Hangzhou Asian Games gold medalist EJ Obiena received a whopping P10 million from major backers during homecoming rites at his alma mater Chiang Kai Shek College in Tondo, Manila.
The Filipino Chinese Chamber of Commerce shelled out P5 million while his former school coughed out P3 million and P1 million each came from businessmen Anton Tan and Carlos Chan.
Now rated No. 2 in the world, the Italy-based Obiena was ecstatic over the shower of cash gifts.
Aside from topping his event in Hangzhou, Obiena also posted a new mark of 5.90 meters as he gears up for the 2024 Paris Olympics.
“I’m making sure that Paris will be fool-proof. I do plan on getting bigger poles, we already ordered bigger poles before the season ends because we know the things we’re gonna work on and we’re probably jumping on these sticks,” said Obiena, who heads back to Europe next week.
The cash windfall would also allow Obiena to start booking regular plane fares.
“Maybe, we don’t need to fly budget airlines anymore. We can fly on the normal airlines and have a little more luggage so I probably can travel more with my whole team.”
Apart from the P10 million he just received, Obiena is also cashing in on what the government will give him.
Under the law, Obiena stands to pocket P2 million from the Philippines Sports Commission and an additional P1 million from the Philippine Olympic Committee.
It is also likely that Malacang will set aside another sum while the University of Santo Tomas, Obiena’s school in college, could end up giving as well.
The money he has received will be used to enhance his chances of performing better, according to Obiena.
Of course, Obiena is thinking of other things to buy given the overflowing benefits he has received.
Give the guy a break. Obiena deserves it.
