Ely Buendia was officially discharged from the hospital last Friday, September 5, after staying for almost a week following another angioplasty procedure to clear his blocked arteries. Ely underwent the same procedure twice last year after suffering a heart attack during an out-of-town gig with his current band, Pupil.
In a taped interview with The Buzz which was aired yesterday, September 7, Ely's partner and manager Diane Ventura disclaimed earlier reports that the band leader suffered another heart attack.
"He underwent angioplasty because nagkaroon ulit ng cholesterol buildup dun sa main artery," informed Diane. "It's not actually a heart attack."
Diane also added that Ely was asked by the doctors to rest for two months for him to recover fully.
The iconic singer-songwriter was admitted after experiencing chest pains while in the middle of the Eraserheads much-anticipated reunion concert held at the Bonifacio Global City open field in Taguig last August 30.
Ely's recent health dilemma was being linked to stress and exhaustion—both physically and emotionally. Two days before the reunion concert, Ely's mother, Mrs. Lisette Buendia, succumbed to cardiac arrest. All the preparations leading to the concert plus the loss of a loved one ultimately took its toll on Buendia—who still managed to finish the band's first set composed of 15 songs—on the night of the actual concert.
ON THE WAY TO RECOVERY. The Buzz also managed to get a few words from some of Ely's closest friends who were able to visit him at the hospital.
"Last time na bumisita kami nakakalakad siya, nakakapagsalita, kumakain, nakakapag-joke around," said film director Joyce Bernal.
According to renowned script writer Ricky Lee, who served as Ely's teacher when the young musician was still a film major student at the University of the Philippines, the incident was a blessing in disguise since it led to the discovery of the serious health malady.
"Sabi nga niya sa amin, it was a good thing din naman na nangyari ‘yon kasi nagkaka-blockage na rin 'yong isang artery niya, so nadiskubre. Mabuti't maagapan," said Lee.
Even Buendia's former bandmates from the Eraserheads likewise paid a visit, proving that the relationship among the four is now cordial as compared before.
Diane thanked all the fans who prayed for Ely's recovery and also for understanding the situation, which unfortunately cut short the reunion concert last week.
"He's in stable condition, we're expecting a 100 percent full recovery. We want to extend our deepest gratitude to the fans. I'm grateful na the fans are so understanding," she quipped.
Asked for a message, Diane advised Ely in closing: "Stay in shape, drink your medicine. Wala munang traba-trabaho, kahit mamulubi, importante ang health. Health is wealth.
Ely Buendia latest update
Eraserheads Reunion Concert Result, Photos and Videos
The eraserheads reunion concert last Saturday night (Aug. 30) at Bonifacio Global City Open Field was short cut after lead singer Ely Buendia suffered emotional and physical stress. Ely was rushed to the Makati Medical Center, where he was reported to be in stable condition. 
Opening Song: Alapaap
More than 10 songs were played to eager fans at The Fort and around 9:30 p.m. the band took a 30-minute break. Forty minutes later, Buendia’s sister went up to the stage to break the sad news.
Eraserheads Reunion Concert live in The Fort
The Eraserheads Reunion Concert will now be held at The Fort in Taguig City, instead of the CCP open grounds. After much fuss over its sponsors, the much-awaited reunion concert of the Eraserheads will push through, but with some major changes.
In a message received by those on the official mailing list of bands Cambio, Sandwich and Pedicab, Eraserheads drummer Raimund Marasigan over the weekend confirmed that another company has taken over the production of the concert after the tobacco company Philip Morris decided to pull out from the event.
Marasigan also said the event will now be held at The Fort in Taguig City, instead of the CCP open grounds as earlier announced.
“The turnover started yesterday and they have already started work on the site in the Fort. So you can check," Marasigan stated.
With the pullout of Philip Morris from the concert's production, the registration procedures in the Red Nation website have been deemed void and that fans will now have to pay to attend the concert.
He also noted that since the tickets will now be sold, the concert will be open only to those aged 12 years old and above.
Marasigan said the official announcement and ticketing details will come out in major newspapers and radio stations on Tuesday.
And to tickle those waiting for the concert, Marasigan said: “I just got home from the last rehearsal. The band is cooking. We will see you all on the 30th."
Earlier this month, the Department of Health and anti-tobacco group Framework Convention on Tobacco Control Alliance-Philippines warned Philip Morris against sponsoring the event.
Health Undersecretary Alexander Padilla said Philip Morris will be violating Republic Act No. 9211 or the Tobacco Regulation Act of 2003 which prohibits cigar companies from sponsoring sports, cultural, and artistic events of individual or team athletes, artists and performers.
"If we are able to show and prove that this concert is actually sponsored by you, by Philip Morris, then we will truly train our guns on you for clearly violating the law," Padilla said in a press conference.
He said the tobacco company cannot argue that they did not violate the law since the contract has been signed before the prohibition on sponsorship of events took effect on July 1, 2008 as stated on Section 26 of RA 9211.
"The company already knew when the prohibition would take effect so if they will try to circumvent that by saying 'we signed the contract before' that will not be acceptable," Padilla said.
The Health Department and tobacco control advocates also appealed to Eraserheads to reject the Philip Morris' sponsorship of its much awaited reunion concert.
Padilla said the popular band, which disbanded in 2002, should disassociate themselves from a cigar company who will be sponsoring their concert.
"With their prestige, they should disassociate themselves to tobacco products which have no value or use. They should heed the law and bring the youth to other productive activities. Tobacco products should not be promoted," Padilla said.
"Considered one of the most influential bands in the country, the Eraserheads has become a role model of sorts for our young. I hope they will rise up to the challenge, do more than play music, and help young Filipinos reach their potential," said Dr. Maricar Limpin of the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control Alliance-Philippines.
Eraserheads Reunion Concert
Good news to all the fans of the legendary rock band Eraserheads! They will be having a Reunion Concert stated for August 30 at the CCP Open Grounds.
The original members Ely Buendia, Buddy Zabala, Marcus Adoro and Raimund Marasigan will sing their hit songs including Ang Huling El Bimbo, Toyang, Alapaap, etc.
The news came from a source of Philippine Star. Eraserheads Reunion Concert should make their fans very happy!
