Ely Buendia#Apartel

Ely Eleandre Basiño Buendia was born in Naga, Camarines Sur on November 2, 1970.{{cite web |title=Ely Buendia Biography |url=https://www.tvguide.com/celebrities/ely-buendia/bio/3030463509/ |website=TV Guide |access-date=22 August 2024}} He is the second child of Ely Revilla Buendia and Lisetta Ruiz Basiño. Buendia attended preparatory school in Naga Parochial School and finished his elementary grades at Pasig Catholic College in Pasig City in 1983, and high school at University of Perpetual Help in Rizal.

Buendia had a complicated relationship with his father, later writing the songs "Poorman's Grave" and "Acid Tongue" about him.{{cite web |last1=Romulo |first1=Erwin |title=Ely Buendia on Existence, Loneliness, and the Songs That Matter |url=https://www.esquiremag.ph/long-reads/profiles/ely-buendia-a1553-20170509-lfrm5 |website=Esquire Philippines |access-date=22 August 2024}} He also wrote his first song "The Junction" after hearing Michael Jackson's album Off the Wall on cassette, getting as far as the chorus. Buendia wrote his first proper song "Unstrung Heroes" at the age of 14, which he later recorded with rapper Francis M. for his 1996 album Happy Battle.{{cite web |last1=Gonzalez |first1=Bianca |title=Ely Buendia on being a dad: 'It's everything' |url=https://www.philstar.com/lifestyle/sunday-life/2011/11/13/747021/ely-buendia-being-dad-its-everything |website=Philippine Star |access-date=22 August 2024}} He grew up listening to Rico J. Puno, Diomedes Maturan, Elvis, Bob Dylan, and the Beatles.

Buendia attended college at University of the Philippines Diliman. He played bass for the college band Bluidie Tryste in 1987, which had Raymund dela Peña on vocals.{{cite journal |last1=Ramos |first1=Redel |title=The Story of the Inverted E |journal=Pillbox |date=1996 |volume=1 |page=2}} They debuted at a protest rally, covering "Boys Don't Cry" by The Cure. The following year, Buendia and dela Peña held auditions for a new band, of which freshman Raimund Marasigan responded. He invited his fellow freshmen Buddy Zabala and Marcus Adoro for a jam session at Alberto's rehearsal studio in Cubao, but nothing materialized.{{cite web |last1=Moya |first1=Jove |title=5 Eraserheads career highlights |url=https://www.tatlerasia.com/lifestyle/entertainment/eraserheads-career-highlights |website=Tatler Asia |access-date=22 August 2024}} Buendia and dela Peña later formed a new band called Sunday School, which focused on new wave and had session drummers including Marasigan. Dela Peña eventually left the band to pursue jazz, leading Marasigan to bring in Zabala and Adoro from his own band Curfew. Marasigan and Buendia combined Sunday School and Curfew into a new band, which they named Eraserheads after the David Lynch film.{{cite web |title=The Eraserheads saga: The making and unmaking of a rock n' roll dream |url=https://www.pep.ph/lifestyle/15446/the-eraserheads-saga-the-making-and-unmaking-of-a-rock-n-roll-dream?s=22359ud59vi9uaikuerholufau |website=PEP.ph |access-date=22 August 2024}}

{{Main|Eraserheads}}

The band played at campus events, usually as the crowd started to leave. In January 1991, they recorded a nine-song demo tape at Marasigan's garage in Candelaria, Quezon and shopped it around record labels, clubs, and radio stations only to be met with rejection; one record label commented that the demos were "not pop enough". Marasigan gave a copy of the demo tape to his humanities professor Robin Rivera, who helped them re-record and mix better versions of the demos. The new demo tape was named Pop-U! as an irreverent response to those who turned them down. It earned the band a spot at Club Dredd, where they initially had little success playing covers. They decided to write their own material which soon earned them a cult following. One song written by Buendia, "Pare Ko", became popular for its explicit lyrics. The band soon landed an out-of-town gig opening for Introvoys in Cebu. Buendia wrote "Combo on the Run" based on their experiences there.

Buendia, who majored in mass communication with a degree in film at UP, sold Bicol express to his dorm mates to earn money, but later dropped out. He worked at BMG as a copywriter while writing songs with his band members at night. Their material later caught the attention of A&R director Vic Valenciano, who commented that they were technically very raw but that there was something promising in them. The band signed a three-year deal with BMG and recorded their debut album Ultraelectromagneticpop!, which was later released in 1993.{{cite web |last1=Requintina |first1=Robert R. |title=There's no stopping the Eraserheads (The Manila Bulletin, October 17, 1993) |url=http://www.schizo-archives.com/eraserheads/press/press_1993-10-17_ManilaBulletin.jpg |website=Schizo Archives |access-date=3 April 2024}} With the single "Pare Ko", Eraserheads quickly entered the mainstream.

