Ely Buendia has clarifications about 'Spoliarium'

Ely Buendia has once again debunked long-time rumors that the song "Spoliarium" is about Tito Sotto, Vic Sotto, Joey de Leon (TVJ), and Pepsi Paloma.

In Monday's press conference for "Combo On The Run," the upcoming documentary film of Eraserheads, Ely said people connecting "Spoliarium" to the rape case of Pepsi is the most ridiculous urban legend he's heard about the hit song.

Describing himself as a big fan of the trio, Ely said, "They were my heroes, and I wouldn't dream of writing a song to tarnish my heroes, so that's the most ridiculous rumor."

"It [Spoliarium] is not about TVJ," Ely categorically told the press.

"It's not about Vic Sotto and the rape, although it is a sad thing," he added, sharing the deep sorrow he felt when news of the rape case came out in the '80s, a moment that deeply affected him.

Ely reiterated the meaning of the "Spoliarium" does not in any way concern TVJ nor Pepsi. 

"I will maintain until today that it's not about them, [and] it's not about Pepsi," he said.

In a 2021 interview with Saab Magalona and Jim Bacarro, Ely said "Spoliarium" was about the drink Goldshläger and getting drunk.

Ely further clarified that the Enteng and Joey mentioned in the song were their road managers at that time.

"They were roadies. Kaya first time ko nabasa 'yun, that urban legend, sabi ko, ‘Wow, okay ‘to ah.' There really is, sometimes, 'yung mga coincidence like that, you have no power over that. It just happens," he said.

At the press conference, Eraserheads announced they will visit a random "Combo On The Run" screening from March 21 to 23 and surprise moviegoers with an intimate live performance.

Directed by Diane Ventura, "Combo On The Run" is poised to tell the truth about the Eraserheads' rise to the top as well as the untold story of their painful breakup and the challenges it took to get back on stage for their historic reunion concert, "Ang Huling El Bimbo" in 2022.

"Combo On The Run" will also make history as the first Philippine documentary to be screened in Dolby Atmos, a cutting-edge audio technology renowned for its immersive sound experience.

Composed of Ely Buendia, Raimund Marasigan, Buddy, and Marcus, Eraserheads is the the monumental band from the '90s who gave us the songs "Ang Huling El Bimbo," "With A Smile," and "Ligaya," among others.

— LA, GMA Integrated News