Ely Buendia on 'Spoliarium' controversy: 'It's not about TVJ'

Twenty-eight years after the release of "Spoliarium" by the Eraserheads, the band's former frontman, Ely Buendia, has once again clarified that the song is not about the controversial issue involving the comedy trio of Tito Sotto, Vic Sotto, and Joey de Leon, as well as the late sexy star Pepsi Paloma.

During the press conference for their upcoming concert docu-film "Combo on the Run" on Monday, Ely was asked about his thoughts on some of the funniest or most ridiculous rumors about their band.

Without a second thought, Ely knew which song the press referred to and mentioned "Spoliarium." The singer-songwriter also expressed that he was heartbroken when that rumor surfaced.

"Let's just get it out there, it's spolarium, right? It's not about TVJ. It’s not about Vic Sotto and the "rape''. Although it is a sad thing, I was heartbroken when that thing came out because I was such a huge fan," Ely said.

Ely referred to the comedy trio as his "heroes," and he believed that using their song in reference to a controversial issue was a ridiculous claim.

"They were my heroes, and I wouldn't dream of writing a song that would tarnish my heroes. So I think that is the most ridiculous claim. I will maintain, until today, that it's not about them and it's not about Pepsi [Paloma]," Ely shared.

The controversy surrounding the Pepsi Paloma case resurfaced when director and writer Darryl Yap released a teaser for his upcoming film, "The Rapist of Pepsi Paloma." In the teaser, a scene depicted Pepsi (played by Rhed Bustamante) allegedly claiming that Vic Sotto was involved in the incident.

Ely's band Eraserheads was known for their hit songs "Magasin," "With a Smile," "Ang Huling El Bimbo", and “Spoliarium,” which spurred the TVJ-Pepsi Paloma urban legend. 

The song "Spolarium" was lifted from Eraserheads' fifth album "Sticker Happy" released in 1997.

This isn't the first time Ely has discussed the controversy. In March 2021, during an interview on the podcast "Wake Up With Jim & Saab," he revealed that the song was inspired by his band getting drunk on a cinnamon-flavored schnapps called "Goldschläger."

'Huling El Bimbo' reunion concert docufilm

"Eraserheads: Combo On The Run" offers an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the Huling El Bimbo reunion concert in 2022, set against a backdrop of political division and post-pandemic uncertainty.

With rare footage and exclusive interviews, the documentary provides an in-depth look at the band's history, challenges, and successes. Its engaging narrative offers an intimate portrayal of the band.

Maria Diane Ventura, producer and filmmaker, describes the film as a nuanced and balanced portrayal of the band's complexity.

"This is entirely their concept, original, fresh, and unprecedented. There’s nothing like it out there. It’s an extraordinary way for fans to experience the band’s story and music in a new, exciting context," she said.

Eraserheads: Combo On The Run is brought to you by Dvent Pictures and WEU and distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures. It will be the first Philippine documentary to be screened in Dolby Atmos.

The documentary will be shown nationwide for a limited time from March 21 to 23.