Running mom builds home from earnings

MANILA, Philippines - For Luiza Raterta, running is not just for fun and fitness but also a source of living.

A multi-winning runner, the 31-year-old mother of three has bought a house for their family from her winnings the last few years.

And on top of their Lakeville Subdivision home in Sta. Rosa, Laguna, the Raterta couple has started a business, operating three tricycles.

“Hindi naman kasi ako maluho at magastos. Kaya naiipon ko ang mga panalo ko (I don’t live a lavish life so I’m able to save my winnings),” said Raterta, winning a running event almost weekly.

She doesn’t regret her decision not to enter the national team. “I’d joined duathlon but I quit as they would not allow me to continue running marathon,” she said.

“I’m happy with marathon. I earn an average of P200,000 a year. From these earnings, my housing loan of P800,000 payable in 25 years is down to about P200,000,” the proud runner also said. “Minamadali ko ang pagbabayad.”

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Behind every man’s success is a woman. In case of QCIM 2012 winner Kib Talam, a big help is Filipina supporter Delia Cuadrante.

Cuadrante is actually Talam’s landlady in a small apartment he rents in Montalban, Rizal.

“I just pity them. If we Filipinos are poor, they (the Kenyans) are poorer,” said Cuadrante, among those toasting Talam after ruling the QCIM 2012 yesterday.

“Nag-o-offer ng balato minsan, but I don’t receive. I know they need it more than I do,” Cuadrante also said.

Married to the chief of security of IBC-13 and mother of five, Cuadrante has helped other Kenyan runners including Albert Omboga, winner of the 80km La Union international run early this year.

Cuadrante is also there for her Kenyan friends to teach them Filipino culture.

“Kung noon di nyo kakayanin interview-hin iyan dahil sa amoy nila. Tinuruan ko sila gumamit ng tawas,” said Cuadrante. “Sa mga babae, sabi ko tanggalin ninyo ang buhok nyo sa kilikili.”

Cuadrante gets satisfaction having champs under her roof.