Ely 'more sober' at 40

MANILA, Philippines – 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 Nov. 27. 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 Dec. 12, 10:30 p.m. “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, spawning such hits as Ligaya, Pare Ko, Alapaap, Magasin, Huling El Bimbo, Kaliwete, Harana and others.

How is his health now after his heart attack? “It’s very good. The first time in 2007 was really an attack but the second one during the reunion concert in 2008 was just the result of physical and mental fatigue.”

How did it change his life? “A lot. I now take medications religiously and exercise by walking.  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.

“We chose a small venue as I want the show to be very intimate,” adds Ely. “It’s mainly for people who became a part of my life and career. It’s more of a party to celebrate my 40 years with them.”

After his 2008 reunion concert with E-heads Raimund Marasigan, Marcus Adoro and Buddy Zabala, their fans are expecting them to do another show together or perhaps a new album.

“I’m not sure about that. If ever we’d do another album, people would expect so much na mapantayan namin ang dating gawa ng E-heads. But honestly, I now see no point in doing that.”

Now that he’s with GMA, would he consider an acting career like Rico Blanco and Kean Cipriano who also started with bands? “May offers na before but to be honest, I never had intentions to act. I don’t see myself acting, I’d rather direct than act. To be honest, I believe my strengths are in singing, performing and writing songs.”