Over a month since the unexpected passing of Pilita Corrales, the late singer and actress was posthumously recognized with the Presidential Medal of Merit from President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos for her services to the arts. Known as “Asia's Queen of Songs,” Pilita passed away in her sleep at the age of 87 last April 12.
In her most recent social media post, PIlita’s daughter Jackie Lou Blanco shared her sentiments after accepting the award on her mother’s behalf at the Malacañang Palace in Manila. In her post, Jackie Lou shared how her mom had done the country proud by performing for dignitaries inside the same venue.
She wrote, “This honor came at a time when we needed it most. Stepping into the Malacañang Palace that day, I was filled with a mix of joy and quiet sorrow. My mom had graced this palace with her extraordinary talent…singing for the guests of the late President Ferdinand Marcos and former First Lady Imelda Romualdez Marcos. Now, in a moment both emotional and historic, she was awarded the Presidential Medal of Merit by our President, His Excellency Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. Present that day were First Lady Liza Araneta Marcos and Former First Lady Imelda Romualdez Marcos, making the moment even more meaningful.”
READ: Jackie Lou Blanco opens up about coping with the loss of her loved ones
Before ending her post, Jackie Lou shared how thankful she and her family was for their recognition of her mom. “From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for honoring her artistry, her legacy, and the values she lived by. This recognition means more than words can express. Thank you Mom for the beautiful legacy you left. I am and forever will be the proudest daughter. I love you so much Mom💜💜💜”
In her previous posts on Instagram, Jackie Lou shared how close a bond she shared with her mom by posting snapshots of their fun moments together with their family online.
In 2021, Jackie shared a throwback photo with her mom while performing on stage with the caption, "Today and everyday, I celebrate all kinds of women. But most especially my mom @pilitacorrales who took all the hurdles in life and still came out of it not with a bitter heart but with the most selfless and unconditional love! Happy Women's Day to all the women in our lives! 💜💜💜”
In one post in 2022, she shared a TikTok video they shot at home. In the caption, Jackie wrote, “Naks nakiki TikTok na rin kami 😜 kidding aside, I treasure all our moments with the most beautiful woman in our family. My Mom continues to inspire us all. #HappyWomensMonth to all!!💜”
Jackie Lou is one of Pilita Corrales’s two children. Her younger brother is actor Ramon Christopher Gutierrez, who was previous married to Lotlot de Leon, and is also the father of kapamilya actress Janine Gutierrez. Jackie Lou’s husband, actor Ricky Davao also passed away last May 2 after battling complications related to cancer.
In a recent interview with Boy Abunda, Jackie Lou shared how she is coping with all the devastating loss in her family.
“By God's grace, Boy. God's love I take it a day at a time which is the same thing I tell my children. Let's take it a day at a time. There will be a day that when we are okay, the next day we are not okay and it's okay because there are no shortcuts to grief. But for me I think it was harder because my brain couldn't process that I lost mom and then now I lost Ricky. It's like there are days I am thinking of mom and crying for mom. Then after a while I am crying for Ricky and crying for my children because I know how hard it is for them and how hard it will be for a long time.”