Armless Filipino pilot: 'The 1st in aviation history'

Filipino-American Jessica Cox, the first woman pilot in aviation history without arms.  She was born without arms can do anything with her legs—flies airplanes, plays piano, martial arts.
While she admits it was not easy, Jessica said she is guided by her favorite words of wisdom: “Never let fear get in the way of our opportunity.”
The middle child to a retired music teacher William Cox and mother from Samar, nurse Inez Macabare, Jessica was treated like any ordinary kid. She also participated in many activities like swimming, gymnastics, and tap dancing.  At age 10, she was introduced to Tae-Kwon-do by her parents to enhance her self confidence.
At the age of 14, she earned her first black belt at the International Tae Kwon-Do Federation. In college, she resumed her interest in martial arts, joined the American Tae Kwon-Do Association and secured a second black belt. She is the first woman without arms to achieve that feat in the United States.
Jessica has a degree in psychology from the University of Arizona and is now a recognized motivational speaker.
Jessica said, flying has taught her “the true meaning of determination and persistence.” The light plane she flies is called an Ercoupe (pronounced air-coupe) and it is one of the few airplanes to be made and certified without pedals, allowing Jessica to use her feet as hands. It took her three years instead of the usual six months to complete her lightweight aircraft license. She had three flying instructors and she logged 89 hours of flying to get the license.  Jessica said she is thankful to God for allowing her to do the things she has accomplished.

“It feels great being told by people that my life experiences have somehow inspired them. It’s really cool, and it motivates me to keep going,” she enthused.

What can you say about visually impaired Minnie Aveline Juan who's graduating as the class valedictorian and first-ever summa cum laude..?

SAN CARLOS CITY, Pangasinan, Philippines  - A 25-year-old visually-impaired woman will graduate on April 14 as the valedictorian of her class and first-ever summa cum laude of the 52-year-old Virgen Milagrosa University Foundation (VMUF) here.
Minnie Aveline Posadas Juan, who is graduating with a degree in Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Educationwith a 96.32 percent general average, said she is giving back all the honor and glory to God.
“It’s God’s will of course because I wouldn’t be here without Him. I am just an instrument. This achievement is not because I am good but because God is good,” Minnie told The STAR yesterday.
She said she is also sharing her success with all “differently-abled” persons like her.
Minnie said she has yet to write her speech for graduation day because up to now, her heart is overflowing with gratitude. “This is too much bonus from God,” she said.
Minnie finished her first degree of Bachelor of Arts in English at the Trinity College in Quezon City, graduating magna cum laude.  After graduation, she started working as a teacher for other visually-impaired pupils at the VMUF and at the same time, pursued her second course.
Minnie had her pre-school and high school at the VMUF, where she consistently topped her class.
Minnie’s students are also being integrated in regular classes with the help of the Braille system.
Minnie was born premature at six and a half months and was partially blind.
When she reached the age of three, she became totally blind.
“I want to encourage and inspire my fellow visually-impaired, and even those with other handicaps, those losing hope in life or those whose vision is clouded with despair, fear, anxiety or uncertainty,” she added.

Minnie first earned public attention when she won first place in an international essay-writing contest sponsored by the World Blind Union Asia-Pacific in Japan five years ago.
Her article was titled, “Braille to a Bright Future.”

It only takes a Filipino to conquer 7 Titles...

I Think everybody knows  this man. The first boxer in the entire boxing history to conquer seven titles in different divisions, which makes him even more an extraordinary boxer. Currently holding so many titles across his popular name. But the most significant about this man, He is a true blooded Filipino! Every household in the Philippines is so proud of him, including my family.  To think that my mom is not really into sports, you know oldies are not really into such kind of sports, and because of Manny, she kinda get into boxing, especially when Manny is the one in the ring. Thus, for Manny to get my mom into boxing, it only mean one thing that He is really an extremely talented and entertaining boxer to watch. Manny epitomizes how hardworking the Filipinos are. Manny, You really make the Philippines and the Filipinos Proud! ASTIG ka Manny!!!