MANILA, Philippines?Noel Tio, former drummer of Joey Ayala?s band, Ang Bagong Lumad, died Monday in Baguio City after suffering a stroke. He was 46.
Known for his cheerful demeanor and kindness, Tio was among the pioneers who blazed the trail for Filipino alternative music in the 1990s.
He was out with friends on Saturday and was rushed early the next morning to Baguio General Hospital, according to radio DJ Ramon Zialcita. Doctors performed brain surgery and Tio was put on a respirator. He did not recover.
Ayala, who happened to be in Baguio for a concert, had rushed with his wife Jessie to see Tio in the hospital. ?He died smiling,? said Ayala.
Tio, bassist Onie Badiang and female vocalist Bayang Barrios were part of the Bagong Lumad lineup that recorded in Ayala?s third independent album, ?Mga Awit ng Tanod-lupa.? The same band would re-record Ayala?s earlier works, ?Panganay ng Umaga? and ?Magkabilaan,? which, along with ?Tanod-lupa? and ?Lumad sa Siyudad,? were all acquired by Universal Records for nationwide release in 1991.
A wake is being held until Feb. 16 at La Funeraria Paz, 79 Naguilian Road, Baguio City. Interment will be at Heaven?s Garden, Loakan Airport Road near the Philippine Military Academy campus.
