Ely Buendia

Eleandre Basiño Buendia, popularly known as Ely Buendia, and also once adopting the stage name, Jesus "Dizzy" Ventura, (born November 2, 1970) is a Filipino writer and musician who gained fame as guitarist, songwriter, and lead vocalist in the popular Pinoy rock band The Eraserheads. His compositions gained success and critical acclaim, and are now considered classics. Widely regarded as one of most respected music icons in the country, he currently performs as guitarist and lead vocalist for Pupil.

The Eraserheads

Main article: The Eraserheads

In December 1989, Ely Buendia, Raimund Marasigan, Marcus Adoro and Buddy Zabala formed the Eraserheads in their collegiate school, the University of the Philippines, Diliman, where Buendia was a Film major at the College of Mass Communications (he started his first year of college in 1987). The band found that they weren't good at covering other people's hits, so they concentrated on writing their own material instead. "After all, if we committed a mistake no one would recognize it since they don't know the song, right?," Buendia explained^{[citation needed]}. Performing their original songs live soon earned them a cult following in the University, which gradually spread outside the campus. One of the songs, a pop song entitled, Pare Ko, which Buendia wrote, became very popular, partly because of the lyrics which included a few swear words.
The Eraserheads eventually signed a three-year deal with BMG Pilipinas. Their debut album, "UltraElectroMagneticPop!" featured no less than Pare Ko and a host of other novelty pieces that had people listening and discovering more about the quartet. The album also brought the underground college rock scene into public awareness. 1993 saw the emergence of "Eraserheadsmania" because of successive hit singles, sold-out concerts and thousands of fans.
Buendia continued to write songs for the band, many of which became hit singles and classics. The Eraserheads' lasted for ten years before finally breaking up with Buendia and Adoro's departure. During those 10 years, the band produced eight studio albums along with other EPs and singles. Their gigs took them out of the country, with tours in the U.S. and other countries. One album, "Aloha Milkyway, was released in the Asian region. The Eraserheads were also the first ever Filipino artists to receive the "Moon Man" trophy for winning the 1997 MTV Asia Viewer's Choice Award for the video of their song, "Ang Huling El Bimbo." This hit was also written by Buendia, like many others that the band produced.
The Eraserheads had one of the most influential runs in OPM history.^{[citation needed]}. Their prolific contributions to the OPM repertoire backed by remarkable sales led their record company, Sony-BMG to dub them "The Beatles of the Philippines"^{[citation needed]}. Buendia had correspondingly been dubbed the John Lennon of OPM^{[citation needed]}. Ely remarked, however, that he does not relish being a "John Lennon of OPM" as he craves for his own identity and to be known as "Ely Buendia of OPM."
The Eraserheads went onstage for their reunion concert on August 30, 2008 at the Fort Open Field, Taguig City, which was cut short unexpectedly. The continuation of the concert was held at the SM Mall of Asia Concert Grounds on March 7, 2009.

[edit] Leaving the Eraserheads

After weeks of speculation, it was confirmed that Buendia had left the band in mid-March 2002 for "reasons unknown". However, in subsequent interviews, Buendia pointed to business matters as the cause of the band's break-up^[1].
In an interview, Marasigan said he was eating in SM Megamall, a local shopping mall, when he heard of the news (how he heard of it, was not clear). He said he was "semi-surprised" and wondered if Zabala already knew about it^[2]. Adoro told of the story now famous among Eraserheads fans about Buendia's cryptic text message. He said Buendia stated in the text message that it's already time to graduate. Adoro quipped in the same interview that Buendia being the first to graduate was natural, since he was in batch '87 in their school (UP, Diliman), while they were in Batch '88.^[2]
Zabala confesses in an interview that disbanding had not been that far away from the members' minds. He said that there were so many occasions where they could have disbanded but they did not^[3]. Adoro expressed the belief of some people that the band was getting too old and that it was "selfish" for the band to continue, likely referring to comments about how it's time for other bands besides the Eraserheads to shine^[3]. The band made it clear, though, that Buendia's departure from the band wasn't in any way violent and there was no shouting (sigawan) or any confrontation^[3].
Without giving up, the three remaining original Eraserheads decided to continue on. Within just a few weeks, the "new" Eheads debuted at Hard Rock Cafe in Makati City on April 19 featuring a female singer-guitarist, Kris Gorra-Dancel from the band, Fatal Posporos. However after a few months, Adoro also quit the band. The remaining members of the Eraserheads added Diego Mapa and Ebe Dancel to their lineup and renamed their band, "Cambio"

