Ely Buendia graces ‘El Bimbo’ gala night

Photo: Lou Albano

On Thursday, rock legend Ely Buendia surprised even the cast members when he graced the gala night if "Ang Huling El Bimbo", the musical based on the songs of his iconic ‘90s band Eraserheads. 

Ely joined the cast members as they took their bows, giving them congratulatory handshakes.

His presence clearly meant a lot to the actors and Ely was happy to give his "basbas" to their performance. 

Photo: Lou Albano.

Speaking to GMA News Lifestyle after the two and a half hour show, Ely said he came in "with an open mind. I didn't expect anything."

"I really liked how some of our lesser known songs were also included along with the more popular ones," he continued, citing his pleasant surprise at the inclusion of "Waiting For the Bus," from their third album, "Cutterpillow."

Fans would remember the band jamming the song inside a bus while touring London in 2014.

Ely said his personal favorite scenes from the play include those that feature the song "Poorman’s Grave" adding, "I'm very proud of that song."

On Tuesday, Ely’s bandmate Raimund Marasigan revealed on social media feeling apprehensive about the musical, but that he appreciate the gesture of being invited to the gala. 

"We are drawn to things or music that reminds us of our childhood, and the people behind the musical understand that ... I hope the musical will ‘ratatouile’ you in a similar way," he told fans asking him for tickets. 

"Ang Huling El Bimbo" runs until September 2 at the Newport Theater in Resorts World. — AT, GMA News