Why Freddie Aguilar is a music legend

Although largely in the limelight nowadays for his controversial love life, Freddie Aguilar was first celebrated for bringing pride to the country with the worldwide hit "Anak." Dubbed a "Philippine music legend," the singer-songwriter made history when the iconic song went international, with some 30 translations and over 100 versions recorded. It went on to be cited as the No. 2 worldwide hit of the 1980's by Billboard magazine. In an interview on "Tapatan ni Tunying" aired Thursday, the 60-year-old Aguilar shared his career beginning in Olongapo, where he penned what would become a history-making single, and how he almost took on a different path in law enforcement or politics. Tapatan ni Tunying, ABS-CBN, November 7, 2013

Source: http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/video/entertainment/11/07/13/why-freddie-aguilar-music-legend

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Seduction raps filed vs Freddie Aguilar

MANILA -- Freddie Aguilar is now facing qualified seduction charges over his relationship with a 16-year-old girl, who has vowed to stand by the "Anak" hitmaker amid mounting criticisms against the relationship. The complaint was filed Thursday by Atty. Fernando Perito, a member of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines, before the Quezon City Prosecutor's Office. Perito, in his two-page complaint, said he is "angered, offended and scandalized" by Aguilar going public with his relationship, which he candidly admitted early this month in a media interview. The lawyer also called Aguilar a "sex-hungry child predator" and a "cradle snatcher," who he believes to be merely sexually attracted to his teen girlfriend. The complainant expressed doubt as to Aguilar's professed love for the girl, as seen in their rounds of interview since confirming the five-month-old relationship. In defending anew the relationship, Aguilar told radio DZMM he has the consent of the girl's parents, who are based in Naujan, Oriental Mindoro. Referring to this supposed consent, Perito asserted in his complaint that the girl's parents should also be slapped with appropriate legal charges. 'Haharapin ko' Responding to the complaint against him, Aguilar on Thursday afternoon said he is not acquainted with Perito. The same was confirmed by the lawyer with dzMM's Robert Mano in an earlier interview. "Haharapin po natin 'yung kaso kung meron po," Aguilar told radio dzMM. "Kung meron po, bakit hindi ko haharapin. Kung hindi ko haharapin 'yan, parang tinanggap ko na tama 'yung ginagawa nila." Admitting he has yet to tap a lawyer concerning the case, Aguilar said he has been approached by several of his friends offering legal assistance. The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), separate from Perito's legal step, earlier launched an investigation into Aguilar's controversial relationship. Social Welfare Assistant Secretary Florita Villar, in an interview with ABS-CBN News early this week, said the agency is seeking to speak with the concerned parties to have a "better understanding of the situation." Aguilar on Thursday said the DSWD has already spoken with his girlfriend's parents. "Sinabi na po ng magulang ni [girlfriend] na may basbas po ang pagmamahalan namin," he said. "Pumunta na po sila doon... Nag-text din po sa amin 'yung nanay at tatay ni [girlfriend] na sinasabing kasama po namin sila na ipaglalaban 'yung pagmamahalan namin," Aguilar said. The couple earlier said they are planning to wed in two years, when the girl turns 18. Aguilar also openly shared their plans of building a family of their own. Asked for his girlfriend's reaction to the qualified seduction charges against him, Aguilar said, "Syempre, nasasaktan siya... Ang lumalabas para bang kilalang-kilala nila (critics) 'yung girlfriend ko, sinasabing sinagot lang ako kesyo gusto ng pera, gusto sumikat, gusto ng ganyan, na wala naman pong katotohanan." Aguilar, who separated from his third wife a decade ago, has six children. His youngest, named Jeriko, is 24 years old. The singer's girlfriend is turning 17 on November 29. -- with a report from Robert Mano, dzMM

Source: http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/entertainment/10/24/13/seduction-raps-filed-vs-freddie-aguilar

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Freddie Aguilar to face DSWD over affair with minor

