EJ Obiena shapes the future of Philippine Pole Vaulting with Vermosa’s Support
Setbacks are part of every athlete’s journey. Filipino pole vaulter EJ Obiena, a Southeast Asian Games record holder, faced his own at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Though he narrowly missed the bronze, his determination remains an inspiration. While this could have been a defining moment in his career for many, Obiena saw it as a chance to show his indomitable spirit. His story of perseverance endeared him even more to his fellow Filipinos.
Obiena sets his sights for greater achievements. When asked about his plans leading up to the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles, he admits that it’s difficult to provide a concrete answer. However, he eagerly anticipates the future, stating, “I’m planning for next year, I need to decide where I’m going to be training. Where are the training camps? We have both indoor and outdoor world championship in Asia, which is in China and Japan. So therefore, I’m looking around, but I know that I have a place here, Vermosa, and soon it’s going to be perfect. There’s a few more in the works, but as of now, it’s already looking like this is where I want to be training at.” Obiena shared.
EJ Obiena, brand ambassador for Vermosa, trains at the Ayala Vermosa Sports Hub (AVSH) when in the Philippines. As he looks towards the future, Obiena’s vision reaches beyond personal success—he’s committed to growing and elevating the pole-vaulting sport for the nation. He is driven by a desire to inspire the next generation of athletes. And at the heart of this ambition lies Vermosa. This Ayala Land estate in Imus, Cavite, with its world-class facilities and commitment to sports development, facilitates an opportunity for the Philippines to establish itself as a force to be reckoned with in the world of pole vaulting and other sports. It also enables the potential for sports excellence of kids from the grassroots.
Beyond the physical infrastructure, Vermosa also offers comprehensive sports development programs that focus on coaching, sports science, and athlete well-being. Obiena envisions these programs as the driving force behind the Philippines’ rise in pole vaulting, providing aspiring athletes with the guidance, resources, and support they need to reach their full potential.
Obiena expressed his commitment to empowering the youth and imparting his knowledge of sports. The Philippines is currently experiencing a surge of interest in the Olympics, marking a golden age for sports. “I think we should capitalize on that inspiration of kids, ‘I want to try this sport. I want to try weightlifting, gymnastics, and pole vault.’ And with that, Ayala Land and Vermosa definitely, definitely stepped up. Therefore, we’re planning a few clinics to make sure that these kids hopefully are going to be the next champions. We have a facility; we have housing for them. It’s a perfect ecosystem for high performance events and high-performance athletic prowess,” he said.
Obiena also recognizes the importance of raising the stature of pole vaulting in the Philippines. Through his own success on the international stage and the success of the athletes he helps nurture, he aims to inspire a newfound appreciation for the sport among the Filipino public. This, in turn, will drive greater investment, support, and participation in pole vaulting at all levels.
Vermosa’s state-of-the-art training facilities provide athletes and sports enthusiasts with the tools they need to hone their skills and push the boundaries of their performance. Obiena also finds the convenience of having everything he needs within the estate helps him maintain focus, “Vermosa is a perfect camp, perfect place to actually grow and train and really focus. Athletes who want to focus and really dive deep into it can do training camps there. I wake up, I don’t need to drive. I walk to the track.
After I train, I have my food there, I have my place to rest. I have my physios, I have the gym, I have the pool. All of these things would lead you into obsessing and being able to fully utilize your time into your sport. And that’s what Vermosa really provides. And more than just that, the high level of facility that they provide is a plus,” Obiena said.
With Vermosa as the center of this plan, Obiena’s dreams for the future of Philippine pole vaulting are well within reach. He envisions the development of dedicated training facilities and clinics in Vermosa that will cater specifically to pole vaulting, providing invaluable support and guidance to young athletes.
Obiena believes that Vermosa is the perfect destination for both athletes and individuals who love staying active. “Because of first the facility, it’s a plus for us because we get to do all of it, but for everyone who’s doing swimming, they have the pool there. It’s a very good pool. You have the gym, it’s high quality. And of course, the track. And with the track, I know how it was set up and how it was more or less planned. It’s a perfect place for me.” Obiena shared.
Vermosa’s commitment to creating a vibrant community of athletes, coaches, and enthusiasts is a key aspect of its sports development vision. By bringing together like-minded individuals who share a passion for sports, Vermosa aims to cultivate an environment that is both supportive and inspiring, further fueling the growth and development of the sport in the Philippines.
ADVT.
This article is brought to you by Ayala Land.
