Errol 'Budoy' Marabiles, of Junior Kilat fame, passes away

Errol "Budoy" Marabiles, of Junior Kilat fame, has passed away. He was 54 years old.  

Sigbinhaus, a live music venue in Santander, Cebu, which Budoy co-founded with his friend Dennis Pettersen, posted a Facebook tribute to the musician saying he died at 3pm on Thursday. 

"Today at 3pm my partner at Sigbinhaus and best friend for almost 20 year, Errol 'Budoy' Marabiles, suddenly left us," Sigbinhaus said.

"I could write a ton about our good memories, but right now, I feel just so empty and lonely," it added.

Pettersson told GMA News Online via Messenger that Budoy passed away due to a heart attack.

“We recently built the Sigbinhaus together and was ready to kick off. But destiny wanted different,” Pettersen said. 

The University of the Philippines Cebu College of Communication, Art, and Design (CCAD) also took to social media to mourn the passing of Budoy, who was an alumnus of their fine arts program.

CCAD said Budoy left "behind a legacy that reflects the very ideals UP Cebu strives to nurture: creativity rooted in identity, imagination in service of community, and art that challenges, delights, and transforms."

In its tribute, CCAD said it was in UP Cebu, where Budoy "first explored the inventive, boundary-pushing sensibilities that would later define his career."

"Even in his student years, he showed the curiosity, courage, and cultural grounding that CCAD encourages in every young artist and communicator," it said as CCAD highlighted how Budoy devoted his later years teaching drawing, painting, and photography to underprivileged children.

Budoy was born on October 22, 1971 in Catbalogan, Samar.

He is best known as the frontman of Junior Kilat, a Cebu-based reggae-ska-dub band, best known for the songs "M16,"  “Kawatan,” “Buwad Suka Sili,” and “Gugma-Biga.”

The artist is also known for showcasing dialects in his lyrics, and messages against corruption in the Philippines. “Kawatan” is a song about corrupt politicians.

Budoy previously co-produced and hosted the Cebu cable show “Ismol Tym.” He was also a contestant on “Pinoy Big Brother: Celebrity Edition” in 2006, where he composed the songs “Budoy Ako” and “Maligo Na Jam.”

Budoy has brought his music to events organized by the National Commission on Culture and the Arts and Visayas Biennale. He has also performed at expos and festivals in China, Dubai, Vietnam, and Hong Kong among others.

Budoy was also a visual artist, with pieces ranging from psychedelic paintings and drawings, to interesting installations, and unique furniture.

Our condolences to those Budoy has left behind.

— Nika Roque/LA, GMA Integrated News