Freddie Aguilar

1.1. Birth and childhood

Ferdinand Pascual Aguilar was born on February 5, 1953, in Ilagan, Isabela, Philippines. His musical journey began at a very young age; he started composing his own songs at the age of 14 and made his debut as a singer, performing acoustic guitar in live clubs, when he was just 12 years old in 1965. He began performing on stage more regularly by the age of 20.

1.2. Education

Aguilar pursued higher education in Electrical Engineering at the De Guzman Institute of Technology. However, he did not complete his degree program, choosing instead to dedicate himself entirely to music. At the age of 18, he left college and parted ways with his family to pursue his musical aspirations, initially becoming a street musician before transitioning to performing in folk clubs and bars. Five years after dropping out of college, he realized and regretted his decision, a sentiment that later inspired him to compose his globally acclaimed song "Anak".

1.3. Musical influences

Freddie Aguilar's musical style was significantly shaped by a blend of international and local influences. He drew inspiration from British and American folk-rock artists such as Cat Stevens and James Taylor. Beyond these global sounds, Aguilar was deeply influenced by his rich Filipino heritage and strong nationalist sentiments. His music often served as a profound exploration of the Filipino ethos, reflecting the cultural identity and struggles of his people.

2.1. Beginning of musical career

Aguilar began performing professionally in public in 1973. He successfully auditioned for a folk club, the Hobbit House in Ermita, Manila, where he was hired to play folk songs for 500 PHP per gig. This marked the initial steps of his professional career, transitioning from street music to established venues.

2.2. International success with "Anak"

Freddie Aguilar's song "Anak" achieved unprecedented success, breaking Philippine record charts in 1979 and quickly becoming a global phenomenon. It reached the number one spot in Japan in 1977 and gained considerable popularity in various countries, including Angola, Japan, Malaysia, Hong Kong, and parts of Western Europe. The song's immense fame led to its recording in as many as 100 versions across 23 languages worldwide. Billboard magazine recognized "Anak" as the number two world hit of the 1980s, and Aguilar himself was noted as the second best-selling recording artist in Europe in 1981. As of 2006, "Anak" remained the highest-selling record in Philippine music history, a testament to its enduring appeal and impact.

2.3. Political activism and "Bayan Ko"

Even before his iconic rendition of "Bayan Ko", Freddie Aguilar was a vocal critic of social injustices through his music. His album Magdalena featured songs addressing pressing societal issues, such as a girl forced into prostitution due to poverty and the Christian-Muslim clashes depicted in his song "Mindanao". He also composed songs that spoke out against the injustices suffered by the powerless, the pervasive issue of poverty, and the perceived arrogance of global superpowers like the United States and Russia.

Five years after composing "Anak", Aguilar deepened his commitment to social and political causes by joining protests against the Ferdinand Marcos regime in 1983. During this period, he began writing and performing songs that directly criticized the government's excesses. Several of these protest songs led to his ban from mainstream media, including "Katarungan" (Justice), which advocated for the unjustly accused; "Pangako" (Promise), which lamented a leader's unfulfilled pledges to an abandoned populace; and "Luzviminda", an acronym for Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, which served as a rallying cry for Filipinos to recognize and resist oppression. His interpretation of "Bayan Ko" (My Country) became particularly memorable during this time, to which he added an original verse, further solidifying its role as a protest anthem.

2.4. "Bayan Ko" (My Country)

In 1978, Aguilar first recorded his rendition of "Bayan Ko" as a patriotic endeavor, aiming to, in his words, "jolt back those who were starting to forget who we really are." He described the song as inspiring, giving him a surge of excitement and power. The original "Bayan Ko" was composed in 1928 by Constancio de Guzman, with lyrics by poet Jose Corazon de Jesus, emerging during the Philippines' struggle for independence from US occupation.

The song resurfaced with renewed significance during the Marcos regime, becoming the unofficial anthem of the "people" of the People Power Revolution. This movement, which opposed authoritarianism, is widely credited with the eventual ousting of Ferdinand Marcos. In 1983, the assassination of Benigno Aquino Jr. triggered massive demonstrations against the Marcos dictatorship. During this tumultuous period, Aguilar's rendition of "Bayan Ko" was widely played on radios and blared from speakers mounted on jeepneys throughout the streets of Manila and across the Philippine provinces.

At Senator Aquino's funeral, Freddie Aguilar performed "Bayan Ko", deeply moved by Aquino's actions and sacrifice for Philippine freedom. During this performance, he felt a profound sense of strength and confidence, shedding any fear, and subsequently decided to actively join the cause. Aguilar, alongside the APO Hiking Society and other Pinoy pop musicians who took a stand against the dictatorship, participated in protest music and street performances as part of the anti-Marcos rallies. A few years later, he actively campaigned for the presidential candidacy of Corazon Aquino in the national election that ultimately led to the 1986 revolt. Aguilar has stated that the song's lyrics encapsulate the love Filipinos hold for their country, commemorate the Aquino family, and express a deep commitment to the nation. Even in contemporary times, "Bayan Ko" remains widely recognized by Filipinos as the nation's protest anthem.

