By MARK REY MONTEJO
Asia’s pole vault king EJ Obiena brought an Olympic vibe to an already electric atmosphere inside University of Santo Tomas campus after lighting the cauldron to mark the opening of the UAAP Season 88 Friday evening, Sept. 19.
Hundreds of student-athletes plus thousands of UST students and faculty members as well as supporters from seven other participating schools gathered at the grounds of the centuries old school – this year’s host – roared in sheer joy after Obiena – a two-time Olympian – lit the cauldron to officially kick off this year’s UAAP action.
Despite vying in the sports’ grandest stage twice – Tokyo and Paris Games – Obiena was a bit anxious of his role but managed to overcome the pressure – and excitement – especially coming back to the grounds where he launched his legendary career that saw him meet fascinating personalities and reach places of his dream.
“I think this one probably is the most important one, that’s why I’m a little bit iffy about every little detail. I just want to make sure that, you know, things are done at the level that I believe the university deserves,” said Obiena.
“I started my career here at UAAP and now I’m, you know, making a full circle, going back and finally being able to start the whole thing and it really is such an honor,” he added.
Aside from Obiena, top athletes from the España-based school graced the festivities in pro cager Jervy Cruz, sambist Sydney Sy-Tancontian, and volleyball star Sisi Rondina joined the torch relay and cauldron lighting.
Also present were Eya Laure, Josh Ybanez, and Jau Umandal (volleyball), Nic Cabanero, Tachiana Mangin (taekwondo), and Jasmin Simpao (taekwondo), Noelito Jose (fencing), and and Kent Pastrana (basketball), who led the Oath of Sportsmanship.
“Finally being able to open such an event, it’s a really huge moment for me, not just because it’s a full circle, it’s like I was part of this, like I was basically one of the kids,” Obiena continued. “And now I’m finally able to look forward to the next generation.”
Performing before the big crowd at UST Grandstand were OPM artists Earl Agustin, Rob Deniel, Lola Amour, Kean Cipriano, who sang this season’s theme, and country’s pop star Sarah Geronimo.
Obiena, meanwhile, eyes to deliver a superb performance in the inaugural of the Atletang Ayala World Pole Vault Challenge Sunday, Sept. 21, in Makati City.
“How much more can I be motivated? I’m hosting the first ever. I might as well try to do it the best way that I can,” said Obiena ahead of the international pole-vaulting meet.
