Today Tabloid

Thousands of fans of the popular band Eraserheads are expected to troop to Bonifacio Global City Open Field to watch its much-awaited, one-night-only Eraserheads reunion concert on Saturday.

It is a dream come true for the fans to watch Filipino rock icons Ely Buendia, Raimund Marasigan, Buddy Zabala and Marcus Adoro to perform again live on stage after they disbanded in 2000.

Fears surfaced that the concert might not push through after its major sponsor, multinational cigarette firm Philip Morris Philippines Manufacturing Inc., came under heavy criticisms from the Department of Health and tobacco control advocates.

Critics had accused Philip Morris that its sponsorship was a violation of Republic Act 9211 or Tobacco Regulation Act of 2003, which prohibits tobacco advertisements in all forms of mass media, including the Internet.

DOH Undersecretary Alex Padilla also warned that Philip Morris officials could be charged criminally if it pushed through sponsoring the reunion concert.

Amid the pressure, Philip Morris announced that it was backing out of its sponsorship.

Radiohead Media Solutions Inc. subsequently bought the rights to produce the concert, ending speculations that Philip Morris’ decision could lead to the cancellation of the show.

“Hindi lang ito reunion ng Eraserheads. Reunion din ito ng maraming Pinoy who followed their music… it's a big risk but this is goodwill sa lahat ng fans ng Eraserheads,” Radiohead’s Francis Lumen said.

There was no confirmation yet on reports that Lumen had paid more than P15 million for the rights. The concern producer was also mum on reports that the band members would be paid P2 million each.