NMRAA’s Pama motivated by family, not medals

TAGUM CITY, Philippines – It all started with a simple desire.

Since Palarong Pambansa is the largest sporting event in the country for young athletes, all delegates must have been hungry to grab a medal even before they got to Tagum City.

All delegates? Not quite.

A runner, thrower and long jumper from Northern Mindanao had a different motivation.

Hailing from the province of Misamis Oriental, Lianne Diana Pama only wanted one thing and it doesn’t involve winning any Palaro title this year.

“Hindi ko naman inisip na makakarating ako dito ngayon at hindi ko ito naging goal,” admitted Pama. “Gusto ko lang maging proud sa akin yung nanay ko.”

(I didn’t even think  I would be here now, I just wanted to make my mother proud).

It may sound far-fetched but the reason why the 12-year-old Pama set foot in one of the most prestigious sporting events in the country is only because of her mother’s request.

“Gusto niya [mother] ako matuto ng athletics at tinanong ako kung okay lang,” Pama, who also shared that her mother was a former Palarong Pambansa athlete. “Pumayag naman ako.”

(She wanted me to learn athletics and asked if it were okay and I said yes).

It was a decision that changed her life.

Mothers know best

Pama’s first exposure to the sport was in 2014, a few months before the division meet. Unexpectedly, she dominated the competition and even with little experience, she overpowered her rivals and won the regional bout.

“Nung nanalo ako sa regionals kasama ko yung mama ko,” Lianne shared. “Tapos yinakap niya ako at sinabi niya na proud siya sa akin. Sobrang saya ko nung oras na yun.”

(When I won in the regionals, my mom was with me. She hugged me and said she was proud of me. I was overwhelmed that time).

The Misamis Oriental-native Pama also said  she had no formal training back home, all she did was listen to her mother.

“Siya [mother] lang yung nagtuturo sa akin,” said the lanky Lianne. “Sa bahay lang talaga ako nagte-training.”

(My mother taught me everything I needed to know and we only trained at home).

In her first Palaro, Pama started strong as she conquered the eliminations to go straight to the finals in the 100m dash. When asked how she did it, Lianne just flashed a smile and shrugged, “Hindi ko rin po alam.”

(I have no idea).

A tribute

Ever since Lianne got into sports, she never intended to make a name for herself. Instead, everything she does is for her family.

“Nandito ako para maging proud sila [family] sa akin at yun lang ang iniisip ko,” said Pama. “Gusto ko makatulong sa kanila.”

“I am here [Palaro] because I want my family to be proud of me. I want to help them).

Even at a young age, Lianne, who is also an honor student, is determined to help her parents as she aims to nail a scholarship and support herself through athletics since they are financially unstable.

“Ayaw ko na mahirapan sila mama at papa,” Pama shared.

(I don’t to be a burden to my parents).

The Palarong Pambansa 2015 has just kicked-off and there is more to come. With family as her primary fuel, Lianne definitely won’t ran out of gas as she runs the extra mile. – Rappler.com