The Oblation & Budyong at Tambuli @ U.P. Diliman Quezon City; Philippines

The Oblation is something very familiar to me, (coming from and being an alumnus of the University of the Philippines Diliman campus) the statue is the symbol of the honour and excellence that U.P. imparts to its students.

From the month of December (and until January of 2017 I think), the Oblation has gotten sort of a mini makeover because of an art installation that surrounds it.

The art installation surrounding the Oblation is made by the Filipino visual artist, Toym Imao and is entitled "Budyong at Tambuli".

The budyong (Filipino; conch shell) and the tambuli (Filipino; a horn made from the horns of the carabao/water buffalo) are instruments used to signal the coming of visitors, festivals and gatherings/meetings in a community.

The art installation, which is already visually stunning during the day, comes alive during the night with lights and sounds that mimic the sounds of the sea, native instruments and the sounds of the budyong and the tambuli would sound like when in use.

The Oblation, made by National Artist Guillermo E. Tolentino,  depicts a stark naked man with his head facing upwards and with arms stretched outwards, is a symbolizes the selfless offering of one's self for the good of the country. It is made of concrete and painted to look like bronze. It is a replica of the orginal, which is now housed at the 3rd floor of the U.P. Diliman Main Library, Gonzalez Hall.

Translation: "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! 

-El Filibusterismo;Dr. Jose P. Rizal

Do check out the art installation while it is still there and if you are in the U.P. Diliman area. It's free of charge!!!!

The Oblation & Budyong at Tambuli Art installation is located at:

Quezon Hall, Osmeña Avenue, Diliman, Quezon City, Metro Manila, Philippines