Follow us for updates
© 2022 reportr.world
Read the Story →

Ely Buendia Finally Reveals Meaning of Eraserheads' 'Spoliarium'

Two decades, and an urban legend later.
by Ara Eugenio
Mar 9, 2021
Photo/s: Esquire PH
Shares

Twenty-four years and a long-running conspiracy theory later, former Eraserheads frontman Ely Buendia revealed what their fan favorite song Spoliarium means. It's really just about "getting pissed drunk". 

The enigmatic cut from 1997's Sticker Happy album whose title is a reference to Juan Luna's magnum opus, was inspired by Swiss liquor Goldschläger. Fans long believed the song was an allusion to the tragic death of '80s star, Pepsi Paloma. 

Buendia demystified Spoliarium in a podcast episode of Wake Up With Jim & Saab.

"Spoliarium is one of those cases where really the myth has sort of taken over the facts and I kinda like it. I kinda like the myth. Because the actual meaning of the song is also again, just really mundane...So, we were drinking that [Goldschläger] and that gintong alak.. that’s what it meant. It’s all about getting pissed drunk," Buendia told hosts Jim Bacarro and Saab Magalona. 

Continue reading below ↓

According to the popular theory that has been cited in media reports before, the lyrics of the song which mentions a certain "Enteng and Joey" is a reference to the rape case filed by the "Softdrink" beauty against the two comedians and Richie D'Horsie in 1982. 

However, Buendia said the two names mentioned are actually "other people. They were roadies [road managers]. 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."

“We were just drinking. It’s about the hangover. But you know, whatever people wanna think about that song, it’s fine. That’s the beauty of it," Buendia added.

Since leaving Eraserheads, Buendia has been in four other bands namely The Mongols, Pupil, The Oktaves, and most recently, Apartel. He also started his own label company, Offshore Music, in 2016.

Continue reading below ↓
Recommended Videos

The year 2022 would mark the 20th year since he left Eraserheads, the band that first put him on the Philippine music scene's map of icons. 

In the podcast episode, he revealed 'Spoliarium' is one of his personal favorites. 

"But that’s one of those songs that i’m really proud of. You know i’m really proud of it if I sing it live all the time," Buendia said.

“Are you disappointed?.. Pero pustahan tayo kahit sinabi ko na yan, the myth will still go on," he added.

ALSO READ:

Ben&Ben Singer Says Stop Using 'Bakla' as Insult

Spotify Removes Hundreds of K-pop Songs, Here's Why

Latest Headlines
Read Next
Recent News
Foreign money converted to Peso.
Meta says it was referring to a different "Live Shopping" feature.
With the reopening of several local destinations, this app has never been more timely.
The virus is also found in shrews.
After four people drowned in their basement apartment.
The news. So what? Subscribe to the newsletter that explains what the news means for you.
The email address you entered is invalid.
Thank you for signing up to On Three, reportr's weekly newsletter delivered to your mailbox three times a week. Only the latest, most useful and most insightful reads.
By signing up to reportr.world newsletter, you agree to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.