Eraserheads grateful for UP Gawad Oblation honor: ‘Parang grumadweyt na rin kami’

The Eraserheads are thankful to their alma mater, the University of the Philippines (UP) Diliman, for honoring them with the Gawad Oblation.

The legendary band posted photos and videos from the ceremony on Instagram, which vocalist Ely Buendia said was "a night to remember."

“Thank you Francis Lumen and Dr. Robin Rivera for the testimonials and good company, thank you to my family and friends and fans for the love, thank you Diane Ventura for the direction and Day Cabuhat for the guidance, and thank you Raims, Buddy and Marcus for the trip of a lifetime!" he wrote.

For drummer Raimund Marasigan, the event felt like a graduation ceremony.

“Dito nagsimula kahit na hindi nakapagtapos. Salamat sa karangalan, parang grumadweyt narin kami ngayon. Padayon,” he wrote in an Instagram post.

Echoing Raimund's graduation feels, Buddy Zabala said his “heart bursting, can’t talk, only drink. Looking around for people I love to help me calm down. Then, the Gawad Oblation medal."

"I look far away, imagining my parents beaming proudly at me,” Buddy said as he thanked his Eheads bandmates Raimund, Ely, and marcus. “Maraming Salamat, UP!” He added.

Finally, drummer Marcus Adoro posted videos of his and his bandmates' speeches from the event, and called themselves “gold medalists.”

The Eraserheads received their Gawad Oblation medals on Tuesday for their contributions to the country as well as the university.

According to University of the Philippines System President Atty. Angelo Jimenez, the Gawad Oblation is the "highest distinction that our university can bestow. It is of our deep gratitude for the extraordinary service rendered with or in our name, in the name of UP."

The citation certificate read by Atty. Roberto MJ Lara, Secretary of the University and the Board of Regents, said that the recognition was given to the Eraserheads for their "enduring excellence as a band, reflecting the university's commitment to promoting national pride and cultural excellence."

Proud sons of UP, the Eraserheads told GMA News Online in 2022 that their "goal up to this day" is to play the AS Steps of UP Diliman.  

The Eraserheads reunited in 2022 at the SMDC Festival Grounds for a one-night-only show titled Huling El Bimbo.

In 2023, they toured the US and Canada. Last month, they kicked off their North American tour in San Francisco, California.

The band will also have a documentary film titled "Eraserheads: Combo On The Run."