Screengrab from TVUP

The University of the Philippines (UP) just made a major splash by awarding the legendary Filipino rock band Eraserheads with the 2024 Gawad Oblation Award. This is a big deal for both the band and the university because it's the first time all four original members—Marcus Adoro, Ely Buendia, Raimund Marasigan, and Buddy Zabala—have returned to their alma mater together since they first formed the band back in 1989.

Standing before their old stomping grounds, the band expressed their deep gratitude and nostalgia. "We are deeply honored and humbled to receive the Gawad Oblation Award from our beloved alma mater, the University of the Philippines," Ely Buendia shared. "To be recognized by an institution that has shaped not only our minds but also our souls is a profound privilege."

Ely went on to reflect on how UP wasn't just their school; it was their playground, stage, and testing ground. "It was here that we discovered the power of creativity and the freedom of expression that would later define who we are as artists. But above all, UP taught us something more valuable—how to question, how to challenge, and how to speak out. It instilled in us the spirit of social engagement, the pursuit of truth, and a commitment to social responsibility."

As they stood together on stage, the Eraserheads were reminded of the countless nights spent writing, rehearsing, and dreaming in those very halls. Ely concluded, "Thank you for giving us the foundation to create, explore, and challenge the status quo. Thank you for instilling in us the courage to pursue our passions and the responsibility to use our platform for good."

It was a moment of reflection, celebration, and a powerful reminder of the band's roots and their ongoing impact on Filipino music and culture.