Bodjie Dasig: Gone too soon at 48

Los Angeles — Singer-songwriter-composer Odette Quesada confirmed the untimely death of her husband Bodjie Dasig on March 12 at 10:48 p.m. (PST) at a local hospital in Southern California. He was 48.

In a statement to this writer, Odette shared that Bodjie was diagnosed less than three months ago, on Dec. 27, 2011, with stage 4 renal cell carcinoma (a type of kidney cancer that starts in the lining of very small tubes in the kidney). At the time of diagnosis, the cancer mass was found in his right kidney and lungs. This quickly spread to his adrenal glands, according to Odette, and just two weeks prior to his demise, the cancer had spread to his liver and brain. Odette was at her husband’s bedside when he passed.

Bodjie is survived by Odette, his wife of 19 years, and their teenage son, Darian Dasig.

Born on June 10, 1963, D. Darius Albert Dasig, popularly known as Bodjie Dasig, was a prolific singer, songwriter and music producer. He was best known for his original OPM hits Ale (Nasa Langit Na Ba Ako) sung by Richard Reynoso and Sana Dalawa Ang Puso Ko recorded with his band Bodjie’s Law of Gravity. The latter garnered citations at the 1993 Awit Awards including Best Ballad, Best Performance by a Group and Best Produced Record of the Year.

In 1993, Bodjie wed his collaborator Odette, an equally prolific singer-songwriter-composer who gained fame for countless OPM hits including Give Me a Chance (Ric Segretto), Till I Met You (Kuh Ledesma), I Need You Back and Farewell (Raymond Lauchengco), and her very own Friend of Mine.

A memorial celebration honoring the life and music of Bodjie is being planned in the Los Angeles area by Odette and close friends. Details to be announced as soon as available. Inquiries may be directed via e-mail to [email protected] or [email protected].