Buendia continued to write songs for the band, many of which became classic hits. The band released seven studio albums and a compilation album for the Southeast Asian region. In 1997, they received MTV Asia's Viewer's Choice Award at the MTV Video Music Awards in New York City for their music video for "Ang Huling El Bimbo", the only Philippine artist to have received the award.{{cite web |title=Eraserheads: First Pinoy act to win MTV award (September 1997) |url=http://www.schizo-archives.com/eraserheads/press/press_MTVAwards_1997-9.jpg |website=Schizo Archives |access-date=11 August 2024}} Buendia had written the song: "I had a huge crush on this girl who was older; she was the one who taught me the dance, and I think that was the first time I was really in love with a girl. Then I never saw her again."{{cite web |last1=Oviedo |first1=Kristina Isabel |title=Who is Paraluman that made the iconic Eraserheads song hauntingly beautiful? |url=https://www.tatlerasia.com/lifestyle/entertainment/who-is-paraluman |website=Tatler Asia |access-date=11 August 2024}}

Buendia later grew ambivalent about the band's success. In an interview promoting Natin99, he revealed that he suffered from insecurity: "I realized too late that maybe I wasn't ready for it. I felt the pressure as lead singer and songwriter. I was always stressed."{{cite web |last1=De Guzman |first1=Susan Ayson |title=Millennium Heads (Manila Bulletin, May 15, 1999) |url=http://www.schizo-archives.com/eraserheads/press/1999-5-15_manilabulletin.html |website=Schizo Archives |access-date=16 August 2024}} He also contended with audience expectations as the band started to experiment with their music, later writing "Para sa Masa" in response. "We could have done another Cutterpillow that would have been even more popular," he said in another interview. "But after I saw 20,000-plus people at the Sunken Garden, naisip ko, 'Paano pa natin masusundan 'yon?' Obvious na 'yun ang gusto ng masa, 'yung ganoong tunog. Siyempre, kung ano ang gusto, 'yun ang hindi namin ginawa (How do you follow up something like that? Obviously that's what the masses want, that sound, and of course that's not what we did)."{{cite news |last1=Caruncho |first1=Eric S |title=Fathers, Fenders and Feeding Bottles |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=maU2AAAAIBAJ&pg=PA93 |access-date=7 January 2023 |publisher=Philippine Daily Inquirer |date=10 June 2001 |language=en}}

Buendia left Eraserheads in March 2002.{{cite web |title=The Heads Rock (and Roll On) (Business World, June 2002) |url=http://www.schizo-archives.com/eraserheads/press/2002-6_businessworld.html |website=Schizo Archives |access-date=18 August 2024}} In an interview, Adoro revealed that Buendia sent a cryptic text message to his band members that "it's graduation time", referring to him being a year ahead of them at UP.{{cite web |last1=Reyes |first1=Maui V. |title=Eraserheads adjusts to life after Ely |url=http://you.inq7.net/2bu/stories/08072002/sto5-1.htm |website=Inquirer News Service |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040107042049/http://you.inq7.net/2bu/stories/08072002/sto5-1.htm |access-date=18 August 2024|archive-date=7 January 2004 }} Buendia later recalled in a podcast interview in 2021: "We had a very, very good working relationship. It’s just that I don’t like it when people say that it was the wrong way to go, ‘yung dynamics within the band."{{cite web |title='We were never close, we were never friends,' Ely Buendia says of Eraserheads band mates |url=https://news.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/05/27/21/we-were-never-close-we-were-never-friends-ely-buendia-says-of-eraserheads-band-mates |website=ABS-CBN News |access-date=18 August 2024}} The remaining three members later debuted with new vocalist, Kris Gorra-Dancel of Fatal Posporos, in April. Adoro left the band in November, and the band was dissolved soon after.{{cite web |last1=Enriquez |first1=Clara |title=Eraseheads Split Up After Marcus Quits |url=http://www.mtvasia.com/news/Asian/Items/0211/0211024.html |website=MTV Asia |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030212111302/http://www.mtvasia.com/news/Asian/Items/0211/0211024.html |access-date=18 August 2024|archive-date=12 February 2003 }}