MANILA - The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) is set to talk with Philippine music icon Freddie Aguilar, his 16-year-old girlfriend, as well as her parents in an effort to get a "better understanding of the situation." DSWD Assistant Secretary Florita Villar, in an interview with ABS-CBN News' Marie Lozano on Monday, said the agency is taking the necessary steps to ensure the safety and welfare of the child. "The DSWD's mandate is to protect the welfare of children. Sa country, sa batas natin, usually defines the child as one that is below 18 years old," said Villar. "The fact na itong karelasyon ni Ka Freddie ay 16, tinuturing natin siya na bata na kailangan pa rin ng tulong, ng intervention ng Social Welfare and Development." Aguilar, who popularized the hit song "Anak," may be charged with child abuse or seduction for having a relationship with a minor under the Revised Penal Code. "Nagkaroon na kami ng instruction sa aming regional director na nakakasakop nang Mindoro na makipagugnayan ang aming social worker sa pamilya, sa mga magulang at pamilya ng kabataang ito na girlfriend ni Ka Freddie," Villar said. "Alam din namin na ang bata ay nandito sa Maynila, nag-instruct din ako sa aming NCR director namin na to reach out to the minor at saka kay Ka Freddie," she said. Villar said that they want to know the reasons behind the consent given by the parents, as well as the child's reason for entering the now-controversial love affair. "Ang malaking factor dito na hinahanap natin ay ano ba ang kalagayan ng bata? Ano ba ang kanyang plano? Bakit siya nandito sa Maynila? Ano ang mga balak niya sa relasyon nila ni Ka Freddie?" explained Villar. "Hindi naman natin pinapaki-alaman ang karapatan sa pag-ibig kung hindi, gusto lang natin maproteksyonan na itong pinapasukan na relasyon ng ating mamayan na ito, the fact na below 18 siya, kailangan pa rin na may nag-proprovide ng guidance," she added. Villar also said that they are not focusing or treating Aguilar's case differently than other cases involving similar charges. "Hindi natin sini-single out si Mr. Aguilar. Kung mayroon napupunta sa atensyon namin, ganito din ang binibigay naming atensyon. It will be the same process," said Villar.

Source: http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/entertainment/10/22/13/freddie-aguilar-face-dswd-over-affair-minor

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Tiya Pusit on Freddie's love life: Medyo naasiwa ako

MANILA -- Despite finding OPM icon Freddie Aguilar's relationship with a minor awkward, veteran comedienne Tiya Pusit said her opinion, as well as those of critics, shouldn't matter. "Nakakagulat 'yung age gap nila. Sixteen years old? Hindi biro 'yun. Medyo naasiwa ako," she said. "Pero anong paki-alam ko. Relasyon ni Ka Freddie 'yun eh. Kung mayroon man dapat mag-react, dapat 'yung magulang at 'yung mga kamag-anak. Hindi tayong mga taga-labas." Aguilar made headlines when he candidly confessed his relationship with a 16-year-old girl but was quick to assure the public that he has her parents' blessing. Maegan Aguilar, the 60-year old singer's daughter, also expressed support for her father. "Ang dami natin problema, utang na loob. Kung ano-ano nang delubyo ang nagyayari sa atin, 'yung ba naman karelasyon ni Ka Freddie ang papansin natin? Tama na. Hayaan na natin," Tiya Pusit pleaded. The Department of Social Welfare and Development intends to step in as the relationship could be a violation of Republic Act 7610, or the Special Protection of Children against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act. But Tiya Pusit defended Aguilar, while bashing the critics of the relationship, saying that they haven't hurt anyone. "Anong paki-alam niyo? Buhay namin ito. Kung saan kami masaya, doon kami. Wala kaming sinasaktang tao. At I'm sure, si Ka Freddie ganyan din," she said. Tiya Pusit, 65, also enjoys a similar relationship but added that she doesn't plan to marry her 27-year old boyfriend, unlike in Aguilar's case. "Well, 'yung sa akin, my boyfriend is 27 years old and I am 65. Pero walang commitment. Basta happy-happy lang. No marriage. Walang ganun," she said. Aguilar, the singer of the worldwide hit song, "Anak", made public his desire to tie the knot with his girlfriend but admitted he would have to wait two more years or until the girl reaches 18. Tiy Pusit, however, warned Aguilar: "Dapat, kung tunay niyang papakasalan 'yan, dapat nasa tamang edad."

