Ultracombo

Photos grabbed from Roxanne Nebres

Jan. 19, 2019 — still my birthday.

I had just seen an Instagram post about the UltraCombo gig that morning. Since it was my birthday and I had no plans for the evening, I decided to celebrate by going to Eton Centris to see three of the four Heads live.

I’ve never seen the Eraserheads together, so this was the closest thing to the real deal. I’ve been to Ely Buendia’s solo concerts, but even though he was their lead vocalist, it’s still not the Heads. Well, UltraCombo isn't the Eraserheads either, but there is still something unique about the chemistry between the three of them that makes you just want to watch and listen to them play.

It brought me so much joy seeing Buddy look over at Rayms, or watching Buddy smile whenever Marcus messed up the lyrics. I love watching Rayms on the drums—it must be so hard to sing while drumming, but every time he hits the cymbals, he gives it his all. And Marcus... well, Marcus is Marcus. He isn't the best vocalist in town, but damn, those guitar riffs!

The concert was pure nostalgia. I realized I knew the lyrics to every single song they performed—yep, even the rap part of "Superproxy." That’s how big of an Eheads fan I am.

They kicked off the set with "Overdrive." From the very first note, I got goosebumps. The whole event felt like a massive karaoke session with three of the Heads playing their biggest hits. Raymund Marasigan and Marcus Adoro alternated on lead vocals, while Buddy Zabala provided backing vocals. Their setlist was packed with sing-along classics like "Sembreak," "Minsan," "Pare Ko," "Ligaya," and "Magasin." Most of the tracks were upbeat, keeping the crowd jumping and dancing along.

Sure, there were a few mistakes—missed cues and forgotten lyrics—but that’s completely forgivable because, well, they are legends. Besides, the slip-ups were hilarious, like when Marcus forgot the words to "Harana" or sang, “Ilang tansan pa ba ang kakain oh giliw ko? Ilang isaw pa ba ang iipunin oh giliw ko?”

I couldn’t help but jump, raise my hands, and sing along. At one point, Rayms shouted, “Put your fucking cellphones down. Walang ganyan nung '90s!” I had recorded a few snippets earlier, but I put my phone away because I just wanted to feel Rayms' drums, Buddy's bass, and Marcus' guitar riffs. When they played "Ang Huling El Bimbo," I closed my eyes, sang my heart out, raised my hands, and thought: Damn, it’s my birthday. I’m glad to be alive, and I’m so glad I decided to come to this gig.

It was a night to remember—definitely in my top 5 best gigs ever. The crowd energy was amazing, too. I still hold out hope for a full reunion concert someday. It’s every '90s kid’s dream. I was just a baby when they were originally together, but this mini-reunion was more than enough for me. I hope they keep making music, even if it’s not under the name Eraserheads—because damn, they are legendary. One in a million. UltraCombo.

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Pupil version 2015

I’m getting old. The last concert I went to was the New Year Countdown at Resorts World Manila, where Ely Buendia was so close to us—approximately half a meter away on a 3-foot stage.

I never thought I’d ever get closer than that. But thanks to H&M, the distance this time was shockingly about half a ruler’s length, on maybe a 12-inch stage. As Ely put it, this was the closest they’ve ever been to the crowd while performing. I was so close I could count his white hairs… so close I could even read their setlist.

To be honest, I was a little bit disappointed when I saw the setlist. Most of the songs were from their new album, Zilch. If they had released this when I was still in college, I would have already bought it and been able to sing along with the band. But no, I’m at an age where the quarter-life crisis is hitting hard. Sayang, I couldn’t show him that I knew the songs—and we even made eye contact!

The first two songs were “Firewall” and “Why.” The third song was “20/20” from Limitless of the Infinity Pool. Finally, I knew the song and was able to sing along! Next was “Resonate.” Then a group of teenage boys requested “Monobloc” from the Wildlife album. Ely joked that Jerome Velasco (their new guitarist replacing Yan Yuzon) was still learning their songs. So I blurted out “Nasaan Ka” from Beautiful Machines. He said, “'Yun. 'Yung mas madali na lang.” Haaay… it was surreal. It was beautifully sung. I sang along, and surprisingly, almost everyone knew the song. Ely seemed happy to see that people still knew songs by Pupil (and not just his old band).

Since he was so close and it was my first time using my Canon S140 to take concert photos, I was practicing with the aperture, shutter speed, and ISO (or whatever, haha). Anyway, some people were requesting “Hey Jude” and “Hey Jay,” and Ely gamely played the intro riffs of those songs. Then they started requesting other songs from his old band. I wanted to say, “Please stop!” since Ely was in such a good mood and I didn't want them to ruin it. He had already played “Magasin,” and I could tell he was in a genuinely great mood.

