Kia Philippines, a subsidiary of ACMobility, serves as the official mobility partner of Filipino pole vault athlete and Olympian EJ Obiena as he continues to represent the country on the global stage. The car brand said that its partnership and support for Filipino athletes is a reflection of Kia’s global philosophy of “Movement That Inspires.”
The said initiative is also part of the Ayala Group’s advocacy for athlete development through programs such as Atletang Ayala. Kia PH Managing Director Jay Lopez shared that Obiena is a living embodiment of movement that inspires.
“EJ’s story mirrors Kia’s own evolution, driven by discipline, innovation, and an unwavering pursuit of excellence,” said Jay Lopez, Managing Director of Kia Philippines. “He’s a living embodiment of movement that inspires, and we’re proud to help him reach even greater heights.”
Kia PH said that during Obiena’s recent visit to Manila for the Atletang Ayala World Pole Vault Challenge, the Filipino pole vaulter was handed the keys to the Sorento Turbo Hybrid. The said vehicle served as his personal vehicle throughout his stay in the Philippines.
The Kia Sorento Turbo Hybrid is powered by a 1.6-liter turbocharged gasoline engine along with a hybrid powertrain. It produces a combined output of 232 horsepower and 367 Nm of torque, mated to a six-speed automatic transmission.
Kia has also extended its support to Obiena when he is staying in Italy, where he maintains his residence and training base. Through the Korean car brand’s global network, it is able to provide Obiena with a dedicated vehicle for his daily mobility needs. Kia expressed that this ensures consistent comfort and reliability, allowing Obiena to focus fully on his training and international competitions, including his participation in the 2025 SEA Games.
For his part, Obiena shared that he has mostly driven Kia vehicles his whole life, which is why he is glad about Kia being his mobility partner.
“I’ve mostly driven Kias my whole life, from my first car to the Sorento I used while I was in the Philippines. It’s kind of poetic that the brand I started with is now a partner in my journey. Kia has always been purposeful, capable, and stylish, just like how I approach my sport,” said Obiena.
Kia’s support for Obiena reinforces the brand’s commitment to Filipino athletic excellence and Ayala Group’s support for national sports development. Through Ayala Foundation’s Atletang Ayala, Ayala provides national athletes with full-salaried employment, flexible work arrangements, and access to world-class training and medical facilities.
National shooting athlete and Atletang Ayala member Amparo Acuña, who is also participating in the 2025 SEA Games, shared how Kia and Ayala’s programs have shaped her journey:
“I’ve always appreciated how reliable and spacious Kia vehicles are, especially when I’m carrying my gear,” shared Acuña, national shooting athlete and member of Atletang Ayala. “I used to drive an older Kia, and it was perfect for my needs. It made every trip to training and competitions so much easier. It’s inspiring to see Ayala supporting athletes like us while continuing to champion the spirit of purpose and performance.”
