EJ’s dad to jump in Asia Masters

MANILA, Philippines — The pole is passed from father to son and back to the father. Emerson Obiena taught his son EJ how to vault and was his coach from eight to 18 years old. Now, EJ is 27 and ranked world No. 2. Emerson, 59, never reached EJ’s heights. He took silver at the 1993 SEA Games and bronze in the 2005 edition. His best jump was 4.95 meters while EJ has cleared 6.00 twice.

Emerson continues to coach athletes and remains competitive. He’s part of the Philippines’ 158-strong team participating in the 22-nation 22nd Asia Masters Athletics Championships at New Clark City, Tarlac, starting today and ending Sunday. Floor age is 35 and events are classified in five-year brackets. Average age of the Philippine delegation is 55 with Alfredo Fototana, 85, the oldest male and Luz Obmina, 91, the oldest female. The oldest among 1,200 participants is Thailand’s 103-year-old Sawang Janpram who’s entered in 100m, discus throw, javelin and shotput.

National Masters and Seniors Athletics Association of the Philippines president Jun Ang said the country is hosting the event after Jakarta backed out in 2021 because of the pandemic. China and India also passed in staging the conclave with the Philippines finally agreeing to hold it. Singapore hosted the inaugural Asia Masters Athletics Championships in 1981 and the previous edition was held in Malaysia in 2019.

Emerson will compete in pole vault, shot put, discus throw, javelin and 4x100m relay. His brother Edward, 57, is in pole vault, high jump, discus throw, javelin and 4x100m relay. “My advice to my dad and uncle is just do what they taught me,” said EJ from his training base in Formia, Italy. “Battle it out and jump your best, nothing much to add. I think 4.00 would be a good target for my dad who’s very busy coaching the next (generation) athletes. Special greeting to my dad for his 59th birthday last Nov. 4 and still kicking.”

Olympians in the Philippine squad include Marestella Torres (2008 Beijing, 2012 London, 2016 Rio), Nenita Adan (1988 Seoul) and Rene Herrera (2012 London). Pilipinas Obstacle Course Federation president Atty. Alberto Agra will compete in shot put, discus throw and javelin. Others in the team are PATAFA secretary-general Edward Kho, marketing executive Judith Staples, two-time SEA Games marathon gold medalist Christabel Martes and two-time SEA Games 800m and 1,500m gold medalist John Lozada. In this afternoon’s inaugural program, PATAFA president Terry Capistrano will deliver the opening remarks. Guests include BCDA president/CEO Joshua Bingcang, Tarlac Vice Gov. Carlito David, World Masters Athletics president Margit Jungmann and Asia Masters Athletics president Viwat Vitgrantanoros.