For years, Pinoy pole vaulter EJ Obiena has been competing at the highest level internationally, navigating a rollercoaster ride of wins and challenges. Through it all, his mom, Jeanette, has been his quiet yet powerful cheerleader, relying on her rosary her go-to source of comfort and strength.
In a recent conversation with broadcaster Bernadette Sembrano on her vlog, Jeanette shared how she handles the nerves every time EJ gets ready for a competition.
“Ang pwede lang namin gawin bilang magulang ay to support and, of course, to pray na sa laro okay siya,” she shared. “Sa totoo lang, every time tumatalon yan, natatapos ko rosary apat or limang beses. Gusto ko safe siya, wala siyang maramdaman,” she said.
Aside from her prayers, Jeanette keeps in touch by messaging and calling EJ, even if it sometimes gets on his nerves.
“Alam ko minsan irritated na siya sa akin kasi (magmessage ako) umaga, hapon tapos walang sagot. Kinabukasan ulitin ko ulit. Alam ko busy siya. Gusto ko lang mapanatag bilang magulang,” she explained.
Reacting to his mom’s revelations, EJ playfully brushed off the idea that he gets annoyed. However, he became serious as he discussed the difficulty of being away from his parents while training abroad.
“If I decide to continue, I do need to stay in Europe in the next four years. My parents are getting old and I see them less and less, and it’s not the most ideal thing in the world,” shared EJ.
But no matter the distance, the love between EJ and his mom is as strong as ever.