The band reunited for a concert in August 2008, which was cut short after Buendia experienced chest pains and was rushed to the hospital.{{cite web |last1=Almo |first1=Nerisa |title=Eraserheads performs "second set" sans Ely Buendia in Saguijo |url=https://www.pep.ph/news/local/2515/eraserheads-performs-second-set-sans-ely-buendia-in-saguijo |website=PEP.ph |access-date=20 August 2024}} After recovering from an angioplasty,{{cite web |last1=Lo |first1=Ricky |title=Ely in stable condition after angioplasty |url=https://www.philstar.com/entertainment/2008/09/02/82939/ely-stable-condition-after-angioplasty |website=Philippine Star |access-date=20 August 2024}} he later returned to the stage for a second reunion concert in March 2009.{{cite web |last1=Godinez |first1=Bong |title=Eraserheads The Final Set makes local concert history |url=https://www.pep.ph/news/local/21074/eraserheads-the-final-set-makes-local-concert-history |website=PEP.ph |access-date=19 August 2024}} The band embarked on a world tour between 2012 and 2014,{{cite web |last1=Rodriguez |first1=Ces |title=Eraserheads reunite! |url=https://sg.style.yahoo.com/tagged/celebrity/news/eraserheads-reunite-.html |website=Yahoo! News |date=29 August 2012 |access-date=19 August 2024}} later releasing two new songs, "Sabado" and "1995" (co-written by Buendia), for Esquire magazine.{{cite web |title=The Eraserheads to release new songs |url=https://www.rappler.com/entertainment/music/67797-eraserheads-new-songs-esquire/ |website=Rappler.com |date=31 August 2014 |access-date=20 August 2024}} They appeared in a promotional campaign for Smart Communications in 2016.{{cite news |title=Smart brings together the Eraserheads to go all out for a new, complete prepaid offer |url=https://pop.inquirer.net/24695/smart-brings-together-the-eraserheads-to-go-all-out-for-a-new-complete-prepaid-offer |newspaper=Philippine Daily Inquirer |date=23 August 2016 |access-date=20 August 2024}} In December 2022, the band held their third reunion concert in the Philippines,{{cite web |last1=Basbas |first1=Franchesca Judine |title=Eraserheads close historic 'Huling El Bimbo' reunion concert with 75,000-strong crowd, announce 2023 world tour |url=https://www.bandwagon.asia/articles/eraserheads-close-historic-huling-el-bimbo-reunion-concert-with-75-000-strong-crowd-world-tour-tickets-december-2022-2023 |website=Bandwagon Asia |date=23 December 2022 |access-date=21 August 2024}} and embarked on another world tour from 2023 to 2025.{{cite web |last1=Singh |first1=Surej |title=Eraserheads announce North America tour this May |url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/eraserheads-north-america-tour-2023-dates-tickets-3394911 |website=NME |date=9 February 2023 |access-date=21 August 2024}}{{cite web |last1=Geronimo |first1=Mika |title=Eraserheads brings back 'Huling El Bimbo' world tour in 2024 |url=https://www.rappler.com/entertainment/music/eraserheads-hold-huling-el-bimbo-world-tour-2024/ |website=Rappler.com |date=20 June 2024 |access-date=21 August 2024}}

{{Main|The Mongols (band)}}

After leaving Eraserheads, Buendia formed the underground band the Mongols under the stage name Jesus "Dizzy" Ventura. The band consisted of Buendia as lead vocalist, Jerome Velasco of Teeth on guitars, Yanni Yuzon on bass, and Bogs Jugo of Daydream Cycle on drums.{{cite web |last1=Halaman |first1=Roberto |title=Hey Hey, They're The Mongols |url=http://www.philmusic.com/zine/news/2003/11/111803_mongols/ |website=Philmusic.com |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060106170942/http://www.philmusic.com/zine/news/2003/11/111803_mongols/ |access-date=24 August 2024|archive-date=6 January 2006 }} They released a promotional EP A Fraction of a Second, followed by the self-produced studio album Buddha's Pest, which was released by Viva Records in 2003.{{cite news |last1=Caruncho |first1=Eric S. |title=The Secret History of the Mongols |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=67hjAAAAIBAJ&sjid=eyUMAAAAIBAJ&pg=598%2C8477968 |newspaper=Philippine Daily Inquirer |access-date=24 August 2024}}

When Velasco left the Mongols in 2005 to study in the US, the rest of the band added Dok Sergio to the lineup and changed their name to Pupil.{{cite web |last1=Jorge |first1=Rome |title=Rock 'n' roll survivor – triumphant |url=http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2005/dec/30/yehey/life/20051230lif1.html |website=The Manila Times |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060626005258/http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2005/dec/30/yehey/life/20051230lif1.html |access-date=24 August 2024|archive-date=26 June 2006 }}

{{Main|Pupil (band)}}

Pupil released their debut album Beautiful Machines in 2005. Jugo left soon after and was replaced by Wendell Garcia of Barbie's Cradle. The band released their second album Wild Life in 2007. Their third studio album, Limiters of the Infinity Pool, was released in 2011, after which Yuzon left the band in 2013. Velasco joined the band in 2014 after having produced Wild Life. They released their fourth studio album Zilch in 2015.

{{Main|The Oktaves}}

In 2011, Buendia formed the supergroup The Oktaves with The Jerks guitarist Nitoy Adriano and members of Hilera. They released a self-titled album in 2013, featuring the singles "K.U.P.A.L" and "Paakyat Ka Pa Lang, Pababa Na Ako".

