The legacy of Budoy as Cebu's reggae pillar and artistic trailblazer

December 4, 2025 wasn't just the day a beloved Bisdak musician died; it was also the day an equally loved band was about to close its curtains for good.

- By JANUAR JUNIOR AGUJA

An almost full reunion of Junior Kilat's original lineup backstage during their gig last January.

(photo courtesy of Tiano Evangelista)

"This is it. It's not Junior Kilat without Budoy," his bandmate Tiano Evangelista told The FREEMAN, as the band prepares to hold a tribute concert in his memory.

Errol "Budoy" Marabiles passed away Thursday from cardiac arrest, nearly two months after he turned 54 years old. He was pronounced dead at 3:10 p.m. at a hospital in Oslob. He will be laid to rest in his hometown of Calbayog, Samar.

"The loss we feel is immeasurable. Budoy was more than just the voice of Junior Kilat; he was a creative genius whose unique spirit, perspective, and artistry shaped our sound and defined our band," Junior Kilat said in a statement the following day.

"Beyond the music, he was a dear friend and a brother to all of us. His energy, laughter, and relentless pursuit of musical truth will forever echo in our lives and in our songs. Nior, you will be missed beyond words."

Marabiles, a native of Samar, formed the band in 2004. They became known for their distinct Cebuano reggae sound, which spawned local hits such as "Original Sigbin," "Kawatan," and "Ako si M16."

While "sigbin" is known as a Visayan mythological creature (aswang), "original sigbin" later became a term of endearment addressed to Marabiles, as the song had grown beloved every time it was played.

The band, led by Marabiles as vocalist, consisted of Evangelista on bass, Archie Ybañez on guitar, Diana Freese on drums, Cleofas Quijano on trombone, Gina Pestaño on keyboard, Bangin Atienza on the turntable, and Jad Dapat on guitar.