my husband Carlos, who is Australian. For holidays, there are my children, Jackielou and Ramon, and grandchildren. When I’m with them, I make sure that the trip is purely for leisure. Absolutamente no work allowed!

What is the first thing you do upon checking in at a hotel or at a resort?

Shower! And then I sleep. That, for me, is very sagrado. Do you know that I cannot sleep a wink if I’m on anything that is moving, whether on land or sea or air? Upon arrival at my destination, I am like a zombie! Also, I never work on the day of my arrival, especially since I have just survived a long-haul flight. Rehearsals or performances are scheduled the next day.

What would you consider a must-do activity in every foreign city that you visit?

If I am staying in one city, I am usually in and out of the place. If it’s for a series of performances, I immediately move on to the next location. Voy corriendo. In the hands of gracious hosts, who can never seem to do enough for you, I defer to their interests — sightseeing, dining, shopping, or watching a show.

I also try to squeeze in a bit of shopping for things that I cannot find here. Friends tell me that everything is available in the Philippines, but I just don’t know where to get them. The items that I shop for are the encargos of my children. Again, these are practical things not available here. And then, there are my nail enhancements, my hair extensions, and anything that would make me mas guapa. (Laughs)

Describe your most memorable trip.

Several come to mind. Vamos a ver­ down memory lane. Tokyo — where I was proclaimed the Best Singer in the Tokyo Music Festival. The competition was such a big deal since it attracted singing greats like The Jackson Five, Frank Sinatra, Diana Ross, Stevie Wonder, Dionne Warwick, and more. I remember competing against Olivia Newton John.

New York and Washington, D.C. — for my performances at the Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts and Carnegie Hall, where I sang thrice as part of an ensemble show, both in New York, and the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington.

Las Vegas — I performed with Sammy Davis Jr. at the main stage. Not the lounge show, mind you. We did two shows a night for three weeks. We had Ryan Cayabyab and a 40-piece orchestra. For me, Sammy was the greatest performer the world has ever known. He’s a total entertainer. In his early days, he was only allowed to use the back door entrance. Upon establishing his music career, complete with impressive credentials, and as more people loved him, Sammy could pass through the main portals and bring and introduce anyone to perform with him. It just shows how revered he was. Very confident! I remember he always introduced me as the star of the show!

What do you miss most when you’re away from home?

Sin duda mi cama en casa. I am one of those who find great difficulty in sleeping in strange beds. Do you call that the one-night-stand jitters? (Laughs) I am not the type to just lie down and immediately fall asleep. It’s really an exercise of mind over matter. I miss my family, too, the comforts of home, and the service that goes with it. Sabes, I cannot stay longer than a month away from home! So I come back, recharge myself, and then fly out again. And to think I hate long-haul flights. Madre mia!

What is the best travel advice you were given?

Bring as little as you can! That’s easier said than done. I have a tendency to bring more than I need. But you have this por se acaso or just-in-case moments — like what if I need another pair of heels—then you’re already on the wrong footing. Besides, anything you need is available abroad. For example, for a long overseas trip, I am completely packed one to three weeks in advance. (Laughs) Parece mentira! There are days that I pull out some items from my packed luggage. Then, on the following day, I return others. And then, I may add some more. It’s a constant tug of war of items going in and out of my maleta until time is up.

What is the strangest thing you have done on a trip?

One night, when I was billeted on the 17th floor of a Tokyo hotel, a rather strong earthquake happened. Que susto! I jumped out of bed and bolted out the door with whatever I was wearing or not wearing. When I saw that everyone was headed for the exit, I went into a total panic mode. You should have seen me! Una loca perdida! I wanted to run out of the hotel. Meanwhile, all the Japanese people were filing out in a calm, orderly fashion. Muy tranquilos. They must have wondered who this crazy woman was in their midst. It suddenly occurred to me that earthquakes were almost a daily occurrence in Japan.

Let’s talk favorites now. Name your favorite city abroad.

Sydney really is a second home to me. My family moved to Australia during my younger days, so I am very familiar with the city. I’ve also done several shows there, and was lucky enough to become a popular performer among the locals. I have fallen in love with Los Angeles and San Francisco, as well. These are the cuidades that I tour after my shows in America when time permits. Las Vegas is a favorite shopping destination for my stage-wear. The place is ideal for beaded gowns, towering high heels, and other things that seem like tonterias for my performances. The flavor of shopping over there is different from anywhere else.

