Meet the 2025 Tatler Impact awardees: EJ Obiena, Mahar Lagmay, Nanette Medved-Po

At just 28, Ernest John “EJ” Obiena has achieved heights few Filipinos have ever reached—most notably clearing six metres, making him the first Asian to join the sport’s elite “six‑metre club.”

He has transformed the sport of pole vaulting in the Philippines, turning what was once a niche discipline into a source of national inspiration. With his record-breaking performances on the international stage, Obiena has not only raised the bar—literally—but has also elevated the profile of Filipino athletes in track and field.

Beyond medals and records, Obiena’s work involves mentoring the next generation of athletes and advocating for support structures that allow talent to flourish. His presence in the global arena demonstrates the potential of Filipino sportsmanship and perseverance.

Read more: What Olympic-level athletics can teach us about life: Lessons from pole vaulter EJ Obiena

Unable to attend the Tatler Ball due to his international commitments, Obiena sent a heartfelt message: “The little projects I have of promoting the sport, planting these training facilities all over the Philippines, are in hopes of pole vaulting being a tool for the next generation of young Filipinos. I hope that they will be our next Olympians, Olympic gold medallists, Asian Games gold medallists, our representation on our global stage.”

As executive director of the NOAH (Nationwide Operational Assessment of Hazards) Centre and a professor at the National Institute of Geological Sciences, University of the Philippines, Dr Alfredo Mahar Lagmay merges rigorous science with practical policy.

Lagmay’s research spans volcano-tectonics, landslides, typhoons and storm surge, and he has played a key role in forensic and hazard analyses of major Philippine disasters—from volcanic eruptions to landslides, flooding and super typhoons. His leadership in Project NOAH has helped institutionalise early warning systems, hazard mapping and community resilience. 

Read more: Opinion: Why geologist Mahar Lagmay believes it’s time to rethink earthquake drills

In accepting the award, Lagmay underscored the importance of science and innovation in the service of the people. “Our work has become even more difficult as climate change continues to intensify the hazards we face. The rains are stronger, the floods are more frequent and the challenges keep growing, including the hundreds of billions of pesos worth of budget approvals for non-existent projects.”

Long known for her earlier roles in media and film, Nanette Medved‑Po has become one of the Philippines’ most effective social entrepreneurs and environmental advocates. As founder and executive chair of HOPE and Plastic Credit Exchange (PCX), she has championed accessible healthcare initiatives, particularly for underserved populations, and promoted nutrition, wellness and education programmes nationwide.

Her “Aling Tindera” initiative is particularly striking: micro-entrepreneur women in barangays buy plastic waste from their communities, giving value to what is otherwise discarded and turning trash into income. 

Read more: Opinion: Nanette Medved-Po believes that we can be the generation that ends the plastic crisis

Medved-Po’s approach combines policy, philanthropy and grassroots engagement, creating programmes that are sustainable, inclusive and practical. Her work demonstrates that systemic change is possible when compassion is paired with strategic action.

Reflecting on her recognition, Medved-Po highlights the fulfilment in seeing communities gain access to opportunities that improve their health and quality of life.

The 2025 Tatler Impact Awards affirm that influence means little if not grounded in purpose. Obiena’s vaults over six metres, Lagmay’s maps of risk and Medved‑Po’s coastal cleanups all share a common thread: they leverage personal excellence to create lasting benefit.

The 24th Tatler Ball is made possible by the support of our partners, Tiffany & Co, Lexus, Belo, HSBC, Megaworld and Tom Ford. We are grateful for the support of Bacchus Epicerie, Perrier-Jouët, Royal Salute, Martell XO and Shangri-la The Fort, Manila.

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