Eraserheads frontman Ely Buendia is stepping into the spotlight once again — this time as an actor in his major film debut Padamlágan, following his appearance in the documentary Combo on the Run.

Directed by Bicolano filmmaker Jenn Romano, Padamlágan — which translates to “Night Light," revisits the harrowing 1972 Colgante Bridge tragedy in Naga City. The incident claimed the lives of 138 people during the annual procession of Our Lady of Peñafrancia, just five days before Martial Law was declared.

Buendia, 54, was born in Naga City, making the film a deeply personal and regional project. The film also features an all-Bicolano cast, including acclaimed actors Sue Prado, Esteban Mara, and Floyd Teña.

According to the Cinemalaya website, the film explores themes of "family, society, politics, ideology, religion, personal dreams, and aspirations that defined the connections of that time".

The film is one of 10 official full-length entries in the 2025 Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival, set to run this October at the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) in Pasay City.