Rising above pain and poverty

from The Manila Times

The life story of US based Filipino author is one that can be a perfect material for a real-life inspired drama show like Magpakailanman. Imelda Roberts, the first female and lone Filipino-American to receive the prestigious Ellis Island Medal of Honor in the United States is currently in town for the special launch of her limited edition book titled Barefooted Soul.

The Ellis Island Medals of Honor are presented to American citizens of diverse origins for their outstanding contributions to their own ethnic groups, their ancestral countries, and to the United States. Past honorees include six US presidents as well as Nobel Prize winners and outstanding leaders in education, business and the arts, sports and government. Both the United States House of Representatives and Senate have officially recognized the Ellis Island Medal of Honor, which ranks among this country’s most prestigious awards.

From very humble beginnings in Divisoria to her rise in the corporate ladder while employed with San Miguel Corp., Roberts’ success story is a testament of strength and resiliency of the human spirit. “In a way, poverty has taught me priceless lessons. One, it doesn’t mean that it’s the end of the road just because you are poor. And I am a firm believer that God is so generous He gives us many second chances to rise again everytime we fall, “ she intones.

She also reveals that the reason why she had to pack her bags and fly to the Untied States was because she could no longer take the abuse, both physical and emotional, from her first husband. “It was like hell,” she describes those dark years of her life, almost choking in tears.

Her rise from abject poverty to a life of prosperity both in her personal and professional life is an inspirational journey that is captured in her book, Barefooted Soul, with 40 feel good stories she completed in 40 nights. Though she did not have any background in music, she was able to compose several songs that are also included in her book.

Part of Roberts’ agenda during this trip is to spearhead a fundraising program that will support the Church of Hope in Smokey Mountain and to put up a scholarship fund for poor but deserving scholars.

“ Success becomes more meaningful when it is shared,” she ends.

For more information about Imelda Roberts, her new book and her many advocacy programs, log on to www.barefootedsoul.com or send e-mail to events@firstmagnitude.com.
--Ricky T. Gallardo