Musicians unite for charitable event supporting guitarist Gab Chee Kee of Parokya ni Edgar in the music industry
In a heartwarming display of solidarity, the Philippine music industry has come together to support Gab Chee Kee, a founding member of the iconic band Parokya ni Edgar, as he battles complications from lymphoma.
Gab Chee Kee, known for his talented guitar playing and contributions to hits like "The Yes Yes Show," "Halaga," "Mr. Suave," "Harana," and "Gitara," was diagnosed with lymphoma towards the end of 2022 and has since been undergoing chemotherapy. In January, he was hospitalised in the ICU while battling pneumonia, a complication from his condition.
Chito Miranda, frontman of Parokya ni Edgar, shared Gab Chee Kee's health status on social media, calling for donations to help with his medical expenses. This appeal sparked a wave of support from fellow musicians and bands, who have since organised a series of benefit concerts and fundraising events.
One such event is the Parokya Party for Gab, scheduled for Sunday, February 5, at 12 Monkeys Music Hall and Pub. The P1,000 door charge will go straight to Gab Chee Kee. Another event, Gig for A Cause, will feature rappers Gloc-9, Shanti Dope, and Flow G on Friday, February 10, also at 12 Monkeys, with the P1,000 door charge also contributing to Gab's medical fund.
Female OPM legends Barbie Almalbis, Acel Bisa, Aia de Leon, and Lougee Basabas are coming together for a fundraising event called Gab-ibig: Girl Power for Gab on Sunday, February 12, at 12 Monkeys. The door charge for this event is P600.
Musician-owned clothing brand Linya-Linya is also joining the efforts, selling a limited edition "Walang Iwanan" shirt in collaboration with Parokya ni Edgar. This shirt is another fundraising item for Gab Chee Kee's medical bills.
Ebe Dancel, a singer-songwriter and one of Gab Chee Kee's best friends, donated proceeds from his recent Sa Wakas concert towards Gab's medical fund. Ebe Dancel and former Sugarfree bandmate Mitch Singson also auctioned off an original drawing of the concert's poster for Gab Chee Kee.
Rock band Eraserheads, another iconic name in the Philippine music scene, have contributed to the fundraising efforts by auctioning off a custom guitar designed by Gab Chee Kee and signed by all four Eraserheads members. Bidding for this unique item opened on February 4 and will end on February 14.
The outpouring of support from the music industry, fans, and artists alike, is a testament to the strong community within the local music scene. Through these efforts, they are not only helping to alleviate Gab Chee Kee's financial burden but also sending a message of hope and solidarity during this challenging time.
In this heartwarming show of support, various musicians and bands, including the female OPM legends Barbie Almalbis, Acel Bisa, Aia de Leon, and Lougee Basabas, are organizing fundraising events to help Gab Chee Kee, covering entertainment expenses such as the Parokya Party for Gab, Gig for A Cause, and Gab-ibig: Girl Power for Gab. Moreover, the music scene is collaborating to create fundraising items like the "Walang Iwanan" shirt from Linya-Linya and a custom guitar from the Eraserheads, auctioned to help cover Gab Chee Kee's medical costs.
