5 reasons to watch 'Eraserheads: Combo On The Run"

Director Diane Ventura made good on her promise for "Combo" to not be "just another documentary about a breakup of a rock band and the proverbial clash of egos."

Here, we learn that the Eraserheads formed in 1989, just after the bloodless People Power Revolution. The starting point is important to note because the much-talked about 2022 reunion, took place right after another monumental moment in the country's history.

But that's getting ahead of the story. Below, we share 5 reunions you must catch "Combo" when it runs in Philippine theaters this weekend.   

1. It's a history lesson on an important chapter of Pinoy pop culture. "Combo" begins from the very start, in the famous Kalayaan dormitory of University of the Philippines Diliman in 1989. Seeing all four members narrating their stories was fascinating and brought kicked nostalgia front and center.

At a time when politics overtook everything, the Erashereads singing songs about mundane things and the everyday experience of youth was certainly fresh.

2. It serves important perspective from experts and onlookers. "Combo" did not only chronicle Erashereads' success from Pare Ko in 1993 to winning the MTV Asia's Viewers Choice Award in 1997.

The documentary also provided opinions and perspectives from pop culture professors, music journalists and executives — like writer Aldus Santos, UP Art Studies professor Pedro “Edru” Reyes Abraham Jr., and Vic Valenciano of record label BMG — which put "Combo" head and shoulders above other music documentaries. 

3. "Combo" does not shy away from conflict. "Cutterpillow" was arguably The Eraserheads at the pinnacle of their success, but according to "Combo," it's also when conflicts began to arise. Press tours, concerts, album recordings all led to them losing their time, privacy, and patience.

From hereonout, "Combo" told the story of the ascension of trouble. From "Cutterpillow," it continued to 1997's "Sticker Happy" to "Natin99" and finally to 2001's Carbon Stereoxide, which was when they felt it would be the end.

It was illuminating to hear each of them talk about the chaotic, problematic years.

4. It gives a glimmer of hope. "Combo" put the story of the Eraserheads in the context of the Philippines, pinpointing a 2022 tweet from Ely as when hope started to glimmer. The tweet sent fans hopeful that a reunion could happen amid the elections.

Meanwhile, footage from the 2022 elections indicate the concert was the band's way of giving momentary reprieve after the tumultuous year.

While meeting for the first time felt awkward, they were able to address the elephant in the room and finally made amends.

5. ...And promises better days. In "Combo," viewers will see how members of the Eraserheads found their footing — and healing — after their split. For them, the reunion felt like a second chance and redemption.

The last part of the film shows moments of the band’s tour overseas, with each member clearly enjoying their time with their families.

While they now have different worlds, playing music has glued them back together like how it formed them back in 1989.

— LA, GMA Integrated News