Ricky Reyes pays back through tech-voc school

MANILA, Philippines - In the late ’60s, a boy dreamed of going to a beauty school located in the heart of Quiapo. He wanted to start earning money to help his family. Sadly, the boy’s mother told him that they could not afford the school fees. Toughening his resolve, the boy settled for sweeping hair and running errands at salons while observing how real hairdressers cut hair.

Through hard work and dedication, that boy grew up to be Ricky Reyes, a respected name in the hair and beauty industry, with an empire that constantly pioneers the latest in hair care and cosmetology.

Ironically, on the same site of the beauty school he could not afford to enroll in, Ricky established in 1995 his own school, the Ricky Reyes Learning Institute (RRLI), to reach out to people like his young self, and give them world-class skills through affordable alternative education.

With branches in Cubao, Quiapo, and Alabang, RRLI offers basic and advanced courses in cosmetology and hotel and restaurant services. Cosmetology includes modules in basic haircutting for men and ladies, advanced haircutting, hair coloring, hair perming, manicuring/pedicuring, makeup, facial treatments, hairstyling, foot spa, and massage.

In addition to housekeeping, bartending and food serving, RRLI hotel and restaurant services now include modules in front desk operation, kitchen and restaurant management, restaurant operation, wine and beverage operation, and public area housekeeping.

“We have expanded our course offerings to target auxiliary staff in the service industry — not everyone can be the manager, but there is always a demand for support staff,” Ricky explains.

Aside from the very low tuition, RRLI has also devised flexible payment schemes.

It is open to high school graduates and multiple courses may be taken simultaneously at the preference of the enrollee.

After learning theories, students undergo practical exercises to prepare them for employment. They also take personality development lessons to arm them with confidence to face the workforce. RRLI is also allied with two accredited international placement agencies that help students secure employment here and abroad.

Amid success, Ricky believes in sharing his blessings through RRLI because he puts a premium on education.  

“I want to infect people with this knowledge revolution, because I know how it feels to be at the bottom,” Ricky says. “Because I only finished high school, I want to give people the opportunities I never had. I take pleasure in helping those who want to help themselves.”

For inquiries about courses at the Ricky Reyes Learning Institute, check www.rickyreyes.com or e-mail info@rickyreyes.com.