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Filipino Supergay: Philanthropist and Hair Stylist, Ricky Reyes

Last year Forbes Magazine named Ricky Reyes as one of the Heroes of Philanthropy in the Asia-Pacific Region. Ricky himself grew up in poverty and worked as a hair sweeper to support his family. He opened his first hair studio in 1970 and grew his business into an empire from his humble shop. Today there are over forty Ricky Reyes salons throughout the country. Ricky also makes it into most homes on his weekly variety television show Gandang Ricky Reyes.

Ricky’s non-profit work includes a job training program in the beauty industry and a halfway home for children with cancer. Forbes noted him for feeding for two weeks about 50, information pills 000 victims of the Typhoon Ondoy, ambulance a national disaster which caused more than $1.09 billion dollars in damage in 2009.

We join him in one of his many homes in the Philippines for an up close interview. Once we pass through security, we see a line of photographs taken of him with a series of Asian presidents, first ladies, and even our own Hilary Clinton. Ricky enchants world leaders and journalists while also identifying with the poorest of the poor in the Philippines. When Ricky comes to meet us, he invites us to sit on the couch with him and take our time.

VIDEO: Check out to see what Ricky has to say about family, Filipinos, and philanthropy. …

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qpwt49p8_ZY

Throughout the Philippines, people call Ricky “Mother” because of his charitable work. Ricky tells us, “Even the President calls me ‘Mother’. I love to do mothering. I think being a mother to a lot of people is the most wonderful job.”

Ricky says, “I didn’t go to college, only high school, but I’ve done what I want in life. Every January through March I go to all graduating public high schools. I always tell them that life is beautiful and full of hope. I came from a broken home but I made my life beautiful.”

Ricky also paves the way for gay youth as a model they can identify with. He says, “I knew I was gay at ten when I had a crush on my playmate. My older brothers used to whipped me to try to make me a straight person. Now I have what I always wanted…to be gay and to be respected. People have to respect each other.”

After 34 year together with his partner and four adopted children, Ricky certainly feels that he has it all and lots to give. Jenni and I pack up after our interview and Ricky surprises us with some of his own mothering. He invites us to the next room where he has a large breakfast prepared to eat with him and his daughter. He then asks one of his drivers to drop us off back home. Thank you mother.

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2 Responses

  1. Hi there, it’s nice you visited the Philippines, would have loved to meet you. Hope you can visit our website where you can download lots of LGBT advocacy stories. Have a safe Asian tour!

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