Doctors say Ely Buendia now up and ready to rock

Rocker Ely Buendia through longtime partner and manager, Diane Ventura, told Startalk last December 27 that the iconic singer-songwriter is doing well and good as observed by his doctors. Ely's health has always been a source of concern to the public despite previous announcements in the past assuring everyone that the former Eraserheads and now Pupil frontman is healthy following another angioplasty procedure last August. Undoubtedly one of the newsmakers of 2008, Ely, along with former Eraserheads comrades Raimund Marasigan, Buddy Zabala, and Marcus Adoro made headlines in August after the influential quartet decided to stage a one-night reunion concert at the Global City in Taguig to heed the six-year clamor coming from devoted fans. The much-anticipated concert, however, was cut short after Ely collapsed backstage because of chest pains. The band was able to complete the first set, which consisted of fifteen songs before the unfortunate incident happened. Barely four months after the concert, Diane gave Startalk's Butch Francisco an update on Ely's present condition. "He's doing okay," she relayed, "the doctors told him that he's fully recovered. Nothing to worry about. Wala na talaga, wala na." PROJECT WITH FRANCIS M. Not that there's anything to be really worried about when it comes to Ely's health. Ever since the abrupt reunion concert, the enigmatic frontman had been very active while simultaneously completing cardiac rehabilitation as suggested by his doctors. Ely has been spotted gracing numerous events like the opening ceremony of Dekada Cinemanila International Film Festival held on October 16 at the Gateway Mall in Cubao, Quezon City. He also showed up at the premiere night of the Eraserheads reunion concert-turned-movie last November 25 at the SM Megamall in Mandaluyong City. Adding another feather to his cap was the exhibition of his 13-minute short film titled Waiting Shed. He is also back fulfilling his frontman duties for Pupil. One of Ely's most anticipated creative endeavors is the upcoming release of his collaboration project with rapper and good friend Francis Magalona. Kiko (Francis's nickname), just like Ely, is also having health problems of his own. Francis's case, however, is more delicate as he is currently battling leukemia. Diane took the opportunity to promote the project, saying, "Watch out for the album of Francis M and Ely Buendia. They recorded their first song already. They always have contacts with each other naman, everyday tumatawag si Francis." Butch curiously asked how she and Ely celebrated their Christmas. "Okay naman," replied Diane, "get together, family everyone, like I visited his family, he visited my family so parang get together." - Philippine Entertainment Portal