RAISING THE BAR
Vogue Philippines|July 2024
Four Filipino men embody the resilience and determination to return to the track stronger, overcoming immense pressure to represent the country and secure their place on the Olympic podium
JASON INOCENCIO
RAISING THE BAR

This 2024 marks a century of Philippine participation in the Olympic Games. Ironically, the first time the country sent athletes to the Olympiad in 1924, Paris, France was also the host city. It took almost a month for that first contingent of Filipino athletes to travel from Manila to Paris a century ago. It would take 97 years before a Filipino would finally win Olympic gold.

In the century since that first Paris Olympiad, a new generation of Filipinos has been training and preparing their minds and bodies in the hopes of repeating what weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz accomplished at the Tokyo Olympics. Pole vaulter EJ Obiena, boxer Eumir Marcial, gymnast Carlos Yulo, and weightlifter John Ceniza are some of the athletes who will carry the Philippine colors in hopes of bringing honor once again to the Philippines.

THE BIGGEST OBSTACLE

What has not been said already about Ernest John (EJ) Obiena? The Tondo-born pole vaulter has dominated Asian competition in recent years and has consistently been ranked #2 globally. Marking a golden age for Obiena’s chosen discipline of pole vaulting, his achievements position him as a formidable contender in global athletics, making his pursuit of gold at the Paris Olympics.

His main competition also happens to be a friend in Sweden’s Armand Duplantis, whose record-breaking achievements have pushed the bar higher than anyone else in history. “He has lifted the sport to a level it’s never been,” Obiena says of his rival. “And he’s pulling everyone with him. That’s the good side of it. The bad side of it is that jumping as high as six meters now would not mean a win.”

Denne historien er fra July 2024-utgaven av Vogue Philippines.

Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.

Denne historien er fra July 2024-utgaven av Vogue Philippines.

Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.

FLERE HISTORIER FRA VOGUE PHILIPPINESSe alt
eternal poetry
Vogue Philippines

eternal poetry

In an exclusive interview with Vogue Philippines, BULGARI's FABRIZIO BUONAMASSA STIGLIANI and MAURO DI ROBERTO talk about how an appreciation for craftsmanship and technique makes it possible to realize poetry in precious stones.

time-read
8 mins  |
August 2024
evan ever evolving
Vogue Philippines

evan ever evolving

Unpindownable and unputdownable, model, actor, and all-in-one wunderkind Evan Mock makes magic in perpetual motion.

time-read
6 mins  |
August 2024
SCENE STEALERS
Vogue Philippines

SCENE STEALERS

In recent years, the landscape of local cinema has changed dramatically with an influx of new and talented actors. Meet three Filipino leads rewriting the script, ushering in a new era across all facets of filmmaking.

time-read
6 mins  |
August 2024
FORCE sensitive
Vogue Philippines

FORCE sensitive

Designer Kelvin Morales premieres his latest collection, translating resonance in barongs, structured pieces, and a neutral palette spliced with ultramarine.

time-read
5 mins  |
August 2024
twm FLAMES
Vogue Philippines

twm FLAMES

SASSA JIMENEZ and VESTIDO are a match made in circular fashion heaven. By MARBBIE TAGABUCBA.

time-read
3 mins  |
August 2024
INSIDE OUT
Vogue Philippines

INSIDE OUT

It’s all overcast skies and solitary roads. Something in the air shifts when ANNE CURTIS explores Tokyo.

time-read
3 mins  |
August 2024
reel.and REAL
Vogue Philippines

reel.and REAL

NICO SANTOS is intent on breaking boundaries and becoming a beacon of pride. By VICTORIA GOLDIEE

time-read
4 mins  |
August 2024
tracing LIGHT
Vogue Philippines

tracing LIGHT

Behind the firsts in the history of Philippine cinema is a family who draws with light.

time-read
4 mins  |
August 2024
shadow PLAY
Vogue Philippines

shadow PLAY

ZELDA WILLIAMS wants to make friends with her monsters

time-read
4 mins  |
August 2024
CHANCE ENCOUNTERS
Vogue Philippines

CHANCE ENCOUNTERS

How a series of serendipities helped a women-led artistic team bring Gabriela Serrano’s sophomore short dream-time

time-read
5 mins  |
August 2024