2025 wrapped: gone but not forgotten—Filipino showbiz legends we lost in 2025

As the year draws to a close, let’s take a look at the beloved Filipino icons who bid farewell to their careers. 

The Philippines is home to countless iconic entertainers who push the boundaries of music, film, dance, and more. New talent emerges every year, with many more awaiting discovery. As 2025 comes to a close, let’s honor the Filipino icons whose curtains have fallen for the last time.

The queens of the silver screen

Nora Aunor (1953–2025)

Also known as the Philippines’ “Superstar” for dominating the silver screen since the ‘70s, Nora Aunor passed away last April at the age of 71 due to acute respiratory failure after an angioplasty. Aunor was proclaimed as a National Artist for Film and Broadcast in 2022 for her extensive filmography and countless accolades as an actress and producer. 

Gloria Romero (1933–2025)

Gloria Romero is the undeniable “Queen of Philippine Cinema” who watched over the industry for the seven decades she was an actress. Romero passed away in January at the age of 91, and her family didn’t publicly disclose the cause of her death. People of all generations will always remember Romero’s angelic face, as she was a staple in the local film and TV scene. 

The voices of OPM history

The music industry felt the heavy weight of loss this year as several pioneers of the Original Pilipino Music (OPM) movement took their final bows.

Freddie Aguilar (1953-2025)

An Original Pinoy Music (OPM) icon, Freddie Aguilar was a beacon in the industry, with his song “Anak” having been translated into over 50 languages. Aguilar died in May at the age of 72 due to multiple organ failure. Aguilar’s songs resonated with the Filipino public due to their social relevance and heartwrenching lyrics. 

Pilita Corrales (1937-2025)

Dubbed “Asia’s Queen of Songs” by the media, Pilita Corrales was a singer and actress recognized as one of the most influential vocal divas in the country. According to her family’s announcement in April, Corrales died peacefully in her sleep without citing the specific cause of death. Corrales was known for her distinctive backbending during her performances and her dazzling personality that shone in her roles. 

Hajji Alejandro (1954-2025)

Friends, family, fans, and the industry as a whole mourned the passing of Hajji Alejandro, an OPM icon of the 70s and 80s. After battling with his stage 4 colon cancer, Alejandro chose to be in palliative care in his home, where he was surrounded by the people he loved until he passed away last April.

Masters of comedy, drama, and dance

Ricky Davao (1961-2025)

Veteran actor Ricky Davao has been a beloved figure in the film industry since his comic and drama roles in the 80s. Davao died last May at the age of 63 due to terminal complications from lymphoma cancer. 

Evelyn Bontogon-Guerrero, aka Matutina (1946-2025)

The lovable comedian from the ‘70s sadly passed away in February on Valentine’s Day, at the age of 78. The comedy actress, known as Matutina from the 70s sitcom “John en Marsha,” will be remembered for her witty lines and vibrant delivery. 

Lollie Mara (1939-2025) 

Award-winning actress Lollie Mara, known for her fierce roles in movies and TV series, died last October, though her family did not disclose the cause for her death. Mara has been featured in films like “Praybeyt Benjamin,” “Stella Magtanggol,” and “Ang Bagong Pamilya ni Ponching.” In 2016, she won the Best Supporting Actress in Cinemalaya, tied with Elizabeth Oropesa.

Anna Feliciano (1959-2025) 

Famed choreographer Anna Feliciano passed away from a heart attack in October at the age of 65. Feliciano was a highly sought-out choreographer who created lively dance steps for popular noontime shows such as “Wowowee.”

Louie Reyes (1956-2025)

Louie Reyes was a jazz singer from the 70s who was part of the group New Minstrels, known for their jazz performances. According to her family, Reyes died peacefully in October at the age of 68, but they did not disclose the cause of death. Reyes was considered one of the pioneers of OPM for her early contributions to the industry. 

 

 

As 2025 comes to a close, let’s honor the Filipino icons whose curtains have fallen for the last time.

 

 

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