Tropical Depression frontman passes away

MANILA, Philippines - Dominic “Papa Dom” Gamboa, the vocalist of the local reggae band “Tropical Depression,” is dead.

Papa Dom died today, December 18, which according to the source of disk jockey Rico Robles is due to a kidney disease. He left behind his wife and two sons.

According to a source, papa dom (tropical depression) passed away due to a kidney disease ..salamat po sa musika papa dom. #ricochismoso

— Rico Robles (@ricorobles) December 18, 2013

Meanwhile, vocalist Cookie Chua posted in her Facebook account the request of the Gamboa’s family asking for a two-day privacy to let them have time to grieve, Philippine Entertainment Portal reported.

"Hanggang sa muli Papadom Gamboa, mahal na mahal kita ang aking guro nung nagsisimula pa lamang ako sa eksena," Chua wrote.

"Nagre-request ang pamilya ni papadom na kahit dalawang araw na privacy at hindi pagtawag sa kanila. iu update po tayo kung san siya pwede puntahan pero sana i grant natin ang request nila teng and family ng katahimikan muna kahit dalawang araw," she further wrote.

In an article written by Rex Raymond Torrecampo, Papa Dom is on the works with his band for a “long overdue” album, which has been their fans’ request for the longest time now.

Asked how he measures the success that he and his band has achieved he replied, “I don’t measure success as having landed a major record deal or having appeared in countless TV shows or the money we make from gigs."

“Success for me is hearing how my songs have inspired or touched other peoples’ lives. To have delivered the message across to as many people possible is what being successful means to me.”

Tropical Depression has been known for their songs “Kapayapaan,” “Ala-ala” and â€œBilog na Naman ang Buwan."