Geolette Marie Esguerra

Article (news)

Gamechangers: EJ Obiena

<p>In this day and age, what does it take to be a Gamechanger? In this new half-hour magazine show, Gamechangers, produced by the team behind Metro Channel, shines the spotlight on exceptional Filipinos who are breaking boundaries and redefining success in their respective fields. The program aims to highlight Filipino excellence across diverse fields, inspire a culture of ambition, and celebrate stories that uplift, empower, and redefine success. The show honors trailblazers—ranging from innovative industry leaders to world-class athletes like EJ Obiena and fashion visionaries like Veejay Floresca—who embody a winning mindset in everything they do.</p><div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1774942028375Metro.Style Gamechangers EJ Obiena.png" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/></div><p>The first episode, titled “EJ Obiena: The Ascent,” focuses on the world-ranked pole vaulter’s historic rise to the pinnacle of global athletics. Obiena’s career is a testament to continuous elevation, marked by his achievement as the first Asian to ever clear the elusive six-meter barrier, cementing his place in the elite “6-Meter Club” and securing the number two world ranking in 2023.</p><div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1774942237077IMG_20250921_142703_1 Large.jpeg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/></div><p>The episode explores the unwavering dedication and artistry behind his ascent, starting from his determined roots in Manila. It delves into the unique challenge of pole vaulting, which requires the speed of a sprinter combined with the agility of a gymnast, and the intense mental game required on the runway. The show covers his foundation, including lessons learned at home and his formative years under the guidance of his father, Emerson Obiena. It also chronicles his journey through setbacks, such as physical injuries and overcoming the PATAFA controversy.</p><div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1774942270897IMG_20250921_164851 Large.jpeg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/></div><p>Beyond personal triumphs, the episode emphasizes Obiena’s vision of “strategic legacy”. He views his journey not just as a quest for Olympic glory, but as a mission to institutionalize Filipino excellence in pole vaulting and mentor the next generation. This theme of Patriotism &amp; Resilience captures the spirit of a true Game Changer who rises above challenges. The documentary highlights his perspective with the powerful quote: “Being an athlete is hard, being an elite athlete is harder, but being a Filipino athlete is a totally different animal.”</p><div><em>Watch Gamechangers on iWant TFC</em></div>

<p>The first Asian to clear the elusive six-meter barrier, EJ Obiena embodies the winning mindset of a true Gamechanger. Learn how he navigates the intense mental game of pole vaulting, overcomes controversy and injury, and pursues a vision of “strategic legacy” to institutionalize Filipino excellence.</p>

The first Asian to clear the elusive six-meter barrier, EJ Obiena embodies the winning mindset of a true Gamechanger. Learn how he navigates the intense mental game of pole vaulting, overcomes controversy and injury, and pursues a vision of “strategic legacy” to institutionalize Filipino excellence.

GAMECHANGERS: Redefining Filipino Excellence, Starting with Pole Vaulting King EJ Obiena

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GAMECHANGERS: Redefining Filipino Excellence, Starting with Pole Vaulting King EJ Obiena

Metro.Style

Published March 27, 2026 06:00 PM PHT

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Updated April 02, 2026 02:08 AM PHT

Read More:

Pole vaulting

EJ Obiena

Filipino excellence

Gamechangers

6-meter barrier

strategic legacy

world-ranked

Patriotism

Resilience

world-class athlete

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