Filipino musician passes away in Phuket

PinoyThaiyo joins with the Filipino Community in Thailand in extending our condolences to the family and friends of the late Abner Arela who died in the south of Thailand.

Mr. Arela, 64, passed away on October 1, 2016 at Vachira Hospital Phuket due to brain stroke. He was survived by his wife Cely and son Ranel. He was renowned in Phuket as a jazz drummer who often performed at the home of Phuket jazz, the Music Matters bar in Phuket Town, said The Phuket News.

A special mass was held on Wednesday morning, October 5 which was followed by a service for his burial at the hallowed cemetery behind Darasamuth School, the news report added.

A message was posted on the Association of Filipinos in Thailand, Southern Region Chapter Facebook page on Tuesday to express its condolences. The Filipino group also held a fundraising campaign thru a basketball game held on Sunday, said the post.

Here is the statement posted on Facebook.

“On behalf of the Association of Filipinos in Thailand, Southern Region Chapter, We extend our deepest condolences to Mrs. Cely Arela and family. May your husband Abner Arela rest in peace in the hands of our Lord. We would also like to thank those fellow Filipinos in Phuket who extended their support and donations at the basketball game last Sunday. The AFT Southern Region Officers have passed on the funds to the Arela family during their visit to the wake yesterday. Maraming Salamat po”