Source: http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/entertainment/10/22/13/tiya-pusit-freddies-love-life-medyo-naasiwa-ako-0

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Freddie on girlfriend: Hindi ako bibitiw

MANILA -- Embattled OPM icon Freddie Aguilar vigorously defended his relationship with his 16-year-old girlfriend, saying no one can separate them, not even the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). The department has said it is taking the necessary steps to ensure the girl’s safety and welfare since she is a minor. But in an interview with DZMM on Wednesday night, Aguilar, best known for his hit song, "Anak," said only his girlfriend has the right to end the relationship. "Hindi ko siya pwedeng pilitin. Hanggang nandito siya at sinasabi niyang mahal niya ako, eh hindi po ako bibitaw sa relasyon namin," Aguilar said. The veteran singer also reiterated that their families support their relationship. "Ngayon kung may may kumontra sa akin sa pamilya niya o may kumontra isa mga anak ko sa relasyon namin ay matatanggap ko ng maluwag dahil sila po ang immediate family namin," he said. 'Yung pamilya namin ay tanggap kami sa isa't isa. 'Yun pong walang kinalaman sa amin, sila yung nangingialam sa relasyon namin." According to DSWD Assistant Secretary Florita Villar, The department will talk to the girl’s parents and implement an intervention to “help” her. Under the Revised Penal Code, Aguilar may be charged with child abuse or seduction for participating in a relationship with a minor. Aguilar revealed that the DSWD already talked to the parents of his girlfriend. "Nakausap na daw po nila 'yung nanay ng girlfriend ko. (Ako) hindi pa naman nila ako (nakakausap)," Aguilar said. While saying he is aware of the duties of the DSWD, he also noted that there are other problems that the department has to address. "Katulad din ng trabaho nila na dapat walang bata sa kalye na nagbebenta ng ilang-ilang, walang nagbebenta ng sampaguita at mga batang maliliit na ginagamit ng mga magulang at sindikato na namamalimos sa lansangan, trabaho nila 'yon," Aguilar pointed out. In the interview, Aguilar also denied speculations that his girlfriend has plans of entering showbiz. "Sa alam ko, wala po siyang kaplanong-planong ganoon. Ang alam ko ay gusto niyang maging isang successful na hotel and restaurant manager po. 'Yun ang pangarap niya," he said. Aguilar again stressed that he is willing to marry his girlfriend when she turns 18. "Nag-uusap kami in two years time ay 18 na siya. In fact, sa November 29 ay 17 na siya. Halos isang taon na lang ang paghihintay namin," he said. "Hinihingi ko na din ang blessing ng magulang niya at pati ang lola niya. Sa ngayon po ay pumapayag sila. Ang ni-request lang ng lola ay kung papayag na ikasal sa Mindoro," he said. "Ngayon kung may batas ulit na pipigil sa amin kapag 18 na siya, pwede sigurong maghanap kami ng ibang bansa na pwede kaming ikasal na hindi kukuwestiyunin ang kanyang edad," Aguilar said.