{{Main|Apartel (band)}}

In 2016, Buendia formed the soul and R&B supergroup Apartel with Gnash and DRT frontman Jay Ortega.{{cite web |title=Apartel "Is it Hip?" Music Video Launch: One of the Most Elaborate Music Videos Ever Shot in the Country |url=https://www.wheninmanila.com/apartel-is-it-hip-music-video-launch/ |website=When in Manila |date=13 September 2016 |access-date=26 August 2024}} The band's current lineup includes Buendia, guitarist Redge Concepcion, bassist Jun Lazo, drummer Pat Sarabia, percussionist Deej Rodriguez, and a changing lineup of touring members. Ortega left the group in 2017.{{cite web |title=Jay Ortega leaves supergroup Apartel to pursue solo career |url=https://www.bandwagon.asia/articles/vocalist-jay-ortega-no-longer-part-of-supergroup-apartel |website=Bandwagon Asia |date=16 January 2017 |access-date=26 August 2024}}

Apartel released their debut album, Inner Play, through Buendia's record label Offshore Music in 2016.{{cite web |last1=Matias |first1=Izzy |title=Independent record label Offshore Music focuses on vinyl releases |url=https://www.bandwagon.asia/articles/independent-record-label-offshore-vinyl-ely-buendia-itchyworms-apartel-one-click-straight |website=Bandwagon Asia |date=February 2018 |access-date=26 August 2024}} It was followed by Full Flood in 2018.{{cite web |last1=Bodegon-Hikino |first1=Kara |title=Apartel unveil sophomore album Full Flood and tour dates - listen |url=https://www.bandwagon.asia/articles/apartel-unveil-sophomore-album-full-flood-listen |website=Bandwagon Asia |date=3 October 2018 |access-date=26 August 2024}}

In 2000, Buendia released his debut solo album Wanted Bedspacer. It featured an electronica sound in contrast to his work with Eraserheads, especially in songs such as lead single "Santo" and "Kakaiba".{{cite web |title=Ely Buendia: The Wanted Bedspacer Interview |url=http://www.philmusic.com/zine/features/2000/11/110200_ely/index.shtml |website=Philmusic.com |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20020317082030/http://www.philmusic.com/zine/features/2000/11/110200_ely/index.shtml |access-date=17 August 2024|archive-date=17 March 2002 }}

While studying film at UP, Buendia worked as an intern for Lino Brocka and Ishmael Bernal's film and TV productions. He later pursued a film career after leaving Eraserheads.{{cite web |last1=Lee |first1=Anne Rue |title=Close Encounters with Ely (Pulp, October 2002) |url=http://www.schizo-archives.com/eraserheads/press/interview_2002-10_Pulp-28_ElyBuendia.pdf |website=Schizo Archives |access-date=26 August 2024}} Buendia had previously co-directed music videos for Eraserheads songs "With a Smile" and "Maskara" and later directed music videos for Kaya and The Oktaves.{{cite web |title=WATCH: Ellen Adarna sizzles in The Oktaves' new music video |url=https://www.spot.ph/newsfeatures/57569/watch-ellen-adarna-sizzles-in-the-oktaves-new-music-video?s=22359ud59vi9uaikuerholufau |website=Spot.ph |access-date=24 August 2024}} Buendia eventually wrote and directed the short film Waiting Shed, produced by Tikoy Aguiluz for Cinemanila.{{cite web |last1=Dimaculangan |first1=Jocelyn |title=Ely Buendia talks about his short film "Waiting Shed" |url=https://www.pep.ph/news/local/2984/ely-buendia-talks-about-his-short-film-waiting-shed |website=PEP.ph |access-date=26 August 2024}} Starring Buendia's then-partner Diane Ventura, it was screened in 2009 by Cinemanila's Sine Barangay alongside former bandmate Marcus Adoro's short film The Artist Is In.{{cite web |last1=Lorenzana |first1=Paolo |title='Head of the class |url=https://www.philstar.com/lifestyle/supreme/2008/12/06/421156/head-class |website=Philippine Star |access-date=26 August 2024}}

In 2013, Buendia co-directed the crime anthology film Bang Bang Alley with King Palisoc and Zig Marasigan. He wrote and directed the title segment and the final episode "Pusakal".{{cite web |last1=Reyes |first1=Dindin |title=Violence reigns in 'Bang Bang Alley' |url=https://www.rappler.com/video/54902-violence-reigns-in-bang-bang-alley-ely-buendia-yan-yuzon-king-palisoc/ |website=Rappler.com |date=11 April 2014 |access-date=26 August 2024}} He also wrote and performed the song "Haunted" as its theme song.{{cite web |last1=Natividad |first1=Jean |title=10 Fresh Tunes to Listen to This Month |url=https://www.spot.ph/entertainment/54200/10-fresh-tunes-to-listen-to-this-month-4?s=sgaqgr15jrtn44khqekj1t9he8 |website=Spot.ph |access-date=26 August 2024}}