2.5. Later career and contemporary activities

On January 18, 2008, Freddie Aguilar was honored with the Asia Star Award at the Asia Model Award Festival in South Korea. He continues to reside and perform in the Philippines, maintaining a strong following both domestically and among Filipinos living overseas. He has established his own venue, "Ka Freddie's," where he often performs live.

Aguilar has been a vocal advocate for the creation of a new government body, the "Department of Culture and Arts," to further promote and preserve Filipino cultural heritage. His involvement in political campaigns continued, notably during the presidential campaign and inauguration of President Rodrigo Duterte. Aguilar performed "Para sa Tunay na Pagbabago" (For True Change), one of Duterte's campaign jingles, set to the tune of his own song "Ipaglalaban Ko" (I Will Fight For It). President Duterte has publicly acknowledged Aguilar as his favorite singer.

In 2019, Aguilar ran for senator as an independent candidate, receiving an endorsement from President Duterte, who described him as "exemplary." Despite the endorsement, he was unsuccessful in his bid, placing 30th out of 12 available seats in the 2019 Philippine Senate election.

3.1. Lyrical themes and social commentary

The prevalent themes in Aguilar's songwriting reflect a strong sense of nationalism and a keen awareness of social justice issues. His lyrics frequently address the struggles of the common people, offering critiques of societal problems such as poverty, prostitution, and the arrogance of powerful nations. Songs like "Magdalena" poignantly tell the story of a girl forced into prostitution, while "Mindanao" touches upon Christian-Muslim conflicts. Other works, such as "Katarungan" (Justice), speak for the unjustly accused, and "Pangako" (Promise) laments unfulfilled pledges by leaders. "Luzviminda," an acronym for the three major island groups of the Philippines, serves as a call to action against oppression, urging Filipinos to awaken to their reality.

3.2. Political and social engagement

Aguilar has maintained a consistent and unwavering stance against authoritarianism throughout his career. His music actively supports democratic ideals and has significantly contributed to social change. He famously joined protests against the Marcos regime, composing and performing songs that directly challenged government excesses. His rendition of "Bayan Ko" became an iconic protest anthem during the People Power Revolution, symbolizing the Filipino people's fight for freedom and democracy. He further demonstrated his commitment by campaigning for Corazon Aquino in the election that led to the 1986 revolt. Aguilar's artistic platform has consistently been used to advocate for human rights and to highlight the plight of the marginalized, reflecting his deep engagement with the socio-political landscape of the Philippines.

4.1. Family and relationships

Freddie Aguilar's marital history includes several relationships. Prior to his widely known marriages, he was briefly married to Marilyn Angelo in Olongapo City, Zambales, though this union was later deemed invalid due to the priest lacking a proper license.

He entered into a common-law relationship with Josephine Queipo in 1973, formally marrying her in 1978. Together, they had four children: Maegan, Jonan, Isabella, and Jeriko. However, their marriage faced difficulties, leading to their separation in 1997 and subsequent divorce in London, United Kingdom, in 2000.

After separating from Queipo, Aguilar began a relationship with Antonette Martinez in 1998, when she was 17 years old. Following his divorce from Josephine, Aguilar and Martinez married in Las Vegas, United States, in 2000. This marriage, however, also ended in divorce after five years.

On October 17, 2013, Aguilar publicly disclosed his relationship with Jovi Gatdula Albao, who was 16 years old at the time. This announcement generated considerable public controversy. Despite the public reaction, Aguilar expressed his intention to marry Albao and have children with her, as she had also expressed a desire to have a baby. To legally facilitate their marriage, Aguilar converted to Islam six months prior to their wedding. On November 22, 2013, Aguilar and Albao were married under Islamic rites in Buluan, Maguindanao. Following his conversion, Aguilar adopted the Muslim name Abdul Farid.

4.2. Controversies

The most notable public controversy surrounding Freddie Aguilar involved his relationship with Jovi Gatdula Albao, who was 16 years old when their relationship was disclosed in 2013. The significant age difference between Aguilar, then 60, and Albao sparked widespread debate and criticism across various media platforms and social discussions. Despite the public outcry, Aguilar proceeded with the relationship and marriage, which he facilitated by converting to Islam.