Source: http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/entertainment/10/23/13/freddie-girlfriend-hindi-ako-bibitiw

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Freddie Aguilar takes a swipe at bashers calling him a 'cradle snatcher'

After receiving an intense backlash online from Netizens and some celebrities alike following his recent revelation about being in a relationship with a minor, legendary singer Freddie Aguilar counters and asserts that he's not, as what others call him, a "child abuser." "Sinasabihan ako na isa akong pedophile. Isa akong cradle snatcher, na child abuser ako. Nung binasa ko po 'yung mga bashers namin kung ano-ano po ang sinasabi nila tungkol sakanya. Sino po ang child abuser? Ako po ba na nagmamahal sakanya na tunay na pag-ibig o 'yung mga bashers namin na kung ano-ano ang mga sinasabi na masasamang salita sakanya?" brazenly asked the veteran singer in taped interview aired on "Ang Buzz ng Bayan" on Sunday. Shocking the public with his admission during the recently-concluded Aliw Awards, where he was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award, the famed "Anak" singer maintained that falling in love with his girlfriend, Jovi Gatdula, who was named by his daughter Maegan Aguilar on Twitter, wasn't part of his plans. "In the first place kung alam kong 16 lang siya nung nakita ko siya hindi ko itutuloy 'yung panliligaw ko out of respect sa mga magulang niya," said The 60-year-old musician, who in a separate report, shared that they're relationship actually has the blessing of his teen girlfriend's parents. Jovi, for her part during the same interview, defended her beau of five months saying that, "Ano man ang sabihin nila, mahal ko si Freddie eh." Despite her strong facade, Jovi confessed to being hurt about all the malicious remarks and flak that their relationship has been drawing from a lot of people. "Masakit lang na ganon, lalo na 'yung pakiramdam na binabatikos ka nila sa bagay na alam mo sa sarili mo na hindi ka ganon. Pinipilit kong deadmahin," she explained. Showing a clear conviction that she would be fighting for her love for Freddie, Jovi maintained, "Hindi ko siya iiwan dahil lang ganon na 'yung nangyayari kasi nangyari ito magkasama kami so tatapusin namin ito ng magkasama rin kami." While many were puzzled as to how their controversial romance blossomed, reports have it that they met at an election campaign concert in Oriental Mindoro, where Jovi was originally based. "Nagpa-picture 'yung grupo nila, pagkatapos ng concert namin biglang lumapit siya. Sabi niya 'Pwede ba akong magpa-picture?'" shared he. After the photo-op, Freddie handed her his calling card but it was a couple of days later when she finally sent him a message asking if he still remembers her. To which, Freddie replied with: "'Oo, hindi kita maaaring malimutan.'" He continued, "Tapos nag-open up na ako kung pwede ba akong manligaw, nagtanong nako after several days na nag-uusap kami. Tapos tinanong ko na siya kung pwede ko ba siyang maging girlfriend. Doon ko nalaman sa 12 days na 'yon na 16 lang siya. Hindi ako makatras ngayon, paano ako aatras pa eh mahal ko na siya?" In yet another candid revelation, iconic performer shared that they are actually planning to tie the knot next month, after Jovi turns 17 however they had to postpone their plan because "hindi pwede kasi marami pang mga papeles na kailangan dahil menor-de-edad parin siya kahit 17 na siya."

Source: http://push.abs-cbn.com/features/9922/freddie-aguilar-takes-a-swipe-at-bashers-calling-him-a-cradle-snatcher/

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Psychiatrist gives advice to Aguilar, girlfriend

