Ricky Reyes: To look good, do good

MANILA, Philippines - Helping people is second nature to philanthropist and beauty expert Ricky Reyes. Having come from a humble background and inspired by a hardworking mother, Ricky knows in his heart that everyone deserves a chance at greatness.

Early in life, Ricky has internalized the value of helping others. “I came from a poor family. I am not a product of a prestigious university but I have passion and perseverance. I know I should work hard to be successful,” he said.

Mother Ricky, as he has come to be known in and out of the beauty and fashion world, says there are a million deserving people out there who will be more than glad to jumpstart their lives and begin those few steps towards regaining dignity and self-respect. His conviction lies in being an instrument to change their lives forever.

Always brimming with unparalleled zeal to give his fair share in contributing to the upliftment of the life of every individual who belongs to the marginalized sector of the society, Mother Ricky says, “I want people to never stop hoping and know that there are things within their reach that can help them towards the realization of a dream that will most likely benefit their loved ones, their families.”

“Isang Gunting, Isang Suklay” which he started in 1984 provided the avenue for Ricky to share his knowledge to about 120,000 beneficiaries all over the country, most of whom are now proud owners of hair salons and/or expert haircutters wherever they are, proudly earning a living and sustaining their families.

Side by side the former First Lady Amelita “Ming” Ramos during the time of President Ramos, the dynamic tandem gave birth to Helping Foundations, which were actually institutionalized livelihood centers that penetrated the hearts of provinces where our needy kababayan were helped by learning vocational courses on dressmaking, food technology, arts and signs, welding, basic and advance computer lessons, electrical, among other technical-vocational know-how.

Ricky worked successfully with government agencies and each program emerged victorious. What made his projects most viable is the unique fact that on top of the funding the government sometimes earmarks for them, he shells out his own money to see to it that these programs are implemented, and the services are delivered to whom they were promised to. Not like most of the politicians around who accomplish the exact opposite – where promises are just about the only deliverables.

This kind of commitment extended from administration to administration, from government to government for its universality in aspiration and ideals. “My commitment in serving is not confined to any political ambition or affiliation. I think our people know this that is why I take pride in saying that there never was any taint of corruption in all the projects that we have been associated with. If anything, nag-aabono pa ako ng sarili kong pera para lang matupad lahat ng mga visions ng mga programa para sa ating mga kababayan,” he said truthfully.

His vocation towards helping people with cancer, particularly children, came about more than 13 years ago when he first visited the Philippine General Hospital upon the invitation of Inquirer editor-in-chief Letty J. Magsanoc, whose daughter is a cancer survivor.

“The patients stole my heart right away and I was moved to help. We started by giving free haircut and make-up to the patients, teaching them to put on bandanas on their heads to make them feel more feminine, and in the end uplifting their spirits, despite the medical battle ahead of them.

“Hindi ko makakalimutan how joyful I felt inside seeing one of the patients cross the street across PGH, her relative holding out her dextrose, smiling beautifully wearing her bandana, right after a session we held at PGH one afternoon. Gusto kong umiyak right there and then. I knew from then on, I needed to give more of myself to these people,” he said.

Then, Ricky began “adopting” portions within the hospital premises to slowly construct a haven for children with cancer, a playroom or romper room where they can forget their sickness and be children again, a mess hall where they can have a pleasant meal before or after every painful treatment, and so many other groundbreaking efforts that were lauded by all, not just the patients.

As his commitment grew, Ricky envisioned so much more to help and service our people who suffer from this disease. “We put up much later on Child House, a halfway home for cancer patients who live in the provinces and come to the city to seek treatment. Child House is their temporary shelter while they are undergoing treatment here.”

Right now, Child House has 220 beds which serves 7,000 patients month in and out. In maintaining this facility, Ricky calls himself a professional beggar because he is able to tap into his wide network of resources who all give generously for the cause.

“I ask for money, supplies, food, medicines, anything that anyone can possibly give to help these patients. Government agencies and non-government organizations and private people, most of whom are my friends, have tirelessly wandered this road with me and we are very happy to be of help,” he said.

If you know Ricky Reyes, you would know how hard this man works. How he treats every second of his life crucial to accomplishing things. It is with wonder that we observe him spend his time helping others this way when he can very well be just enjoying his millions traveling and indulging.

“Why do I do it?,” Ricky asks. “Because I don’t want to squander the opportunities God has been giving me. I look at even the chance to help other people a great blessing in my life. So many others out there wanted to help but they were not as lucky to have been given resources or time, or health to do it. But I have been blessed enough to have all of these. I derive my happiness from this. I found my joy this way. Spending time to help others is better way than listening to others criticize you or complain about their lives. I am happy and I want to affect the world out there in this manner,” he said.

Ricky says it all in a nutshell: “Do good to feel good to look good. O di vah?”

He said this with that charasteristic Ricky Reyes laugh that somehow assures you everything will be alright as long as he is around.