4.3. Conversion to Islam

Freddie Aguilar converted to Islam approximately six months before his marriage to Jovi Gatdula Albao in November 2013. This conversion was a significant personal decision that enabled him to legally marry his then 16-year-old girlfriend under Islamic law, which permits marriage at a younger age than civil law in the Philippines. Upon his conversion, he adopted the Muslim name Abdul Farid.

4.4. Personal incidents

On January 3, 2018, Freddie Aguilar's residence in North Fairview, Quezon City, was engulfed in a fire. The blaze reportedly originated in his music room and resulted in the destruction of most of his valuable possessions, estimated at 15.00 M PHP. These losses included his extensive art collection, numerous awards, musical instruments, valuable records, and other personal memorabilia. At the time of the fire, Aguilar was at "Ka Freddie's," his bar and restaurant located along Tomas Morato Avenue. His wife, Jovi, his son Jonan, and his mother-in-law were all inside the residence when the fire erupted, but they managed to escape unharmed with the assistance of their neighbors.

5.1. Discography

Freddie Aguilar has released a wide array of studio albums, compilation albums, foreign language albums, and live recordings throughout his career.

Compilation Albums

• 1979: Greatest Hits (Vicor)
• 1985: The Best of Freddie Aguilar (G Records)
• 1987: Freddie Aguilar - Anak - Double "Best Of" Album (Panarecord International)
• 1989: Freddie Aguilar Greatest Hits (Vicor)
• 1993: Sampaguita, Lolita, Coritha Sing Freddie Aguilar (AMP)
• 1993: Fifteen Years of Freddie Aguilar Vol. 1 & 2 (AMP)
• 1993: Freddie Aguilar His Best (Music Distributors PTE LTD)
• 1995: The Best of Freddie Aguilar (Alpha)
• 1995: The Best of Freddie Aguilar and Friends (AMP)
• 1995: Anak-The Best of Freddie Aguilar (EMI)
• 2001: Duets with Freddie Aguilar (Concorde)
• 2004: Juan Dela Cruz (AMP) Concorde Recording

Foreign Language Albums

• 1979: Kenangan Ayah (Malay language album) (PolyGram Records Ltd. Sdn. Bhd. Malaysia)
• 1997: Anak (re-issue of Kenangan Ayah Digitally Remastered version) (PolyGram Records Ltd. Sdn. Bhd. Malaysia)

Live Recording Albums

• 1990: Freddie Aguilar Live in London (Tiger Records)
• 1997: Freddie Aguilar Live! Global Tour (Vol. 1, 2, 3) (Aguilar Music / Vicor Music)
• 2006: The Best of Freddie Aguilar Live!

Singles

• 1976 "Alaala"
• 1978 "Anak"
• 1978 "Bayan Ko"
• 1980 "Pulubi"
• 1980 "Bulag, Pipi at Bingi"
• 1981 "Ang Buhay Nga Naman Ng Tao"
• 1983 "Magdalena"
• 1983 "Mindanao"
• 1984 "Pinoy"
• 1985 "Mga Bata Sa Negros"
• 1985 "Ipaglalaban Ko"
• 1986 "Katarungan"
• 1987 "'Di Ka Nag-iisa"
• 1988 "Estudyante Blues"
• 1989 "Luzviminda"
• 1989 "Pangako"
• 1993 "Minamahal Kita"
• 1994 "Kumusta Ka"
• 1994 "Pasko Ang Damdamin"
• 1994 "Mga Pilipino Kong Mahal"
• 1994 "Ang Bansa Kong Maligaya"

5.2. Filmography

Freddie Aguilar's filmography includes a film appearance and several music videos.

5.3. Awards and recognition

Freddie Aguilar has received numerous awards and accolades throughout his career, recognizing his significant contributions to music and his cultural impact.

In addition to these awards, a monument dedicated to Freddie Aguilar was erected on September 30, 2006, on Magsaysay Drive in Olongapo City.

Awards for Album Sales

• Multi-Platinum: Anak (1978), Magdalena (1983), Bayan Ko (1986), Sariling Atin (1989), Ipaglalaban Ko (1990), Kumusta Ka (1993), Fifteen Years of Freddie Aguilar (1995)
• Double Platinum: Anak (1978), Magdalena (1983), Bayan Ko (1986), Sariling Atin (1989), Ipaglalaban Ko (1990), Kumusta Ka (1993), Fifteen Years of Freddie Aguilar (1995)
• Platinum: Greatest Hits (1980), Katarungan (1986), Halabira (1990), Fifteen Years of Freddie Aguilar (1994), Diwa ng Pasko (1995), Pagbabalik Himig ni Freddie Aguilar (1995), ASAP: Platinum Circle Award (2006)
• Gold: Anak (1979), Anak - Polydor Japan (1979), Kumusta Ka (1991), Kumusta Ka - Ampex Golden Reel Award (1992), Green Card (2000)