ECQ Stories: National athlete Manolito Divina ventures into 'pabili' delivery
Filipinos are known for their resilience and ability to see the silver lining in every difficult situation. And national athlete and father of five Manolito 'Tolitz' Divina is an epitome of a persistent and adaptable Pinoy, who's ready and unafraid to take on life's challenge and chase after his dreams.
GMANetwork.com reached out to Manolito to find out how he has managed to thrive in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, and what motivates him to keep going despite the obstacles thrown his way.
Races put on hold
Manolito has won many races in the span of his career. He was part of the Philippine team who won gold in the team assist 400-meter obstacle race at the 2019 SEA Games.
And he also placed first in the 2015 North Face Singapore 50K, 2016 Ultra Trail Hong Kong 156K, 2015 Pilipinas Mountain Series 32K, and he also finished first in the Clark-Miyamit 50 Miles trail race for two years.
Things were really looking up for Manolito's career as an athlete. However, the COVID-19 pandemic struck and everyone's lives were upended in some way.
Many industries were forced to cease operations temporarily, including the sports industry. Thus, sporting events have been put on hold and athletes like Manolito are left in limbo.
“Siyempre nadismaya ako at nanghinayang pero sabi ng pinakamamahal naming tatay sa OCR at mga coaches namin tuloy lang ang ensayo at pa-kundisyon, walang titigil at sinusunod naman namin yun. Halos hindi kami nag-break para mapanatili namin ang body peak condition namin.”
Major roadblock
Aside from being a national athlete, Manolito also works as a coach in a gym. However, due to the implementation of the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ), the gym was forced to lay off some of its employees, including him.
“Masakit 'yon kasi gustong-gusto ko talaga 'yung gym na pinapasukan ko.”
But just like how relentless Manolito is in reaching the finish line, he instantly pulled himself together after the setback and kept moving.
“Nung nagbawas nga ng empleyado sa gym - at isa na ako doon - sabi ko sa sarili ko hindi pwede yung uupo at maghihintay na lang ako kasi may pamilya akong umaasa sa'kin.”
Getting over hurdles
Ever since losing his day job at the gym, Manolito has turned to the 'pabili' or 'pasabuy' delivery for income.
“Okay naman po ang pag-deliver ko kasi pakisuyo lang naman po ito, hindi pwersado, tama lang pangtawid sa pamilya ko.”
“Malaking bagay ito sa akin at sa pamilya ko. Hindi naman kami may kaya para mamili ng trabaho, basta patas at marangal, gagawin ko 'yan.”
Manolito, the family man
Manolito is the sole breadwinner of his family. He and his wife have five children together. Their eldest is in Grade 11, while they're youngest is still a baby.
And like many other fathers, he also has dreams are for his children.
“Siyempre una, mabigyan ng maayos na buhay kahit yung sapat at maluwag, masaya na ako doon. Pero kung may pagkakataon, bakit hindi? Walang taong hindi naghahangad yumaman.”
Nevertheless, Manolito's biggest wish for his children is not a material nature.
“(Gusto kong) mapagtapos ko ang mga anak ko kase 'yun ang tanging hindi mawalala habang buhay.”
Lessons from the pandemic
Manolito admits that he has had many realizations during the pandemic, but one lesson stood out the most.
“Ang tumatak sa isip ko ay hindi kailangan iasa lahat sa ibang tao o sa gobyerno ang buhay ng pamilya mo, lalo na sa ganitong krisis.”
And he also has inspiring words for fathers like himself.
“Laban lang tayo kahit anong mangyari. Kailangan natin itaguyod ang ikabubuhay ng pamilya natin. 'Wag natin iasa sa iba.”
On winning in life
Much like any competition, people will not always be given the best circumstance in life, but that doesn't mean one should stop moving towards his or her goal.
Winning doesn't mean you won't face hardships. Winning is all about never giving up, just like how Manolito didn't let obstacles stop him in his tracks. And for that, he is definitely a winner.
For more lifestyle content, head out to GMA's Lifestyle page.
And for updates on the Coronavirus Disease pandemic and the enhanced community quarantine, visit GMA's COVID-19 page and ECQ page.
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