In 2017, Buendia released "Gabi Man, May Araw Din", his first solo release in 17 years.{{cite web |title=Ely Buendia releases first solo single in 17 years - listen |url=https://www.bandwagon.asia/articles/ely-buendia-releases-first-solo-single-spotify-gabi-man-may-araw-din |website=Bandwagon Asia |date=7 September 2017 |access-date=26 August 2024}} It was used as the theme song to the indie film Ang Pamilyang Hindi Lumuluha starring Sharon Cuneta.{{cite web |last1=Aldana |first1=Ida |title=Sharon Cuneta's Indie Film Debut Hits Nationwide Cinemas This Month |url=https://www.spot.ph/entertainment/71346/ang-pamilyang-hindi-lumuluha-nationwide-release-a1805-20170905 |website=Spot.ph |access-date=26 August 2024}} In the same year, Buendia pitched a feature screenplay titled Kontrata with producer Pam Reyes to the Cinemalaya-DGPI Filmpitch.{{cite web |title=Man in a hurry: Ely Buendia's unflagging heart |url=https://www.rappler.com/entertainment/celebrities/195631-ely-buendia-interview-photos-apartel-eraserheads/ |website=Rappler.com |access-date=26 August 2024}}

Buendia released the song "Metro" in 2021 as part of We Need a Leader, a voter awareness campaign for the 2022 Philippine presidential election.{{cite web |last1=Singh |first1=Surej |title=Ely Buendia calls out "abuses of power and bad governance" on new song 'Metro' for We Need A Leader 2022 campaign |url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/ely-buendia-calls-out-abuses-of-power-and-bad-governance-on-new-song-metro-for-we-need-a-leader-2022-campaign-2901565 |website=NME |date=18 March 2021 |access-date=26 August 2024}} He later re-recorded a new version of the song in support of presidential candidate Leni Robredo and her running mate Kiko Pangilinan.{{cite web |last1=Ng |first1=Scott |title=Ely Buendia releases new version of 'Metro' in support of Leni Robredo's presidential bid |url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/ely-buendia-releases-new-version-of-metro-in-support-of-leni-robredos-presidential-bid-3194762 |website=NME |date=31 March 2022 |access-date=26 August 2024}}

In August 2024, Buendia released the song "Bulaklak Sa Buwan" with an accompanying music video. It served as the lead single from his second solo album Method Adaptor, which was later released in November.{{cite web |last1=Junaini |first1=Hizdir |title=Ely Buendia quests for truth and travels across dimensions in 'Bulaklak sa Buwan' - watch |url=https://www.bandwagon.asia/articles/ely-buendia-marks-a-new-era-of-his-solo-career-with-bulaklak-sa-buwan-gig-report |website=Bandwagon Asia |date=16 August 2024 |access-date=18 August 2024}} It was followed by "Tagpi-Tagping Piraso", which was released in October.{{cite web |last1=Junaini |first1=Hidzir |title=Ely Buendia rocks through a fiery apocalypse in music video for 'Tagpi-Tagping Piraso' |url=https://www.bandwagon.asia/articles/ely-buendia-rocks-through-a-fiery-apocalypse-in-music-video-for-tagpi-tagping-piraso-watch |website=Bandwagon Asia |date=24 October 2024 |access-date=24 October 2024}} A remix album by various artists, Method Adaptor Remixed, was released on April 2025.{{cite web |last1=Pareño |first1=Elijah |title=Ely Buendia’s ‘Method Adaptor’ Remix Album Features DJ Love, Squid 9 |url=https://rollingstonephilippines.com/music/ely-buendia-method-adaptor-remix-album-dj-love-squid-9/ |website=Rolling Stone Philippines |access-date=24 April 2025}}

Buendia and rapper Francis M. first collaborated on the Eraserheads song "Superproxy" from the 1995 album Cutterpillow. They later re-recorded a new version titled "Superproxy 2K6" with Hardware Syndrome for the first Eraserheads tribute album Ultraelectromagneticjam!: The Music of the Eraserheads in 2005. They worked on the collaborative album In Love and War, featuring the single "Higante". It was posthumously released in 2010 after the rapper's death from leukemia.{{cite web |last1=Francisco |first1=Butch |title=A tribute to FrancisM |url=https://www.philstar.com/entertainment/2010/03/09/555842/tribute-francism |website=Philippine Star |access-date=27 August 2024}}

