@esquireph “It's hard to be an elite professional athlete, but it is truly harder to be a Filipino national athlete.” The world’s No. 3 pole vaulter, #EJObiena is at the peak of his career. He upset the world record-holder, put the Philippines on the map in pole vaulting, and showed grace under countless instances of pressure. But there was a point when he almost quit and actually considered accepting offers to move to another country. It’s not easy being a Filipino national athlete, and Obiena tells us why. Hit the link in bio to read the cover story on @ernestobienapv by @anrixmr now. Produced by Anri Ichimura, assisted by Anna Pauline Isleta Photographs by @cyruspanganiban, assisted by Michael Angelo Pabon Styling by @paolochua Grooming by @murielvegaperez Special thanks to @vmgasia Sweater by @kenzo #makeupbymvp