[edit] The Mongols

After Ely left the Eraserheads, he would invite musicians and jam together. He had no definite line-up at that time, "I have like 10 members in the band right now, I have 2 drummers, 2 bass players..." according to Ely in an interview with Martin Nievera. This jamming together with friends would eventually evolve to The Mongols. It was composed of guitarist J. Astro (also known as Jerome Velasco) (of The Teeth), bassist Yan Yuzon, drummer Bogs "Boga Man" Jugo (of the indie pop band Daydream Cycle), and Buendia on guitars and vocals, under the stage name Jesus "Dizzy" Ventura. The band was managed by Day Cabuhat, one of Eraserheads' former managers. According to one of the Eraserhead's event producers, Ely's "Jesus" stage name was from an inside joke during the Eraserhead's USA Tour. Ely and Marcus bought replica sheriff badges at the Universal Studios Hollywood and Ely got a badge with the name "Jesus" while Marcus' was "Cesar". Since then, Ely was called "Hesus" pronounced in Latin American accent.
The Mongols released a self-produced underground EP in CD-R format with factory-printed sleeves in April 2003, "A Fraction of A Second". It contains five tracks, "Case Logic", "No", "Tomorrowland", "KSP" and "Abstraction of A Second". It was released under "Redrum Records".
After a few months, the Mongols decided to have their self-produced album distributed by Neo Records Inc. under the major label VIVA Records. The result is a thirteen-track album called "Buddha's Pest" (tracks are: "Keeper," "Bulakbol," "Bakit Nga Ba?," "Pony," "Teka Muna," "Candy Flip," "Heroine," "Wig Out," "It's Over," "Irish Spring," "Odd Even," "Your Bushido" plus an untitled instrumental track). It was produced by "The Genghis Klan" under "Criminal Records".

[edit] Pupil

Main article: Pupil (band)

Shortly after The Mongols' guitarist, J. Astro, left the band, the remaining members renamed their group "Pupil." Buendia changed upon the band name while reading a medical book. The band is enjoying more mainstream popularity, in contrast to the Mongols.

