05/12/2025
May your works and legacy continue to inspire generations.
Rest in peace, sir Errol “Budoy” Marabiles.
The College of Communication, Art, and Design (CCAD) mourns the passing of Errol “Budoy” Marabiles—reggae musician, visual artist, cultural storyteller, and proud alumnus of the Fine Arts Program. Budoy passed away on December 4, 2025, leaving behind a legacy that reflects the very ideals UP Cebu strives to nurture: creativity rooted in identity, imagination in service of community, and art that challenges, delights, and transforms.
Born on October 22, 1971 in Catbalogan, Samar, Budoy studied Fine Arts at UP Cebu, where he first explored the inventive, boundary-pushing sensibilities that would later define his career. Even in his student years, he showed the curiosity, courage, and cultural grounding that CCAD encourages in every young artist and communicator.
Budoy became widely known as the charismatic frontman of Junior Kilat, the Cebu-based reggae–ska–dub band that helped usher Cebuano music into the national consciousness. With his unmistakable presence and signature dreadlocks, he infused the genre with local myth, humor, and dialect—creating an unmistakably Cebuano sound. Songs like “Original Sigbin,” “K-Fyne,” and the acclaimed “Ako si M16” resonated across the country, earning Junior Kilat the Song of the Year award at the 2005 NU Rock Awards.
His creative work extended into media and television. Through the Cebu cable show Ismol Tym, which he co-produced and hosted, Budoy highlighted local stories with wit and authenticity. His stint on Pinoy Big Brother: Celebrity Edition in 2006 expanded his reach even further. True to form, he carried his Cebuano identity with him, composing memorable pieces like “Budoy Ako” and “Maligo Na Jam,” bringing regional vibrancy to mainstream entertainment.
Yet despite his national visibility, Budoy never abandoned his roots in the visual arts. His 2019 exhibition “Tantric Sigbin” showcased a bold fusion of folklore, psychedelic imagery, and East-Asian–inspired forms—proof of an artistic mind that refused confines and embraced constant evolution. He often described his art as “shape-shifting,” a reflection of his lifelong refusal to be boxed in.
Among his most fearless works as a musician was “Kawatan”—a fiery, unflinching attack on corrupt politicians that has resurfaced repeatedly in moments of national frustration. The song’s viral resurgence in recent years speaks to Budoy’s rare ability to articulate public sentiment with raw honesty and creative force. In a political climate marked by disinformation, impunity, and persistent corruption, “Kawatan” stands as a cultural reminder of the power of art to hold leaders accountable and give voice to collective anger. Budoy’s music did not merely entertain; it challenged, warned, and demanded better from those in power.
Perhaps the most profound dimension of his legacy was his commitment to community. Budoy devoted his later years to teaching underprivileged children in Cebu and Dumaguete, guiding them in drawing, painting, and photography. Through the Sigbin Art Hub, he created spaces where young people could explore their own creativity—an act of generosity that will continue to ripple through the lives of those he mentored.
Today, CCAD remembers Errol “Budoy” Marabiles as a trailblazer who lived his art fully and fearlessly. His music elevated Cebuano culture; his visual work expanded Philippine imagination; his mentorship uplifted future generations. In honoring Budoy, we honor the power of art to move communities and create worlds.
Rest in power, Budoy. Your voice, your vision, and your spirit live on in every artist and every story you have inspired.
Photo Credit | Aldo Banaynal of The Freeman
