National Artist Virgilio Almario writes poem for EJ Obiena, other Filipino athletes

National Artist for Literature Virgilio Almario, also known by his pen name Rio Alma, has written a poem dedicated to EJ Obiena and the Filipino athletes competing at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Titled “Pasyon Kay EJ (At sa mga Atletang Pinoy sa Paris Olympics),” the poet thanked Obiena for his hard work and best efforts, as well as the athletes who were unable to get podium finishes.

Almario commended EJ and the athletes for never giving up even when there were difficult challenges, and for bringing pride to the Philippines regardless of their finish.

Below is the full poem:

Pasyon Kay EJ
(At sa mga Atletang Pinoy sa Paris Olympics)

Salamat EJ Obiena
At sa lahat ng natálo.
Ang mahalaga’y ang laban
At punyaging ’pinakita
Ng Pinoy sa buong mundo.

Hindi baleng di ka bigyan
Ng pabuya at parada
Ng negosyante’t ng trapo.
Dibdib nami’y umaapaw
Ang ligayang ika’y bida.

Ni hindi mo isinuko
Ang bandila ng iyong bayan
Sa pangakong pagtangkilik;
Hindi ka rin pinayuko
Ng hirap at tampalasan.

Ang magwagi ng medalya’y
Karangalan ng nanálo.
Subalit amin ding dangal
Ang tulad mong ang bandera’y
Nakihamok hanggang dulo.

Rio Alma
6 Agosto 2024

Obiena finished fourth in the men's pole vault finals of the 2024 Paris Olympics on early Tuesday at the Stade de France.

Obiena still showed a huge improvement from his 11th place outing during his Tokyo Olympics debut three years ago, which signaled his rise in the global rankings.

So far, gymnast Carlos Yulo has bagged two gold medals at the Olympics, namely in the vault finals on Sunday evening and in the men's floor exercise on Saturday.

Meanwhile, Filipina boxer Aira Villegas has guaranteed the Philippines a bronze medal after defeating France's Wassila Lkhadiri on early Sunday.

Filipina boxer Nesthy Petecio also assured the country a medal following a unanimous victory versus China's Zichun Xu on Sunday, with a chance to match or surpass her silver medal finish from the Tokyo Olympics three years ago.

— Nika Roque/CDC, GMA Integrated News