The Boy from Licab
Frank L. Ramos Making a Difference
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consider my eighty years a chronicle of God’s mercy and blessings. Hence I enjoin my family and friends to give back what God has given us, for He cannot be outdone in generosity. May He grant us more years to serve Him and Him alone. —Frank L. Ramos
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ll mothers and father, whatever their stations in life, can make the most significant of contributions by imprinting the spirit of service on the souls of their children, so that the children grow up committed to making a difference. —Stephen R. Covey, ph.d.
The Boy from Licab
Frank L. Ramos Making a Difference
CopyrightŠ2015. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced mechanically, electronically or digitally, without the expressed permission of the publisher and copyright holder. Published by La Maisonette Manila, Inc. 5/F Richville Corporate Tower Madrigal Business Park Alabang, Muntinlupa City 1780 Project Manager: Gerry Siquijor Writers: Lulu Brillantes, Grace B. Marquez and Jimmy Hilario Editor: Grace B. Marquez Book Design/Layout: Jimmy Hilario Printed by GA Printing, Inc.
To God be all the glory!
Contents
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His Beginnings 1
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His Family 17
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His Works 87
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His Advocacies 127
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Introduction
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his memento is a celebration of life, a celebration of cherished moments in the lives of Frank and Nini Ramos. It is a celebration of people whose lives are woven into theirs—their family, which extends to their employees, with whom they nurture special bonds of love and affection; and their friends, with whom they share passion in caring for others through their various collaborations. 2015 is a particularly memorable year for Frank and Nini, for it marks • the 80th birthday of Frank (on August 10), • his 55th year as a civil engineer, and • the 45th anniversary of F.L. Ramos Construction, Co., Inc. —the couple’s enterprise. For Frank and Nini, this coffee table book is their ultimate keepsake of life taken and shared. It is a symbol that will stir them to go on making and cherishing memories—as they continue to live their life to the full! vii
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Chapter 1
His Beginnings
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t was 1935. The world was unsettled at the brink of World War II; but the Philippines seemed unfazed, expectant of better days. The TydingsMcDuffie Law, which was preparing the country for self-government, had just been passed. Thoughts of peace, prosperity, and hope danced in every Filipino’s mind—including those of young couple Basilio “Iding” H. Ramos and Felisa “Isang” de Leon. Iding dreamed of becoming an engineer. He enrolled at the College of Engineering at the University of the Philippines (Manila). But on his third year, he returned to his hometown in Licab, Nueva Ecija, to marry the love of his life, Felisa de Leon. Shortly after, on August 10, 1935, Isang gave birth to their first born, Francisco, whom they fondly called “Pracing.” 1
Licab Pracing’s birthplace is located at the lowest portion of the province of Nueva Ecija, 151 kilometers north of Metro Manila. Formerly called Pulong Samat, Licab used to be part of Aliaga, another town. In 1835, immigrants Don Dalmacio Esguerra and his brother, Tomas, along with the townspeople, began to develop the place. They scraped the vast forest land using mere hoes and hard twigs to remove thick leaves. They soon renamed the place “Licab,” from an Ilocano word which means “to scrape off.” After years of tilling, the land became bountiful, attracting more people to settle there. Inspired by this growth, Don Dalmacio filed a petition to make this an independent town. The governor of Aliaga initially opposed, but later relented. Licab became a sovereign municipality on March 28, 1894. Today, Licab is a bustling community, its development sustained under the leadership of its incumbent, three-termer mayor, Wilfredo S. Domingo. 2
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Grandparents Petronila Hipolito-Ramos (or Impong Leleng) lost her husband, Francisco (or Inkong Kiko), when he was only 27 years old. Inkong Kiko was a volunteer worker assisting afflicted victims during a cholera epidemic. He left Impong Leleng with two very young sons. Iding, who became Pracing’s father, was only four years old; his brother Tibong was two. Impong Leleng never remarried. She brought up her sons in Licab with the help of close relatives. Though life was hard, Impong Leleng found comfort in music. She loved to sing; she was once part of the church choir. Feliciano P. de Leon and Maria Paez-de Leon were Pracing’s grandparents on his Inang Isang’s side. Little is known about them, as Impong Maria died when Isang was only two years old. Eventually, Inkong Feliciano remarried and went off to live with his new wife. Being youngest in the family, Isang was left in the care of her eldest sister, Apolonia de Leon-Galang. 5
