Willy Cruz, top PH songwriter, dies

Willy Cruz

Top Filipino songwriter Wilfredo Buencamino Cruz, popularly known as Willy Cruz, has died, according to his colleagues who have gone on social media to express their condolences. He was 70.

Cruz composed many hit songs sang and performed by renowned artists such as Sharon Cuneta, Hajji Alejandro, Nonoy Zuniga, Pilita Corrales, and Nora Aunor to name a few. These songs include “Bituing Walang Ningning,” “Never Ever Say Goodbye,” “Sana’y Wala ng Wakas,” and “Kahit Na.”

Cruz was also behind the songs “Pahiram ng Isang Umaga,” “Sanay Maghintay ang Walang Hanggan,” “Balweg,” “Baby Tsina,” “May Minamahal,” “Doon Lang,” “Init sa Magdamag,” and “Kumusta Ka,” among others.

Cruz, also a pianist and musical director, was the cousin of world-renowned pianist Cecile Licad and grandson of another famous composer Francisco Buencamino.

Today’s music icons like Lea Salonga, Ogie Alcasid, Jed Madela took to social media to express their sympathies and condolences.

Rest in God's loving arms, Willy Cruz. You have left such a legacy of amazing music to remember you by.

— Lea Salonga (@MsLeaSalonga) April 17, 2017

RIP Mr. Willy Cruz. Ty for the wonderful music that you have created for the Filipinos.

— ogie alcasid (@ogiealcasid) April 17, 2017

https://twitter.com/jedmadela/status/853791782273929216

Nonoy Gallardo, a dear friend of Cruz and husband of singer Celeste Legaspi, said Cruz is now in eternal peace in a Facebook post and asked readers to say a prayer for him.

Jungee Marcelo said goodbye to Cruz in a Facebook post, describing the composer as one of his songwriting heroes.

Cruz is arguably one of the most prolific and most awarded composers for films, having written scores for at least a hundred movies. AU/YG/JE