[edit] Health

On Sunday, January 7, 2007, Ely Buendia suffered a heart attack or acute myocardial infarction secondary to arterial blockage. It began when Buendia complained about finding it a bit hard to breathe while they were on the way to a gig in Laguna. But he dismissed it as mere heartburn. After some time, Buendia was reportedly in the middle of a song during a gig in Calamba, Laguna when he felt a sudden pain in his chest and left arm. He was rushed to an Intensive Care Unit at the Asian Hospital and Medical Center in Alabang, Muntinlupa. "It turns out that he'd been having a heart attack for the last five hours." according to ex-eheads manager Jessica Zafra. Doctors performed an angiogram on the frontman and it confirmed the heart attack as two of his arteries were blocked. Buendia's condition was confirmed stable after an emergency angioplasty operation headed by Dr. Benjie Luna during the same night. According to Dok Sergio, “Ely is fine, successful yung surgery last night. (Last night's surgery was a success).”^[4]
The second angioplasty operation conducted on Ely Buendia on January 10, 2007 was successful and is secured from having heart attack recurrence. “The operation was a super success. He is totally out of danger and heart attack recurrence is not expected.” according to Buendia’s attending physician and cardiac surgeon, Dr. Wilfred Dee. Diane, Ely's ex-girlfriend, is a capillary-carcinoma survivor who's now free from cancer cells during the past two years.
On behalf of Pupil, Ms. Day Cabuhat and Diane Ventura gave thanks to everyone who called, visited and expressed their concerns to Ely's condition such us fans, writers, editors, media, sponsors, networks, producers, and most especially to local musicians such as Yael Yuzon, Japs Sergio, Francis Magalona, Parokya ni Edgar, Kamikazee, Kiko Machine, Menaya, Rico Blanco, Urbandub, Buddy Zabala, Marcus Adoro and many others.^[5]
Buendia was finally released from the Hospital and was allowed to stay at home and rest by his doctors on the night of January 15, 2007. "I’ve got a bionic heart now," joked by Buendia.
This event prompted rap artist Francis Magalona, a longtime friend of Buendia and the other Eraserheads, to state the following in his personal blogsite: "Fast forward to right now, 9:58 am, Jan. 9, a lot of what ifs scenarios pop in my head. What if the E-heads members are back, like long-lost blood brothers? What if "the most significant OPM band of Pinoy Rock" would be in one room, what would happen?" And in postscript he adds, "Para sa akin panahon na para mag-reunite ang E-heads. Sugod na mga kapatid...rock & roll na hanggang umaga." which roughly translates, "For me, it's time for E-Heads to reunite. Let's go brothers...rock & roll until the morning comes."
Ely’s first on-stage public appearance after his heart attack was on Saturday, February 10, 2007 as his band, Pupil, performed at The Music Hall in SM Mall of Asia, in an Animax event called “Love Is In The Air”. The event featured a Speed-dating event as a welcome celebration for Valentine’s Day and live performances from other local artists such as Callalily, and Amber. Pupil is also part of “Super Proxy Jam”. It is an event that is hoping to spread awareness for the importance of Cardiovascular Health and for the benefit of The Heartist Foundation Inc. Francis Magalona & The Hardware Sydrome, Parokya Ni Edgar, Gloc-9, Dicta License, PiKaSO, and Dice & Mobbstar are also participants in the said event. Heartist Foundation Inc. is another collaborative effort between Ely Buendia and Francis Magalona that aims to help Filipino artists with health problems.

[edit] Eraserheads Reunion

Buendia joined Marasigan, Adoro, and Zabala for a one-night only reunion show on August 30, 2008 at the Fort Open Field, Taguig City. The concert, however, was cut short after Ely collapsed due to emotional stress^[6]. They were already halfway of a planned 30-song setlist as Ely reportedly collapsed backstage during a break and was rushed to the Makati Medical Center. He was, however, reported to be in stable condition. Buddy had checked on Ely in his tent right after they went to their planned 20 minute break and saw that he already was on an oxygen mask with paramedics checking his blood pressure. As he left and came back, paramedics were already taking Ely on an ambulance. Bandmates Buddy, Raimund and Marcus further said that they had no idea that Ely was already having difficulty performing^[7].
Results showed that Buendia suffered from a slight attack and Hypokalemia. The doctors at Philippine Heart Center had found another blocked artery and performed angioplasty right away, which is Ely's third since 2007. On September 5, 2008, Buendia was discharged from the hospital.

[edit] Other works

[edit] Literature

Ely Buendia had a broadsheet column, entitled "CURSOR," published weekly (every Saturday) in the Entertainment Section of the Manila Bulletin. Some entries are “Cloning Music,” “Crude Little Robots,” “Biocast Entry No. 13,” “A Dystopian Holiday,” “Event Horizon,” “The Answer,” “Misguided Tours,” “A Well-Documented Review,” “Parking and Flying,” “Soaking Up the Bar,” “Mental Floss,” and his final article, “A Cause for Elevation.” Due to Buendia's busy musical career, CURSOR had ended and was last published during the first Saturday of September 2006.

