Ely Buendia to make acting debut in Cinemalaya film 'Padamlágan'
Ely Buendia is ready to showcase his acting skills in the upcoming period drama film Padamlágan, which will premiere in the 2025 Cinemalaya Festival.
The film is set five days before the declaration of Martial Law. It features the Eraserheads lead vocalist as Doring, a father who has been desperately searching for his missing son after the collapse of the Colgante Bridge during a local religious fiesta.
As the nation teeters toward dictatorship, Doring is forced to confront his fear of losing his son and deal with his personal grief mirroring a collective rupture.
"It’s an honor to be part of an all-Bicolano production that brings to life such a significant moment in Naga City’s history. Telling this story feels like a return to my roots, and I’m deeply grateful for the opportunity to contribute," said Buendia, who was born in Naga, Camarines Sur.
Joining him in the film are Esteban Mara, Floyd Tena, Sue Prado, Ivan Gioceff Papa, and Kaye Casiles, all of whom are Bicolano.
According to director Jenn Romano, the casting for the film was a "deeply collaborative effort, inspired by Naga’s spirit of dynamism and openness."
"Through the process, we remained open to various actors, and what naturally emerged were those with deep ties to Bikol. From Ely Buendia of Naga to Sue Prado of Libmanan, Floyd Teña of Albay, Esteban Mara of Sorsogon, and emerging talents across Bikol, this connection brought authenticity and a sense of home to the film," she highlighted.
Padamlágan is set entirely in the Bicol region, and to make it even more authentic, the film is also spoken in the Bikol language. Real archival footage, survivor interviews, and hauntingly poetic imagery will further be weaved into the story.
The film is set to premiere in this year's Cinemalaya Festival, which will run from October 3 to 12.
Prior to his acting debut, Buendia rose to fame as the lead vocalist and primary songwriter of the alternative rock band Eraserheads, making hits such as Ang Huling El Bimbo, Pare Ko, With A Smile, and many more.
While he has made appearances in various films before such as A Lullaby to the Sorrowful Mystery, Manila Kingpin: The Asiong Salonga Story, and more, these were only minor acting roles.