In 2010, Buendia and Hilera collaborated on a Tagalog rendition of "La Paloma" as the theme song to the film Manila Kingpin: The Asiong Salonga Story.{{cite web |last1=Sulat |first1=Bert B. Jr. |title=The Oktaves rock hard, roll loud |url=https://www.rappler.com/entertainment/23055-the-oktaves-rock-hard-roll-loud/ |website=Rappler.com |date=4 March 2013 |access-date=24 August 2024}} The following year, Buendia collaborated with The Jerks guitarist Nitoy Adriano, Sinosikat? vocalist Kat Agarrado, Turbo Goth member Sarah Gaugler, and drummer Pepe Smith on the song "Bungo sa Bangin" as part of Rock Rizal, a project by Rock Ed Philippines to commemorate Jose Rizal’s 150th birth anniversary. It was later re-recorded for The Oktaves’s debut album.

In 2012, Buendia and Marasigan re-recorded the Eraserheads song "Minsan" for the 2012 film Ang Nawawala.{{cite web |last1=Valencerina |first1=Roxy M. |title=Ang Nawawalang Vinyl |url=https://www.philstar.com/lifestyle/young-star/2012/11/16/867094/ang-nawawalang-vinyl |website=Philippine Star |access-date=1 September 2024}} They also collaborated with Rico Blanco and Barbie Almalbis in 2013 on a cover of Heber Bartolome's "Tayo'y Mga Pinoy" for a promotional campaign for Smart Communications.{{cite web |title=Smart releases full Music Video of "Tayo'y Mga Pinoy" featuring Ely Buendia, Rico Blanco, Barbie Almalbis, and Raimund Marasigan |url=https://www.lionheartv.net/2013/02/smart-releases-full-music-video-of-tayoy-mga-pinoy-featuring-ely-buendia-rico-blanco-barbie-almalbis-and-raimund-marasigan/ |website=LionhearTV |date=27 February 2013 |access-date=27 August 2024}}

Buendia released a series of collaborations with Itchyworms. The first song, "Pariwara", was released in 2016,{{cite web |last1=Tantuco |first1=Vernice |title=IN PHOTOS: Behind the scenes of Ely Buendia, The Itchyworms' 'Pariwara' music video |url=https://www.rappler.com/entertainment/music/140799-behind-the-scenes-ely-buendia-the-itchyworms-pariwara-music-video-photos/ |website=Rappler.com |date=25 July 2016 |access-date=27 August 2024}} followed by "Lutang" in 2017{{cite web |title=How Ely Buendia and The Itchyworms Washed Ashore: Making the 'Lutang' Video |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/ely-buendia-itchyworms-lutang-video-watch-7873007/ |website=Billboard Philippines |access-date=27 August 2024}} and "Malinaw na Malabo na Tayo" in 2019.{{cite news |last1=Lino |first1=Cha |title='Malinaw na Malabo na Tayo': Ely Buendia, Itchyworms to release new collaboration |url=https://entertainment.inquirer.net/353833/malinaw-na-malabo-na-tayo-ely-buendia-itchyworms-to-release-new-collaboration |newspaper=Philippine Daily Inquirer |date=4 December 2019 |access-date=27 August 2024}} "Pariwara" and "Lutang" were later released as a 7-inch single for Record Store Day by Offshore Music in 2017.{{cite web |title=Ely Buendia, Itchyworms team up for Record Store Day release, "Lutang/Pariwara" |url=https://www.bandwagon.asia/articles/ely-buendia-itchyworms-to-release-pariwara-b-side-lutang |website=Bandwagon Asia |date=30 March 2017 |access-date=27 August 2024}}

Buendia also collaborated with the indie rock band Cheats, having previously produced their self-titled debut album in 2016. The first song, "Grizzly Pool", was released in 2019.{{cite web |last1=Bodegon-Hikino |first1=Kara |title="This has been 3 years in the making": Cheats on Ely Buendia collab "Grizzly Pool" - listen |url=https://www.bandwagon.asia/articles/ely-buendia-cheats-collab-grizzly-pool-offshore-music-listen-2019 |website=Bandwagon Asia |date=20 November 2019 |access-date=27 August 2024}} It was followed by "Plunder My Heart" in 2020.{{cite web |title=Ely Buendia drops new song collab with Cheats |url=https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/lifestyle/content/748275/ely-buendia-drops-new-song-collab-with-cheats/story/ |website=GMA News Online |date=24 July 2020 |access-date=27 August 2024}}

Buendia collaborated with indie rock band Sansette on their song "C U" in 2022.{{cite web |last1=Ng |first1=Scott |title=Filipino indie band Sansette recruit Ely Buendia for new single 'C U' |url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/filipino-indie-band-sansette-recruit-ely-buendia-for-new-single-c-u-3315664 |website=NME |date=23 September 2022 |access-date=27 August 2024}}

