The death of Filipino rock star Jamir Garcia came as a shock to many fans and even casual listeners who grew up with Slapshock’s music and his iconic voice. Parokya ni Edgar‘s Chito Miranda is one of those who choose to honor his contributions to the local music scene.
Miranda, in an Instagram post, dropped filters and admitted that he did not like Garcia before.
View this post on Instagram
“I always made sure na maging (to be a) snob at mayabang sa’yo (be arrogant to you) or… I would at least try kasi di naman talaga ako ganun (because I am not really like that)… pero gusto talaga kita yabangan everytime nagkikita tayo (but I really want to be arrogant to you every time we met),” he wrote, addressing the late vocalist.
He added that he did all these because “I was intimidated by you, your band, and your crowd.”
According to Miranda, all these acts did not have an effect when Garcia was consistent for being kind and soft-spoken with him. He added that admiring him, as well as his band Slapshock, just came naturally because they were professional and hardworking.
“Malungkot ako na nawala ka agad, pero masaya ako na na nakilala kita (I am sad that you had to be gone soon, but I am glad to have met you),” Miranda continued.
It was reported by the Quezon City Police District on Thursday, November 26 that Garcia was found lifeless in his home in Barangay Sangandaan, Quezon City, around 9:30 a.m. While he was rushed to the Metro North Medical Center and Hospital, he was declared dead on arrival. He was 42.
Garcia carried the frontline of local heavy metal band Slapshock. Formed in 1997, they were known for their songs “Agent Orange,” “Sigaw,” “Misterio” and “Cariño Brutal.” Aside from being a pioneer of metal music in the Original Pinoy Music (OPM) scene, Slapshock has also touched foreign lands for performing abroad. The group disbanded in October this year.
Following Garcia’s death, the band’s official social media accounts chose to go black for its display photos.
#NewProfilePic pic.twitter.com/zP4KPuR2xI
— Slapshock (@slapshock) November 26, 2020
For anyone who is in need of mental health support and assistance, the Department of Health has a national crisis hotline: 0917-899-USAP (8727) and 0917-989-8727. The Natasha Goulbourn Foundation can also be reached at 804-4673 and 0917-558-4673.