Hotdog band's Dennis Garcia passes away

Dennis Garcia of Hotdog band has passed away Saturday, January 18. He was 69 years old.

His youngest daughter Isa informed Dennis’ friends, fans, and followers of his passing by posting on her dad’s Facebook account on Sunday.

“For those of you who knew my father, it grieves me to inform you all that he passed away tonight. We will keep you posted regarding the details of the wake,” a portion of her message read.

“Our grief at his sudden passing is infinite and now so is he. Thank you for being with us through this difficult time.”

Dennis Garcia was a founding member of the legendary Hotdog band, which pioneered the Manila Sound.

With his younger brother Rene, the two Garcias wrote some of the biggest OPM hits including “Manila,” “Ikaw Ang Miss Universe ng Buhay Ko,” and “Bongga Ka Day.”

After “Manila” was criticized for being used in the recently concluded Southeast Asian Games, Dennis said that he and his brother Rene “created ‘Manila’ not thinking of ourselves as Tagalogs, Bisayans, or Ilokanos but as Filipinos missing the Philippines.”

Dennis was once an OFW working in the advertising industry.

Our thoughts and prayers go to Dennis and his family at this difficult time. RIP. — LA, GMA News