EJ Obiena on getting called pogi: 'I don't know how to feel'

EJ Obiena may not have won a medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics, but the Filipino pole vaulter has been winning many hearts since then thanks to his eloquence and charm.

On Wednesday's "Fast Talk with Boy Abunda," EJ admitted that he is still not used to getting called "pogi" by his supporters.

Tito Boy asked him how many times he was called handsome on the same day.

"Medyo marami. Hindi ako [sanay]," EJ said. "I don't know how to feel. I don't even know how to feel. Yeah, it's a bit odd. May kaklase ako like before, sabi niya, like, ''Yung parents mo, they don't look—'di naman pangit, ba't ang pangit mo?'"

"It's weird for me, to be honest po," he said.

Nonetheless, EJ expressed gratitude for the support he received from his countrymen.

"Maraming salamat po sa pagsubaybay, lalo na po sa mga napuyat nung laro po. Again, I hope you guys enjoyed the show. I would've wanted na may medal po na naiuwi, but such is life and such is sport, so maraming salamat po," he said.

EJ finished fourth in the men's pole vault at the 2024 Paris Olympics, a huge improvement from his 11th place finish in Tokyo.

He is currently on a break after being diagnosed with a back injury during the Silesia leg of the Diamond League, where he finished fifth.

EJ will have a meet and greet with his supporters on September 15 at the Ayala Malls Manila Bay Activity Center.

—Carby Basina/MGP, GMA Integrated News