Philippine Karen Carpenter Succumbs to Death due to Covid-19

 

She became popular because of her distinctive voice, and was often referred to as the Karen Carpenter of the Philippines because she really almost sounds like Karen Carpenter of the famous Carpenter Duo from the US.   Claire De La Fuente became popular in the late '70s after releasing singles that became hits like, "Sayang," Nakaw na Pag-ibig," and Minsan-minsan."  Along with her equally gifted contemporaries Imelda Papin and Eva Eugenio,  Claire performed in concerts with other reknowned musicians of her time, such as Rico J. Puno, who was known for his macho-playboy image and became known as the 'King of Tagalog Songs, wherein Claire de la Fuente was his female counterpart.

Claire de la Fuente had a lot of titles during her heydays as a singer, performer and recording artist.  She was hailed as "Jukebox Queen," alongside Imelda Papin, who was touted to be her archrival in the music business but actually is a good friend of hers.  Because of her melodious voice, she earned the title "Asia's Sweetest Voice." 

Claire dabbled in the bus transportation business and became chairman of the Integrated  Metropolitan  Bus Operators Association (IMBOA) .  Later, she became vocal in opposing and resisting regulations imposed by the then MMDA Chairman Bayani Fernando.  

After her license to operate was cancelled by MMDA, she went into a different line of business which is in the cosmetics industry.   And even tried her hand on operating a restaurant when seafood and grill restaurants gained popularity.  Her restaurant was named Claire De La Fuente Seafood and Grill.  

Despite retiring from showbiz, her name was dragged into a scandal brought by the death of PAL stewardess, Cristina Dacera.   Her son, Gregorio de Guzman was one of the personalities who were implicated in the untimely death of Cristina Dacera.  During the investigation of the case, Claire's son,  Gregorio, defended his innocence and insisted on his not guilty position by stressing the fact that he is 'gay' and would not kiss the deceased because he could not imagine sexual relations with women.   

At 62, Claire was one of the thousands who passed away from cardiac arrest due to covid-19 complications.  Her death was officially announced to be on March 30, 2021.  Rest in Peace, Ms. Claire De La Fuente.