From the streets of Iloilo City to the tracks of Manila, Edna Magtubo’s childhood dream was simple: to compete and study in the capital while excelling in athletics.
She is proving that dreams fueled by determination can become reality.
Sometimes, all it takes is believing in your own abilities to achieve greatness — both individually and as part of a team.
Magtubo, now in her second year at Far Eastern University, exemplified exactly that.
After falling behind on points on opening day against the University of Santo Tomas, the 22-year-old Ilongga ignited FEU’s comeback with a stunning performance in the 5,000 meters. She not only claimed gold but also set a new UAAP record at the New Clark City Athletics Stadium.
Magtubo broke a nearly 23-year-old record previously held by national track legend Mercedita Manipol, finishing in 17:59.13 and edging past the old mark of 17:59.22. But she didn’t stop there.
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
The following day, she added another gold in the 10,000 meters with a time of 38:10.98 and claimed silver in the 3,000-meter steeplechase at 11:14.39. Her heroics propelled FEU to its league-leading 26th UAAP title, while she was named MVP.
“Last year, hindi ko po nakuha ‘tong MVP kasi silver and bronze lang po ako, pero champion naman kami,” said Magtubo, a product of Mandurriao National High School. “This season nagtodo po ako ng training kasi ang alam ko po ‘yung mga nakalaban ko po wala na po. Kaya bumawi po ako sa mga events ko at kumuha po ako ng mga golds.
“Pinrepare ko lang po talaga ‘yung katawan ko and nakinig lang po ako sa mga sinabi ng coaches ko. Hindi lang po kasi sa‘kin nanggaling, sila na rin po kasi ‘yung nagsabi na ‘Kaya mo ‘yan.’ Mag-training ka lang at pumasok sa school para makalaro ka this season.”
Magtubo, who also received the top student-athlete award, hopes her journey inspires young girls in Iloilo City to pursue their dreams — on the track and in life.
“Grabe po ‘yung experience ko since elementary pa po ako; maliit pa lang ako, nag-start na kong tumakbo hanggang high school at hanggang sa kinuha na nga po ako ng FEU para sa college,” she recalled.
“Ang masasabi ko lang sa kanila is mag-training sila nang maayos at makinig sa mga coaches kung gusto nilang mag-aral sa Manila at maglaro sa UAAP. At siyempre, mag-aral rin po sila nang mabuti.”
