Former Eraserheads and now Pupil frontman Ely Buendia is "fine and doing well."
In a text message received by PEP (Philippine Entertainment Portal) earlier this afternoon, September 18, Ely's manager Day Cabuhat disclaimed the nagging rumor circulating since yesterday that the legendary singer-songwriter passed away due to complications brought about by his heart ailment.
According to the rumor that was disseminated widely via SMS, a news blackout is allegedly currently being implemented by Ely's immediate family and close friends since all of them are at a loss on how to break the sad news to the public.
"Just to let you know it ain't so," informed Day, who admitted being swamped with phone calls and text messages coming from fans and reporters for the past two days.
COMPLETE REST, NO STRESS. Ely was ordered by his doctors to rest for two months straight, after undergoing another angioplasty—his third since early 2007—to clear his blocked arteries.
The enigmatic musician, widely known as the heart and soul of the phenomenal ‘90s rock band the Eraserheads, was rushed to the hospital last August 30. This was after experiencing chest pains before collapsing backstage while in the middle of the highly anticipated one-night reunion concert of the Eraserheads at the Bonifacio Global City Open Field in Taguig. Stress, both physical and emotional, caused Ely's meltdown.
Aside from the taxing preparations done by the band members leading to the event, Ely's mother, Mrs. Lisette Buendia, died two days before the concert. In spite of his already unstable condition, Ely opted to push through with the concert and was able to complete the band's first set before retreating backstage where the unfortunate incident took place.
The two-month rest suggested to Ely by his doctors is part of the cardiac rehabilitation program—a medically supervised program to aid patients with heart disease for them to fully understand and manage their condition.
"Complete rest. No performance and no stress," doctors reportedly advised Buendia.
His current band, Pupil, performed as a three-piece unit last September 6 at the AXN Amazing Race event held in Trinoma Mall in Quezon City. Guitarist Yan Yuzon, bassist Dok Sergio, and drummer Wendell Garcia all shared vocal chores to fill in for their absent frontman.
Pupil, however, won't carry on as a trio despite managing to fulfill the AXN engagement. Management opted to put the band's upcoming and pending commitments on hold while waiting for Ely's full recovery.