EJ Obiena’s dream of bringing the world’s best to Philippine soil is about to come true.
The Filipino pole vault star, fresh off a string of elite global performances and still reigning as Asia’s top vaulter, is leading the charge for a one-of-a-kind athletic spectacle: the Atletang Ayala World Pole Vault Challenge, set to take place at the Ayala Triangle Gardens in Makati City on September 20 and 21.
More than just a competition, the event marks a historic first for Philippine athletics — a world-class pole vault meet staged in the heart of the country’s business capital, featuring several of the top 10-ranked pole vaulters from around the globe.
“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,” said the 29-year-old Obiena, a two-time World Championship medalist and the current Asian record holder.
“Now, it’s finally happening. I call on my kababayans to come together and support this once-in-a-lifetime event.”
The event is a product of collaboration between Atletang Ayala, the Ayala Group’s flagship sports program dedicated to uplifting Filipino athletes, MVP Sports Foundation, and Obiena himself, whose meteoric rise has turned him into one of the most recognizable figures in Philippine sports today.
Slated as a street vaulting event, the World Pole Vault Challenge is officially sanctioned by the World Athletics Continental Tour – Bronze category, ensuring it meets stringent international standards in terms of organization, athlete eligibility, and competition format.
Participating vaulters will earn ranking points for their performances, with the winner also bagging a cash prize.
“This isn’t just about the sport,” said Ayala Corporation Executive Director Jaime Alfonso Zobel de Ayala. “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.”
Supported by World Athletics, the Asian Athletics Association, and the Philippine Athletics Track and Field Association, the event is expected to draw large crowds and ignite greater interest in athletics nationwide.
The Ayala Triangle Gardens will transform into an arena unlike any other — a stage where some of the world’s most elite pole vaulters will soar, quite literally, before a Filipino crowd. It’s a sporting event rarely seen in Southeast Asia, let alone the Philippines.
For Obiena, it’s more than just a meet. It’s a mission.
“This is for every young Filipino athlete who dreams of standing on the world stage,” he said. “This is proof that we can bring the world to us — and when we do, we’ll be ready.”
