She would gain the reputation of being the "Queen of Kundiman" for performing hundreds of songs such as "Mutya ng Pasig", "Waray-Waray" and "Maalaala Mo Kaya".[3]
She would continue to perform, even as she emigrated to the United States. In 2017, she worked with the Filipino-American Symphony Orchestra.[5]
Radio, television, and film
La Torre was a child actress, first appearing in the 1941 film Ang Maestra. She would feature in other films made by Sampaguita Pictures.[6]
In 1960, La Torre featured in the radio program Tuloy ang Ligaya of Manila Broadcasting Company (MBC) with Lita Guttierez and Oscar Obligacion.[7][8] The radio program was made into a television program known as The Big Show which was hosted by La Torre and Obligacion. Due to the success of The Big Show. ABS-CBN would offer the two to host its noontime television show Oras ng Ligaya.[8] For this, she earned the title "First Lady of Philippine Television". She was a regular on the radio series Tang Tarang Tang and the TV sitcom of the same name, where she starred with comedians Pugo and Bentot.[9] She also starred in the film adaptation of Tang Tarang Tang and its sequel My Little Kuwan.[10]
La Torre's filmography spans until the 1990s.[5] Among her noted films are Ulila ng Bataan and Buhay Pilipino in 1952 and Nukso nang nukso in 1960.[5] She would also star in the 1988 Seiko film One Two Bato, Three Four Bapor.[3]
Personal life
La Torre was married to Celso Perez de Tagle, a dentist, with whom she had three children. Her granddaughter, Anna Maria Perez de Tagle, is also an actress, known for appearing in Hannah Montana and Camp Rock.[8] La Torre was also a devout Roman Catholic.[4] Her family emigrated to the United States in the 1980s where she continued performing.[8]
Death
La Torre died in her sleep on December 1, 2022.[11]
Filmography
1941 - Ang Maestra
1949 - Biro ng Tadhana
1952 - Buhay Pilipino
1952 - Ulila ng Bataan
1952 - Gorio at Tekla
1953 - Munting Koronel
1953 - Ang Asawa Kong Americana
1958 - My Little Kuwan
1959 - Puro Utos, Puro Utos
1959 - Nukso ng Nukso
1960 - Yantok Mindoro
1961 - Oh Sendang
1962 - Tang-taran-tang
1963 - Sakay and Moy
1974 - Oh Maggie Oh
1978 - Chimoy at Chimay
1987 - Jack & Jill as Doña Estrella "Star" Bartolome
^Cua, Aric John Sy (December 3, 2022). "Sylvia La Torre, 89". The Manila Times. ...the Broadway actress said her grandmother [Sylvia La Torre] died at 7:02 a.m. on Thursday (American time).
