UP honors Eraserheads with Gawad Oblation

FILIPINO rock band Eraserheads, consisting of Ely Buendia, Raymund Marasigan, Buddy Zabala and Marcus Adoro, received the Gawad Oblation from their alma mater, the University of the Philippines (UP), on Tuesday.

The four were awarded medals representing the university’s highest honor, a “symbol of deep gratitude for the extraordinary services rendered with or on behalf of UP.”

“It is no exaggeration to say that the Eraserheads are a pivotal force in the history of Original Pilipino Music (OPM). Even now, decades after they first entered the local music scene, they remain a household name, a cultural icon for all ages,” said UP President Angelo Jimenez during the Gawad Oblation awards ceremony on August 20 in Diliman, Quezon City.

The OPM Act has “indelibly shaped the scope and sound of our culture,” said the quote read by UP Secretary Roberto MJ Lara.

He added that the Eraserheads are known for being “one of the greatest [bands] who produced the country and even influenced far-reaching generations with a prolific discography of albums and hits.”

Formed in 1989, the band has a plethora of hits such as “Ang Huling El Bimbo,” “With a smile,” “Ligaya,” “Pare Ko,” And “Alapap”, among others.

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In their acceptance speeches, the Eraserheads members talked about the nights they spent writing and rehearsing songs for performances at college festivals. At the Diliman campus, they discovered “the power of creativity and freedom of expression,” Mr. Buendia said.

“Above all, UP has taught us something more valuable: how to question, challenge, stand up and speak out,” he added.

The frontman also recalled how music got him through many challenges, both as a student and in life. One example was how he passed a difficult Spanish class by giving his professor a demo of his music, which pushed him to pursue his passion.

Mr Adoro recalled the time the group spent at various places in the university such as the Main Library and the Sunken Garden. The guitarist concluded that as individuals they will continue to uplift the Filipino spirit.

“Mabuhay and Noypi! (Long live the Pinoy!),” he exclaimed.

The bassist, Mr. Zabala, thanked the university for the “unforgettable experiences, both academic and otherwise,” that informed and found a home in the band’s many songs. “My world became bigger. No, exploded,” he said.

Mr Marasigan paid tribute to their families for their patience and support during their journey – at the expense of completing their university education. “Salamat sa karangalan e parang grumadweyt na rin kami ngayon (Thank you for the honor and for the feeling that we have finally graduated),” the drummer said.

In lieu of the degrees they never received, the band dedicated the award to their parents.

Designed by the late artist and UP professor Leo Abaya, the Gawad Oblation Medal reflects early Philippine flags, UP’s signature colors and the iconic Oblation image after which the award is named. First launched in 2017, the award is given to outstanding UP alumni who exemplify the school’s values ​​of ‘honor, excellence and service’.

The ceremony was highlighted by an “Eraserheads Medley,” arranged by Jose Carlo Tuazon and performed by the UP Symphony Orchestra String Quartet.

As for the Eraserheads themselves, they continue with the Huling El Bimbo world tour, with subsequent stops in Dubai and Singapore. — Bronte H. Lacsamana