90’s OPM band Grin Department seeks help for ailing frontman

It's impossible to talk about 90's OPM (Original Pilipino Music) without mentioning Grin Department. With memorable lyrics like “A shampoo day…a shampoo day! May libre kang tooth….paste…toothpaste! May libre kang tooth…brush…toothbrush!” or “Miss, Miss sa loob ng jeepney sana naman ako’y bigyan pansin”  and “Hi Ho! Hi Ho! Iskin Lagot Kayo!”

 

Whether you just happened to hear a song on the radio, or were a big fan and played the cassette tape all afternoon, or shouted the lyrics at a videoke session over bottles of beer, Grin Department had everyone laughing with their cool, funny, naughty music.

 

Two decades later, the band surfaces, albeit on a sad note to ask help for their frontman, Geneber “Bong” Pascasio, who suffers from chronic abdominal disease.

 

Seeking help and donations for his medications and hospital needs, Pascasio's supporters have issued a statement.

 

"Let’s now do our part in proving that music and laughter can truly be the best medicines and heal a tormented soul. It’s time to make Bong smile and bring back his chuckles and laughs. It’s time to set up the stage for him to get back to his feet again, rock, roll and slam out with his songs," the statement said.

 

According to the statmenet, Pascasio has been confined in Sta. Ana Hospital for a month, where he just received AB-type blood transfusion after undergoing a critical operation where a tumor was removed.

 

His situation in the hospital is uncertain, as he still needs plenty of medicine in order to heal. His family and friends have theirs fingers crossed, praying that his surgery and medications can be enough to cross out cancer in the picture.

 

Prior to the hospitalization, Pascasio's house in Sta. Mesa, Manila was burned down in December last year. With his life-threatening condition and all his properties gone, the situation is a nightmare.

 

Hoping for music to heal him, bring back his laughter and save his life, his supporters and fellow musicians organized benefit concerts, reuniting 90's band icons like Philippine Violators, The Youth, Wuds, Bad Omen.

 

Those who wish to help may reach his family at the following contact numbers: 0946-883-7508/0922-623-6819.

 

"Please help spread the word so we can altogether keep Bong and his talent alive," they said. — Carmela Lapeña/RSJ, GMA News