Leading the Way

About the Book

Leading the way tells the true story of Yonie Malig-on, a woman born to an impoverished family whose beauty caught the eye of a man from a wealthy and influential family in their town. She fell in love with him, not knowing that she would become a victim of emotional and physical abuse. Blinded by her love, she really believed that his violent actions were nothing but expressions of love. Years later, after she had broken up with him, her uncle in Hawaii showed her photograph to a man who vowed never to marry again after his wife divorced him. But as fate had it, he was drawn to the lovely face in the picture. He traveled all the way to her hometown in Tagbilaran City in Bohol, Philippines, to meet her. They fell in love at first glance, and within a week, he proposed to her. Alas, her abusive former boyfriend would rather see her dead than married to someone else. It was a matter of luck that she survived her ordeal. Her marriage to the man she thought was her “knight in shining armor” was fine in the beginning. Four years into the marriage, he became ill because of diabetic complications. She stayed true to their wedding vows despite her joyless marriage and the many temptations she faced being young, beautiful, and with a happy disposition. She took care of him dutifully while also acting as the sole breadwinner. Years later, while providing care for her terminally ill husband, cancer struck. The book tells of the inspiring story of a woman whose struggles in life motivated her to become a community leader and volunteer. It also offers inspirational and valuable tips on how to have a happy and meaningful life despite life’s challenges.

About the Author

Yonie Bermoy Malig-on is a modern-day warrior who gracefully survived the physical abuse she has received from the man she loved and the ordeal she suffered years later. Born to an impoverished family in Bohol, Philippines, she realized early on that she wanted better things in life. Despite her family’s poverty, she earned a degree of Bachelor of Science in Commerce, major in Accounting with the help of a generous aunt. Yonie suffered years of physical abuse from the man she loved. At twenty-three she married a man, twice her age, who brought her to the United States. But their joy was short-lived as he became terminally ill. While caring for her sick husband and also working full-time being the family’s sole breadwinner, she was diagnosed with cancer. She feels very lucky for being alive today to tell her story. Her hardships in life inspired Yonie to succeed in her career as Payroll Coordinator of Nordic PCL Construction, Inc., and motivated her to become a civic leader and volunteer as Vice President of Filipino Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii and Chief Operating Officer of FAMES Hawaii. In this book, she shares her fascinating story and her experience as a community advocate. She also provides tips on how to make a difference in the world, how to be happy, and how to have a meaningful life. Dr. Sol Manaay, Yonie’s friend and mentor, helped her write her story. Dr. Manaay is an International Psychologist, a published author, inspirational speaker, and organizational consultant.