MANILA -- OPM icon Freddie Aguilar, the 60-year-old folk singer behind the hit "Anak," might encounter problems in his controversial relationship with his 16-year-old-girlfriend due to the large age gap, a psychiatrist said on Friday. "Ang dilemma kasi diyan siyempre iba 'yung takbo ng isip ng isang menor de edad at saka sa isang may edad na. Magkaiba ang maturity, nandoon 'yung kakaiba ang henerasyon," Dr. Bernadette M. Arcena, an adult psychiatrist from St. Luke's Medical Center, said in an interview with Ogie Diaz on radio DZMM's "Mismo." "Ang epekto nito ay siyempre 'yung isang mas bata nandoon pa din 'yung sense of 'yung hindi pa siya mature enough na maintindihan ang takbo sa buhay, lalo na 'yung responsibility kapag magkaroon na siya ng baby. Siyempre ang level ng kanyang stability ay iba pa at ang age na 'yan ay nag-aaral pa, nagkakaroon pa lang ng first love. Sabihin natin na batang bata pa," she said. Arcena said this age gap will affect how the couple will handle adjustments and responsibilities in their relationship. "Sa isang nai-in love kasi, sasabihin nila na walang pinipiling edad kapag tumibok ang puso. Siyempre talagang kilig to the bones yan kapag na-in love ka," he said. "Kapag tumagal, ano na kaya ang mangyayari? Kaya bang i-sustain ang relasyon? Kaya bang tiisin ng matanda ang kanyang pag-adjust sa ugali ng mas bata?" she asked. Asked of her advice to couples in such a situation, Arcena said: "Para sa akin kailangan din nilang malaman kung kaya ba nilang i-sustain, kahit magkaiba ang kanilang age gap. Para sa akin kung saan ka masaya, well, you can give it a try pero kailangan handa ka sa responsibilities at pagsubok na darating sa ganitong klaseng relasyon." The psychiatrist also urged the minor's parents to continue guiding their daughter and to always be there to give support. "Sa magulang naman ituloy nila 'yung paggabay doon kahit sabihin nating nakagawa na sila ng desisyon. Kailangan handa sila sa ups and downs just like any other relationship," she said. In the interview, the expert also admitted that Aguilar's newest relationship is not conventional but no one has the right to judge their love for each other. "Hindi natin masabi na abnormal din, hindi natin masabi na ayos lang ito kasi siyempre kung titignan natin it is very individually speaking, hindi tayo makakahusga sa kanila, for me. Kasi wala tayong karapatan magsabi na 'o ganito yan, ganyan.' Alam mo naman dalawa silang nagmahal siguro may nakita sila sa isa't isa kaya gusto nilang magmahalan," she said. "Hindi kasi siya tradisyunal na nakikita natin na ilang taon lang ang agwat ng pagitan ng babae sa lalaki. Kaya siyempre news yon dahil sa laki ng kanilang agwat," the doctor added. In an interview with ANC's "Headstart" on Friday, the "Anak" hitmaker said he is unfazed by criticisms that he is dating a minor, as he revealed plans to marry her soon even before she turns 18. He also said he is ready to face anything that may come because of his love for the young girl. "They can persecute me pero tumingin kayo sa paligid niyo mas marami pa ang matitindi ang ginagawa kaysa sa akin. These are also popular people. They brag about their wealth and their wives. Ako, wala akong maraming asawa at maraming wealth na pinagyayabang. Ang asawa ko ay tatlo at pwede niyo silang tanungin kung naging masama akong asawa sa kanila. Ngayon na-in love ako sa pang-apat," he said.

Source: http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/entertainment/10/18/13/psychiatrist-gives-advice-aguilar-girlfriend

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Freddie defends relationship: No backing out

