ANOTHER dream is on the verge of coming true, as Ernest John (EJ) Obiena’s vision of hosting international pole vaulting events in the Philippines is set to be fulfilled this September at the Ayala Triangle Gradens.
Filipino pole vault sensation, fresh off a series of top-tier global showings and still holding the title of Asia’s best, is spearheading a groundbreaking sporting event: the Atletang Ayala World Pole Vault Challenge.
The competition is scheduled for September 20 and 21 in Makati City, marking a historic milestone for Philippine athletics — the first-ever world-class pole vault meet hosted in the country’s urban center.
Pole Vault Rush
According to Tiebreaker Times, the 29-year-old Obiena — a two-time World Championship medalist and the current Asian record holder — will be joined by several of the world’s top 10-ranked pole vaulters.
“This has been my lifelong dream — to mount a world-class sporting event in my homeland, to showcase Filipino talent and make the nation proud,” Obiena said.
“Now, it’s finally happening. I call on my kababayans to come together and support this once-in-a-lifetime event,” he went on to say.
The event is the result of a partnership between Atletang Ayala—Ayala Group’s premier sports initiative focused on supporting Filipino athletes—MVP Sports Foundation, and Obiena himself.
Now ranked World No. 4, Obiena’s rapid ascent has made him one of the most recognizable names in Philippine sports, further fueling his mission to bring the sport he loves closer to the Filipino people.
World-Class Standard
Set up as a street vaulting competition, the World Pole Vault Challenge is officially recognized under the World Athletics Continental Tour – Bronze level, guaranteeing adherence to top-tier international standards and competition format.
Athletes competing will earn valuable ranking points, and the champion will take home a cash prize. Still, for Ayala Corporation Executive Director Jaime Alfonso Zobel de Ayala, the event represents something far greater.
“This isn’t just about the sport. This is about celebrating Filipino excellence, showcasing our sporting heroes, and inspiring the next generation of athletes. We’re proud to partner with EJ in making this happen,” he said.
Backed by World Athletics, the Asian Athletics Association, and the Philippine Athletics Track and Field Association, the event is anticipated to attract large audiences and spark increased nationwide interest in the sport of athletics.
“This is for every young Filipino athlete who dreams of standing on the world stage. This is proof that we can bring the world to us — and when we do, we’ll be ready,” Obiena proudly said.
The Ayala Triangle Gardens will be transformed into a unique arena — a stage where some of the world’s top pole vaulters will quite literally take flight in front of a Filipino audience. A sporting spectacle rarely seen in Southeast Asia, especially in the Philippines.
