The Market Monitor Minding the Nation's Business
by Boy Villasanta
Former The New Minstrels’ member Louie Reyes died Sunday of still undisclosed cause.
Her husband Cesar de la Fuente posted in his social media spaces the demise of his wife.
“Today I lost the love of my life,” said dela Fuente.
The local music industry is in mourning.
Here are some of the tributes from Louie’s colleagues and family members:
Johann Gabriele de la Fuente, niece: “Tita Louie was one of my biggest cheerleaders. She supported me through every part of my career—onstage as a performer, and even behind the scenes. She would often message me just to say how proud she was, reminding me that what I do matters. And whenever she came to Manila, she never forgot to bring me pasalubong — a simple gesture that always came with so much love.
“Tita, I will deeply miss you. I’ll miss fixing your wigs and helping you prepare for your concerts. You had a way of making everyone feel cared for—and I’ll always be grateful for the kindness and encouragement you gave me.
I found this old, pixelated video I took during one of your shows years ago. Please give my Mama a big hug for me up there in heaven. I love you.”
Anna Ilagan, songstress: “This is very painful to write. I woke up to news that I’d been dreading to hear the past week. I thought I was prepared for it but when it finally did come, it was nevertheless numbing.
“Long before all the Circus Minstrels shows I’d been blessed to be part of, she was once my voice teacher. Little did I know that years later, this brilliant vocalist and performer would be a constant and integral part of my life. Each show proposal I submitted almost always had her name on it and I took every chance, no matter how slim, to try to fly her over from L.A. and be part of my next show. She was well worth it. On top of her superior vocal range, she was witty and very entertaining. All that ‘bigger-than-life’ musical extravaganza packed in that little gift called LOUIE REYES.
“When I started promoting our most recent show, I got a message from her saying, ‘INTO THE GROOVE, hindi ako kasali (am I not included?) Inggit (envious) me.’ It tore my heart to pieces but hoping against hope I replied, ‘Get well soonest na (already), PLEASE. We super miss you in our shows!’ She said she was ‘trying her best, by God’s grace, and had been feeling His presence all throughout this health journey.’ I knew and trusted that ultimately, His will, no matter what it was, will be the best answered prayer for her.
“So here we are… and there she is… flyin’ and slidin’ and glidin’ in better days.
“Rest now, our dearest Louie Reyes. It is time for you to be welcomed home by your true Mr. Melody, the maker of the beautiful gift of music that defined your illustrious career and your very being.
“I had this, her signature song, playing in loop in my head this entire day and I know she is singing it up there just as she did in many of our shows but this time it is happening in the most wonderful kingdom of the one and true MR. MELODY.
“We love you, Louie!
“My sincere condolences and tightest hugs to Cesar de la Fuente, Paolo, Miguel, The New Minstrels and the Circus Band as well.”
Moi Ortiz of The CompanY: “Today was brutal. The news of Tita Louie Reyes’ passing hit in a strange way. The pain left me numb. I still haven’t cried. I can’t understand this. I don’t want to be performative but I know this will hit me hard later…
“I’ve known Tita Louie since I was 7 years old when she joined The New Minstrels. She has always been a family friend who knows my parents, grandparents and my siblings.
“Alongside her husband, Tito Cesar De La Fuente, Tita Louie managed The CompanY for its first 9 years. Although challenging, I will always look at those salad days with fondness. We were so young, so naive, so ambitious with fire in our bellies.
“We have been in each other’s lives during the highest of highs and the lowest of lows. She has been my aunt, teacher, mother, mentor, colleague and friend who has taught us not only music lessons but more importantly, the value of integrity, excellence and kindness.
“A montage of memories is trickling back to me but for now, I will try to process this terrible loss. Would like to share with you this 1991 live performance on Ryan Ryan Musikahan with Tita Louie, National Artist – Ryan Cayabyab and the debut recording members of The CompanY.
“Thank you for everything forever, Tita Louie. I love you. I always have. Fly back home to God and now you can finally sing – ‘Nothing I Want More’ with Tito Eugene up there in Heaven.