MANILA - Pinoy music icon Freddie Aguilar is unfazed by criticisms that he is dating a 16-year-old girl, saying he plans to marry her soon even before she turns 18. In an interview on ANC's Headstart, Aguilar, 60, addressed head-on the issue that he may face legal problems because of his relationship with a minor. "Well, I fell in love. May kasabihan tayo, may batas ng tao, may batas ng puso, may batas ng Diyos. Then kung sa batas ng tao nagkamali ako then I will admit it but the difference about this is I fell in love and when I found out that she was a minor, the first thing I did was to notify the parents because I know na hindi tama. But for me to back out, we are already in love. I think it's more damaging to her if I back out now. I didn't ask her to choose," he said. Aguilar said he has talked to the girl's parents, who have already given their blessing for their daughter to marry the music icon. "I said 'magpaalam tayo sa nanay mo, sa tatay mo.' Then I met the mother, I talked to the father every now and then sa phone to assure that she's OK and payag naman sila if we decided to get married tomorrow," he said. "The blessing is there. It's just that we decided to do it the right time. Mas maganda siguro na nakahanda kami financially, lahat lahat, yung maayos ang paligid ko, so kung may awa ang Diyos ito could be earlier," he added. The "Anak" singer said he plans on marrying his sweetheart when she turns 18. "I think if God is willing soon but we are talking two years from now kasi two years from now when she's already 18. At mayroon na siyang sariling desisyon na kung anuman ang mangyari sa amin pagdating niya ng 18 ay hindi na pwedeng sisihin 'kasi bata ako'. O ako naman hindi ko na pwedeng sabihin na 'kasi pinakasalan ko siya ng masyadong bata.' But then I cannot control tomorrow even today I can not control it myself so if God is willing probably it will be earlier," he said. Asked if he believes their relationship is legal, Aguilar said: "If the parents allow me but I don't think they will not allow me because I talked with the grandmother also in fact the grandmother asked me 'pupunta ka ba dito para magpakasal kayo?' 'opo lola pupunta ako ng Mindoro kung yan ang gusto niyo." He said he is ready to face anything that may come because of his love for the young girl. "Well they can persecute me pero tumingin kayo sa paligid niyo mas marami pa ang matitindi ang ginagawa kaysa sa akin. These are also popular people. They brag about their wealth and their wives. Ako wala akong maraming asawa at maraming wealth na pinagyayabang. Ang asawa ko ay tatlo at pwede niyo silang tanungin kung naging masama akong asawa sa kanila ngayon na-in love ako sa pang-apat." "Ngayon kung kasalanan ko pa din yon parang pini-personal niyo ako dahil hindi lang po ako ang ganito sa Pilipinas. Maging totoo kayo. Tumingin kayo sa paligid niyo ang dami diyan ngayon ako pinagti-tripan niyo. So what? May utang ba ako sa inyo? Masama ba ang umibig? Kung wala kayong kasalanan, batuhin niyo ako, ok? Masaya na kayo," he said. 'Take me as I am' In the interview, Aguilar hit back at some people who criticized him for falling in love with a girl who is 44 years younger. "I'm here, (if) you don't want me, I am sorry. I am Freddie Aguilar, take me for what I am. I'm not gonna be because you like me to be like this or like that, no way! I'm not a robot, I'm a human. I make mistake, I laugh, I cry, I eat, so what? Crucify me, yeah Ok but I'm still Freddie Aguilar," he said. With all the reports coming out because of his newest romance, Aguilar said that people can't blame him for falling in love again. "It's not my fault na hanggang ngayon ay marunong pa akong umibig. Hindi ko pinili ang puso na ibinigay sa akin ng Diyos na ganito ang mangyayari but mas malungkot siguro kung na-involved ako sa ibang paraan tulad noong umupo si Cory at inalok ako ng pwesto at di ko tinanggap. At kung tinanggap ko siguro at nagnakaw ako ng pondo ng bayan mas matindi siguro yon. Mas gusto ko pang tandaan nila ako na ako si Freddie Aguilar na isang 60-year-old na umibig sa isang bata na hindi ko naman alam na bata in the first place noong nakita ko. ... So, kung kasalanan ang umibig ay tatanggapin ko yon," said the singer, whose last marriage ended 10 years ago. Aguilar stressed that in his heart and mind he doesn't see anything wrong with his relationship with a 16-year-old girl. "Wala pong problema doon. Nagkataon lang na may batas tayo ay nag-imbento ng batas ay tao din, pero noong panahon na wala pa ang senador na yan at wala pa ang batas ay mas madali pa ang buhay noong araw." "Masama po ba akong umibig ngayon ng totoo. Ngayon po nanininiwala ako na tama ang ginagawa ko, nagkataon lang na 16-year-old si Jovi yun lang ang pagkakaiba. Ang 16 po ngayon ay iba na ang takbo ng isip nila dahil sa teknolohiya," Aguilar said.

Source: http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/entertainment/10/18/13/freddie-defends-relationship-no-backing-out

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