I think every time he's with Pupil, he feels more comfortable. Unlike when he performs as a solo artist (where he projects a completely different vibe) or with The Oktaves, I can really see his passion and happiness when he's with Pupil. It’s his comfort zone.

After those nostalgic songs, they played new tracks like “Cheap Tricks” and “Out of Control.” At the end, he threw his guitar pick into the crowd while saying, “Sa inyo na lang.” I don’t know if I was just imagining it, but he looked right at me! Sayang! I almost caught it, pero there was a taller guy. So yeah, like I said, his vibe that day was just different. It was the happiest performance I’ve ever seen him give at a gig.

Wendell Garcia, the happiest drummer boy... but not seen in this picture.

                                Dok Sergio fixing his effects

                                           his signature pose

Ely wearing polka dot polo while showing his white hair…still looks good.

The disadvantage of being close is not getting a complete band shot 

Haaay… with this gig I rekindled my love affair with the band music and scene.
Thank you H&M for the giving us literal  “CLOSE” the loop experience.

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EsquireEheads Singles

"Saan, saan napunta kislap ng iyong Mata? Maibabalik pa ba?"

The two new singles of Eraserheads are giving us so much "feels".

With the release of the songs, I can't help but disect (naks big word) or analyze it.

Sabado is written by the Eraserheads except Ely plus Erwin Romulo according to the album sleeve. At first I thought Ely wrote it since it's the usual tongue in cheek, straight to the point kind, a style that they were known for. The song opened with a familiar guitar intro of Pare Ko. The first line "Buti na Lang Sabado bukas" is like the natural way of talking with their friends. It's both current and nostalgic at the same the time. You can't help but think of your younger days. It can be included in the Cutterpillow album. The theme and sound is as the same league as the songs in that album. Ely's singing voice in this song is "Pupil"voice and not "Eraserheads" voice. You can't miss Marcus' guitar solos. This is an epic comeback song.I've listened to this for 100 times already.We just miss e-heads don't we?

1995 is written by Ely Buendia and Erwin Romulo. Unlike the first song, 1995 is deeper, darker song. It can be part of Stickerhappy or Carbon Stereoxide album. The first verse:
"Saan, saan na napunta Kislap ng iyong mata
Maibabalik pa ba?" is he talking about us? the audience who adored the band, that somehow left them or is he talking about fame?"Ngayon ang langit ay bughaw At sya’y sumasayaw Ako’y nasisilawSa labas sila’y naglalaroHindi makatayoSinong sasalo?" I'm quite lost but my interpretation for this line is way back in 1995, he is concerned about his kids. What if they are not that famous anymore? How will they survive life?
"Pwede bang sunugin ang tulay Ayokong sumabay
Sinong papatay Akoy’ naghihintay….. aaay Sa Nineteen Ninety-five Nineteen Ninety-five" This is the interesting part. I can't help but translate it to english. Pwede bang sunugin ang tulay- does he want to burn bridges?does he want to cut off ties with his past? Is this an ironic song? He is playing this song with his previous band but he really doesn't want to do this or to relieve the good ol' days? Uggh.. Maybe I'm just thinking a lot. The two songs in general are timeless, hit worthy songs.. Ely, Marcus, Raymund and Buddy are really bringing the best when they are together. Eraserheads is just magical whatever year it is. 

posted from Bloggeroid

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Buti na lang sabado bukas

I'd like to post something about how happy I was when I learned that Eraserheads will release 2 new songs blah blah blah... but a lot of bloggers did that already or maybe I am not in the mood to write one.. but here is the official music video of their LSS worthy song Sabado! Spoiler Alert: Eraserheads will appear for 5 secs only but still... Enjoy!




Oh and by the way this blog is 8 years already! I remember calling this blog "The Carbon Stereoxide World of A Petite Girl" haha! lame! but what I am trying to say is way back in 2006 until today Eraserheads is still very much alive in me and also with other people.

Way back 2006, we have no idea that eraserheads will reunite for series of concerts and will release new songs!

Here is 1995 official video. Eraserheds appearance is longer than the first video.


That's life folks, expect the unexpected!

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ELY BUENDIA and BAMBOO MANALAC-Music Geniuses

Iconic musicians in one photo.

How epic would it be if they will collaborate in a concert or song?

Ely with his rockstar appeal and Bamboo's soulful voice are surely a good match. I admire these enigmatic vocalists. Ely was known for his tounge-in cheek songs during eraserheads days. Bamboo was the unique frontman of Rivermaya. Both moved on with their popular bands and decided to create new identity. Bamboo is now a solo artist and Ely is with two rock bands, Pupil and Oktaves.

