CKS College News
CKSC Alumni Soar on the Continental Stage: EJ Obiena and Kacey dela Rosa Claim Historic Medals at 20th Asian Games
The CKSian community is celebrating a historic double triumph as two of its distinguished alumni secured medals for the Philippines at the 20th Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan.
Representing the nation on the continental stage, High School Class of 2012 alumnus Ernest John “EJ” Obiena (蔡華強) and Senior High School Class of 2022 alumna Kacey dela Rosa (杜琴琴) have proven that the CKSian spirit of excellence, resilience, and discipline transcends the classroom and thrives at the highest levels of international sports.
A Legacy of Excellence: EJ Obiena Makes History Again
EJ Obiena, widely celebrated as the pride of Philippine athletics, successfully defended his title to win GOLD in the men’s pole vault. The 2012 CKSC High School graduate delivered a masterful performance, clearing a massive 5.91 meters to set a new Asian Games Record.
This victory marks Obiena’s second straight (back-to-back) Asian Games gold medal, further cementing his status as Asia’s premier pole vaulter. Known to the CKSC community as 蔡華強, Obiena has always maintained a deep bond with his alma mater. His record-breaking feat in Nagoya serves as a powerful inspiration to current CKSian student-athletes, proving that the discipline nurtured within the school’s halls can lead to continental supremacy.
The New Generation Shines: Kacey dela Rosa Displays Immense Heart
Sharing the spotlight is Kacey dela Rosa (杜琴琴), a proud product of the CKSC Senior High School Class of 2022. Dela Rosa played a pivotal role in leading the Gilas Pilipinas Women’s 3×3 Basketball Team to a historic SILVER medal finish.
Her journey in Nagoya was marked by extraordinary resilience. Despite battling a severe ankle sprain during the tournament, dela Rosa displayed immense mental toughness, returning to the court to help power the team to the finals. Although the squad fell to host nation Japan in the gold medal game, her leadership and grit were widely praised as a testament to the character and holistic development fostered at CKS College. First scouted and developed in the CKSC courts, dela Rosa’s rise to the national team highlights the school’s continuous pipeline of world-class talent.
A Triumph for CKSC and the Chinoy Community
The dual victories have sparked widespread celebration across the three school campuses and resonated deeply within the entire Chinese-Filipino community. More than just a school triumph, their success stands as a profound proof of the inspiration of Chinese-Filipino athletes in mainstream sports, proudly representing the Philippine flag in such prestigious international competitions.
Reflecting on the monumental achievement, College President Dr. Judelio Yap shared the administration’s immense pride: “We are overwhelmingly proud of EJ and Kacey. Their achievements in Nagoya are a beautiful reflection of our school’s core values. Whether it is EJ, who graduated over a decade ago and continues to break records, or Kacey, who recently walked our SHS stage and played through pain for her country, they carry the CKSC name with honor. They embody the discipline, perseverance, and excellence that we strive to instill in every student. Their success not only brings pride to our three campuses but also serves as a beacon for the entire Chinese-Filipino community, showing that our youth can compete and conquer on the grandest stages of mainstream sports.”
As the 20th Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya conclude, the medals secured by Obiena and dela Rosa will be permanently etched in the school’s history. They stand as a beacon of motivation for current CKSC students to aim high, work hard, and make their alma mater and country proud.
