By CarloCarongoy
The Eraserheads‘ Huling El Bimbo concert last December 2022 has ignited Ely Buendia, Buddy Zabala, Marcus Adoro, and Raymund Marasigan to finally patch their differences, move forward towards a long and continuing process of healing, and probably reconsider a second run after a 10-year hiatus.
For years, fans can only speculate the reasons behind the break-up of the band responsible for the second coming of Original Pinoy Music (OPM).
Eraserheads: Combo On The Run the documentary tells the b-side of Ely, Buddy, Marcus, and Raymund’s story.
Film Producer Diane Ventura, the brain behind Combo On The Run documentary, and Ely’s former partner reveals it has always been one-sided for her. “It wasn’t until I heard everyone else’s perspective that I realized that multiple truths can co-exist. As a film-maker, the only two things I made sure of was that I create an environment where it would be comfortable for them to reveal their truth and honor that truth without adding or subtracting it. Through this film, they really unloaded everything and revealed their story. It would be an injustice if I didn’t honor that“, she explained.
However, things weren’t always Milk and Honey for the iconic 90’s band as there were numerous times they went on the brink of “breaking up” again during the series of international tours, but managed to put aside their differences, thanks to their support groups and one important key – communication and being open to each other.
For Ely, communication was always the key. Maturity also dictated the band’s approach towards their differences. Their music and the fans strongly bonded them together. “The best thing you can do is to empathize with your partner“, he stressed.
While Combo On The Run sets the record once and for all, Buendia also believes that the documentary opens the opportunity for the new generation to embrace the band.
“People, the young generation will definitely pick-up something. It goes a long way to educating the new generation. I think we don’t have enough archives in our country to learn from. That’s why we feel that we don’t learn from the past and this is our way of correcting that and giving honest and factual information no matter if it’s art or culture“, he added.
What’s next for the band after Combo On The Run? Definitely, they won’t be runnin’ no more. Ely says they will continue to reinvent themselves and evolve. Fans can get a hint of Buendia’s pronouncement if they watch the documentary until the end as its end-credits scene provides two big jaw-dropping revelations.
“You’ll have to stay until the very end to find out. I was told that tickets are running low, so I highly recommend securing your seats in advance from your preferred cinemas“, Diane added.
For Diane, a follow-up documentary is definitely possible, after hearing the clamor of the fans even before the actual showing of the film.
“This one (Combo On The Run) has traumatized me. I will still be a filmmaker, will continue to produce (films), and will make that exemption to the band (Eraserheads)”, she ends.
Combo On The Run will be screening in more than 150 cinemas nationwide from 21 – 23 March. As previously announced, the Eraserheads will also make a surprise live appearance and performance at an undisclosed cinema.
Eraserheads: Combo On The Run is brought to you by DVent Pictures and WEU, and distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures.
About the author:
Carlo Carongoy is a veteran TV journalist and a PR pratitioner. He is also an Eraserheads fan since 1993.
