Who Is Ely Buendia? Age, Biography and Wiki
As of 2025, Ely Buendia is 54 years old. He first gained fame as the lead vocalist of the band Eraserheads, a group that revolutionized the OPM (Original Pilipino Music) scene in the 1990s. Over the years, Buendia has diversified his musical talents through various solo projects, collaborations, and songwriting ventures. His contributions to the industry have earned him numerous accolades and a devoted fanbase.
| Occupation | Journalist |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | November 2, 1970 |
| Age | 54 Years |
| Birth Place | Naga, Camarines Sur, Philippines |
| Horoscope | Scorpio |
| Country | Philippines |
Popularity
Ely Buendia's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Ely Buendia stands at an approximate height of 5 feet 6 inches (168 cm). His weight is estimated to be around 150 pounds (68 kg). While specific body measurements are not publicly disclosed, his fit and agile appearance reflect a dedication to health and fitness.
The band reunited for a concert in August 2008, which was cut short after Buendia experienced chest pains and was rushed to the hospital. After recovering from an angioplasty, he later returned to the stage for a second reunion concert in March 2009.
The band embarked on a world tour between 2012 and 2014, later releasing two new songs, "Sabado" and "1995" (co-written by Buendia), for Esquire magazine. They appeared in a promotional campaign for Smart Communications in 2016.
In December 2022, the band held their third reunion concert in the Philippines, and embarked on another world tour from 2023 to 2025.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Ely Buendia was previously married to Maricar Reyes, a well-known actress in the Philippines. The couple separated in 2018 but have maintained an amicable relationship for the sake of their children. As of 2025, Buendia is reported to be dating Maia Ocampo, a rising star in the local music industry. Both appear to share a deep connection, frequently supporting each other's projects.
Buendia had a complicated relationship with his father, later writing the songs "Poorman's Grave" and "Acid Tongue" about him. 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. He grew up listening to Rico J. Puno, Diomedes Maturan, Elvis, Bob Dylan, and the Beatles.
Net Worth and Salary
As of 2025, Ely Buendia's net worth is estimated to be around $5 million. This wealth primarily stems from his successful music career, including album sales, concerts, and royalties. With various ventures in the music industry, including collaborations and producing, Buendia continues to secure his financial position.
Career, Business and Investments
Ely Buendia’s career has spanned over three decades, beginning with the Eraserheads. Following the band's break-up, he launched a successful solo career with albums like "Sa Wakas" and "Ely", displaying his versatility as an artist. Beyond music, he has ventured into business, including a notable investment in a cafe that promotes independent local musicians. Buendia is also involved in the digital landscape, utilizing platforms to connect with fans and fellow artists.
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. 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.
Buendia eventually wrote and directed the short film Waiting Shed, produced by Tikoy Aguiluz for Cinemanila. 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.
Social Network
Ely Buendia is active on multiple social media platforms, where he maintains a substantial following. His Instagram and Twitter accounts showcase his music projects, personal insights, and snippets of his life. Engaging with fans, he often shares updates on new music, shows, and collaborations, making him a relatable figure in the entertainment world.
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." 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)."
Education
Ely Buendia pursued his higher education at the University of the East, where he studied business administration. During his college years, he developed his interest in music and performance, which propelled him to join bands and ultimately form the Eraserheads.
Raised in Naga, Camarines Sur, Buendia attended University of the Philippines Diliman in Quezon City, where he met drummer Raimund Marasigan, bassist Buddy Zabala, and guitarist Marcus Adoro, with whom he would later form Eraserheads. Their debut album Ultraelectromagneticpop!
(1993) ushered in a second wave of Philippine rock bands, and launched Buendia and the band to rock stardom. Buendia was the primary songwriter and creative voice behind the band's early albums, including Ultraelectromagneticpop!, Circus (1994) and Cutterpillow (1995).
After releasing the Christmas concept album Fruitcake (1996), the band experimented with electronic and art rock styles for their next albums Sticker Happy (1997), Natin99 (1999), and Carbon Stereoxide (2001). Buendia left Eraserheads in 2002 and the band broke up soon after.
They reunited in 2008 and have since made sporadic touring and promotional appearances in the country and overseas.
