Fisherman’s Daughter Went Viral for Rank 2 in LET, Goes Viral Again with New House

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She wowed everyone by ranking second in the September 2015 Licensure Exam for Teachers (LET); now, Iah Bantang Seraspi has wowed everyone again by sharing photos of their new house, built at the very site of the old nipa hut that also became viral along with her inspiring story so many years ago…

Then 21 years old, Seraspi inspired netizens when they found out that the daughter of a poor fisherman managed to overcome many challenges to rank second in LET with the score of 90%.


Photo credit: Iah Seraspi  / Facebook

A consistent honor student, Seraspi was able to pass the entrance test at the University of the Philippines (UP). Knowing her family was poor and could not afford to support her, however, she chose to enroll at Romblon State University located in their hometown.


Photo credit: Iah Seraspi  / Facebook

“Since I started schooling, feeling ko mayaman na kami kapag nakapag-ulam akong noodles sa agahan kasi usually ang ulam ko ay chichiria, kape, asin, asukal o kahit ano basta lang may lasa ang aming kanin. Imagine the nutrition I get from those foods yet I am an achiever in school. Di naman nila makikita ang laman ng tiyan ko but they will definitely see the capacity of my brains,” Seraspi recalled.

Thankfully, Seraspi would receive from the Esquejos family of Looc who learned that she’s the great granddaughter of their family’s long-time tenant.



Photo credit: Iah Seraspi  / Facebook

After she graduated as Cum Laude from Bachelor of Secondary Education (BSED) major in Biological Science, Seraspi focused on reviewing for the board exams for the next months. She knew her family was poor and she had to make sure she passes the LET in one take as it could be costly for them and her sponsors.


Photo credit: Iah Seraspi  / Facebook

But she also dreamed of topping the exams and made this as one of her motivations to study harder. Her hard work paid off – she ranked second!

Her story would also go viral, opening many doors of opportunities to help her reach for her dreams. She would become part of Carl E. Balita Review Center (CBRC) – and it was something that brought her better pay plus opportunities to travel abroad.


Photo credit: Iah Seraspi  / Facebook
She used her earnings to build a new home for their family, right on the site of the old one.

“Seeing this home in front of me reminded me of all the hardships I’ve been through. Walang kapagurang byahe, walang maayos at kumpletong tulog, walang boses at masakit na lalamunan, walang kasiguraduhan kung makakarating ng ligtas sa pupuntahan, walang kasalo kumain at walang kasama matulog, walang oras para magbreakdown kapag nalulungkot at madami pang hirap na di ko na rin maalala kasi pinalampas ko na lang dahil ginusto ko to. Pinili ko to,” she shared on Facebook.
 “Nothing feels more fulfilling than the thought that while I am helping others to achieve their dreams, I am also achieving my personal dreams.”

Photo credit: Iah Seraspi  / Facebook

A lot of netizens were impressed by the new house, making this inspiring young lady’s story go viral again…