MANILA, Philippines — Filipino jukebox king Victor Wood died on 23 April due to COVID-19 complications. He was 74.
According to an ABS-CBN News report, Victor’s wife Nerissa said that the Original Filipino Music icon died at the New Era General Hospital in Quezon City.
“Bumaba ang oxygen level niya last night, (His oxygen level went down last night)” Nerissa said.
She thanked the Iglesia ni Cristo community for helping them and the people who loved his husband as well.
“Sa mga kaibigan na laging andyan at sa mga anak niya na kahit malayo ay karamay ko at sa mga fans, salamat sa walang sawang suporta. Nawala man siya, mananatili ang kanyang mga kanta. (To his friends who are always there and to his children though far away, are grieving with me and to the fans, thank you for your tireless support. He may be gone but his songs will remain.) ”
A Bicolano and American mestizo, Wood was a bit player in the late 1960s until he rose to fame for his songs “Mr. Lonely,” “I’m Sorry My Love,” “In Despair,” “I Went to Your Wedding,” “Fraulein,” “Eternally,” “Carmelita,” and many others in the 1970s.
His voice made him earn the moniker “Jukebox King” and “Plaka King” in his heydays.
Victor Wood was born on February 1, 1947 in Buhi, Camarines Sur, Philippines to Sgt. Kocky Wood and Rosario “Tiyang Saring” Nobleza. His mother was well known in Buhi and neighboring towns for selling herbal medications and perfumes. He studied and finished secondary school at Jose Abad Santos High.
Besides being a singer, he was also an actor and politician.
He and his family migrated to the US in the 70’s, where he co-owned four gasoline stations and was into real estate and landscaping. He also managed the $1.5-million Palm Plaza Restaurant.
He ran for the Senate of the Philippines during the 2007 Philippine general election, under the Kilusang Bagong Lipunan banner, but lost.
Before becoming a singer, Wood starred in some productions of Sampaguita Pictures. He was a member of Iglesia Ni Cristo. He previously hosted the show called “Beautiful Sunday” airs every sunday on Net25.
In his later years, Wood also tried his hands on to painting.