Name your favorite spot in the Philippines.

Cebu is my other second home. I went to school at Colegio De La Inmaculada Concepcion. And my childhood days growing up in Cebu were simply memorable. I can still remember them today. I have muchas amistades, with many great friends from way back when. Our ties are still alive. Even when I moved to Sydney, I felt like a homing pigeon always looking for Cebu. There is nothing like it. As a tourist, I like Bohol because it has a little bit of everything and Palawan for its clean air.

Favorite airline?

If my destination is part of their route, Philippine Airlines is my first choice. I have faith in them, from the pilots to the cabin crew. In fact, I know most of them, and they are very sympathetic to my fear of flying. Whenever there is turbulence, they always look my way with smiles of assurance. That feels like they’re holding my hand. My latest discovery is Korean Airlines. I am impressed with its modernity and charm. I also prefer Cathay Pacific, Singapore Airlines, and Emirates Airlines. I do enjoy airline service in my strange way even if no me gusta volar.

Favorite airport?

The Changi Airport in Singapore. I loved it the first time I saw it, and the sights and amenities have gotten even better through the years. Changi is a joy.

Favorite landmark, building, or park?

The buildings of Manhattan, including St. Patrick’s Cathedral, the Philippine Center, Rockefeller Center, Central Park, the luxury shops on 5th Avenue, the window displays of the shops along other avenues, and the many eating places. There are just so many beautiful structures in Manhattan. Every turn at every corner is a discovery.

Favorite musical?

Me encanta Cats. The songs are very memorable. The acting was so fantastic that you feel like the actors were really cats. Plus, the sets were just so realistic.

Favorite restaurant?

Giovanni’s in Sydney. It’s owned by my husband. When on tour, tengo la buena suerte that I’m always invited by friends, show organizers, or Filipinos abroad, who wish to play hosts. They bring me to elegant places where the food is requisimo. But I cannot remember what we ate, because the hosts do all the ordering themselves.

Name an event anywhere in the world you would like to participate in?

I enjoy sporting events. After watching the Summer Olympics in Sydney, I wish to see more of it. Perhaps, go to Rio Janeiro, but the long, long flight is discouraging. I also want to watch the World Cup and the tennis championship in Wimbledon. Aside from these, I wish to attend a Vatican ceremony or commemoration con el Santo Papa presente. I hope to witness the canonization of our very own Pedro Calungsod in October, especially since he is a Cebuano. It must be a high to be there when it all happens. I can just imagine!

What is the worst souvenir you have ever bought back from a trip?

I easily fall in love with items that I buy with my eyes. Cuando llego a casa, I get the shock of my life. I ask myself, “Why did I ever get this?” Por ejemplo, I remember this particular blouse. Que asco era! Luckily, these things end up with someone who — seriously — adores them, and that is the consolation. Que consuelo when someone is genuinely happy with the things I share.

Name a city you have never visited but would like to someday.

From what I’ve read in publications, seen on television, and heard from friends, Cape Town in South Africa is a must. Then, there is Warsaw in Poland and Saint Petersburg in Russia. Segun me cuentan es prescioso!

Name a country you wish to explore.

Spain. Though I am familiar with Madrid, Barcelona, and other big cities, deseo visitar Granada, la cuidad donde nacio mi madre with all its Moorish influences. I wish to visit los peublos y las catedrales que me encantan. I want to feel the pulse of a country, the lifestyle of its people, el ambiante of the place—though sadly it has seen better days.

What would you say is the best part of travel?

Most of my travels are for work — I must have said this a hundred times before — so the best part is meeting the people who attended the show.

What would you say then is the worst part of travel?

The long, long hours of flight. Haay! I do not sleep a wink, and I really get terrified. Nervous is putting it mildly. And yet, my livelihood involves a lot of travel, ironically.

If you could reside anywhere in the world aside from the Philippines where would it be?

South America has crossed my mind. But when I think about it more, Sydney is the only choice. I’ve lived there for quite a while, and my extended family is also there. It is a second home abroad.