TABUK CITY, Kalinga – We’ve all heard of the classic humble beginnings or rags to riches real-life stories, but how often do we come across one that truly resonates with us?
A story that mirrors familiar struggles and hardships, and gives us hope that, being poor and destitute in a far-flung province like Kalinga, we too can overcome the odds and achieve greatness.
Well, we look no further as we are here to dive into the story of James Abalos Fernandez, a man whose journey AS a humble ice candy vendor to a newly appointed Court Judge, is nothing short of remarkable.
Hailing from the province, he faced numerous challenges and obstacles along the way, but through sheer perseverance and determination, he has proven that success is earned by those who work hard for it.
Growing up poor, he always harbored dreams of achieving success one day in order to improve the quality of life for his family. However, after his father passed away when he was just 10 years old, he took it upon himself to help his mother make ends meet by selling ice candy and other snacks in their neighborhood near Bulanao.
He worked hard throughout his childhood and teenage years, until all his hardships paid off when he finished his law degree, passed the bar exams, worked as a lawyer, and was appointed as a Municipal Trial Court judge in Tublay-Atok Benguet.
In his personal Facebook page, he recounted his life-long journey where he narrated his experiences, struggles, and triumphs:
“I was born into 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 to help my mother with our daily expenses.
From elementary to high school, I used to sell banana cue, barbeque, palamig, halohalo, 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 the Special Program for Employment of Students (SPES) during the summer and became a student assistant in our school library during school days in order for me to have money to use for my daily needs.
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!
I am very grateful to all the people who have helped me be in this position right now, especially my mom, my family and relatives, my bosses and colleagues at work, acquaintances, and 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.”
Judge James Abalos Fernandez stands as a paragon of someone who refused to let his circumstances dictate his future. He serves as an inspiration to countless individuals who find themselves in a similar position as he once did.
In our current world, where success stories seem to be a dime a dozen, Judge Fernandez’s journey stands out as a notable proof that anyone who has the grit, proper outlook, and disposition in life can transform their aspirations into a reality, no matter how impossible they may seem.
So, the next time you’re feeling discouraged or lost on your way to achieving your goals, remember that success is always within reach. It’s not about where you start, but where you end up. Just believe in yourself and keep pushing forward. By Ruth Cupang