Ely's sci-fi short story "The Pillar" was published on the March issue of Rogue Magazine.

[edit] TV and Films

Aside from starring with the Eraserheads in the movie "Run Barbi Run", Ely played a cameo role in Rufa Mae Quinto’s movie entitled, “Masikip Sa Dibdib” where he was playing and singing “Keeper” by The Mongols in a live stage set with audiences going wild and enjoying the music.

Buendia has once again showed his acting skills as he's part of Saab Magalona's shortfilm "Spoonfeed," it also stars Jaime Fabregas, Ccia Estocapio, and Saab Magalona herself. Ely graced the opening rites for Dekada Cinemanila on October 16, 2008. The event also marked Ely's comeback in the industry after his operation.

A 13-minute indie film entitled "Waiting Shed" was produced by Cinemanila's Anima and Tikoy Aguiluz and was shown as part of Cinemanila's Sine Barangay. The film was directed by Ely Buendia, making it his first. "Waiting Shed" premiered with Marcus Adoro's indie film "The Artist Is In".

Ely Bundia was chosen by MTV Philippines as a voice actor in the Filipino version of MTV Asia's "Intersection" animated film. It is also a campaign of MTV Exit and USAID against exploitation and trafficking, which features soundtrack from Radiohead and Thievery Corporation. Other voice actors are Anne Curtis, Dingdong Dantes, Epi Quizon, and Dolly Anne Carvajal.

He guested as "Dave", the older brother of Chris Brawner, in Manny Pacquiao's comedy sitcom, "Show Me Da Manny". In the later part of the show, Buendia performed "Different Worlds" with his band Pupil. The episode was aired on September 13, 2009.

[edit] Socio-Civic

Ely also served as the Master Councilor of the Philippines branch of Order of DeMolay .^{[citation needed]} He was initiated as one of the Charter Members of A. Mabini Chapter at Parañaque and has received the Degree of Chevalier, the highest Degree in DeMolay.^{[citation needed]} DeMolay alumni members include Walt Disney, John Wayne, Mel Blanc, Bob Mathias, Bill Clinton, Menardo Jimenez, Neptali Gonzales II, Suharto T. Mangudadatu, Jejomar Binay, Ariel Magcalas, Rafael Salas, Joel Lamangan, Luke Mejares and Mike Orquillas. Each has spoken eloquently of the life-changing benefit gained from their involvement in DeMolay.^[8]

Buendia is also a representative of Ako Mismo, a non-political and non-profit movement headed by KBP and PLDT which encourages self awareness amongst citizens and the future of the Philippines. Other representatives include Edu Manzano, Luis Manzano, Maxene Magalona, Arnel Pineda, Chris Tiu, Charice Pempengco, Angel Locsin, Ramon Bautista, Efren Peñaflorida, Jr. and many others.

Ely Buendia and Francis Magalona started the Heartist Foundation Inc., which aims to help Filipino artists with health problems and other concerns.

[edit] Solo Projects

Buendia had a solo project, even before leaving the Eraserheads. He recorded ten tracks in his home studio, "Suite 16 Studios." The album was called "Wanted: Bedspacer," and it comprised the tracks "Wanted Bedspacer," "Monday Mundane," "Kakaiba," "Santo," "Over 18," "Tapos Na," "Acid Tongue," "Oras," "Shallow Breathing," and "Hotchik". The cassette version of the album has a bonus track titled "In the Midnight".

In mid-2008, Buendia commenced a series of solo gigs. He mostly sang Eraserheads songs accompanied by indie bands or sessionists, without his band Pupil. First he had a local performance with the Oven Toaster band in the Mag:net Cafe, the Fort. Then he performed an all-Eraserheads number in Manning Bar, Sydney, Australia ^[9]. Apparently, most fans have been intrigued by these events as there were no issued press releases or announcements regarding his recent solo performances. He also made a new version of "Ang Huling El Bimbo" with FILharmoniKa orchestra for Kumpas compilation, headed by Gerard Salonga, brother of Lea Salonga.

