After what seems like a million years, singer Pilita Corrales has finally quit smoking.

The former pack-a-day smoker told PEP (Philippine Entertainment Portal) last June 8 that she went cold turkey about a month ago after she suffered vertigo.

"I was taping [for the teleserye Full House] when I suddenly felt dizzy," Ms Corrales related. "I thought I was just tired because of the taping, and then Carlos [Lopez, her husband] was in hospital for a prostrate operation. My body just gave up."

She said she lost her appetite and couldn't eat a bit for several days. She was merely drinking Ensure, a dietary supplement, upon the advice of her doctor, who then diagnosed that she was suffering from vertigo that affected her left ear.

"Up to now, I'm still under medication for it," said Ms Corrales.

She said the vertigo triggered her cold turkey. But she also admitted that it is very hard to keep away from cigarettes.

At the same time she quit, her musical director Nori Sayo also quit.

"That made it easier for me," Ms Corrales acknowledged.

The two are constantly together, rehearsing for live shows and performing on stage.

Ms. Corrales said she was happy she quit smoking.

"I'm now up to my own key," she said, happily. "When you're a singer and you smoke, bumababa ang tono mo. Before, there were songs that I would bring down half a note. Not anymore."

It also helped that husband Carlos no longer smokes. He stopped after a mild heart attack.

This is not the first time that Ms. Corrales has stopped smoking. The last time was five years ago when she was hospitalized for 12 days, she recounted.

"I really mean to quit this time," she vows.

She said she feels better without the smokes. "My health is better, my voice..." said Ms Corrales. "It's also better for the people around me who don't smoke."