"The Final Set: An Eraserheads Elegy"

(A Poem By Gilbert Labo Obal)

J...

I...

H...

G...

F...

....Ǝ!

A breath held, a moment poised,

Greatness about to be voiced.

Histor-Ǝ etched in light,

For the faithful, a sacred rite.

The final chord, the last refrain,

An overdrive through sun and rain.

From Kalayaan halls, echoing dreams,

To MOA's stage, bursting at the seams.

From the Sunken Garden, green and deep,

To the rock altar where legends sleep.

The stage awakens, a vibrant gleam,

Bathed in laser, electric stream.

Behold, four Heads in the luminous haze,

Their imprint on a memory we can't erase

A guitar's cry, a familiar start,

A steady pulse that grips the heart.

The drum's deep thrum, a grounding beat,

The bass line weaving, bittersweet.

These threads entwined, a sonic embrace,

Becoming one with the voice that fills the space.

Becoming one with a hundred thousand cries,

A chorus soaring to moonless skies.

Each verse is a story, etched in time,

Each chorus is a shared, anthemic climb.

Every coda, a lingering sigh,

Each fade, a whisper, as moments fly.

Every fade... a yearning deep,

As if stars from heaven began to weep,

Falling like styro snow, fragile and white.

Lightyears away, yet burning so bright.

Then eyes closed tight, a fleeting pause,

A collective breath, beyond all cause.

Images flicker in nostalgic gloom,

A vintage car going to the moon.

A green-haired muse in youthful spark,

Bathroom hoops in the fading dark.

Fruitfairies dancing, amens whispered low,

Wishing wells gleaming, masks in a row.

A dishwasher's tale, a poignant end,

Where the ordinary and magic transcend.

Within the music, a sanctuary found,

Where common ground became profound.

Each song is unfurled, a spirit unbound,

A vibrant life on hallowed sound.

THE ƎRASERHEADS, a gift freely given,

Minds liberated, souls shriven.

And in that unified, electric air,

No single heart felt lonely there.

Ely, fingers dancing,  sticker-happy piano ablaze,

Marcus, guitar wailing through a sonic maze.

Buddy, harmonies weaving, a steady hand,

Raimund, thunderous rhythms across the land.

The final "TANG-INA!" unleashed,

The final strains of "EL BIMBO" appeased.

Three more songs offered, a grateful art,

Seemed a fitting farewell, etched in every heart.

Then bursts of fire, a dazzling display,

Painting the darkness in a vibrant way.

Gilbert Labo Obal

2009

Eraserheads (1989-Forever)

  

> The Eraserheads: 

The Architects of Modern Filipino Rock. Revered by many as "The Beatles of the Philippines" and arguably the greatest Filipino band of all time, The Eraserheads stand as a cornerstone of Filipino alternative rock. Their formation in 1989 at the University of the Philippines, Quezon City, brought together the distinct talents of singer Ely Buendia, bassist Buddy Zabala, guitarist Marcus Adoro, and drummer Raimund Marasigan. Their discography is rich, encompassing seven studio albums, two live albums, five compilation albums, three extended plays (EPs), 21 singles, two video albums, and 13 music videos.

>

> The release of their debut album, Ultraelectromagneticpop! (1993), marked a watershed moment, ushering in a vibrant second wave of Filipino rock bands throughout the 1990s. This momentum continued with the commercially and critically acclaimed Circus (1994) and Cutterpillow (1995), the latter achieving legendary status as the third biggest-selling album in OPM history and the most successful for any Filipino band.

> 

> Demonstrating their artistic evolution, The Eraserheads followed their early success with the Christmas-themed concept album Fruitcake (1996) before venturing into the realms of electronic and art rock with Sticker Happy (1997), Natin99 (1999), and Carbon Stereoxide (2001). Their disbandment in 2002 did not diminish their legacy, as each principal member carved out successful solo careers. The anticipation for their return culminated in a series of highly celebrated reunion concerts in the Philippines (2008, 2009, and 2022) and subsequent appearances both domestically and internationally.

> 

> The enduring impact of The Eraserheads has been further solidified with the March 2025 premiere of their critically acclaimed documentary, "Eraserheads: Combo On The Run." Following its release, Ely Buendia's momentous announcement confirmed that the reunion shows were a prelude to their permanent reformation as The Eraserheads. 

