EMILY “Ems” Fabros Nillusguin has always considered the Milo Marathon her Moby Dick.
She first joined the prestigious running event alongside her husband Ron back in 2010, but fate would perennially play the spoiler’s role in her bid to snatch a medal at the Manila leg of the marathon.
Year after year, the elusive accolade eluded her.
Her wait was finally over last week.
After six years of coming up short, the 38-year-old runner finally fulfilled her life-long dream of standing at the podium of the Milo Marathon after finishing 10th in the Womens’ 10K race.
Ems finally fulfilled a dream that was six years in the making, only to find out that some things are more important than personal goals—helping others achieve theirs.
Khatelyn Chua, one of the kids that Ems and her husband have been training for the past two years under the Liksi Youth Runners, finished 7th in the 3K event. It was also the first time that the young runner copped a medal at the Milo Marathon, adding to the delight of her mentor.
“Masaya ako ngayon dahil first time ko umakyat ng stage ng Milo, kasi talagang ‘yun ang matagal ko nang pinapangarap. Pero mas fulfilling para akin na masabitan ng medal ‘yung bata namin,” said Coach Ems, as she is fondly called by some 40 kids she teaches in their neighborhood in Brgy. Sto. Niño in Marikina.
The 12-year-old Khatelyn was taken under the tutelage of the ‘barefoot couple” back in 2014, when Ems and Ron started a grassroots program to train kids around their area in running, and the sacrifices of the two certainly bore fruit.
“Ang sarap sa pakiramdam (makita silang manalo) kasi naglalaan kami ng oras para sa kanila para mailabas nila ‘yung kanilang talent,” said Ems, whose hoarse voice during an interview at the Mall of Asia was due to the countless hours spent training kids.
“Sobrang saya ko, dahil lahat ng hirap namin, lahat ng itinuturo namin sa kanya ay may ibinunga,” added Ems of the young running prospect whom she trains along the banks of the Marikina River every afternoon.
The attention the couple accords the young Khatelyn is given a more special meaning by the fact that the runner’s older sister objects to her running passion.
Khatelyn, despite turning 13 this year, is still in 4th grade at Sto. Niño Elementary School due to poverty. But she is just grateful that someone like Coach Ems is willing to guide her on the right track.
“Salamat po kanila coach kasi pinupursigi po nila kami sa pagtuturo at pagte-training,” she said shyly while beside her coaches.
“Masaya po ako, kahit makulit po kami, matiyaga pa rin po silang nagtuturo sa amin. Salamat po at may gumagabay sa ‘min,” added the young lass who will be moving up to the 5k event next year.
Ems’ wish this time is for her students to pay it forward.
“Ang lagi naming sinasabi sa kanila na sana balang araw, sila naman ‘yung tumulong sa iba. Tumulong sila na walang hinihintay na kapalit, Diyos na bahala magsukli,” said Coach Ems, trying to hide her emotions but failed to hold back a tear.
And why wouldn’t she?
Thanks to Milo, two dreams were fulfilled that day.