Why Ricky Reyes is ‘downsizing’

So what do you do when you are between 50 and Eternity?

“I downsize,” said Ricky Reyes who added another year to his colorful (and, should I say, dramatic) life last April 12 without big parties that marked his birthdays the previous years. “In fact, I started doing it five years ago.”

Part of that “downsizing” is moving from his mansion in a posh Quezon City subdivision to a smaller house in Pasig City. Of course, you must understand that “smaller” in the standard of those with Ricky in the A-List level of society is still far bigger than the biggest house of a middle-class family.

“I am also selling my resort in Batangas,” continued Ricky. “I don’t want to be attached to material things. You can’t bring those to your grave, can you? Life is a cycle. As you grow older, you pass on whatever you have to the next generation.”

But unlike some moneyed people who are shot through with bitterness and negativity, Ricky hastened to add that he doesn’t have any emotional baggage to “downsize” or unload.

“Ayokong mag-ipon ng sama ng loob. It’s unhealthy. What for? I know who my true friends are and I don't have to ‘unload’ any of them.”

What about detractors?

“Mayroon bang ganoon? Wala ako nyan! Kung mayroon man namomroblema sa akin, hindi ko pinapatulan. Hinahayaan ko sila kung ano man ang problema nila sa buhay. I don’t mind them.”

Because he has peace of mind and is at peace with people around him and at peace with the universe, Ricky is unperturbed by nightmares and dreams beautiful dreams.

Ricky and Kuya Gene: Partners in uplifting the lives of relocation-site residents

“I sleep soundly at night. I am OK with my health. My blood pressure is normal, my blood sugar is normal and my cholesterol count is normal. I exercise regularly. I take only vitamins. I don’t have maintenance medicines.”

Since the 2019 mid-term elections are just around the corner, Ricky is again asked the usual question: Is he running?

“They ask me that question tuwing election,” Ricky admitted, “and my usual answer is no, I am not running.”

Politics can be toxic to some people, including Ricky who is basically apolitical, above party lines.      

“I work for any administration,” insisted Ricky, “and I don’t have to be elected to do that. My record will show it.”

Funfare interviewed Ricky over the weekend at Anabel’s restaurant in connection with the launch of Skill 2D Max “Angking Galing Mobile Livelihood Caravan” being implemented by TESDA head Guiling “Kuya Gene” Mamondiong and NHA (National Housing Authority) general manager Marcelino Escalada Jr. upon the instruction of Pres. DU30. Yes, the project is supported by Ricky and Quezon City Vice Mayor Joy Belmonte who was also present at the presscon. Being targetted are 4,200 beneficiaries coming from marginalized sector of society, all residents of various NHA relocation sites in Caloocan City, Mandaluyong City, Montalban (Rizal), Manila, Navotas City, Pasig City, Pasay City, Muntinlupa City, San Jose del Monte Settlement and Quezon City. Ricky’s livelihood programs (haircutting, etc.) can help the residents earn a decent living.

According to Mamondiong, all beneficiaries will be given training on different modules of hairdressing and beauty care, and other livelihood components. All participants will also be given individual starter kits so they can start their small businesses after the training, plus P100 per day allowance while they are training. All training modules will be conducted on site where all participants are residing. The grand launch will be held in Smokey Mountain on May 8.

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