Sylvia La Torre
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
June 4, 1933
Sylvia La Torre | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Born | Sylvia Reyes La Torre June 4, 1933 |
| Died | December 1, 2022 (aged 89) Los Angeles, California, U.S. |
| Occupation(s) | Singer, actress, radio personality |
| Years active | 1941–2022 |
| Known for | Co-host of Oras ng Ligaya Kundiman performer |
| Spouse | Celso Perez de Tagle |
| Children | 3 |
| Parents |
|
| Relatives | Anna Maria Perez de Tagle (granddaughter) Sarita Pérez de Tagle (granddaughter) |
| Musical career | |
| Genres | Kundiman |
Sylvia Reyes La Torre-Perez de Tagle (June 4, 1933 – December 1, 2022) was a Filipino singer, actress, and radio star.[1]
Career
Singing
La Torre's singing career started in 1938 at the age of five, when she entered a singing competition in Manila.[4] She also attended the University of Santo Tomas Conservatory of Music under a scholarship and also became a frequent feature at the Manila Grand Opera House[3] and the Clover Theater.[5]
She would gain the reputation of being the "Queen of Kundiman" for performing hundreds of songs such as "Mutya ng Pasig", "Waray-Waray" and "Maalaala Mo Kaya".[3] She also recorded "Sa Kabukiran", "Katakataka", "No Money No Honey", "Batangueña", "Alembong", "Sa Libis ng Nayon", "Basta’t Mahal Kita".[5] Most of her recording were produced by Villar Records.[5]
She would continue to perform, even as she emigrated to the United States. In 2017, she worked with the Filipino-American Symphony Orchestra.[6]
Radio, television, and film
La Torre was a child actress, first appearing in the 1941 film Ang Maestra. She would feature in other films made by Sampaguita Pictures.[7] She appeared as Sebya in the radio series Sebya Mahal Kita, with Pugo and Rosa Aguirre.[5]
In 1960, La Torre featured in the radio program Tuloy ang Ligaya of Manila Broadcasting Company (MBC) with Lita Guttierez and Oscar Obligacion.[8][9] The radio program was made into a television program known as The Big Show which was hosted by La Torre and Obligacion. Due to the success of The Big Show. ABS-CBN would offer the two to host its noontime television show Oras ng Ligaya.[9] For this, she earned the title "First Lady of Philippine Television". She was a regular on the radio series Tang Tarang Tang and the TV sitcom of the same name, where she starred with comedians Pugo and Bentot.[10] She also starred in the film adaptation of Tang Tarang Tang and its sequel My Little Kuwan.[5]
La Torre's filmography spans until the 1990s.[6] Among her noted films are Ulila ng Bataan and Buhay Pilipino in 1952 and Nukso nang Nukso in 1960.[6] She also starred in the 1988 Seiko film One Two Bato, Three Four Bapor.[3]
Personal life
La Torre was married to Celso Perez de Tagle, a dentist, with whom she had three children. Her granddaughter, Anna Maria Perez de Tagle, is also an actress, known for appearing in Hannah Montana and Camp Rock.[9] La Torre was also a devout Roman Catholic.[4] Her family emigrated to the United States in the 1980s where she continued performing.[9]
Death
La Torre died in her sleep on December 1, 2022.[11]
Filmography
- 1941 - Ang Maestra
- 1949 - Biro ng Tadhana
- 1952 - Buhay Pilipino
- 1952 - Ulila ng Bataan
- 1952 - Gorio at Tekla
- 1953 - Munting Koronel
- 1953 - Ang Asawa Kong Americana
- 1958 - My Little Kuwan
- 1959 - Puro Utos, Puro Utos
- 1959 - Nukso ng Nukso
- 1960 - Yantok Mindoro
- 1961 - Oh Sendang
- 1962 - Tang-taran-tang
- 1963 - Sakay and Moy
- 1974 - Oh Maggie Oh
- 1978 - Chimoy at Chimay
- 1987 - Jack & Jill as Doña Estrella "Star" Bartolome
- 1989 - M&M, the Incredible Twins
- 1989 - One Two Bato, Three Four Bapor
- 1993 - Ligaw-ligawan Kasal-kasalan Bahay-bahayan
- 1997 - Biyudo Si Daddy, Biyuda Si Mommy
- 2001–2002 - Biglang Sibol, Bayang Impasibol
