Ely Buendia reacts to alleged 'Ang Huling El Bimbo' plagarism, CJ Villavicencio apologizes

Ely Buendia reacted to an alleged plagiarism of the musical "Ang Huling El Bimbo"  after CJ Villavicencio, the winner of online talent search "The Pop Stage," was accused of ripping off the musical.

"Ang Huling El Bimbo" (AHEB) the theatrical play is based on the music of legendary '90s band The Eraserheads, which Ely fronted as vocalist.

"I am appealing to the people, companies and corporations involved in the AHEB plagiarism issue," Ely wrote in a statement on Facebook, published on Wednesday.

"You alone have the power to make this right. You have the power to teach a young man and all the young people out there about to join the world, our children, a most valuable lesson that can have no other effect except make them good and become better," he added.

Ely said corporations involved "have the power to stand up for and give back to the art which has been a source of life for all of us."

"You have the power to set an example and for once do the right thing, and become a beacon of hope in these dark times ruled by greed, hate and lies," he added.

Despite being aware that there are even more pressing matters out there, he said "in the end this will not just be about a song, a contract, a million pesos, or credit."

"Your actions will set a precedent and have repercussions in the years to come. On which side of history do you want to be on? Search your hearts for the truth and it will set you free," he ended his note.

CJ's performance was streamed on July 26 on Facebook. Singing a medley of Eraserheads songs, CJ won P1 million and a one-year contract with Viva Artists Agency.

But AHEB fans, viewers, and even those involved with the musical production noticed the similarities of CJ's arrangements with those of the musical.

In a now deleted Facebook post, CJ apologized for what happened and explained there was no intention on his part to plagiarize. 

"I was hurt but it also aches my heart to unintentionally hurt some people as well, especially the production team of Ang Huling El Bimbo The Musical," read a portion of his statement, originally posted on Facebook late Wednesday.

"There was no intention to plagazire," he said. "I am sorry if I caused undue distress, seemed disrespectful or if I have hurt the theater community." 

CJ explained that his performance "was meant to be a tribute to my favorite artists and musical, while also incorporating my own story and experiences."

"It is a piece that reflects my relationship with my friends, my role as a student, and my passion for music. It was also dedicated to all the students who endlessly strive in life," CJ continued.

Thanking his supporters, CJ admitted that he is "an amateur and aspiring artist" who"still have so many things to learn."

"I humbly ask for everyone’s understanding as I navigate this new world that I have recently entered. I am not a bad person. My intentions were far different from what people think," he added.

AHEB's musical director Myke Salomon took to Twitter to express his disappointment.

"A guy copied/ripped-off our musical arrangements for #AngHulingElbimboMusical (musical treatment, concept) without permission won in that pop stage contest for his final round. He won 1million and an artist contract. I feel bad for the other contestants," he wrote.

A guy copied/ripped-off our musical arrangements for #AngHulingElbimboMusical (musical treatment, concept) without permission won in that pop stage contest for his final round. He won 1million and an artist contract. I feel bad for the other contestants. ????

— Myke Salomon (@DJMYKEsalomon) August 2, 2020

He added, "And para sa mga productions and judges. You are judging concept and originality.. You tolerate ripping off. "

And para sa mga productions and judges. You are judging concept and originality.. You tolerate ripping off.

— Myke Salomon (@DJMYKEsalomon) August 2, 2020

— LA, GMA News