{{Main|Offshore Music}}

In 2016, Buendia founded the independent record label Offshore Music.{{cite web |last1=Bodegon-Hikino |first1=Kara |title=Offshore Music relaunches with honest and intelligent Filipino acts |url=https://www.bandwagon.asia/articles/offshore-music-relaunches-with-honest-and-intelligent-filipino-acts |website=Bandwagon Asia |date=10 October 2018 |access-date=27 August 2024}} The label signed a partnership agreement with Sony Music Philippines in 2023, which includes global distribution, promotion of artists, and securing brand partnerships.{{cite web |title=Ely Buendia's Offshore Music partners with Sony Music Philippines |url=https://www.bandwagon.asia/articles/ely-buendia-offshore-music-partnership-sony-music-philippines-ena-mori-vivid-2023 |website=Bandwagon Asia |date=22 August 2023 |access-date=27 August 2024}} The label also prioritizes releasing their catalogue on vinyl.{{cite web |last1=Bodegon-Hikino |first1=Kara |title=Offshore Music shares their proudest moments, partnering with Sony Music, and vinyl goals for their artists |url=https://www.bandwagon.asia/articles/offshore-music-ely-buendia-new-artists-sony-music-entertainment-vinyl-audry-dionisio-pat-sarabia-interview-2023 |website=Bandwagon Asia |date=20 October 2023 |access-date=27 August 2024}}

Offshore Music has signed artists such as Apartel, Itchyworms, Jun Lopito, The Ransom Collective, Eyedress, and Ena Mori. Buendia has also rereleased Eraserheads's first three albums on vinyl through the label.{{cite web |last1=Bodegon-Hikino |title=Eraserheads' 25th anniversary edition of Ultraelectromagneticpop! will be available on vinyl this November |url=https://www.bandwagon.asia/articles/eraserheads-ultraelectromagneticpop-vinyl-november-2019 |website=Bandwagon Asia |date=18 November 2019 |access-date=27 August 2024}}{{cite web |title=Eraserheads to release 'Circus' on vinyl |url=https://www.bandwagon.asia/articles/eraserheads-to-release-circus-on-vinyl-album-record-offshore-music-2023 |website=Bandwagon Asia |date=7 March 2023 |access-date=27 August 2024}}{{cite web |last1=Bodegon-Hikino |first1=Kara |title=Ely Buendia and Offshore Music's Audry Dionisio on the work that went into pressing 'Cutterpillow' on vinyl |url=https://www.bandwagon.asia/articles/eraserheads-ely-buendia-offshore-music-audry-dionisio-cutterpillow-vinyl-interview-pre-order-2024 |website=Bandwagon Asia |date=31 March 2024 |access-date=27 August 2024}}

Buendia was first married to Vicky Cayago, with whom he has a daughter named Una Aurea. Buendia wrote the song "Toyang" about Cayago.{{cite web |last1=Tuazon |first1=Nikko |title=Fifteen names in OPM songs—mythical or for real? |url=https://www.pep.ph/news/local/21240/fifteen-names-in-opm-songsmythical-or-for-real?s=sv3okup1vkcl3g9dh9h4su4viu |website=PEP.ph |access-date=27 August 2024}}

Buendia was later married to Maria Diane Ventura, with whom he shares a son named Eon Drake.{{cite news |last1=Pasajol |first1=Anne |title=Passionate perseverance: 'Deine Farbe' director Maria Diane Ventura's path to her 'first love' |url=https://entertainment.inquirer.net/428684/passionate-perseverance-deine-farbe-director-maria-diane-venturas-path-to-her-first-love |newspaper=Philippine Daily Inquirer |date=10 December 2021 |access-date=27 August 2024}} Eon is currently the vocalist for Nobody's Home{{cite web |title=Nobody's Home, band of Ely Buendia's son, joins Sony Music |url=https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/lifestyle/hobbiesandactivities/748366/nobody-s-home-band-of-ely-buendia-s-son-joins-sony-music/story/ |website=GMA News Online |date=24 July 2020 |access-date=27 August 2024}} and has performed with his father at the Superproxies virtual concert in September 2021.{{cite web |last1=Abanes |first1=Mariel |title=Ely Buendia to play virtual concert 'Superproxies' with Nobody's Home |url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/ely-buendia-to-play-virtual-concert-superproxies-with-nobodys-home-3036508 |website=NME |date=3 September 2021 |access-date=27 August 2024}} Ventura became manager for Buendia's bands The Mongols and Pupil and has also contributed to their albums.{{cite web |last1=Almo |first1=Nerisa |title=Pupil launches "Wildlife" album, introduces new drummer |url=https://www.pep.ph/news/local/1244/pupil-launches-wildlife-album-introduces-new-drummer?s=c3vje8qbpbhqofpck5ej7fqvs4 |website=PEP.ph}} She also directed the Eraserheads documentary Combo on the Run, released in 2025.{{cite web |last1=Saulog |first1=Gabriel |title=‘Eraserheads: Combo On The Run’ Documentary Film To Premiere In Cinemas This March 2025 |url=https://billboardphilippines.com/music/news/eraserheads-combo-on-the-run-documentary-film-to-premiere-in-cinemas-this-march-2025/ |website=Billboard Philippines |access-date=26 March 2025}}

