As we all know Independence Day is relevant because it is one of the milestones in Philippine history. But apart from remembering this day, it’s times like these that we stand strong together, hold our heads high, and proudly recognize our nationality and strengths as Filipinos. For today’s episode, Shaina Magdayao, Raymond Bagatsing, Erlinda Lavandia and Pinopela visited the Magandang Buhay hosts Karla Estrada, Melai Cantiveros and Jolina Magdangal and shared how they represented the country and our culture through their profession and artistry.
The Queen of Philippine Javelin Erlinda Lavandia tackled on how being active in sports has helped her family. Erlinda recently made Filipinos proud when she bagged four (4) gold medals as well as the Best Athlete of Field Events award for Team Philippines in the Singapore Masters Athletics' 40th Anniversary Track and Field Tourney.
Born in Surigao del Norte, she grew up experiencing poverty, and just like most Filipinos, wanted to strive to make ends meet for her loved ones. “Ang pamilya namin ay, pinaka low. Dahil sa sports umangat ‘yung pamilya namin.”
Erlinda underlined that she was the only one who exceled in sports in her family. In 1971, she was assigned as the catcher of her softball team, but was then discovered by Governor Jose Sering, who convinced her to go solo and transition to Javelin. With the help of the official and her coach, she then worked hard and joined a competition in 1972 in Northern Mindanao. “Training ang binibigay sa akin at sinusunod ko lahat ng sinasabi nila,” she recalled. It’s because of this opportunity that she was able to travel and see the world and help her family. She mentioned that she was given an allowance and incentives, which really helped in tending their needs such as education.
However, Erlinda wasn’t just into sports in her younger years. The 66 year old athlete worked as a police officer, because she was inspired by women in uniform in her community. “Oo gusto kong mag-pulis dahil nakita ko sa amin na maraming police woman do’n”, she told the MB momshies. Given her qualifications, she was able to serve as an officer for 30 years. With her earnings, she again saved enough to assist her family, who was always her first priority. Erlinda added that she continued on with Javelin from time to time, because it is really her passion.