FOR years, Marie Nitura stood alone as both mother and father to six dreamers, shielding them from hardships, struggles, and even the cruelty of strangers online.
Now on Mother’s Day, the woman who continues to fight for her children in the background steps into the forefront to express how proud she is of each and every one of them.
At the center of it is Adamson’s Shaina Nitura, who rose from Rookie of Year to Season MVP, carrying not just her school’s hopes, but those as well of the mama who molded her.
“Congrats and nakakaiyak kasi she went through a lot,” Marie told SPIN.ph, while holding back emotions following Shaina's coronation as top individual player of UAAP Season 88.
“Talagang grabe what she went through. That’s why I’m so proud.”
The Lady Falcons captain, for her part, said there was never any question about who deserves the biggest share for all of her trophies, as well as the applause that comes with them.
“Major thing palagi si mama sa lahat ng achievement ko,” she also shared with SPIN.ph.
“Sa aming magkakapatid, lagi siyang major doon. Siya ang nag-gabay sa amin kung ano dapat naming maging ugali, paano maging competitive sa career, even sa academics.”
And it's not just Shaina who is making their last name proud.
Older sister Judiel recently copped best opposite spiker and Finals MVP honors for NCAA Season 101 champion Letran, with eldest sister Toni once sharing the court alongside Jaja Santiago in National U.
The Nitura boys continue to carve their own paths in basketball, as well, as Cyrus suits up for Mapua, Iñigo saw action for Rizal Technological University, and bunso Lance develops in Perpetual’s juniors program.
“Sobrang daming gift for Mother’s Day. Nakakaiyak,” Marie exclaimed.
No fear Nitura
Amid the growing spotlight, Marie said one of the toughest battles has been helping her children navigate criticism, especially online.
“For a single mom of 12 years, wala na siguro akong iindahin kahit anong bash pa,” she said. “Ang mabo-bother na lang ako is yung well-being ng anak ko.”
“Sabi nila sa akin, ‘Ma, pinalaki mo kaming matapang.’ So I don’t think yung words na nakikita online, matatagos sa amin. Let it be.”
It became a lesson deeply embedded in Shaina’s way of thinking: to never stop growing for herself and her family, regardless of cheers or jeers.
“Be hungry for more palagi,” she said. “Whenever you achieve something, hindi dapat yun magdidikta for you to stop or be contented. It should prepare you for a bigger level.”
READ: Adamson hopes to ride history-making Nitura, Sagaysay to greater heights
That is why for Marie, all the awards her children gathered this season felt less like trophies and more like affirmation that simply showing up is what matters most.
“Actually, walang secret,” the Nitura matriarch answered when asked about the secret to raising six children-slash-athletes.
“Just be present. Be present at the roughest times, at the best times, all the time. Kahit nasa dorm sila, alam nilang one phone call away ka lang.”
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