Cebu Music Community Mourns Loss of Respected Punk Rock Guitarist Chris Janulgue
The vibrant Cebu music scene has been deeply saddened by the passing of one of its most respected punk rock guitarists, Chris Janulgue, who died on January 25, 2026, due to complications from a brain hemorrhage. Known for his prominent roles as guitarist for The Ambassadors and Twinkle Dudu, Janulgue was a familiar and cherished presence within Cebu's tightly knit independent music community.
A Legacy of Quiet Consistency and Musical Excellence
Friends and fellow musicians remember Janulgue not only for his exceptional musical talent but for his quiet consistency, remarkable generosity, and the genuine ease with which he made people feel welcome. His passing has left a significant void in a community that valued both his artistic contributions and his personal character.
Heartfelt Tributes from Bandmates and Close Friends
Dennis Suakito Suarez of The Ambassadors and Queen City Crew shared a moving tribute: "Chris never wasted words. He was direct, brutally honest when it mattered and always down for a food trip. From the adventures we started in 1999 to our shared obsession with ice cream and chocolates, he became the younger brother I never had. I'll carry the adventures forward for both of us, brad. Grief doesn't have a timeline, but I'll keep going."
Charles Sixtyfortyfive from Queen City Crew reflected on their long friendship: "Chris was a nonchalant kid. He wouldn't talk to you unless you started the conversation. He was a freshman in high school when I first met him — that was 28 years ago. Chris was pure talent, with a genuine heart — very down-to-earth. We shared good and challenging times together, but our friendship was something built to last."
Carlo Manucan of Kick in da Face expressed his deep personal loss: "Not just a friend, but a brother. Chris was our 'chill boy' — no issues, no drama, just pure vibes and pure talent. Grabe kaayo ka talented, always inspiring us with his riffs. Cebu lost a great musician, a true friend, and a brother."
Remembering a Humble Mentor and Musical Brother
Joseph Agura, his bandmate from The Ambassadors, highlighted Janulgue's humility and willingness to share knowledge: "Chris, you were a brother to me. You were one of the best guitar players I've ever known, even though you would've shrugged that off with total humility. The best thing about you was that you chose to share what you knew with everybody who came to you. That's exactly why you were so loved in the community."
Paul Aguilar of The Line Divides, Sludge, and Loudhouse remembered their shared moments: "My good friend, my dream guitarist, my dream bandmate. I will forever miss our laughter, our jokes at each other, and our hangouts in his room playing PS3 all night — the good times. I love you, pre. I'll see you again in the afterlife."
A Steady Presence in a Scene of Noise and Urgency
Chris Janulgue's legacy continues to live on through the music he helped shape and the community he quietly strengthened. In a music scene often characterized by noise and urgency, he stood out as a steady, measured presence — generous with his time, respectful in his interactions, and deeply admired by all who knew him. His influence on Cebu's punk rock landscape remains indelible, remembered through countless performances, shared moments, and the enduring bonds he forged within the local music family.