I think they are both underrated in some ways. Bamboo is underrated as a lyricist or songwriter. Get No Water No Moon album. Listen to "Ikot ng Mundo", "Spin" and "Questions". Actually in some aspects, lyrics wise it is the same league with old Rivermaya songs, or even better. Or maybe not. I'm just into Bamboo right know. So my thoughts can change without prior notice.

Ely Buendia is underrated frontman of The Oktaves and overrated as a member of Eraserheads. I mean, yes, eraserheads was so great, best OPM band ever, but they are gone now (well not so gone, since they have concerts) but he has still two great bands that we should listen to.

As they aged, both are trying new and different things. Ely is directing a movie "Bang Bang Alley". Appeared in some indie movies like "San Lazaro", "Rakenrol" and "Spoonfeed". In instagram he post pictures of his kids and even his girlfriend. It is quite unusual for me since we all know him as a reserve kind of guy. Bamboo on the other hand is seen regularly on TV. He is now more "reachable". Just tweet him like, "sir bamboo notice me naman pows" or "it's my birthday kindly greet me" and he will reply a smile face or "hi". He now learns to connect with his fans which is very hard thing for him to do before.

It's nice that we have someone like them in our generation. Two musicians who through test of time reinvent themselves and continue to grow as an artist.

posted from Bloggeroid

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When watching a gig sitting...

"Gusto mo bang sumama?"

So I wasn't able to watch Ely's Hardrock gig because it's my friend's sorta despedida. So when I found out that he will have Ayala mall tour, I said to myself I should go there 'bout fucking time :)

So last Aug 17, Ely was at Glorietta. The show starts at 6:30 and I left my office at Taguig around 5:30. Silly me, I didn't take the free shuttle because my office mate was there. So I took the MRT instead and... sobrang jam packed parang nasa mosh pit ako grabe. Since sa Edsa naman ako sumakay at sa Ayala baba dun lang ako sa bukana tumabi. Pero nung pagbaba na sa Ayala... Sardinas pre.. di ako makababa.. good thing there was a lady who tried pushing me in a good way. She is so nice. Sabi niya pa may baba pa oh. Eh since I am so small may nagsabi na "Nasaan?" haha. Buti talaga naka baba ako.

Anyways, I arrived he was singing "Higante". I found a spot at the side. I could barely see him, good thing there was a huge screen. I didn't mind if I will be watching him through the screen na parang youtube lang. gusto ko lang naman siya marinig. I don't know if the sound system is bad or because I'm behind the speakers... I couldn't hear his words when he is speaking to the audience. I was just standing there and feel na feel ko yung mga songs niya. I KNOW ALL OF HIS SONGS THAT HE SANG SA CONCERT. Pati yung sa Wanted Bedspacer. Unlike yung iba puro eraserheads songs lang ang alam and for me they don't deserve to be there. 

Yesterday I watched again his gig sa Trinoma. I told myself dapat makaupo or makabili man lang ako ng ticket. you just need to buy worth 500 from any Trinoma merchants. I bought memory card worth 400. so I need 100 more naglakad lakad pa ko to search for 100 worth na bagay. But I am getting tired so I went to the activity center and just wait for the concert to start. I am little bit disappointed because I already bought 400 worth item and I just like to give the people there my 100 just to have a ticket. Good thing is there were lots of empty seats. So nagpapasok na yung guard. Nakpasok ako!

So I was seating and patiently waiting for Ely.

Then he entered and his first song was "Alapaap" and followed by songs from his Wanted Bedspacer album and In Love and War.

Pangit pa la pag nakaupo di ko masyado ma feel unlike nung nakatayo ang ako. I like to stand but bouncers wouldn't allowed us.




I like his new version of Magasin. Thanks to the "madalian orchestra". Actually Magasin is my least favorite song. But when he sang it Live... It so different I love it very much.

Then sa Trinoma this time I could understand his words. I can see him.

 I know Ely doesn't talk much sa gig with Pupil. Madalas si Yan ang nag e-entertain or nag sasalita in between songs.Since this an Ely Buendia show he needs to talk. At first medyo hesitant parin. his first words sa crowd ay "Hello!"... Hello Kitty?.. Haha.. But I don't mind. I am there because of the songs and not about him talking...

But he is funny naman...

Merong instance na in the middle of the song natawa siya because some guy ay nagsabi ng "I LOVE YOU ELY". natawa ako sa reaction niya..

