As a certified Papa’s girl and a teacher who loves to be with kids most of the time, a sight of father and daughter prompts a heartfelt emotion from within. And what more if the daughter I am referring to is an über cute little girl with an overwhelming smile planted on her baby face? Indescribable feeling indeed!
In most fun runs I have joined, I find myself looking forward to seeing the father-daughter tandem – Mr. Osmundo R. Esmino and Marielle Julia P. Esmino. Seeing them together is a pleasing and heart-warming sight. Both are very warm and ready to exchange pleasantries even with strangers like me. As Mr. Esmino instructs little Marielle to pose next to the runners for photo-ops, the latter obeys happily and smiles amiably with her two thumbs up. One would surely notice their charming yet unassuming personality. Although I don’t get to see Marielle run (due to earlier gun start for my category), I am impressed at how strongly she finishes each race. With her deceptive delicate appearance one would never imagine that this modest little girl is a podium finisher! Her awards include I Can Run where she bagged 3rd Place, Sandigan Takbo Para sa Kabataan where she emerged Champion, Kaugnay Run where she finished 2nd Place, and in the recently concluded Milo Marathon (Tarlac Leg) she outrun 1,109 runners as she landed at 129th Place out of 1, 238 runners in her category. A mean feat!!!
At seven Marielle is a picture of girl with astounding physical, emotional and mental strength. Her testament to it is her collection of singlets from 11 races which consist of NE Saya Lakad, Saya Takbo I, NE Saya Lakad, Saya Takbo II, Takbo Para Sa Kabataan ng Kabanatuan, Primavera Run For A Cause, Power Run, I Can Run, Bayanihan Run, Sandigan Run, Kaugnay Run, 36th Milo Marathon (Tarlac Leg) and Aduas Run. With all the achievements under her belt, one might wonder how Marielle manages to train while busy studying. As per Mr. Esmino, her daughter trains three times a week. She ends her Fridays with an afternoon training and starts her Saturdays and Sundays pounding the pavements of Kapt.Pepe Subdivision, Vergara Highway, Freedom Park, or wherever her strong feet take her. On the other hand, weekdays are strictly spent for studying.
And as they say, behind every successful athlete is a proud parent like Mr. Esmino who does not only encourages Marielle to train hard but also pushes her to reach her goals. He is not only a proud father who gives her a congratulatory high-five for every strong finish but he is also the first to assure her she did great even when she misses the medal. He envisions her daughter bring our country honor and pride someday.
Despite the popularity Marielle has gained in a short period of time, Mr. Esmino never fails to remind her to stay humble and grateful to the people around her, especially to veteran runners. He also emphasizes the importance of fair play not only in sports but in everyday life – one very important characteristic that every successful athlete possesses. SO the next time you see Marielle in races, have her sign your singlet. Because with her humility and undying passion for running, I'm sure this little girl will one day make it big in running history.
Photos by:
Mr. Darius C. Florentino, [http://www.facebook.com/darius.florentino]
Mr. Osmundo R. Esmino, [http://www.facebook.com/osmundo.esmino]
