The Eraserheads Receive Gawad Oblation Award From The University Of The Philippines
The award recognizes the OPM rock icons’ “enduring excellence as a band, reflecting the university’s commitment to promoting national pride and cultural excellence.”
The Eraserheads: courtesy of @elybumbilya, photographed by Lawrence Del Rosario
The Eraserheads: courtesy of @elybumbilya, photographed by Lawrence Del Rosario
The Eraserheads have been bestowed the Gawad Oblation award.
On August 20, the OPM rock icons were awarded by the University of the Philippines — the band’s alma mater — the Gawad Oblation award at the Executive House of the University of the Philippines Diliman campus in Quezon City.
According to GMA News Online, “the citation certificate read citation certificate read by Atty. Roberto MJ Lara, Secretary of the University and the Board of Regents” states that the award is given to the Eraserheads for the band’s “enduring excellence as a band, reflecting the university’s commitment to promoting national pride and cultural excellence.”
The Gawad Oblation award is one of the state university’s highest honors. According to UP’s official website, it is given to the school’s “alumni and supporters who have rendered ‘extraordinary service with or in the name of UP.” More specifically, it recognizes those who have made “significant efforts in increasing the institutional visibility, international prestige, and recognition” of the school “as a National University.”
The award is named after the school’s iconic symbol, The Oblation — a sculpture created by National Artist Guillermo E. Tolentino, inspired by the second stanza of Jose Rizal’s Mi Ultimo Adios.
Courtesy of @elybumbilya, photographed by Lawrence Del Rosario
“We are deeply honored and humbled to receive the Gawad Oblation award from our beloved alma mater, the University of the Philippines,” stated Buendia in his acceptance speech, describing it to be a “profound privilege” for them “to be recognized by an institution that has shaped not only our minds but also our souls.” “UP was where our ideas were born, our dreams were nurtured, and our music found its voice.”
“Above all, UP taught us something more valuable: how to question, how to challenge, how to stand up, and how to speak out,” he further stated noting how they have brought the values of “the spirit of social engagement, the pursuit of truth, and the commitment to social responsibility” throughout their journey as a band.
“We are reminded of the friendships that were forged in classrooms and tambayans, of the professors who inspired us to think critically, and the community that believed in our music even before we did,” Buendia added, noting how being there reminded them of their “roots, of the countless nights spent writing, rehearsing, and dreaming.”
“This award is also for every Isko and Iska who dares to dream, who strives to make a difference, and who believes [in] the power of art and culture to shape society.” he continued, expressing how they hope that, in their own way, they “have been able to contribute to the legacy of excellence, creativity and service that UP stands for.” “It is for every artist, musician, and creative soul who uses their talent to express truth, challenge norms, and to inspire change.”
“To the University of the Philippines, thank you for giving us the foundation to create, explore, and to challenge the status quo,” he stated in closing, “Thank you for instilling in us the courage to pursue our passions and the responsibility to use our platform for good.”
Courtesy of @elybumbilya, photographed by Lawrence Del Rosario
The Eraserheads — composed of vocalist and guitarist Ely Buendia, bassist Buddy Zabala, guitarist Marcus Adoro, and drummer Raymund Marasigan — were formed in 1989 during their time as students in the prestigious state university. Gaining massive recognition and popularity in the 1990s, they are considered as one of the most influential OPM rock bands of all time.
The band disbanded in 2002 but have often reunited for several shows over the years, with their most recent major one being their Huling El Bimbo reunion concert at the SMDC Festival Grounds, Parañaque City last 2022. It saw them perform in front of more-or-less 75,000 people.
Last June, they announced new dates this 2024 for their reunion world tour, which started with shows in the United States and Canada last July and will continue this November in Singapore as well as this December in Dubai.
Listen to the Eraserheads’ debut album Ultraelectromagneticpop! below: