The Oblation Run is an annual event held at the University of the Philippines (UP) in Quezon City, Philippines, organized by the Alpha Phi Omega (APO), a co-ed service fraternity founded at the university. The event has been held since the 1970s and has gained notoriety over the years due to its controversial nature.
The Oblation Run is named after the iconic statue of the "Oblation" located at the UP campus, which represents the selfless offering of oneself to the nation. During the event, a group of male students, known as the "oblation runners," run around the campus wearing nothing except masks. The event is meant to symbolize the students' willingness to offer themselves to the nation and to protest against various social, political, and economic issues affecting the country.
The APO Fraternity was founded at the University of the Philippines in 1952 and its members are known for their commitment to service and leadership. The fraternity has a strong presence at the University of the Philippines, and the Oblation Run is one of its most well-known events.
While the Oblation Run is seen by some as a form of protest and a way to raise awareness about important issues, it has also been criticized by some sectors as being inappropriate and indecorous. Despite the controversy surrounding the event, it has continued to be held annually at the University of the Philippines and has somewhat become a UP Tradition.
Fratshirt Clothing celebrates this APO Tradition by annually coming out with Oblation Run shirts to commemorate the event.