Anyways... his last song is "Ang Huling Elbimbo". And it is nakaka tindig balahibo talaga.

My Ultraelectro favorite songs na kinanta niya sa concert ay
*Wanted Bed spacer
*Huwag mo nang Itanong
*Huwag kang matakot
*Magasin
*Ang Huling Elbimbo

My conclusion is it's a lot better watching a concert standing... Watching a gig is giving me a different kind of "high".... and He may not be the best singer, entertainer  but Ely Buendia is still the best... there is no substitute for the real thing!... (Take that the reunion movie/soundtrack)

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Pare ko

Here is the mellow version of Pare ko...

when i first heard it live was abou last2008 when Pupil launched their 2nd album wild life... i must stay that i had goosebumps and i felt very lucky that i heard him sing that song again...

I haven't seen Pupil nowadays because my schedule won't permit me but hopefully i can go to Ely's greatest hits concert at Hard Rock Cafe on Aug 3...

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Greatest Hits

Nagpa reserve na ko kaso di pa nababayaran yung ticket. ako lang mag-isa... Loner mode. haha walang gustong sumama sa kin haha... 

Will hear "Wanted Bedspacer" songs for the fist time na LIVE!! I heard kasama yun eh... Here is the song wanted bed spacer

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Tikman

"Halika tikman ang langit"- Eraserheads

masarap pakinggan habang umuulan...

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Astig!!!

“Pop machine……”

22nd Awit Awards Winner for Album of the Year: Eraserheads: The Reunion Concert by The Eraserheads (Sony Music)

I remember the first time I listened to this album at the listening area of Music One. I went there to buy a CD. (TRIVIA: Mas marami akong nabiling original na CD gamit ang sarili kong pera kaysa sa mga damit!) I think I was planning to buy Nut House by Hilera or any Eraserheads album like Cutterpillow, Circus, etc.

I really didn’t want to buy the reunion album at first because I was waiting for the DVD format. The album cost about 300 bucks and the DVD was about 400, so sabi ko, mas maganda na 'yung DVD na lang 'yung bilhin ko—at least mapapanood ko pa sila.

So when I saw that album, I decided to listen to it. Grabe, gandang-ganda talaga ako! It really felt like I was right there at the concert. Partida, Ely wasn't feeling well then—his mother had passed away just two days before the concert. Physically, you could see that he wasn't moving around too much, pero para sa akin, hindi naapektuhan 'yung pagkanta niya.

Medyo ang tagal ko na ata doon, and I think the saleslady was already looking at me because you're only supposed to listen for 5 minutes. While I was holding

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Sa wakas...!

“Sa wakas ay nakita ko na ang aking hinahamap… Sa wakas ay nakuha ko na ang aking hinahangad… Kay tagal ko ng naghintay at nagsunog ng kilay… Ngayon masasabi kong matamis ang tagumpay…”


I didn’t able to attend the much awaited eraserheads concert. I am already 18 and turning 19 on January but my parents still don’t allow me to stay really late. So it means no bars and party for me. But I do get to watch some gigs but not frequently. There are times that I told my mom that I will go to a party of my friend but the truth is I just watch a gig. If I’m not mistaken it is a gig of Pupil. I don’t know if the cut-off-short-concert is a blessing in disguise for me. I mean there is another chance for me to watch the almost impossible gig. I watch you tube videos of the eraserheads and I really love the “alapaap”. It really brought me goosebumps. From the first note and line, it is really perfect. Since the one video taped it was quite far away, I barely see Ely, so if you just hear him sing, you will really not believe that he is was week physically and emotionally.
I do believe this concert was really made especially for me. This is the chance for others who like me didn’t have a chance to watch them live. And even for one night we will able to see how magical eraserheads is. The eraserheads is just simply phenomenal.

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Let it be...

“Let it be, let it be, let it be. Whisper words of wisdom, let it be.”

People waited for it for almost 6 years. It was always the subject in their individual Yahoo! Groups. It was the topic at every high school/college reunion, inuman session, tsismisan, asaran, and kwentuhan.

News broke across the airwaves: the Eraserheads reunion will never be just a fantasy anymore. Fast forward to today—the reunion concert finally happened, but the unexpected occurred. Ely didn’t get to finish the two sets they were supposed to play. He was rushed to the hospital. I wasn't at the event, but I’ve seen some videos and the news is everywhere. Prior to the event, Ely’s mom died due to cardiac arrest—one of the most important women in his life was gone.

