Pinoy-Prism

When I first visited the UP Oblation Statue in Diliman last 2009, it was then my first time to see what's written in the statue.  It was also then that I have understood what it has been symbolizing... and for the first time, I felt a different sense of patriotism within.  My school days' perception of the oblation run was just more of a fraternity initiation, but I was wrong; firstly, because those who run are not the neophytes but full-pledged members of Alpha Phi Omega (see related UP Oblation Run 2009 story), and most of all, the Oblation Statue symbolizes a much deeper and bigger meaning than the annual UP Oblation Run event.

Though I am an Atenean/Atenista from the south of the country, the visit to the UP Oblation Statue have made me own the University of the Philippines as a symbol of Philippine pride and patriotism... through the words of our National Hero, Jose P. Rizal in his "El Filibusterismo" (Pilipino/Tagalog and Spanish texts)...

UP Oblation Statue, "El Filibusterismo" in Pilipino/Tagalog.

English Translation (source: upaagc.org)

Where are the youth who will consecrate their golden hours, their illusions and their enthusiasm to the welfare of their native land? Where are the youth who will generously pour out their blood to wash away so much shame, so much crime, so much abomination? Pure and spotless must the victim be that the sacrifice may be acceptable, Where are you, Oh youth, who will embody in yourselves the vigor of life that has left our veins, the purity of ideas that has contaminated in our brains,the fire of enthusiasn that has been quenched in our hearts? We await, Oh youth, come, for we await you!
- Dr. Jose P. Rizal

UP Oblation Statue, "El Filibusterismo" in Spanish.


 UP Oblation Statue, "Ang Oblasyon" (The Oblation).

English Translation (source: flickriver.com)

The Oblation of the University was made by Guillermo E. Tolentino ( 1890 - 1976 ). It begun conceptualization during the presidency of Rafael Palma and was fully concretized during the term of UP Prseident Jorge Bocobo.
The Oblation symbolizes the continuing quest for knowledge and truth, excellence in all human endeavors, love of country and service to country and all humankind. The youth standing straight with arms outstretched and looking heavenwards represents all this youthful aspirations.
The statue is made of hardened concrete and painted to look like bronze. Much of the funds used for its completion in March, 1936 came from the funds of the Student Council during the leadership of Potentiano Ilusorio and Jose B. Laurel.
The statue first stood in the Padre Faura campus until it was brought to Diliman, Quezon City in February, 1949.

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