The Movie That Led Me to Sponge Cola: A Full Circle Moment with Charlize Theron

Toward the end of my conversation with Charlize Theron and Taron Egerton, I shared something more personal.

Back in sixth grade, I had already been playing guitar for a couple of years. But after watching That Thing You Do!, something shifted. It made me want to try playing drums instead.

That one decision ended up shaping a big part of my life.

A few years later, in college, I joined a band that would go on to become Sponge Cola. We eventually signed with a major label, released multiple albums, and two of those records went platinum in the Philippines in the early 2000s. At the time, we were fortunate to be part of a music scene that was really finding its audience, and the band became one of the more recognizable names from that era.

Looking back, it’s easy to trace a lot of that back to that one moment watching the film.

So I shared that story with Theron.

“What a great story. Thank you for sharing that with me,” Theron responded.

She then added, “This is the power of movies, right?” That line really captures it.

Sometimes a film doesn’t just stay on the screen. It sticks with you in ways you don’t immediately realize. It might influence a decision, spark an interest, or quietly push you toward something new.

In my case, it led to music, and eventually to being part of a band that shaped a big part of my twenties. 

It doesn’t always feel like a major turning point in the moment. But looking back, you start to see how those small moments connect. And sometimes, it all starts with one film.

Watch the full Charlize Theron and Taron Egerton interview.

Photo courtesy of Netflix PH and Sponge Cola.