I spent hours in front of the computer trying to find the right words to describe my father, Roche U. Rigos, and I admit this is one of the hardest thing that I have to do. Words aren’t enough to describe someone you’ve known all you’re life. Maybe you’re wondering who the real Roche Rigos is.. I’ll give you a glimpse.

My father grew up in a small town of Ballesteros, Cagayan. He was born on May 18, 1959, the youngest among seven children. He didn’t experience a chance to live with a mother because unfortunately, her mom died when he was barely 2 months old. He grew up with the support of my grandfather and her four sisters. To pursue his studies, he went to Vigan to his grandmother. At an early age, he learned different principles in business because he had to work on his grandmother’s business just to finance his education. At an early age, he learned how to value time, money and effort. He was a working student since he was in high school. Due to lack of resources, he worked hard to be able to finish his studies.

Through perseverance, hardwork and discipline, my dad successfully completed his Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering in Mapua Institute of Technology in 1980, followed by passing the Mechanical Engineer’s Licensure Examination the following year. After his passing the Board exam, he again pursued his studies further and was able to finished his Business Management degree in 1982, and his post- graduate degree in Master in Business Administration in 1987 at the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila while working with the National Food Authority.

He was successful in his work and enjoyed fast promotion in his career in the National Food Authority from Casual Engineer in 1981to Sr. Mech. Engr. In 1982, at the Infrastructure Department then to Section Chief in 1986 at the Corporate Planning Department. He found a new interest in the real estate world when he passed the Real Estate Broker’s Exam in 1986. So in 1989, he left the government service to focus in Real Estate & Construction and was able to acquire his Real Estate Appraisal license in 1995. Competition is tough, but he never gave up easily. My father valued the traits perseverance and discipline. He really made his niche in Real Estate, he is now one of the most sought Real Estate Resource Persons in the Continuing Education Seminars and in the Licensure Examination Seminars & Review. He was able to help many people in passing for Real Estate Broker’s Exams and some of them landed in the Top Ten of their Examination Batches.

My Father joined very actively in Professional Associations such as PAREB- Rizal Board of Realtor and where became President in 2000, Institute of Philippine Real Estate Appraisers and became Director in 2003, , Mech. Engg’g Alumni Assn. of MapuInstitute of Tech.( MEAAMIT) as Secretary & Vice President and the Rotary Club of Metro San Francisco Del Monte, District 3780 in 2000 now as President. I’ve seen how these organizations were able to help and made my dad a well rounded person, and realized that he has the capability to do social services, and this encouraged him to be a concerned individual that would spend more time and effort in reaching out to those who are in need.
In Rotary Club, he valued the fellowship, friendship, community service, and leadership training and he in turn shared all these experiences to his family, now, my mom is the Club Secretary and we the children as member of Rotaract Club of the RC Metro SFDM.

My dad believe in love at first sight. He fell head over heels in love with my mom the very first time he saw her at the National Food Authority. The law of attraction really worked for them. They may have very contrasting personalities but they still managed to complement each other. Despite their differences, they were able to establish the kind of relationship they have today. Yes, there were some conflicts and misunderstandings.. These are just normal part of their marriage life, but these experiences made them stronger. They learned from each other’s mistakes, and learned to value each other more as time passed by. I know how much they give importance to their relationship. I am proud to say that they have remained faithful to each other since they got married in September 26, 1987

As a daughter, I can never ask for more. Yes, my father is not perfect, but I am very grateful to have him in my life. He is one of the greatest gift I have ever received. He is not a just a father, but also my teacher, counselor and my hero.

While growing up, I’ve seen Dad as a very busy person. I’ll usually go to bed without kissing him goodnight because he hasn’t arrived home yet. In the morning before I go to school, I’ll kiss him goodbye while he’s still asleep. Even if that was our situation, it was not a hindrance because we’d usually bond during weekends. He is really a very hardworking person, a very good provider just so he could send us to school, and buy our necessities and if God permits, our luxuries.

He is not the typical dad who is strict, and stern. He is lenient and doesn’t give us a hand. At this age, I’m proud to say my dad has never spank me. :) I learned from both my mom and dad lessons that I don’t learn in school. Dad has a very strong relationship with God. In every endeavor that he has encountered, I saw how tight he held on to his faith in God. It is amazing to find out that he visit the church at least 3 times a week. They made me realize the importance of putting God at the center of your life. Just like them, we have been raised to be God-fearing people.

In times of hardship, I saw how my Dad endured all things. He stayed firm and did not lose hope in any challenge that has gone his way. This is evident when it comes to his professional experiences. Although things do not turn out good at all times, he accepts it whole-heartedly. As he says “It is really not meant form me, maybe someone needs it more than I do. Time will come for my turn. God has something stored for me. Things fall apart for other things to fall into place”. This statement also shows his optimism in life, despite some adversities.

I have a loving father. Dad is not much been open to me when it comes to love and relationship issues. However, when I experienced my first heartbreak, I really felt his presence. He showed support while I was undergoing that depression stage. Although it was funny to see him comfort me, he was a counselor and a friend to me. He was always there to comfort us when we’re in pain, and he motivated us to learn from those experiences to help us grow and become better persons.

You may know our father as a Real Estate Broker, Appraiser, Engineer, or Rotarian. But we know him as our Father, our teacher. We have always lived a simple life. Yes, indeed, we have went to one of the most prestigious schools in the country because our parents firmly believe in the power of knowledge. However, we did not live a luxurious life despite of our affluent environment. Simplicity is one of the most valued trait of this family. With that, they taught us to value money, to be low-profiled people who can deal with anyone regardless of their status in life.

I salute my dad for his dedication to serve for humanity. He may not be as influential as Michael Jackson, but he has a warm heart to help. He serves as a catalyst initiating change in the world through contributing his talents and efforts to reach out to those in need through community service.

Great Job, Dad! We are so proud of you. We love you so much. I know you are not just a hero to us, but to others as well. Continue to be an inspiration to others.