When I first learned about it, I thought the concert wouldn't push through. But because of professionalism—or maybe contracts (sorry, over-analyzing due to too many law subjects!)—he proved that nothing would hinder the reunion, even if someone so close to his heart had just passed away. That showed how much Ely values his fans and supporters. "The show must go on" might as well be Ely's motto. Damn all the reporters and gossip-mongers who said Ely was unprofessional. Ely finished the first set despite so many hindrances.

Raimund, Buddy, and Marcus were all so supportive. I loved Raimund’s positive attitude toward what happened. I never expected him to look forward to this reunion so much. Hearing Raymund talk about Ely is really something else, especially given all the past commotion between the two. The reunion always seemed impossible because of them. Raymund, Buddy, and Marcus were okay with each other; Ely, Buddy, and Marcus were okay with each other. But Raymund and Ely were another story. I don’t know if they’re completely fine now, but I know the anger or whatever was there has lessened. Let us thank time for healing those wounds.

This reunion makes you realize that anything is possible. You just need to give it time. Patience is a virtue, and when you wait, you never expect how much happiness it will bring. I wasn't at the event, I’ve never seen them live, and that makes me such a loser… hehehe… Kidding aside, I am just content to see them on one stage, even if it's just playing via YouTube videos or whatever. Seeing them on one stage is already exhilarating.

If there is an Eraserheads Reunion Part 2, I’ll be so happy and I’ll definitely try to watch it. But if it doesn’t push through, it’s still okay. The reunion happened. Period.

Now I’m wondering if the Eraserheads Yahoo! Groups will still be active now that the reunion has actually happened. I’ve been a member since 2004 or 2005, and the reunion was always the main topic.

Anyway, I hope Ely gets better soon. I know he is strong. Rock and Roll!!

Here is the letter from Raymund:

Dear everybody,

Before anything, I just spoke to Day Cabuhat and she informed me that Ely's condition is now stable, and they're very thankful for all your concern.

Thank you very much for coming to the show. We really felt the cheering, the singing, and the love you all gave. Thank you for understanding that the show had to be cut short. Ely was in no condition (emotionally, physically) to play, but he did. And he gave it his all, which is more than we could ask from him given the circumstances he was in.

We all wish him well. We are all confident that he will recover soon. I promise to give you another Eraserheads show as soon as possible.

Again, thank you very much.

— Raymund

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Pwede na akong mamatay!!

“Reunited and it feels so good…Reunited cause we understood” (not sure with the line)

I’ve been waiting all these things that will be happening. Happiness is an understatement of what I am feeling. I’ve been praying for these. First today, my cousins will be here. They are my closest cousins, although ironically they are so far away from me. I’ve been dreaming about them since they left for vacation on July 2006. Second is about the Eraserheads reunion. I heard about it when there is a commercial at Channel 7. They are in the Saksi news. These past few weeks I am not able to catch news because I’m busy or I need to entertain or bond with our guess. Actually I have a lot of things in mind about the eraserheads reunion alone. I can post 100 more if I don’t need to do anything. So as I say it is confirmed ERASERHEADS IS BACK!!! But behind the good news is sad news because it is only for 1 night. If you will read my post about eraserheads you know what I am feeling right now. I’ve been waiting this for almost 3-4 years. I’ve never seen them live since I am still a baby back then. And now it is my chance to GO TO WATCH ERASERHEADS… but another sad news will be on my way. I don’t know if I can go. Anyways I don’t like what I read about the details in having a ticket. Yes it is free but since it is a Marlboro production some cigarette things will be included maybe like lighting one.

I am happy. Very happy indeed. I don’t know what brought them to reunite. Though I know it is coming. Nag ala Madame Auring ako. I heard a lot of things like about the money thing. For me as a desperate fan wanting to see them, I don’t care if they will do it because of money. If that is the only thing to let a million fans be happy it will be okay. I think it will not be a bad idea either. Now, with all our commodities are very expensive you’ll do anything to feed your family. What is buzzing around the metro is P 5-10 Million is the price each head to perform a 45 minutes set. I’ll repeat 45 MINUTES SET. Hanep hindi pa ginawang 1 hour. Well, libre naman… so as what I am saying, this reunion gig may be a step to let the four heads be in good terms like good ol’ days. Para mas marami pang reunion ang maganap.

I am HAPPY. I am happy that they made a wise decision. They decided to answer the question that is hanging since they disbanded if they will be reunited again and when. And we have an answer already. On August 30, just a few days after the Ber months, at CCP the much anticipated reunion in Philippine History will happen. get ready for your cameras, videos and what not!! A lot of people are depending to those who will take videos. And maybe I’ll be one of them. Oh well. I am still happy. Very happy!!!!!! Pwede na nga akong mamatay!!!!!

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