Around GMA

Article Inside Page

Philippine icon Sylvia La Torre has passed away on Thursday.

Sylvia's granddaughter, Anna Maria Perez de Tagle, confirmed the news on her Facebook page on Friday.

"RIP to my grandmother, Ms. Sylvia La Torre Perez de Tagle.- First Lady of Philippine Television, Queen of Kundiman and Tandang Sora Awardee," she wrote.

She said the veteran artist "died peacefully in her sleep" on the morning of December 1.

"At the time of her death, she was with her husband, of 68 years and her children, Artie, Bernie and Che-Che," she continued.

Anna Maria described her grandmother as a "devoted wife of Dr. Celso Perez de Tagle, loving mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, caring auntie, and affectionate friend."

In the same post, Anna Maria honored her grandmother, whom she considered her "first inspiration" in singing and acting, as she was also her first vocal coach.

"Thank you for passing on your love of music to me and I will surely continue your legacy. Gone too soon but always in our hearts. Your song has ended but your melody will linger on. Love you Mama Cita," she said.

Sylvia earned the title of “Queen of Kundiman” and was also known as the First Lady of Philippine Television.

Aside from TV and music, Sylvia also established a name in film and radio.