Sarcastic reply from an ex-Ehead

MANILA, Philippines - The recent press gathering promoting Tanduay Rhum Rockfest Year 5 was somewhat marred by how one of its endorsing figures responded to a lady TV reporter’s question.

Ex-Eraserheads drummer and Sandwich frontman Raimund Marasigan, who was at the presidential table during the formal Q&A between media personnel and artists/Tanduay representatives, slighted Laila Chikadora of TV5 when he responded to her casual query about his description of the said Rockfest as being not like what is seen on noontime shows.

Marasigan, apparently felt being intrigued about his earlier comment, replied, “Ang sabi ko lang talagang rock show ang makikita nila sa Tanduay Rockfest, hindi tulad sa noontime shows na may mag-i-introduce tapos lalabas ‘yung performer. Wala akong sinasabing mali sa noontime shows, ikaw ang nagsabi niyan.”

The last line, obviously uttered in a tone of sarcasm, prompted the other artists to cheer probably for its swiping nature, causing Laila to blush and find herself in a discomforting situation. She did try to salvage the moment by remaining jolly the way she has been known among presscon people. She somehow retaliated by saying, “Ganun na ba ito? Batuhan!”

Some of the press members who witnessed the scene agreed that Raimund’s remark was uncalled for. Laila, a lady at that, was not in attack mode while on the mic. Likewise, it’s the job of every reporter, regardless of gender, to ask intriguing questions in order to get possible angles for story requirements.

Laila would later say in a private conversation with other media personalities, “Alam ko napahiya ako dun. Pero after ng presscon, I realized wala akong dapat ikahiya. It only showed how brute he was.”

Raimund’s supposed wit actually couldn’t hide his insinuation in devaluing noontime shows when he claimed that the Tanduay Rockfest is what a rock show should be. Laila even mentioned that colleague Lhar Santiago of GMA 7 was likewise interested that he elaborated on his statement.

Considered by many as one of today’s Pinoy rock torch bearers, Raimund was in the shadow of the more prolific singer-songwriter Ely Buendia during his time with Eraserheads. After the breakup, he developed a reputation as a bandleader playing in various acts like Pedicab, Cambio and Project 1, among others. 

Rumors have it that his alleged bitter appreciation of the press is a result of how he has been viewed by music critics who believe he’s not as talented as how he is perceived by music fans and band scene associates. A reporter professed to having heard from a former label executive that Raimund is an example of what an overrated musician-performer is.

The Rhum Rockfest Year V, bannered by Parokya Ni Edgar, Kamikazee, Wolfgang, Chicosci and Raimund’s Sandwich, is scheduled to take place at the SM Mall of Asia Concert Grounds tomorrow, Oct. 14, at 5:30 p.m. until daybreak.