Eye Opener on Success Stories by Frony Fortich

"I am particularly interested about Alaska, because many years ago, as a young student, I was a scholar representing Rafael Palma College at a month-long leadership training, the YMCA Rizal Youth Leadership Training Institute in Baguio City together with Fiscal Adriano Montes. In the institute where 100 scholars [were] in attendance, they were the so-called cream of the crop. There are now many famous personalities who were graduates of the leadership course.

One of the few women I knew was Elsa Malapit, a young lass from Ilocos Norte. I was attracted to her, so I readily courted here. But after the Institute due to the lack of communications, there were no mobile phones or Internet then, I lost contact with her, although I knew that upon graduation from a teachers' course she was teaching in Tinejeros, Malabon.

Of all surprises, I was surprised one day while trying to find out where she went after her teaching stint in Malabon I found out that she is now a big fish in the state of Alaska. Here are some excerpts about this outstanding woman. I thought she would ignore me already but when I e-mailed her we refreshed out memories and she heartily replied to my emails. But then I lost my email address to some people, who stole it and that is the end of story.

Here are some excerpts of this famous woman:

In the tradition of the grand roundtable of the Spanish Knights, Elsa Malapit Sargento was inducted into the 2004 Asian Academy Hall of Fame at a ceremony in New Mexico. Elsa is the first Alaskan woman and the first Filipino-American in the state to ever receive this honor.

In Albuquerque, New Mexico this week, Elsa Malapit Sargento, the State's Executive Director of the Alaska State Community Service Commission, stood among seven other recipients selected from across the world to become the newest inductee into the Asian Academy Hall of Fame. The annual ceremony takes place during the Conference of Asian Leaders Association.

"I was trembling with delight to stand among those I have revered for so many years," said Elsa. "In a moment of reflection, I wondered how I got there and my conclusion was - because of my passion for inspiring young people to make a difference in this world."

The Asian Academy Hall of Fame was created to shine the light on outstanding Asians so that they may serve as role models for all the young people of the world. The goal is to bring very diverse Asian American communities together and pay tribute to those who have made a substantial difference to their culture and society. Elsa is a retired school teacher of 33 years who now dedicates her life to helping others across Alaska to join in the spirit of volunteerism and community service. Governor Murkowski appointed her as the Executive Director of the Alaska State Community Service Commission (ASCSC) in 2002. She is also a founding board member of Bridge Builders of Anchorage."

Excerpts from a column by Frony Fortich on the Bohol Sunday Post. Click here to read the complete column.