Filipino pole vaulter EJ Obiena watches the UAAP Season 87 men's basketball tournament, September 15, 2024 at the Araneta Coliseum. UAAP Media
MANILA – EJ Obiena is known as the Olympic pole vaulter representing the Philippines and bringing pride to the country on the world stage.
But for Obiena, he's looking to introduce another side of the Philippines by playing original Pilipino music (OPM) during his pole vault meets.
The pride of Manila leaped to his season-best 5.91 meters at Golden Sand 2026 competition in Międzyzdroje, Poland.
In videos posted by Obiena from the Poland meet, Filipino rapper EZ MIL's song "Panalo" was playing in the background. He has also had this song blasting in his previous competitions where he won gold.
Last January, Obiena played a song from OPM band Parokya ni Edgar, also featuring classic hit "Bakit Nga Ba Mahal Kita" by Roselle Nava in one of his posts.
Ahead of the Poland meet, the 30-year-old shared his love for OPM and spreading the Filipino culture while overseas.
"How else am I supposed to express myself? And like most of these guys would know I'm Filipino, but then they don't really know what is Philippines and what Philippines is all about," Obiena told ABS-CBN News in an interview last Saturday.
"And now, even some competitions know that that's the music I want to be playing. And shout out to EZ MIL, you know, he's a really good rapper and love his songs," he shared.
Obiena said he likes the songs of the Filipino rapper, so it's a welcome sight for him when he finds out his foreign competitors enjoy the music.
"I would play that and slowly, slowly, I love the lyrics, the things that he says in the song that I play. So, with that being said, it's just a bonus that it's a Filipino song, I would say," he explained.
The Olympic pole vaulter said it's not just his fellow athletes who are getting into OPM, but the audience as well.
"I'm very proud and happy to see that some of the people I compete with now play this song in their playlist and sound of people clapping in the rhythm. It's a sight to see. Trust me.... It's really a sight for me to enjoy, and I love it in a way that they're enjoying our music," Obiena added.
FEELING THE PINOY LOVE
Despite being thousands of miles away from home, Obiena said he always feels the love from the Philippines both online and offline.
The Olympic pole vaulter expressed gratitude to fellow Filipinos for supporting him in his journey, especially those who personally go to his competitions.
"Thank you so much, especially everyone who stays up. It's not as easy to follow as tennis. It's a bit more everywhere. And there's not a formal, maybe like a tour calendar for us, but I really appreciate it," Obiena said.
"Thank you so much also for the Filipinos who come and watch, sometimes randomly, and stay there. Love to see the Filipino flag when we compete. It really makes this journey of mine a little bit more special than it is and makes it more of a we than an I. So with that, I'm very thankful. Maraming salamat po. And it's been one heck of a journey, and I think there's more to come," he added.
Obiena will compete in at least four more competitions before the 20th Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan next month.
The Olympic pole vaulter is defending his title in the continental showcase, after winning gold in the 2022 edition in Hangzhou, China.