Alice Doria-Gamilla

Alice Doria-Gamilla (born 20 September 1931) is a composer whose works include the 1960 song “A Million Thanks to You,” which was later covered by Pilita Corrales in the first Philippine recording to sell a million copies. It became the signature song of Pilita’s musical television show An Evening with Pilita and was later recorded by Bobbi Martin of the Jackie Gleason Show in the United States under Coral Records. The song was recorded in seven languages. Born in Nagcarlan, Laguna, Philippines, Doria-Gamilla could play the piano by ear at the age of three and began formal instruction when she was six. She was raised in an atmosphere of music teaching by her mother (Socorro Plantilla Cuento), father (Santos Montañano Doria) and elder sister (Consuelo Cuento Doria). She completed Elementary Teacher’s Certificate at the National University. She first worked as a critic teacher for two years at the Elementary Department of National University. She became the pianist of the Division City schools of Manila, and a demonstrator and choral conductor of teachers and children’s group. As a new discovered composer in 1964, she was featured as a pianist playing her own compositions in The Tele