Ely Buendia, a changed man after his heart attack

GMA IS NOW producing concerts and their first venture is Ely Buendia’s first solo show, “Ely Buendia XL – Xtra Live at 40”, in time for Ely’s celebration of his 40th birthday last Nov. 2. This will be held at Republiq in Resorts World on November 27, Saturday. Producer Joey Abacan says Ely became a Kapuso after he sang the theme song of “Ang Panday” last year. His solo concert will be shown on GMA’s SNBO on December 12, 10:30 PM. “The concert is a retrospective celebration of the past two decades of my musical career,” says Ely whose career started in 1990 with the Eraserheads.

How is his health now after his heart attack? “It’s very good. The first time was really an attack but the second one during the reunion concert was just the result of physical and mental fatigue.”

How did it change his life? “A lot. It has made me more appreciative even of little things, of the time I have left in this world. At 40, I’m halfway through my supposed lifespan and I appreciate what I have. Even my taste in music and the mood of my songs have changed. It’s now more sober. Before, it’s about escaping reality. Now, it’s facing reality.”

Is he no longer with the Pupil band? “It’s still there, they’ll be at my show, but I have also formed a new band, Dope Militia, who I’ll be performing with. We’ll do my past hits and also new songs to be included in our new album.”

Ely gained icon status as a singer, guitarist and songwriter. He has collaborated with the late Francis Magalona in “In Love and War”, one of the best selling albums this year. His concert is by invitation only. What does it mean? “It means the guests will be chosen by us,” says his manager Diane.