The passing of Filipino Rock icon Vladimir “Jamir” Garcia left the local music industry in shock. Garcia was the former frontman of the legendary heavy metal band Slapshock. Agent Orange, as he was widely known by their fans, was found lifeless in his house today, November 26.
As a result, musicians, celebrities, and fans from all over the country expressed their grief through social media.
Kean Cipriano, the vocalist of the band Callalily, posted on his Twitter account the heartbreak of losing a fellow musician.
Kean wrote, “Napaka lungkot. Napaka bigat. Rest in Peace Jamir. You’ll forever be remembered. Salamat sa lahat kapatid.”
https://twitter.com/keancipriano/status/1331853564675727360
TJ Monterde, another musician, could only mutter, “RIP boss Jamir.”
https://twitter.com/tjmusicmonterde/status/1331861871842922496
Itchyworms’ lead singer Jugs Jugueta expressed his sympathy to Jamir and his family whom he has left behind.
Jugs said, “Sending prayers to Jamir Garcia and his family. #RIPJamir.”
https://twitter.com/jugsjugsjugs/status/1331859283416256515
Rapper QUEST blamed 2020 for being such a bad year. In his post, he said, “Wow…. 2020…. This is too much.”
https://twitter.com/officialQUEST/status/1331850014239326210
Medwin Marfil, member of the band True Faith, was saddened about the death of Jamir. He recalled the time that his band (True Faith) and Jamir’s (Slapshock) were once under the same recording company.
Medwin said, “I’m saddened to hear of Jamir’s passing. Truefaith & Slapshock were labelmates in EMI-Philippines back in the 2000s. #RIPJamir,” and added, “Our most heartfelt commiserations to Jamir’s family, loved ones and the band.”
I’m saddened to hear of Jamir’s passing.
Truefaith & Slapshock were labelmates in EMI-Philippines back in the 2000s. #RIPJamir
— MEDS Ⓥ (@MedwinTruefaith) November 26, 2020
Our most heartfelt commiserations to Jamir’s family, loved ones and the band.
— MEDS Ⓥ (@MedwinTruefaith) November 26, 2020
Actress Chynna Ortaleza recalled her memories with the musician musician.
She said, “Saw you in UP when I was a young girl rocking out to Agent Orange. Saw you again recently in UP Hiwaga. You were such a presence on stage! But my favorite memory was seeing you be a father to Heaven & supporting Jaya. Jamir… Rest in Paradise.”
https://twitter.com/ChynsOrtaleza/status/1331866990961541120
Actor Paulo Avelino sent his condolences using his Twitter account. He said, “RIP, Jamir.”
https://twitter.com/mepauloavelino/status/1331846595751493632
Actor Jhong Hilario expressed his sorrow by saying, “RIP Brother… #rip”
https://twitter.com/jhongsample/status/1331862450405220352
Journalist Kevin Manalo was shocked when he heard the news of Jamir’s passing.
He said, “Oh noooo, Slapshock singer Jamir Garcia died. I can’t believe this.”
Oh noooo, Slapshock singer Jamir Garcia died. I can’t believe this.
— Kevin Manalo (@kevinmanalo_) November 26, 2020
Fans were also shocked by the sudden death of Jamir Garcia. They also extended their condolences on social media.
https://twitter.com/Jusephrhiney/status/1331866876259930113
@mainoverse could only express his grief and his realization that Slapshock will never be the same because of the loss of Jamir. The Twitter user said, “Jamir.. Rest in Paradise brother! You left us broken but I sincerely hope you’re at peace up there. Slapshock will never be the same.”
https://twitter.com/mainoverse/status/1331870597005996032
@RosariOko emphasized the importance of appreciating local musicians while sending her love to Jamir.
She wrote, “We need to appreciate our musicians now more than ever, especially this time where live music doesn’t exist and can’t guide our hearts to find the right beat. Live forever, Jamir.”
https://twitter.com/RosariOko/status/1331871508742881281
Gone too soon, Sir Jamir. May you rest in eternal peace. Rakenrol pa rin sa langit! pic.twitter.com/4TEsx6LjzK
— Ai (@theaiofthetiger) November 26, 2020
@abanlean expressed his gratitude for the music Jamir has made. He wrote, “RIP, Jamir. Thank you for your music.”
RIP, Jamir. Thank you for your music. https://t.co/OZ5pLZjPey
— Lean Gabriel (@abanlean) November 26, 2020
Meanwhile, Teddy Corpuz, an actor and also the leader of the band Rocksteddy, asked people to stop spreading sensitive photos of Jamir during the time that he was declared deceased. He emphasized that people should give space for Jamir’s family to mourn in peace.
He said, “If it’s not too much to ask, can you guys stop spreading Jamir’s photo. I know probably your intentions are good for posting and sending out your condolences pero respeto na lang natin lahat sana kay Jamir and sa mga naiwan nya.”
If it’s not too much to ask, can you guys stop spreading Jamir’s photo. I know probably your intentions are good for posting and sending out your condolences pero respeto na lang natin lahat sana kay Jamir and sa mga naiwan nya.
— zndɹoƆ ʎppǝ⊥ (@teddspotting) November 26, 2020
https://twitter.com/teddspotting/status/1331860701070049281
Sud’s bassist, Raisa Racelis, was mad when people shared the morgue photos of Jamir. She was extremely disgusted at how people could be so naïve when posting on social media.
https://twitter.com/raisaracelis/status/1331845542935023616
The Slapshock Twitter account changed its profile picture to pure black, paying their respects to Jamir.
#NewProfilePic pic.twitter.com/zP4KPuR2xI
— Slapshock (@slapshock) November 26, 2020
Vance Larena, an actor, posted on his Twitter account the importance of phrases used by the media. In his tweet, he shared a link where it tackles the power of words especially to those who are vulnerable to suicide.
https://twitter.com/vance_larena/status/1331860456244342784
#MentalHealthPH
A mental health group aims to create awareness regarding suicide and self-harm. “Suicide and self-harm are considered significant public health issues yet remain to be misunderstood and highly stigmatized,” #MentalHealthPH said in a statement.
The group thus encouraged people to seek professional help or reach out to their family or friends as “it is okay to be not okay” in this time of uncertainties and distress.
Free crisis hotlines are also available nationwide:
- National Center for Mental Health (NCMH) Crisis Hotline at 1553 (Luzon-wide landline toll-free), 0917-899-8727, (02) 7-989-8727
- Philippine Red Cross Hotline at 1158
- In-Touch Crisis Line at 8-893-7603, 0917-8001123 or 0922-8938944
