There is no Filipino group that captured the sound of the ‘90s quite like the Eraserheads. From the poignant “Huling El Bimbo” to the lively “Pare Ko” and so much more, their songs defined a generation and have become an indelible part of Pinoy pop culture.
This December 22, relive the nostalgia of the ‘90s with Eraserheads’ Ang Huling El Bimbo reunion concert, presented by PLDT, at the SMDC Concert Grounds, Pasay City. Catch vocalist Ely Buendia, drummer Raymund Marasigan, bassist Buddy Zabala, and guitarist Marcus Adoro in a one-night concert that is truly a homage to new and old fans.
An epic musical journey
The reunion concert is not only a celebration of the legacy of the band but also the culmination of each member’s musical journey.
The band has come a long way in three decades. Eraserheads formed in the members’ college days at the University of the Philippines Diliman back in 1989 after vocalist Ely Buendia posted an ad for an audition, and only Marasigan, Zabala, and Adoro showed up. They would go on to enjoy a strong career that spanned the 1990s, leaving a lasting impact on Filipino culture that is still felt to this day.
After breaking up in 2002 following Buendia’s departure, each member pursued their separate musical journeys. Today, Buendia fronts the band Apartel, Marasigan leads the popular OPM band Sandwich, Zabala works as a producer and composer, and Adoro performs with his band Markus Highway.
The members had been performing in reunion concerts since 2008, with their last complete reunion at the launch event for PLDT’s rebranding in 2016.
“The journey has been long, and the past 30 years have been full of many detours for each of us. All the stuff that we learned over the decades on our own, we’re bringing it on December 22,” said Zabala.
The band will also be joined in the concert by THE AMP (Asosasyon ng Musikong Pilipino) ORCHESTRA helmed by maestro Mel Villena.
“Most of our songs are super layered, with lots of guitars. Of course, being true blue music fans, we also dabbled in orchestral arrangements,” according to Buendia, also mentioning that the setup complements their layered sound. “I think this is the first time that we’re able to play our songs as we intended.”
“The orchestra, somebody mentioned it in the first meeting, we thought it was funny but I think [Hi Definition Radio, Inc. CEO] Francis [Lumen] was serious,” said Marasigan. “We didn’t know he was serious about the orchestra until the first day we rehearsed with them, so we weren’t sure if we were gonna make it. It’s gonna be fun. It’s gonna be dangerous.”
Beyond the orchestra and the band, the concert will also feature a special hologram performance from the late Filipino rap legend Francis Magalona. “Francis M. was supposed to perform with them [in the 2009 reunion], and three days before he sadly passed away. But on December 22, you will see him perform with the band through hologram technology,” said Lumen.
The band is also very thankful for the overwhelming support from the fans. “It’s not every day that a lot of people enjoy the music that the band makes. It makes it more special. We’ve been together for 30-odd years and our fans have grown with us, and have passed on our music to a new generation,” Zabala added.
Experience ‘90s nostalgia with PLDT Home
Enjoy this awesome one-night concert reunion with PLDT Home. Subscribers can chill while enjoying the entire concert at the PLDT lounge and get exclusive PLDT concert merch and other premium items! There are also activities for concert-goers to enjoy, including games where you can win exclusive prizes.
Subscribers can also watch an exclusive PLDT Pre-Concert Show and enjoy amazing performances at the PLDT Home Lounge before the concert gates open. Catch singer Kevin Montillano, dance group Upeepz, P-pop group YAMA, and the Divine Divas live before watching the epic concert reunion.