The iconic Filipino band Eraserheads has been awarded the prestigious Gawad Oblation by the University of the Philippines (UP), their alma mater. This award is the highest recognition UP can bestow.
The award was presented by UP President Angelo Jimenez in a special ceremony attended by all four members of the band—Ely Buendia, Buddy Zabala, Raimund Marasigan, and Marcus Adoro. In his speech, Jimenez praised the band for their significant impact on the local music industry.
Jimenez highlighted how Eraserheads played a crucial role in shaping Original Pilipino Music (OPM), blending alternative rock with traditional Filipino elements, and becoming a defining force for a generation.
Formed in 1989, Eraserheads are known for their timeless hits such as “Ang Huling El Bimbo,” “With A Smile,” “Ligaya,” “Pare Ko,” and “Magasin.” Jimenez acknowledged their enduring influence, noting that for three decades, the band has inspired a strong sense of Filipino culture, social consciousness, and national pride among Filipinos both in the country and abroad.