Photos from Instagram/@zsazsapadilla
Singer-actress asks for prayers as family remembers brother who died at 57
MANILA — Singer-actress Zsa Zsa Padilla is mourning the death of her younger brother, Peregrine “Sonny” Padilla, who died Sept. 13 at age 57.
Padilla announced her brother’s death on social media on Tuesday, Sept. 15, describing Sonny as deeply loved by his family and saying his passing had left an “immeasurable void.”
She said the family was grateful for the love, laughter and memories they shared with him and asked for prayers for Sonny and their family.
“Rest in peace, my dearest brother, Sonny,” Padilla wrote. “You will always be loved and forever missed.”
Padilla did not disclose a cause of death.
Her daughter, singer-actress Karylle, also remembered her uncle, writing, “We love you Tito Sonny.”
Friends and colleagues from the Philippine entertainment industry, including Charo Santos-Concio, Regine Velasquez, Ogie Alcasid, Martin Nievera and Gary Valenciano, were among those who posted messages of condolence.
Zsa Zsa and Sonny were among the six children of retired international boxing referee Carlos Padilla Jr. and Esperanza Felipa Padilla, a family of two sons and four daughters.
Carlos Padilla Jr. is best known in boxing for refereeing the 1975 “Thrilla in Manila,” the third and final fight between Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier.
Zsa Zsa Padilla began her professional music career with the Manila Sound group Hotdog in 1982 before pursuing a solo career. She has worked in Philippine music, film and television for more than four decades. In 2025, she marked her 42nd year in the industry with the Star Music album ’Pag Tinadhana and her Through the Years concert.
