For many athletes, the journey to the podium begins with a clear vision—a childhood dream of gold medals and breaking records. However, for 12-year-old Marjorie V. Adovas from Cadulan Elementary School in Dimasalang, Masbate, the path to victory was anything but straightforward.
Adovas clinched the first gold medal for Masbate Province in the Athletics category at the 2025 Palarong Bicol, winning the Elementary Girls Long Jump event with a leap of 4.66 meters.
Her triumph not only marked a significant milestone for her athletic career but also symbolized a historic achievement for the entire Masbate delegation.
But what makes Adovas’s story remarkable is not just her victory—it’s how she got there.
The Unlikely Beginning: From Futsal to the Field
Adovas’s story began not on the track but on the futsal court. It was Julius Afable, her first coach, who saw something special in her.
“Ako yung original coach, which is the foundation ng kanyang skills. Nag-start siya sa futsal, hindi sa athletics,” Afable shared.
At the time, Adovas was already displaying exceptional agility and explosiveness, key attributes that would later define her as a top-tier jumper. However, futsal wasn’t included in Palarong Bicol Elementary Girls Category, and Afable knew that if Adovas wanted to compete on a bigger stage, she needed to shift to a different sport.
“Sabi ko sa kanya, kung maglalaro tayo ng futsal, walang Palarong Bicol. Kaya yung futsal player, na-convert namin sa athletics,” Afable explained.
With this in mind, Afable introduced Adovas to the jumping events—Long Jump, Triple Jump, and High Jump. At first, she competed only in long jump and triple jump due to the absence of high jump events in lower-level competitions.
Building a Champion
The path to success for Adovas was far from glamorous. Training sessions began at 3:30 p.m. after her classes at Cadulan Elementary School, a rural institution near the sea. They trained for just an hour every day, often on improvised grounds with limited resources. Weekends meant traveling to the city for more focused training—a challenging routine for a child, yet Adovas’s determination never faltered.
“Yung determination ng bata, hindi namin matatawaran,” Afable shared.
Despite the lack of facilities and financial challenges, Adovas thrived in the sport.
During the congressional meet, she won three gold medals—in long jump, triple jump, and high jump—demonstrating her natural talent and the effectiveness of her coach’s guidance. She also competed in relays, showcasing her versatility.
Overcoming Challenges: The Reality of Training in the Provinces
For athletes like Adovas, coming from a remote barrio school in Masbate, challenges were inevitable. Resources were limited, and coaches often had to shoulder the financial burden of training and travel expenses.
“Sa training, hindi naman kaya lahat ng school na gagastusan. Kaya minsan, is-shoulder ng coach,” Afable admitted.
Despite these hardships, the support system around Marjorie—her coaches, teammates, and family—kept her going.
Her current coach, Andres Nipas, highlighted another challenge: managing a team of 13 young athletes from different municipalities in Masbate.
“Iba-iba kasi ang pinanggalingan nila, kaya challenge talaga kung paano mo sila pag-isahin,” he shared.
But beyond logistics and training difficulties, one thing remained constant: discipline.
“Sa coaching, ang pinakaunang ini-impose namin ay disiplina. Kasi kahit magaling ka, kung wala kang disiplina, apektado ang laro mo,” Nipas emphasized.
And for Adovas, discipline extended beyond athletics—it was also about faith.
She is a devoted member of Iglesia Ni Cristo, and her religious commitment played a crucial role in her journey.
“Kahit may training, kahit isang oras lang, magsisimba siya,” Afable said.
From the Fishpond to the Field
Adovas’s family background is a testament to the humble roots from which champions can emerge. Her parents, caretakers of a fishpond, had no significant sports experience. They relocated from the Province of Rizal to Masbate, seeking better opportunities. Their quiet, hardworking nature mirrored Adovas’s personality—reserved yet determined.
“Ang tatay niya mahiyain din, tapos yung nanay niya. Ang trabaho lang nila, nagbabantay ng fish pond,” Afable shared.
Perhaps it is this simplicity—a life grounded in discipline and responsibility—that shaped Adovas’s character and competitive spirit.
A Glimpse of the Future
Adovas’s victory at the Palarong Bicol is not the end of her journey but a promising start. With the Palarong Pambansa on the horizon, she carries with her not just the hopes of Masbate but the inspiration she has already sparked among aspiring athletes in her province.
Her coaches, past and present, believe in her potential. Despite the challenges of training with limited resources, they see a champion in the making—a young girl who leaped from the futsal court to the athletics field and landed firmly on success.
In the end, Adovas’s story reminds us that talent can come from the most unexpected places and that dedication can turn any path—no matter how unplanned—into a road to greatness.