Fans can look forward to their first concert as a reunited band. 

The "Eraserheads Electric Fun Music Festival"  is set on May 31, 2025.

 

"Eraserheads: Combo On The Run" - A Nostalgic and Revealing Journey into Filipino Rock History

Maria Diane Ventura's "Eraserheads: Combo On The Run" is more than just a documentary about a band; it's a vibrant and deeply personal exploration of a cultural phenomenon. For Filipinos, the Eraserheads are not just a band; they are the soundtrack to a generation, a symbol of the 90s, and a touchstone of national identity. This documentary successfully captures that significance while offering both longtime fans and newcomers a compelling look into their rise, reign, and eventual bittersweet end.

A Treasure Trove of Archival Footage and Intimate Interviews:

One of the film's greatest strengths lies in its extensive use of archival footage. We are treated to a wealth of home videos, early performances in dingy bars, behind-the-scenes glimpses of recording sessions, and electrifying concert clips. This raw and unfiltered access allows viewers to witness the band's organic growth, their infectious energy, and the genuine camaraderie that fueled their early years.

Complementing this visual feast are insightful and often poignant interviews with the band members themselves – Ely Buendia, Raimund Marasigan, Buddy Zabala, and Marcus Adoro. Years after their disbandment, their reflections are candid and revealing. They share anecdotes about their formation, the creative process behind their iconic songs, the overwhelming surge of fame, and the internal pressures that ultimately led to their separation. These interviews provide a crucial layer of context and emotional depth, allowing viewers to understand the individuals behind the legendary music.

More Than Just Music: Capturing a Cultural Moment:

"Combo On The Run" effectively situates the Eraserheads within the broader cultural landscape of the Philippines in the 90s. The documentary touches upon the socio-political climate, the burgeoning youth culture, and the rise of Pinoy rock. It highlights how the Eraserheads' music, with its relatable lyrics often sung in Tagalog and its blend of alternative rock influences, resonated deeply with a generation yearning for their own voice. The film subtly underscores the band's role in shaping and reflecting the Filipino experience of that era.

Ventura's Directorial Approach: A Blend of Nostalgia and Introspection:

Maria Diane Ventura's direction strikes a delicate balance between celebrating the band's legacy and delving into the complexities of their journey. The film doesn't shy away from the tensions and disagreements that arose within the group, offering a nuanced portrayal rather than a purely celebratory one. The pacing is generally well-managed, allowing moments of energetic performance footage to be interspersed with more reflective and intimate interview segments.

Strengths of the Documentary:

 * Rich Archival Material: The sheer volume and quality of the vintage footage are a major draw.

 * Candid Interviews: The band members offer honest and insightful perspectives on their experiences.

 * Cultural Context: The film effectively places the Eraserheads within the socio-political and musical landscape of the Philippines.

 * Emotional Resonance: Whether you were a fan in the 90s or are discovering their music now, the documentary evokes a strong sense of nostalgia and emotional connection.

 * Balanced Narrative: The film acknowledges both the highs and the lows of the band's journey.

Potential Areas for Improvement:

 * Deeper Dive into Musical Analysis: While the film showcases many performances, a more in-depth analysis of the band's musical evolution, songwriting techniques, and the impact of their sound on the local music scene could have added another layer of appreciation.

 * Perspectives Beyond the Band: While the focus is rightly on the Eraserheads, incorporating more perspectives from music critics, industry insiders, or even fans could have provided a broader understanding of their impact.

 * The Aftermath and Legacy: While the documentary touches upon the band's breakup, a more detailed exploration of their individual careers post-Eraserheads and their lasting legacy on contemporary Filipino music could have been further developed.

Overall:

"Eraserheads: Combo On The Run" is a must-watch for any fan of the Eraserheads and a compelling documentary for anyone interested in the history of Filipino rock music. It's a nostalgic trip down memory lane for those who grew up with their music and an insightful introduction for those who are new to their iconic sound. Maria Diane Ventura has crafted a heartfelt and revealing portrait of a band that undeniably left an indelible mark on Filipino culture. The film successfully captures the magic, the mayhem, and the enduring legacy of the Eraserheads, reminding us why they continue to hold a special place in the hearts of millions. It's a testament to their music and a poignant reflection on the complexities of fame, friendship, and the passage of time.