It is not often in our lifetimes that we are afforded the opportunity to meet and know up close special individuals who leave a lasting mark on other people’s lives. 

Fortunately, we had the chance to be friends with such a person in the case of Quezon Governor Raffy Nantes.  Although a tragic helicopter crash in mid-May 2010 cut short Raffy’s earthly stint, his legacy of greatness will continue to live on.

Raffy Nantes was a product of the public school system and his meteoric rise inspired most everyone. From humble straits in the island of Polillo to college days at the National University to his early struggles and success as an inventor (of industrial batteries of the types used for airplanes and lighthouses) and visionary businessman and to his political career (as congressman and as governor of Quezon province in the Philippines), Raffy Nantes exemplified a man who cared not just for his family but for the welfare of his fellowmen.

No doubt, Gov. Raffy Nantes raised the bar on leadership.  Something that his family – his wife Beth and son Samuel (Sam) Nantes – and about 8,000 students who were Raffy’s scholars as well as constituents, friends, and even foes will find common ground to agree on and be served well by his achievements and principles.

(Video from youtube.com; posted by Jerly06  05.17.10)