Carmen Pateña, Asia’s Ambassador of Songs, dies at 84

Carmen Pateña | Image: Facebook/David Pateña, Romina Clemente

Carmen Pateña, who made a name for herself as a distinguished songstress in the 1960s, has died at age 84, her brother David said.

In a Facebook post, David said Carmen died last July 31 due to an undisclosed cause. The family will hold a wake after her cremation in Silang, Cavite.

“My sister Carmen Pateña joined her creator last night. She is 84 years old,” David said in a post on Facebook.

“Ate, we will miss you.. every morning we prayed and sang The Lords Prayer. We Love you Ate Carmen…you are now in the arms of our Lord Jesus Christ with Nanay & Tatay. May you rest in eternal peace,” he further said.

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Dubbed Asia’s Ambassador of Songs in her heyday during the ’60s, Carmen hosted her own self-titled TV show, as well as recorded several albums, and performed in concerts here and abroad. She’s also known for her songs “Shing A Ling Loo,” “Pretty Girl,” and “We Only Live Wais.”

Her contemporaries at that time were “Asia’s Queen of Songs,” Pilita Corrales, and Norma Ledesma. 

Carmen’s niece, Romina Clemente, also paid tribute to her late aunt by posting pictures of her, including one where she was singing. 

“Today, we lost someone in our family: my beloved aunt, Carmen Pateña, a celebrated artist and singer in the 1960s. Her talent and passion left a lasting impact on all who knew her and heard her voice. She will be deeply missed, but her legacy will live on through her music and the memories we hold dear. Rest in peace, Tita,” she wrote.

Other tributes for the late singer poured in on Facebook, with some sharing some old pictures of Carmen during the time that she was still active in the industry.