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Thursday, March 23, 2023

INSPIRING: Former Ice Candy Vendor/Palamig Seller becomes a Judge of Atok-Tublay, Benguet

Photo Courtesy || James Abalos Fernandez
Cordillera - Here is a true inspiring story of Attorney James Abalos Fernandez who didn't give up on his dream of becoming a lawyer despite the financial hardship he experienced during his school days. 

Read Atty. Fernandez's inspiring story as he recounts his journey from being an ice candy vendor to becoming a municipal court judge in Tublay and Atok, Benguet.

"I was born to a poor family in our province, Kalinga. My father is a carpenter and my mother is an ambulant vendor. My father died when I was 10 years old. After his burial, I started selling ice candy in the neighborhood. This is so to help my mother in our daily expenses. From elementary to high school, I used to sell banana cue, barbeque, palamig, halu halu, lumpia and hot cake. I help my mama cook the food she sells in the neighborhood and other places near Bulanao to barter for rice or vegetables. My mother was a very industrious woman!

In college, I was also a working student. I was a grantee of Special Program for Employment of Students (SPES) during summer and became student assistant in our school library during school days in order for me to have money to use for my daily need.

READ ALSO: Cordilleran genius from Baguio becomes the youngest law graduate in the world, at age 18

I enrolled in law school while working as an employee of Baguio LGU particularly with the accounting office.

I passed the bar in 2014 and became a Public Attorney in 2016. Yesterday, March 20, 2023, we, the newly appointed MTC Judges, had our meet and greet with Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin. This is the beginning of my new journey!

READ ALSO:  Inspiring Story: Igorot security guard turns Attorney

I am very grateful to all the people who have helped me to be in this position right now especially to my Mom, my family and relatives, my bosses and colleagues in my work, acquaintances and to all my friends. I dedicate my success to my parents, who are now both in heaven. I hope I made you proud up there, Mama and Papa!

Of course I am very thankful to our Lord God who is always there keeping His promises to help, strengthen and uphold me."

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32 Comments:

Anonymous said...

Who knows that someday a scavenger also become a Judge or President of RP!

Anonymous said...

Wow, congratulations HON. JAMES ABALOS FERNANDEZ
You have a very inspiring life story.. πŸ€—πŸ€—πŸ€—

Anonymous said...

Congrats, Sir....You made it....
Ds s Babes Lopez, retired Court Stenographer III, RTC Caloocan Cty...

Anonymous said...

Very inspiring story God bless

Anonymous said...

congrats to your dedication and patience . Your story touches my heart. God bless.

Anonymous said...

Congratulations! To God be the Glory, He is Good all the time on your journey! Give thanks...

Anonymous said...

Congratulations my kapit bahay ,hoping to be like you,soon.

Anonymous said...

Congrats po sir atty, now a new judge, another to be proud of Cordillerians .. an inspiring story of hardship & succesfull dream ..πŸ™πŸ‘πŸ‘

Anonymous said...

Congratulations po sir atty...

Anonymous said...

Congrats Sir

Anonymous said...

Congrats ATTY. JAMES FERNANDEZ. GOD BLESS YOU. πŸ˜‡πŸ˜‡πŸ‘πŸ‘πŸ‘

Anonymous said...

Congratulations po, your life story is awesome and inspiring. Soar high n be the judge we are looking up to. God bless

Anonymous said...

Congratulations Atty. Fernandez!!! God bless your hardwork...keep going, worth emulating!!!

Anonymous said...

A real inspiration to our younger generation.πŸ‘πŸ‡΅πŸ‡­

Anonymous said...

though I don"t know sir I'm very proud of you and your success . Yes working hard to make our future makes us stronger and prouder Congratulations Atty.

Anonymous said...

Kudos

Anonymous said...

CONGRATULATIONS YOUR HARDWORK WISDOM DEDICATION AND GOD'S GUIDANCES. HELPS YOU FULL FILL AND ACHIEVE YOUR DREAMS.

Anonymous said...

Congratulations, Atty. James A. Fernandez! I'm also a proud father to a young lawyer son, who recently passed the 2020-2021 bar exams as exemplary passer. With prayers, hardwork and strong determination, everything is possible! God bless you, Sir!

Anonymous said...

A proof that once again , poverty is not a hindrance to success for those who are determined. CongratulationsπŸ‘πŸ»πŸ‘πŸ»πŸ‘πŸ»

Anonymous said...

Being a judge, empathy is another attitude to take into account before passing judgements or sentences. Anyone having gone through difficulties in life finds it easier to balance how to understand the predicaments of individuals, while applying what’s administered by law.

Anonymous said...

Yes, I Salute You.You are an inspiration. Hardship is not a hindrance to your ambition and goal..God is always there to help and guide..Congratulatiun for your achievement.....

Anonymous said...

I'M ALSO A WORKING STUDENT LIKE YOU ATTY. FROM HOUSEMAID I'M NOW A LICENSED CUSTOMS BROKER.I MAY SAY THAT " FINANCIAL INCAPACITY IS NOT A HINDRANCE TO SUCCESS" congatulations again Atty. JAMES fernandez!!!

Anonymous said...

Congratulations Atty. James Fernandez.!

Anonymous said...

Wow so inspiring you made it you are now afamous Lawyer.

Anonymous said...

Congratulations! An inspiration to all

Anonymous said...

Congratulations Sir!A very good example and an inspiration,down to earth , humble lawyer❣️Ur truly Blessed and u deserve a lotπŸ˜‡πŸ’πŸ™πŸ™πŸ™

Anonymous said...

Anyone,financially incapable who is determined to pursue his dream will succeed in his chosen field if coupled with patience perseverance,sacrifices and strong faith in GodGod.Congratulations Attorney Hernandez.

Anonymous said...

Your story Atty/Judge James Fernandez is so inspiring. Congratultions

Anonymous said...

What an
Inspiration for younger generations!!!Congrats and salute to this new judge.πŸŒΊπŸ™πŸ˜Š✝️

Anonymous said...

Congrats to you, God is so good, into your life God bless!!!

Anonymous said...

nakakainspire... I am a single mom, and I know ung parents nyo proud snyo. I hope mapalaki ko din ang nagiisang anak ko na lalaki n magkaron ng determinasyon at sipag n gaya ng naituro snyo ng mom nyo. more power po

Anonymous said...

You’re really an inspiration and hope a lot of kids will inspire your story and achievements!!! Congratulations and Goodluck to your new endeavour.

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