On February 17, a press conference for the film Eraserheads: Combo on the Run was held at Guevara’s in San Juan, Manila, featuring Warner Brothers distribution director Rico Gonzalez, filmmaker and producer Diane Ventura, Eraserheads frontman Ely Buendia, and concert promoter Francis Lumen. A highly anticipated documentary to be released in a limited run from March 21 to 23, Eraserheads: Combo on the Run delves into the untold story of one of the Philippines’ most iconic bands, the Eraserheads.
The film explores the complexities of the band’s journey, the sensationalism that surrounded the band for decades, and the raw, unfiltered truths behind their rise and eventual fallout. Fans are in for a treat as the band members share their perspectives directly, offering a rare glimpse into their lives and careers.
Director Diane Ventura shared her perspective on the project with Rolling Stone Philippines. “All this time I think the things we’ve heard about the band were mostly speculation,” she says, “Nobody really knows what happened during the breakup or why it happened. So I think this is where the guys were claiming their narrative.”
The documentary will feature unseen footage and personal accounts from each band member, ensuring an objective and honest portrayal. “As a documentary filmmaker, at least for this project, I want to honor that truth.” Ventura explains, “And I think honoring that truth and preserving it, that was my way of being objective.”
The trailer for Eraserheads: Combo on the Run offers a glimpse into the band’s journey, with the four members sharing personal details about their career highs, challenges, and eventual breakup. “There were some truths na parang, ‘Wow I didn’t know that,’” Ventura says, “But at the end of the day, what I can say is I really [tried] my best to uphold their truth, so I think na what people can expect is a no holds barred depiction of their story, and nothing is swept under the rug.”
The Myth of Eraserheads
Buendia reflected on his role and the mystique he maintained following the breakup of the band. “I guess the boys and I like mystery and keeping things vague, but there comes a time [when] it works against you,” he says, “Nagkakaron ng misconceptions, urban legends, and myths, which isn’t necessarily good for the band and music. So now we chose a different path, and it is high time to reclaim our narrative.”
Ventura also shared her experiences filming the documentary, describing it as a journey of healing. “I’ve learned a lot about myself in watching the guys be so raw and honest and vulnerable,” she says, “It gave me that courage to access those feelings that I did not allow myself to really face for a long time. I hope they can have a similar takeaway from watching the film”
When asked about the most ridiculous urban myths surrounding the band, Buendia addressed the speculation about their hit song “Spoliarium.” “Let’s get it out there, it’s ‘Spoliarium’ right” he grins, “It’s not about TVJ [Tito, Vic, and Joey], it’s not about Vic Sotto, although it is a sad thing. I was really heartbroken when that came out because I was such a huge fan, they’re my heroes, and I wouldn’t dream of writing a song to tarnish my heroes. So I think that’s the most ridiculous, and I will maintain until today that it’s not about them, it’s not about Pepsi [Paloma], and let the other hacks tackle that.”
Ventura also highlighted an underrated aspect of the band. “Independently, they have absolutely different tastes in music and different sensibilities,” Ventura tells Rolling Stone Philippines, “I would think that kind of sensibility [or] disparity would cause conflict, at least in terms of making music. But in fact, it’s a strength. Bringing different influences into creating the music is what their magic is.”
As a special treat, the band announced a surprise pop-up live performance at an undisclosed cinema location, promising an unforgettable experience for viewers. Catch Eraserheads: Combo on the Run in cinemas nationwide from March 21 to 23. Tickets will be announced soon on the film’s social media pages.
