E-heads concert to push through after changes

MANILA, Philippines - After much fuss over its sponsors, the much-awaited reunion concert of the Eraserheads will push through, but with some major changes. In a message received by those on the official mailing list of bands Cambio, Sandwich and Pedicab, Eraserheads drummer Raimund Marasigan over the weekend confirmed that another company has taken over the production of the concert after the tobacco company Philip Morris decided to pull out from the event. Marasigan also said the event will now be held at The Fort in Taguig City, instead of the CCP open grounds as earlier announced. “The turnover started yesterday and they have already started work on the site in the Fort. So you can check," Marasigan stated. With the pullout of Philip Morris from the concert's production, the registration procedures in the Red Nation website have been deemed void and that fans will now have to pay to attend the concert. He also noted that since the tickets will now be sold, the concert will be open only to those aged 12 years old and above. Marasigan said the official announcement and ticketing details will come out in major newspapers and radio stations on Tuesday. And to tickle those waiting for the concert, Marasigan said: “I just got home from the last rehearsal. The band is cooking. We will see you all on the 30th." Earlier this month, the Department of Health and anti-tobacco group Framework Convention on Tobacco Control Alliance-Philippines warned Philip Morris against sponsoring the event. Health Undersecretary Alexander Padilla said Philip Morris will be violating Republic Act No. 9211 or the Tobacco Regulation Act of 2003 which prohibits cigar companies from sponsoring sports, cultural, and artistic events of individual or team athletes, artists and performers. "If we are able to show and prove that this concert is actually sponsored by you, by Philip Morris, then we will truly train our guns on you for clearly violating the law," Padilla said in a press conference. He said the tobacco company cannot argue that they did not violate the law since the contract has been signed before the prohibition on sponsorship of events took effect on July 1, 2008 as stated on Section 26 of RA 9211. "The company already knew when the prohibition would take effect so if they will try to circumvent that by saying 'we signed the contract before' that will not be acceptable," Padilla said. The Health Department and tobacco control advocates also appealed to Eraserheads to reject the Philip Morris' sponsorship of its much awaited reunion concert. Padilla said the popular band, which disbanded in 2002, should disassociate themselves from a cigar company who will be sponsoring their concert. "With their prestige, they should disassociate themselves to tobacco products which have no value or use. They should heed the law and bring the youth to other productive activities. Tobacco products should not be promoted," Padilla said. "Considered one of the most influential bands in the country, the Eraserheads has become a role model of sorts for our young. I hope they will rise up to the challenge, do more than play music, and help young Filipinos reach their potential," said Dr. Maricar Limpin of the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control Alliance-Philippines. - GMANews.TV