Joey “Pepe” Smith. Photo by Leo Sabangan
Pinoy rock pioneer Joey “Pepe” Smith is now recovering but still confined in the hospital after suffering a stroke late last night, Nov. 14, his manager Mark de Leon told the Inquirer.
De Leon said he was driving Smith home to Antipolo after having dinner when the 69-year-old musician and actor called his attention.
“When I looked at him, he was drooling,” De Leon said, adding that he noticed Smith’s facial muscles involuntarily drooping, and immediately drove to Metro Antipolo Hospital.
He felt glad Smith made it to the hospital and was given emergency treatment in 15 minutes.
The first six hours are crucial to a stroke victim. This was Smith’s third stroke. The first one left him with a speech impediment.
Smith – a longtime endorser of Red Horse Beer and who’s turning 70 on Christmas Day, Dec. 25 – is scheduled to headline the multiband lineup Pepe Smith Rockfest on Nov. 18 at Amoranto Stadium.
De Leon said Smith would want to postpone the concert while he was recuperating.
At this posting, concert organizers are in the hospital meeting with Smith. /jpv