Heber Bartolome, the genius behind the OPM classis “Tayo’y Mga Pinoy,” has crossed the great divide.
The sad news was relayed by his brother Jess in an interview with DZBB.
Note that Heber just celebrated his 73rd birthday on Nov. 9.
Jess said, “Biglaan... nawalan ng pulso...masaya pa kami nung birthday niya e.”
Heber passed away quietly Monday, Nov. 17, at the Veterans Hospital.
Jess made clear Heber’s death was not COVID-19 related.
He related that his brother was rushed to Veterans after his blood pressure dropped.
He added that Heber has been suffering from a certain prostate illness for some time prior to his death.
Apart from “Tayo’y Mga Pinoy,” Heber is also known for “Nena,” “Dukha,” “Pasahero,” and “Almusal,” among others.
He started his music career in the late ‘60s doing solo gigs in folk houses.
He would go on to lead the band Banyuhay with Jesse and another brother, Levi, in the ‘70s.
Apart from being a musician, Heber is also an accomplished poet and painter.
Actor Cesar Montano mourned the passing of his friend on social media.
“Patuloy ka namin makakasama Ka Heber dala namin ang mga ginintuang awitin mo sa aming mga puso,” Cesar wrote as caption to a photo of him and Heber that he posted on Facebook.