Eraserheads recalls UP roots as they receive Gawad Oblation

Eraserheads‘ Ely Buendia, Raymund Marasigan, Buddy Zabala, and Marcus Adoro were awarded the Gawad Oblation by their alma mater, the University of the Philippines, the highest distinction conferred by the premier university.

The OPM rock band were each given a medal which was designed by the late artist Leo Abaya during conferment ceremonies held at the UP Diliman Executive House on Tuesday, August 20.

Launched in 2017, the distinction is named after The Oblation, the university’s prime symbol, which recognizes an individual’s “extraordinary service” to represent UP’s values of “honor, excellence, and service.”

The recognition bestowed on Eraserheads, as read by UP Secretary and the Board of Regents Atty. Roberto MJ Lara in a citation certificate, also honors how they “indelibly shaped the scope and sound of our culture,”

“For standing as one of the greatest musical acts that the country produced, that influenced even far-reaching generations with a prolific discography of albums and hits. For their role as game-changers in the industry, wielding their art and artistry to entertain and ignite change,” added Lara.

Looking back

Buendia, Marasigan, Zabala, and Adoro were each given a chance to look back on their earlier days as band members and as college students.

The Eraserheads’ frontman said the award reminded him of the “countless nights” they spent writing, practicing, and performing at university festivals before their eventual success.

“It was here that we discovered the power of creativity and freedom of expression that would later [shape] who we are as artists,” Buendia said. “But above all, UP taught us something more valuable — how to question, challenge, stand up, and speak out. The spirit of social engagement, the pursuit of truth, and the commitment to social responsibility are the values we carried with us throughout our journey.”

Meanwhile, Zabala and Adoro expressed their gratitude for the “momentous occasion,” as they recalled how the university’s popular spots like the Kalayaan Residence Hall, Lagoon, UP Library, and Sunken Garden also played a role in their unforgettable memories as a band.

Marasigan, on the other hand, admitted that even though it’s been a while since they were in UP, the recognition reminded them of their contributions to the university’s legacy.

“Dito nagsimula kahit na hindi nakapagtapos. Salamat sa karangalan, parang gumraduate na rin kami ngayon… Sa mga nauna, sumabay, at nagpapatuloy, walang humpay na pasasalamat at padayon (This is where it all started even if we haven’t finished. Thank you to the honor, it feels like we graduated. To those who came before us, joined us, and continued with us, we have endless thank yous and carry ons),” he said.

‘First OPM band’

According to UP president Atty. Angelo Jimenez, the Gawad Oblation is not given to mainstream celebrities coming from the university for the sake of having an awardee, even though Eraserheads was the first OPM band to be recognized. It depends on their contributions to their respective fields while honoring UP’s values.

“Eraserheads is Eraserheads… we did not just give this award because it’s important in the music scene. We give this award through the perspective of a national university producing people who have exemplified our ideals of excellence and service to the country,” Jimenez told reporters in a chance interview.

When asked if “service to the country” is one of the factors that the university considered in the band’s distinction, Jimenez agreed, noting that it also recognizes those who “work quietly” while championing the university’s values.

“Yes, in a way. UP is a university dedicated to serving the country. With this in general, it enhances our ability to serve the country,” he said.

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