Buendia endorsed Leni Robredo in the 2022 Philippine presidential elections. He tweeted in 2021 that he would reunite with Eraserheads if Robredo ran for office, which he later dismissed as a "half serious joke".{{cite web |last1=Severo |first1=Jan Milo |title=Ely Buendia says Leni Robredo his 'top candidate' but reunion a 'half serious joke' |url=https://www.philstar.com/entertainment/2021/10/09/2132947/ely-buendia-says-leni-robredo-his-top-candidate-reunion-half-serious-joke |website=Philippine Star |access-date=27 August 2024}} He appeared at a campaign rally in Iloilo in February 2022, where he performed Eraserheads songs.{{cite web |last1=Cruz |first1=Dana |title=Ely Buendia rocks Iloilo with 'Alapaap,' 'Ligaya,' 'Pare Ko' performances |url=https://cebudailynews.inquirer.net/427162/ely-buendia-rocks-iloilo-with-alapaap-ligaya-pare-ko-performances |website=Cebu Daily News |date=27 February 2022 |access-date=27 August 2024}}

In January 2007, Buendia suffered a heart attack during a live show with Pupil.{{cite web |last1=Santiago |first1=Erwin |title=Ely Buendia suffers heart attack |url=https://www.pep.ph/news/local/11805/ely-buendia-suffers-heart-attack?s=sv3okup1vkcl3g9dh9h4su4viu |website=PEP.ph |access-date=27 August 2024}} He underwent two angioplasty procedures.{{cite web |last1=Legaspi |first1=Amita |title=Ely Buendia to undergo second heart operation |url=https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/showbiz/content/26270/ely-buendia-to-undergo-second-heart-operation/story/ |website=GMA News Online |date=9 January 2007 |access-date=27 August 2024}}

During Eraserheads's reunion concert in August 2008, Buendia experienced chest pains and was rushed to Makati Medical Center.{{cite web |last1=Legaspi |first1=Amita |title=(Update) Ely Buendia rushed to hospital; Eraserheads reunion concert cut short |url=https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/showbiz/content/117229/update-ely-buendia-rushed-to-hospital-eraserheads-reunion-concert-cut-short/story/ |website=GMA News Online |date=30 August 2008 |access-date=27 August 2024}} He recovered after a third angioplasty.{{cite web |title=Ely Buendia discharged from hospital - report |url=https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/showbiz/content/118522/ely-buendia-discharged-from-hospital-report/story/ |website=GMA News Online |date=6 September 2008 |access-date=27 August 2024}}

;Studio albums

{{Main|Ely Buendia discography}}

• Wanted Bedspacer (2000)
• Method Adaptor (2024)

;Collaborative albums

• In Love and War (2010; with Francis Magalona)

;With Eraserheads

{{Main|Eraserheads discography}}

• Ultraelectromagneticpop! (1993)
• Circus (1994)
• Cutterpillow (1995)
• Fruitcake (1996)
• Sticker Happy (1997)
• Natin99 (1999)
• Carbon Stereoxide (2001)

;With The Mongols

• Buddha's Pest (2003)

;With Pupil

• Beautiful Machines (2005)
• Wild Life (2007)
• Limiters of the Infinity Pool (2011)
• Zilch (2015)

;With The Oktaves

• The Oktaves (2013)

;With Apartel

• Inner Play (2016)
• Full Flood (2018)

{{reflist}}

• [https://archive.today/20121208223227/http://groups.yahoo.com/group/pupilcity Pupil Yahoo! Groups]
• [https://web.archive.org/web/20081015064305/http://philmusic.com/main/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=75&Itemid=1 Heart Attacks Nearly Kill, but Marcus Hiway Thrills]

{{Eraserheads}}

{{Pupil}}

{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Buendia, Ely}}

Category:1970 births

Category:Living people

Category:Rock songwriters

Category:Bicolano people

Category:Filipino rock musicians

Category:Filipino rock guitarists

Category:Filipino songwriters

Category:20th-century Filipino male singers

Category:21st-century Filipino male singers

Category:21st-century Filipino guitarists

Category:Filipino journalists

Category:People from Naga, Camarines Sur

Category:Musicians from Camarines Sur

Category:University of the Philippines Diliman alumni

Category:Creative Commons-licensed authors

Category:University of Perpetual Help System DALTA alumni

Category:Eraserheads members