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OPM icon Eraserheads was conferred the Gawad Oblation Award by their alma mater, the University of the Philippines (UP).

The Gawad Oblation serves as the highest honor conferred by UP.

Current UP President Angelo Jimenez gave the award Tuesday in a special event attended by all four members of Eraserheads namely, Ely Buendia, Buddy Zabala, Raimund Marasigan, and Marcus Adoro.

In his speech, Jimenez honored and thanked the band for their contribution to the local music scene.

"It is not an exaggeration to say that the Eraserheads are a pivotal force in the history of original Pilipino music. Even now, decades after they burst into the local music scene, they remain a household name, a cultural icon for the ages," he said.

Jimenez highlighted how Eraserheads revolutionized OPM as they introduced a new sound, which blends alternative rock with traditional Filipino elements.

"Eraserheads helped define the music, memories, and identity of a generation, no less," he added.

Formed in 1989, Eraserheads introduced some of the classic OPM hits, "Ang Huling El Bimbo," "With A Smile," "Ligaya," "Pare Ko," and "Magasin," among others.

"For three decades, you have continued to inspire a strong sense of shared Filipino culture, social consciousness, national identity, and national pride among Filipinos here and abroad," Jimenez continued.

LOOK BACK ON ERASERHEADS' JOURNEY HERE:

At the event, the renowned UP Symphony Orchestra String Quartet honored the band with their rendition of the "Eraserheads Medley."

The Gawad Oblation was first launched in 2017 and has been awarded to UP alumni and organizations in the past.

Jimenez said it is a "symbol of our deep gratitude for the extraordinary service rendered with or in our name. In the name of UP. "