“It was definitely a good time.”
This was how Filipino Olympian Ernest John “EJ” Obiena described his recent visit to Manila.
In Instagram post on Thursday, May 15, EJ was a bit sentimental as he shared some of the special moments he had during his short stay in the country.
“We’re back on the road after a quick trip to Manila to complete some paperwork. It’s been so long (stayed and trained for more than a week) that I’ve almost forgotten what home is like,” he wrote in the post’s caption.
One of the highlights of EJ’s visit was the rare and precious moment he spent with the two important women in his life as they celebrated a special occasion together.
“A much-welcomed bonus to finally be able to spend Mother’s Day with my lola and mom after a decade,” he wrote in the post’s caption.
The pole vaulter treasured the limited time of his stay by sharing some of it with his family and friends, he said.
EJ also added that the unique hospitality of the Filipino people is something he also cherished.
“Experiencing the signature warmth of the Filipino hospitality that can’t be beat,” he emphasized.
With most of his training sessions executed abroad, EJ was grateful to be given the opportunity to train here.
“Nostalgia definitely hits hard when you’re trying to breathe and baking in the sun while sweating profusely trying to finish the workout,” he said. “Kidding aside, it has been an absolute pleasure to finally be able to train at home with incredible facilities (Thanks Vermosa).”
EJ summarized his lengthy post by describing his feelings: “In short: Nakaka-miss nga ang Pilipinas with all [its] curves and edges.”
Looking forward for his next comeback, he remarked: “See you again Philippines.”
In April, EJ recounted his experience competing at the Taiwan International Pole Vault Championship which was held last March.
READ: EJ Obiena competes despite heavy fog: ‘Leap of faith!’
Describing it as a “leap of faith,” he emerged victorious in the said competition despite struggling due to a heavy fog brought by the weather condition.
“We can’t always have sunny skies and perfect weather conditions. We have to persevere through all kinds of adversity. This was a new kind of adversity and I definitely learned from it,” he said, reflecting on his victory amid the tough challenge.