Celebrities pay tribute to Stephen Ku, singer-songwriter and PH events industry pioneer
The untimely demise of Stephen Ku continues to bring sorrow to all the lives he has touched throughout his lifetime.
Ku, who was best known for being one of the pioneers of the Philippine events industry, died aged 47 on Sunday, May 29.
His family announced it the following day in a Facebook post that says, "It is with heavy, broken hearts that we announce the passing of our dear brother, Stephen Ku. The larger-than-life husband, father, uncle, son, brother, partner and friend, beloved to so many, has gained his angel wings at 3:50 pm yesterday, Ascension Day - a most special day to meet his Creator. He fought so hard and finished strong, surrounded by his whole family."
Ku was the CEO of events production company Eventscape Manila and the president of the non-profit organization The League of Events and Activations Agencies of the Philippines (LEAP). He boosted Manila's music scene as the co-founder of the concert production company Worldwide Womb Asia, which brought headliners like Steve Aoki, Kaskade,Tiesto, Swedish Huse Mafia, Avicii, Disclosure, and Fat Boy Slim to the country.
He was also a partner in some of Manila's biggest nightlife destinations, notably The Palace Group, Epic Beach Club, Tides Boracay, and The Draft Group.
With his passion for music, Ku thrived in the country's indie music scene as the lead vocalist for various independent bands. The singer-songwriter released his first hit single "Kapit Lang," which he wrote with Freestyle's Top Suzara, in October 2020. Speaking to Business Mirror, Ku said that this song seeks to ignite hope amid a "silent pandemic."
“There are so many reasons to be thankful if we only focus more on the positives than the negatives,” he said.
The singer-businessman also mentioned in the same interview that he was undergoing a major health crisis but chooses to look at it as a blessing in disguise. He said, “I am thankful for the chance this has given me to reassess life and what makes us truly happy.”
Almost a year later, in December 2021, Ku released his second single "Pasko Nga Ba?" with international producer DJ Young and top music producer Raul Mitra. Like "Kapit Lang," this song intends to inspire people to appreciate life's true treasures.
“Nowadays, I like writing songs that give hope. I believe as artists and musicians we have the power to inspire the world, especially during these difficult and even desperate times," he told the portal. "The true essence of Christmas is not in the traditions or the bright lights, but rather in the love, kindness, and forgiveness which Christ showed us."
Ku's family did not disclose the cause of his death, but prior to their announcement, the businessman's friends were asking for blood donations for him on social media. Today, they move along, mourning the loss of their dear bud.
Rico Blanco, for one, shared an Instagram post with photos of their happy moments together. "Love you so much bro [broken heart emoji]," the singer wrote in his caption.
Meanwhile, Iza Calzado told her "partner" that she "genuinely treasures the moments" they shared. "I always admired your drive and I have so much respect for how hard you fought for your health and your life. So glad I got to tell you that I love you in person and give you tight hugs last year. You will be missed, @stephen_ku [white heart emoji," the actress wrote on her Instagram post.
TV host Marc Nelson took to Instagram to express his grief for the demise of his "old friend." He said, "Thank you for the fun times, the crazy adventure, the deep chats, the advice (both good and sometimes questionable), the mutual growth and for always having my back. You were a true friend who always spoke and acted from the heart and a place of good intentions for those you cared about."
Actor and The Palace owner JM Rodriguez uploaded a wacky photo of him and Ku with the caption, "We always found a reason to perform."
TV host and club owner Tim Yap looked back on his eventful journey with his "brother" and "business partner," which hails back to the era of beepers.
"Will never forget how you would always jokingly tell people that we were batchmates in La Salle (we weren't--coz you're much older [laughing emoji]) and how you sold me my first gadget, the beeper--our numbers were right after each other," Yap wrote in his Instagram post.
"Years passed and as we pursued our passions, our paths crossed again as business partners, building things together, fulfilling goals and dreams one at a time," he continued. "You were a tireless entrepreneur and a very passionate artist, always putting up new ventures and finding ways to do things better."
Vicky Belo's son and film director Quark Henares recalled Ku as someone who was passionate in "making sure Manila was having a good time."
We lost a good one today. RIP @StephenKu, who I had the honor of partnering with for the @disclosure and Whitest Boy Alive shows in Manila. I don’t think I know anyone as dedicated as he was to making sure Manila was having a good time. ❤️
— Quark Henares (@quarkhenares) May 29, 2022
Ku's former bandmate Atticus King said he was looking forward to more of their jamming sessions together and that he'd miss Ku's "can do attitude."
Ku's wake is currently being held at Chapel 6 of Heritage Park in Taguig City. His family is inviting guests to pay their last respects starting at 3 p.m. daily until the last day of his funeral on June 2.