Budoy

Growing up in the late ‘90’s and the 2000’s was such a joy. It was the era of icons, of a pop culture that shaped an entire generation’s sense of identity. Internationally, we grew up with Britney Spears, Mandy Moore, and other artists who defined teenhood. On the national scene, we were dancing to the novelty hits of the Sexbomb Dancers. Locally, it was also the rise of the Bisaya Rock culture where Errol “Budoy” Marabiles, rose to fame. I was one of many who jammed to his songs even if, as a teenager, I didn’t quite get what he meant but I still sang along anyway.

  MTV and Myx, both now semi-defunct music channels, screened his music videos on free TV. I loved his rendition of “M16” --catchy, rhythmic, a rigid bop with layers. The video was full of satire. I finally understood he was speaking of political issues and wars. Eventually, I found myself singing “Buwad, Suka, Sili” with my classmates during breaks. The real catch, of course, was the fourth edible item, “Sikwate”, which always felt like a small triumph to pronounce correctly. His art was activism, wrapped in humor and melody.

When Pinoy Big Brother launched its first-ever celebrity edition, Budoy was in it along with fellow Cebuana Keanna Reeves. It was in this vulnerable state --being constantly watched-- where we got to see the real him. In his conversations with fellow housemates, he openly spoke of his advocacy and his desire to represent music from the regions. Although he didn’t win, that stint propelled his message to a wider audience and made many peoplecurious about his work.

 I met him often during my college years at a cozy bar called Turtle’s Nest. He would hang out there with some friends, or alone, usually with a bottle of beer or two. I would come up to him to say hi, and he’d start blabbering about his life as a UP student. His generosity exceeded his own capacity, always insisting that whatever he learned, he should pass on to the next generation.

 With his passing, it seems like we also have to catch up on understanding how he used art to reflect society. Take for instance his song “Kawatan”, which feels painfully timely as we continue to scrutinize the culprits behind the flood-control sham in our country. That song was also the last performance of his that I witnessed in person, something I now treasure more than I ever expected.

 I don’t know what this year has in store for us in its remaining weeks. We keep losing gems in the industry so fast that all we can do is look back and grieve. May we take up the challenge to live up to the legacy of those who came before us, those who dedicated their lives to their craft so that the truth may be made known.