Fondly known as Purita or Pura, was born on February 2, 1908, in San Roque, Cavite City, to a musically inclined family. She was named after the purification of the Virgin Mary, and was one of five children of Urbano Borromeo and Francisca Quijano, music aficionados. The family and the relatives were all musically inclined, could sing and play various musical instruments; and it was this milieu which would lead later to Purificacion becoming an acclaimed artist in Manila and other parts of the country. After early studies at Cavite Elementary School and two years at Cavite National High School, the young Borromeo proceeded to Manila and enrolled in a four-year course in voice culture at Escuelas Confederaciones de Musica in Manila, under the tutelage of maestro Victorino Carrion. Her graduation recital in 1929 at the Manila Grand Opera House earned her an Artist's Diploma in Music with an excellent grade.
Purificacion's exceptional talent quickly caught the attention of music critics and newspapers, and she became a "celebrated coloratura soprano" in Manila during the 1930s. Renowned for her role as Lucia in Donizetti's "Lucia di Lammermoor" and captivating voices like Jovita Fuentes, Purita sang for prominent figures, including Philippine presidents and American governors-general. Even during World War II, she was compelled to perform for Japanese military officers, her unlikely fans.
Remarkably, she remained active in her career until the 1980s. At the age of 72, she performed at a Concert at the Park in Luneta, Manila, with the Manila Symphony Orchestra conducted by Regalado Jose. Jose, who used to accompany Borromeo during the 1930s and 1940s, welcomed her as a "long-lost diva" during the final rehearsal, resulting in a standing ovation from the orchestra members. In Manila, other individuals who recalled her included composer Lucrecia Kasilag, who was the head of the Cultural Center of the Philippines at the time. Kasilag initially showed enthusiasm for nominating Borromeo for the National Artist Award, but this initiative did not materialize.
The following year, the diva received the Outstanding Caviteña Award from the Hall of Fame Committee of the Cavite City government. In her acceptance speech, she expressed her modesty, saying, "May this night be the pride of our country, which, although small in size, has produced one of the prima donnas of music." Additionally, on another occasion, the cultural night celebrating the 40th anniversary of the Chartering of Cavite City was dedicated to her as "Alay kay Purita."
Unbeknownst to her family, she experienced a minor stroke during her later years. On November 1, 1993, during a severe storm that battered the city, she lost consciousness and collapsed. The day after, at the age of 85, she passed away.
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More photos and detailed article: https://lifestyle.inquirer.net/390085/finding-purificacion-borromeo-cavites-forgotten-opera-diva/
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