Ely Buendia (Image: Instagram/@elybumbilya)
Singer-songwriter Ely Buendia extended his appreciation to fans for their continuous support for the local music scene amid the COVID-19 crisis.
Buendia, the frontman of the “supergroup” Apartel, thanked “everyone for supporting artists in these dire times” via Twitter yesterday, May 29.
Like other workers from the entertainment industry, musicians’ livelihoods have been affected by the pandemic. During this period, some artists have resorted to conducting online concerts and virtual track launches to share their music.
Metro Manila is preparing to ease its quarantine measures under general community quarantine (GCQ) or the “new normal” starting June 1. The GCQ is a transition from modified enhanced community quarantine, or MECQ. Under the new normal, industries that are related to leisure, amusement, gaming and fitness are still not allowed to operate and mass gatherings including gigs and concerts are still prohibited.
Thank you to everyone for supporting artists in these dire times.
— Ely Buendia (@elybuendia9001) May 29, 2020
Buendia, who is also the former vocalist of the prominent ’90s rock band Eraserheads, congratulated the cast and crew of the musical “Ang Huling El Bimbo” (AHEB) on his Instagram account on May 18. The musical features some of the band’s biggest hits. It recently became available for streaming for 48 hours as a fundraiser for ABS-CBN’s COVID-19 relief efforts.
Last February, Buendia joined its cast for “Ely Buendia, a Night at the Theater.”. Buendia recalled his performance for AHEB by showing a series of photos in his post. The musician revealed that it was his “last gig before the lockdown.”
AHEB’s online release got 7 million views and was able to raise P12 million.
Buendia previously collaborated with rock band Itchyworms for the song “Malinaw na Malabo na Tayo,” under Buendia’s independent record label Offshore Music. /ra
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