Willy Cruz, composer of 'Bituing Walang Ningning' and other OPM classics, dies at 70

Renowned songwriter Wilfredo "Willy" Buencamino Cruz has passed away at age 70.

Cruz's niece, Cheska Mae Africa, confirmed the death of the artist to GMA News Online.

Africa said Cruz died around 1:30 a.m. on Monday while confined at the St. Luke's Medical Center in Quezon City.

A number of Filipino artists took to social media to express their condolences to the family of Cruz upon learning his death.

Among the songs written by Cruz include “Bituing Walang Ningning,” “Sana’y Wala ng Wakas,” “May Minamahal,” "Araw-araw, Gabi-gabi," and “Kumusta Ka.”

Africa said Cruz's wake will be held at the Presidential Suite of the Loyal Memorial Chapels in Makati City starting on Tuesday afternoon.

His cremation is tentatively scheduled on Saturday, Africa added.

Sharon Cuneta, who interpreted some of the biggest hits of Cruz's career, took to Facebook to express her grief.

Other artists also took to social media to commiserate.

My friend and mentor Willy Cruz passed away at 1AM this morning. Such sad news. May you have peace in God's loving arms.

— Jim (@Jimparedes) April 17, 2017

Rest in God's loving arms, Willy Cruz. You have left such a legacy of amazing music to remember you by.

— Lea Salonga (@MsLeaSalonga) April 17, 2017

RIP Mr. Willy Cruz. Ty for the wonderful music that you have created for the Filipinos.

— ogie alcasid (@ogiealcasid) April 17, 2017

Rest in peace, Sir Willy Cruz...

— Manilyn Reynes M. (@manilyn_reynes) April 17, 2017

—JST, GMA News