MUCH has been written about Ricky Reyes, his life, his craft, his business, his big heart. To use a cliché, his life is an open book. And a book on him comes as no surprise to me. I am witness to the sacrifices and triumphs of this dear friend. His life is indeed one for the books.

The first time we met some en years ago, I remember there was something I didn’t like about him, although there were also things that I admired about him. It was years later that I finally realized what it was. To my young mind he struck me as too serious a person whose maturity and earnestness put to shame my own youthful and carefree ways. Besides, worrying about my future was not on my agenda yet as I was rather more concerned about where my next meal was coming from. And here’s this young person, undaunted by adult responsibilities and running at full speed, with all his five senses attuned to his goals.

But there was also a side of him that came to light the more I knew him, the child in him. A playful child, sometimes naughty but always fun, and full of surprises. He would invite you to lunch and you’d probably end up with him at the airport checking in for a flight to faraway Zamboanga. He’ll avoid greeting you on a special occasion only for you to find a grand party waiting at the workplace, all arranged with utmost secrecy. One time he invited a platoon of his friends for dinner at his place and they ended up spending the night there. Why? Because he hid their shoes and bags.

He has raised pranksterism to an art form. Don’t say you’re on a diet because he’ll tease you with a mountain-load of high-calorie food. One time he humored a friend who has diabetes with a dozen pans of leche flan (she’s still alive though). Ricky is excited at the thought of giving surprises and he takes great pleasure in watching the shocked and amused faces of his victims’.

Ricky is child-like in many other ways. In all the years that I have known him, I have never seen him in a foul mood, nor heard him curse or badmouth anyone. He has a very healthy attitude in life; He always wants to end his days peacefully, so he can sleep soundly. Praying is something he would not miss doing before he retires at night, his waking hours ore spent doing only worthwhile things; little wonder he has an aversion to the nightlife.

He’s also a study in contrasts. With his employees he’s a regular guy, eating, chatting, and horsing around with them during their free time. With his siblings and family he is stern disciplinarian. He is a fighter in life who would never pick a fight with anyone. His tolerance and patience with other people’s personal shortcomings is in contrast with his intolerance with people’s bad working habits. He is a wise spender but would willingly shell out personal funds for his charities.

Ricky, who is a pillar of tenacity and determination, has taught me the value of hard work and helped me reach a maturity beyond my years. We’ve walked through life together sharing both disappointments and fulfillment, tears and laughter. But more than anything else. We’ve shared a good laugh.

Foreword by Cris A. Aquino