Claire Dela Fuente, an icon in the local music industry, has passed away on March 30, 2021, at the age of 62 due to cardiac arrest. In her honor, we remember some of her greatest hits which earned her the title of “Jukebox Queen” and “Karen Carpenter of the Philippines.”
Source: www.facebook.com/clairedlf
“Sayang”
“Sayang” became an instant hit when it was first released in the 1970s that it hurled Dela Fuente into celebrity status. It continues to be a favorite choice for Pinoys to sing in karaoke sessions.
“Minsan-Minsan”
Following the success of “Sayang,” Dela Fente went on to release seven more albums. She is also known for the song “Minsan-Minsan,” also included in the album “Sayang,” which garnered a Double Platinum Record award.
“Nakaw Na Pag-ibig”
It’s no surprise just how popular Dela Fuente’s first album had been, with three singles becoming chart-toppers and timeless favorites. Another song that Asia’s Sweetest Voice became known for was “Nakaw Na Pag-Ibig,” which also garnered a Double Platinum Record award.
“Nangingiti ang Puso Ko”
Dela Fuente was also given the title “Queen of Tagalog Songs” alongside Rico J. Puno as her counterpart. She went on to achieve awards for three more albums, including “Nangingiti ang Puso Ko” which was given Gold Record awards for both the album and the song.
“Makikita Mo”
An evidently more upbeat track, “Makikita Mo” also garnered a Gold Record award and is a great song to sing on karaoke nights when you’re tired of getting hurt and mistreated by your lover.
“Something In Your Eyes”
Perhaps one of the greatest achievements in Dela Fuente’s life is her collaboration with Richard Carpenter in 2008 for her international album, “Something In Your Eyes.” She had often been compared with the late Karen Carpenter during the early stages of her career that it seemed like everything had come full circle with this song.
They even released a music video for it!
“The Christmas Song”
Richard Carpenter wasn’t the only international singer Dela Fuente had collaborated with. In 2010, she recorded a duet with Michael Bolton for their rendition of “The Christmas Song.”
(ALSO READ: 10 OPM Secrets Revealed at the Song in Focus Podcast)
Apart from her singing career, Dela Fuente was also known for becoming the elected president of the Integrated Metro Bus Operators Association (IMBOA) and, in 2003, making headlines for spearheading a boycott of the color-coding scheme imposed by the MMDA for all public utility vehicles. She then went back to school to study transportation management at PUP and finished a Masters in Business Administration at the University of Western Australia in 2005.
She also became a successful businesswoman, launching The Skin Shop and restaurants Gracielo’s and Claire de la Fuente Seafood and Grill.
Dela Fuente had tested positive for COVID-19 a week prior but was asymptomatic.
May she rest in peace.
Do you have a story for the WhenInManila.com Team? Email us at story.wheninmanila@gmail.com or send us a direct message at WhenInManila.com Facebook Page. Interact with the team and join the WhenInManila.com Community at WIM Squad! Get the latest news about the Philippine Entertainment industry and join the WIM Showbiz Facebook group! We also share our stories on Viber, join us!
