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What to Expect From EJ Obiena in the World Pole Vault Event in Makati This September

The two-time Olympian, along with two sporting organizations, is finally hosting a major international competition that will see the world’s top pole vaulters jump at the Ayala Triangle Gardens

By Pie Gonzaga July 07, 2025

ej obiena rolling stone philippines — EJ Obiena poses for a portrait at Rolling Stone Philippines LIVE! on March 21. Photo by Kieran Punay

After a year’s delay, the Atletang Ayala World Pole Vault Challenge is finally pushing through, according to Filipino pole vaulter EJ Obiena. The event sanctioned by World Athletics and the Philippine Athletics Track and Field Association will be held at the Ayala Triangle Gardens in Makati City from September 20 to 21.

The tournament was postponed in September 2024 after the two-time Olympian suffered a spine injury, which prevented him from joining the competition. According to Rappler, Obiena said that with him out of the competition, organizers believed they would not be able to “adequately deliver the competition to its full potential.”

“We are so excited to bring an event such as this to Philippine shores,” Obiena said in an online press conference on Monday, July 7. “This has been a dream, to bring the world of pole vault to the Philippines. I hope this could inspire the future generation of athletes.”

ej obiena cambodia sea games 2023 pole vault — Obiena became a three-time Southeast Asian Games champion after winning the men’s gold in Cambodia, May 9, 2023. Photo from Olympics/Official Website

The world’s no. 4 pole vaulter added that the tournament is an opportunity to “showcase the country’s ability to host such a huge, international-level competition.” Some of the world’s top 10 pole vaulters are also expected to participate, and will earn points that count towards their ranking.

Obiena is set to participate in the Monaco leg of the Diamond League this Friday, July 11.

Pie Gonzaga

Culture Writer

Pie Gonzaga is the Culture Writer of Rolling Stone Philippines, primarily covering film, TV, food, and internet culture.

Gonzaga has worked on a range of stories for print and digital formats, from an interview with Cardinal Ambo David to features on queer party organizers such as CHURCH and Club Euphoria. Her work as the magazine’s former State of Affairs Writer includes news updates on pressing issues like the flood control scandal and the missing sabungeros, and covering rallies. Under Culture, she’s written episode recaps for hit shows, film reviews, and features on restaurants and the people who run them.

Before working with Rolling Stone Philippines, she contributed lifestyle and entertainment stories for a digital news platform.

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