A homecoming of sorts

MANILA, Philippines - Ricky Reyes’ life story has always been one of the most inspiring.

He was once upon a time a poor but very hardworking son whose only passion is to give his family a better life than what they had before.

Ricky knew his deficiencies well. He didn’t have an education to speak of. He didn’t have a family that could support whatever endeavor he cares to pursue. But he had passion, talent for beauty and an unwavering determination to succeed.

He opened a small parlor in the heart of Aurora Blvd. back in 1980 and catered to a handful of customers who loved being taken care of by him. They knew Ricky, the hairdresser and make-up artist was a diamond in the rough, whose deft hands worked wonders and made them all beautiful. His bubbly personality and trustworthiness added to his charisma.

Because of his dedication to his job and his innate brilliant business acumen, the handful of clients steadily grew into a formidable number and as they say, the rest is history.

Remember that Aurora Blvd. hole in the wall that used to be his small parlor back in 1980s? He had long ago bought that parcel of land and built a building that used to house his Ricky Reyes Learning Institute (RRLI) and his offices.

Today, he marks a most sentimental day as he opens its ground floor to become a well-appointed salon, spacious and state-of-the-art, to once again cater to his clients the best way he knows how. “It’s like going back to my roots,” he said. “A homecoming of sorts but this salon is far better than the first one I had. Here we have all the trimmings. You come here if you want to be pampered from head to toe,” he said enumerating the services that they offer even to those who may have the idea of hosting a beauty-pampering party for their friends — re-bonding, coloring, hair spa, hair booster, hair dye highlight, foot massage, facial spa, manicure and pedicure, set and perma blow, make-up and hairstyling, dimensional coloring, hair manicure, trim plus, hair gloss and refresh.

During the opening and blessing of the salon recently, Ricky was joined by his friends in and out of showbiz. Some who graced the occasion were Gloria Romero, Rachel Alejandro and mom Samantha Purvor, Thoreen Halvorsen, Stephany Stefanowitz, Mary Candice Ramos, Glennifer Perido, Peachy Veneracion, Wilma Galvante, Girlie Rodis and some congressional wives and businessmen.

Rachel’s Sexy Chef will also be making a tie-up with Ricky Reyes salons by offering healthy meals especially to those private spa and beauty parties that will be held in the salon. “So that beauty will be administered on the outside and even on the inside because of the healthy food,” Ricky said.