Ely Buendia co-produced Sugar Hiccup’s “Oracle” album with Raimund Marasigan.

Ely Buendia and his sister, Lally Buendia wrote the songs “Black Whole," “Sucker” and “Marble” for Domino's Fair Tales album. His wife, Diane played Glockenspiel on “In Your Arms and Pedalpitch on “Provocatrice”. Fair Tales was co-produced by Ely (together with his sister), and was mixed by him as well (together with Lazyboy). Domino was fronted by Lally Buendia and the album was released commercially under Viva Records in 2003. Domino is Lally Buendia on vocals, Ryan Goan on guitars/keyboards, Noy Herrera on bass and Gideon Trinidad on drums

He composed True Faith’s “Kung ‘Di Rin Lang Ikaw” with Lyrics by J. Bacasmas and arranged by Ron Soriano for PolyEast Records. Bacasmas is the vocals behind Ultraelectromagneticpop's “Ganjazz.”

"Magasin" which he wrote was sampled for the track “Girl On Da Magazin” by Legendary Flip-Hop group, Legit Misfitz.

He wrote the songs “Mga Babae” and "Something Always Brings Me Back To You" sung by the female funk, R&B, rap, and soul music group, Novia under BMG Pilipinas.

Buendia wrote a song called "Stone's Throw" for Sponge Cola's debut album "Palabas".

He also collaborated with Pinoy Rap artists in the song “Private Diane” with Francis Magalona and Death Threat. It was released under Sony Music. Buendia furthered the collaboration with rapper Beware (also of Death Threat) titled "Pag Puti ng Uwak", under the album "Revenge of tha Undaground", which was released in 2007.

He used the codename “MH Hesus” when he sung back-up vocals for Parokya Ni Edgar’s “Hosanna Ngayong Pasko” Christmas song in the “Jingle Balls Silent Night Holy Cow” album. MH actually means Maalalahanin, it is the street somewhere in Teachers Village, Quezon City where Ely Buendia used to live.

Buendia also sang "Suntok Sa Buwan", an APO Hiking Society original. It was included in the OST of 2000 Viva Films movie "Kailangan Ko'y Ikaw", starring Regine Velasquez and Robin Padilla.

Buendia also collaborated with the late Francis Magalona for their new album, "In Love & War" originally released in 2009, and launched a new album last June 2010, with their hit single, "Higante".

[edit] Commercial Projects

As early as January 2006, there were reports that some of Pupil’s fans have been hearing a new song called “Luk4 Jingle”, as it was played on some radio stations and also during the ending credits video of the original episodes of Studio 23’s Barkada Trip. Although due to lack of indications and confirmations from the band and related organizers that time, it was quite unclear if the song was actually from the band or was an old solo project of Ely or the vocals of the said song just sounded like Ely. Until recently, the song was finally confirmed, heard and witnessed when the band played it (titled "Text LUK4") live during the finale of DPC Yellow Pages' "Luk4 The Million - City Adventure Challenge" held on December 8, 2006 at the Metrowalk. Although Pupil plays it during live performances, the song itself was a side project of Ely's.

Ely Buendia was included in a commercial project for San Miguel Beer's Red Nose product line, alongside various Filipino Rock icons: Ebenezer from Pencil, Ronnhel from Pencil,Erwin from Pencil, Morris from Pencil and Noli from the Pencil. He also became a top endorser of the Red Nose Muziklaban. During the 2007 Muziklaban, he performed "Nasaan Ka?" with Kjwan as his ad hoc band.

Buendia is part of Coca-Cola Philippine's Coke Zero campaign with Billy Crawford and Gaby Dela Merced. The campaign was launched on ASAP and is generally about the health awareness of the brand. He also participated in a similar but more formal campaign in 2008 with Quaker Oats.