A generation of Filipinos still associates Raymund (formerly spelled Raimund) Marasigan with the Eraserheads even if the quartet has not played together for years. It’s as if his musical epitaph is complete and his legacy laid to rest.
However, Raymund’s journey is far from over. He continues to forge multiple paths away from the anthems he helped create in the 90s. But while live events are in a standstill, the instrument that made him a household name provides direction during these unstable times.
A stable beat
“Kapag nagising ka at walang ginagawa, nakakatakot na,” Marasigan said in a recent interview. Like a sensei that continues to hone his skill, he starts his days during the quarantine by pounding on his drums to let the adrenaline flow and draw inspiration for his never-ending stream of commissioned work.
Instead of wailing on the uncertainties, the 49-year-old professional musician channeled his energy on matters that he can control. Unfortunately, his drum heads’ wear and tear is something that he was not able to predict. But a master knows that he’s as good as his weapons. Without hesitation, he traded a pair of creeper shoes with the drum heads of IV of Spades’ percussionist Badjao de Castro.
Marasigan’s core prop for musical wizardry is a Fernando apple green drum kit with a Fruitcake star on the bass. But perhaps his most prominent set was the one used in the band’s most celebrated music video.
Blazing a beat
Club Dredd, 1993. Even as the iconic venue’s reputation for giving rise to legends is already considered unparalleled at that point, Marasigan’s stature in the industry is not yet etched in stone. As the ‘Heads were on the verge of mainstream success, he purchased the pre-loved drum set of his counterpart in After Image, Rogie Callejo.
“It was an orange Fernando kit that (Rogie) Callejo sold because he had a new set. It was initially worth Php 2,000, but he dropped it to Php 1,500 kasi medyo luma na.”
He would carry the entire set by his lonesome to television studios for about a decade. Despite the lifting he had to endure, both parties got a win-win situation because he got Php 1,500 every guesting, and producers saved Php 500 if they were to rent a drum set elsewhere.
The kit became immortal when it graced the “Ang Huling El Bimbo” music video. Any E-Heads fan would know the beat after the words “nakakatindig balahibo.” Therefore, it’s just appropriate that the drum set look deified with hearts and flower petals.
The drum kit eventually ran its course, as did the band that gave us tunes that are still relevant today. However, that mythical artifact in OPM history is now a coffee table in Sandwich drummer’s Mike Dizon’s residence. The drums may have retired, but the drummer is far from following suit.
Exploring new beats
It’s puzzling how the man considered as the “Philippines’ busiest musician” can piece his pre-Covid schedule together. His advice for budding musicians during the online interview provided the perfect answer for the mystery.
“Have fun. It has to be fun. Of course, you have to work hard while having fun. I asked the same thing to my idols, and they said the same thing.”
There’s no argument that the Candelaria, Quezon native enkindled the drive of limitless dreamers to express themselves through notes and rhythms. But Marasigan still takes the “work hard, have fun” mantra to heart, as evident by the variety of acts associated with him.
“I’ve always been a hip-hop and punk rock guy. There’s still hip-hop in the Eraserheads; it’s just that we did not rap.”
No wonder he actively contributes to hip-hop groups such as Sun Valley Crew, Squid 9, and Assembly Generals. His creativity and passion for the craft spawned into Pedicab’s dance punk, the alternative vibe of Cambio, and the musical fluidity of Sandwich. Let’s not forget Gaijin, which is an assortment of local and international influences.
On top of these, Sugar Raims also imparts sweet music upon countless collaborations, television themes, and advertising melodies. Impressive resume and all, he nowhere near from packing up.
“I would like to play more international gigs with my bands and also collaborate with those whom I haven’t worked with in Betamax.”
Completing that list will be a tall order, and only time will tell if Raimund Marasigan fulfills his bucket list. One thing’s for sure, though: he will continue to carve his imprint and give back to the industry that has praised and blessed him with much.
The beat will keep on coming because after all, as sung by him in the chorus of that Sandwich song, kailangan “ipagpatuloy ang daloy ng alon.”