"Ang Huling El Bimbo" (English: "The Last El Bimbo") is a song by the Philippine alternative rock band Eraserheads from their third album Cutterpillow (1995).

"Ang Huling El Bimbo"
Song by Eraserheads
from the album Cutterpillow
ReleasedDecember 8, 1995
Recorded1995
Genre
Length7:30 (full version)
5:30 (radio version)
Label
Songwriter(s)Ely Buendia
Producer(s)Robin Rivera
Audio sample
"Ang Huling El Bimbo"
Music video
"Ang Huling El Bimbo" on YouTube

Composition

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The song is described as a bittersweet "mini-epic" inspired by the Beatles, referencing the actress Paraluman and the tango standard "El Bimbo".[1][2] "I had a huge crush on this girl who was older; she was the one who taught me the dance, and I think that was the first time I was really in love with a girl. Then I never saw her again,” writer Ely Buendia said about the song in a podcast interview.[3]

The song became the basis for the 2018 musical of the same name.[4] Its title was also used for the band's reunion concert in 2022 and its corresponding tour in 2023 and 2024.

Music video

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The music video was directed by Auraeus Solito and shot at his residence. It premiered on GMA Supershow on February 25, 1996.[5] The video won the band MTV Asia's Viewer's Choice Award at the 1997 MTV Video Music Awards, making them the first Philippine artist to receive such a distinction.[6][7]

Covers

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In other media

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  • Buendia sang the song as a guest artist for FilharmoniKA album as conducted by Gerard Salonga, Kumpas: An Orchestral Celebration of Pinoy Music.[13]
  • When local radio station NU 107 signed off for the last time on 8 November 2010, "Ang Huling El Bimbo" played as its final song.[14]

References

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  1. ^ "Cutterpillow Review by David Gonzales". Allmusic. Retrieved 11 August 2024.
  2. ^ Azul, Goldwyn Morales. "Cutterpillow Review (January 1996)". Schizo Archives. Retrieved 11 August 2024.
  3. ^ Oviedo, Kristina Isabel. "Who is Paraluman that made the iconic Eraserheads song hauntingly beautiful?". Tatler Asia. Retrieved 11 August 2024.
  4. ^ Sorilla IV, Franz. "The joyride of Filipino musical 'Ang Huling El Bimbo'". Tatler Asia. Retrieved 11 August 2024.
  5. ^ "Eraserheads video on GMA Supershow". Manila Standard. Kamahalan Publishing Corp. February 25, 1996. p. 32B. Retrieved June 25, 2022.
  6. ^ "Eraserheads: First Pinoy act to win MTV award (September 1997)". Schizo Archives. Retrieved 11 August 2024.
  7. ^ Gatdula, Leah Salterio. "Eraserheads stargaze at Radio City Music Hall (Philippine Daily Inquirer, September 11, 1997)". Schizo Archives. Retrieved 11 August 2024.
  8. ^ "Kamikazee - Ang Huling El Bimbo". August 16, 2011. Dodong Mindanao. Archived from the original on December 13, 2021. Retrieved August 12, 2014.
  9. ^ "TNT2 Q4 Semifinals Day 3: Janine Berdin sings Eraserheads' Ang Huling El Bimbo". ABS CBN Entertainment. 15 May 2018. Retrieved 13 December 2023.
  10. ^ Malasig, Jeline. "'To the next level': South Korean guitarist's amazing Eraserheads cover". Interaksyon. Retrieved 11 August 2024.
  11. ^ Soo, J. X. (4 January 2023). "Hear Ace Banzuelo, Alex Bruce and more cover classic Eraserheads songs". NME. Retrieved 13 December 2023.
  12. ^ "Troy Laureta releases third OPM album 'Dalamhati'". ABS CBN News. 27 October 2023. Retrieved 13 December 2023.
  13. ^ Gil, Baby A. (3 April 2009). "A new take on OPM hits". Philstar.com. Retrieved 14 December 2023.
  14. ^ "107 Candles for NU107: The Last Goodbye". November 7, 2010. Stompworks Studios. Archived from the original on December 13, 2021. Retrieved August 12, 2014.