In running, there’s hope

MANILA, Philippines - The father of this 10-year-old boy went around the village to solicit funds leading to the 38th National Milo Marathon Finals.

Rizaldi Lapena, a farmer from Laoac in Pangasinan, said he was able to raise P2,000, just to cover the expenses for himself and his son, Cezar.

With money in the pocket, the father and son boarded a bus to Manila last Friday. They spent the night in a relative’s house in Intramuros.

And at the crack of dawn, they were at the Mall of Asia grounds for yesterday’s Milo Marathon.

Cezar, a grade four student at the Castusu Integrated School in Pangasinan, was entered in the boys’ 3K race.

The brown-skinned boy, who loves to run, gave his best.

Cezar won third place with a time of 11 minutes 26 seconds, almost a minute behind the winner, Modrick Cuyom of Calaca Road Runner.

It was a marked improvement for Cezar because when he first competed in the Milo Marathon a couple of years back, he was nowhere in the top 10.

“Nadapa kasi siya noon (He fell that time),” said Rizaldi, recalling that his son was bruised but managed to finish the race.

“Mahilig talaga eh kaya tinutulungan ko. Ako na din ang trainer niya (He loves it so I support him. I also train him),” said Rizaldi, who finds extra income cleaning houses or cutting grass.

“Kumikita din minsan ng P200 sa isang araw (It could give me P200 a day),” he said.

Cezar raced against kids as old as 12 years yesterday but his father said he’s used to it because in Pangasinan, his son competes against 16-year-old runners.

Cezar received his award, a tiny certificate and what looked like a miniature trophy. As he got off the stage, he raced to his father and handed them over to him.

The father held on to the trophy and the certificate, and said he will have it framed and displayed in their house.

Cezar is probably unaware that his feat won him P500.

“Nanalo ng kaunti (Just a little prize),” said the father, adding that P100 will be spent to buy Cezar something for their school’s exchange gift during Christmas.

And the rest for the remainder of the holidays.

“Kung ano ang maihanda. Kahit spaghetti,” said Rizaldi.

The Lapenas were to board another bus to Cabanatuan yesterday afternoon because Cezar is competing in another race today.

“Baka sakali lang ulit (Again, we’re hoping),” he said.

There is hope.