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Tatang & Inang Young Pracing called his parents Tatang and Inang. Both were very strict. Tatang was an industrious man. He took on various jobs to earn a living for his family. He fished and farmed. He learned to repair watches, to give haircuts, to trim acacia trees, to prepare firewood for the rainy season, and to set up pressurized kerosene lamps for night use. Pracing would join his father as he worked in the swamps, and as he moved from job to job. Watching his father, Pracing learned the value of hard work, patience and perseverance. Tatang insisted that whatever was started should be finished. And whatever they had after every harvest, should be shared. Pracing learned generosity from Tatang too. More than being a beautiful and religious woman, Inang was a dutiful housewife, an attentive mother, a good cook, and an astute businesswoman. Everything that Tatang harvested from the farm or from the swamps, she would arrange in a banyera (wide basin) and would quickly sell in the local market, with her sons Pracing and Mencio in tow. During Christmas, she and the whole family helped to prepare rice cakes which they also sold. She learned to cook and distribute food, even to nearby towns. Inang’s natural cooking abilities rubbed off on all her children. Pracing would eventually put up a catering business some years later. 7
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A Happy Childhood The Ramos children grew up in a loving environment. Whatever they may have lacked in material comfort was more than compensated for by the constant care and support of extended family. War broke out when Pracing was four years old. Through the kindness of their Tio Alejandring and Tia Poniang, the whole family moved to Tarlac to live with them. The situation worried Tatang and Inang, but young Pracing and his three siblings, oblivious to the impending
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dangers of war, were for the most part happy and carefree. Pracing was always mindful of his responsibilities as Kuyang (big brother). He would take along two siblings down to the river to draw water and to wash the family’s clothes; then they would carry back the heavy loads on their heads. When rice was short, they would go out to the rice fields to pick up the unthreshed rice grains that littered the ground. From these, they would have enough rice to last them a week; sometimes they would even fill up a whole sack. Occasionally, Tatang and Inang would leave them for Manila to sell whatever wares they had. Due to their absence, the children inevitably learned to do household chores, with Pracing leading his siblings with 10
the same rigor and discipline of his parents. In elementary school, Pracing became an altar boy by the influence of his Impong Leleng who, they teased, “practically lived in church.� Impong Leleng loved music. It was through her that Pracing learned to play the harmonica, a talent that he still boasts of today. A natural leader, Pracing would organize sling shot competitions. The goal was to catch as many birds as they could for food, and to capture nice ones without really killing them. Pracing would always end up winning in both categories.
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Education
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After the war, the family returned to Licab. In search of a better life, Tatang, who used to teach in elementary school, enrolled in night classes to pursue a master’s degree in Education, major in Mathematics. After acquiring his degree, Tatang was promoted as school principal. Meanwhile, Pracing was also performing well consistently. He graduated with third honors from elementary school. Soon after, his Tio Pepe (Inang’s eldest brother) and his wife, Tia Rebecca, invited him to live with them in San Jose, Nueva Ecija. There, Pracing and his younger brother, Mencio, attended North Provincial High School. As they were supported by well-off relatives, the two boys helped out in their kin’s businesses and babysat their young cousins during their free time. Pracing also helped out in the drugstore of another uncle, Dr. Felix (Tio Feling) Tuason. At other times, he would assist Tia Celing (wife of Tio Feling) in managing their rice stall. Once, Pracing was recruited to help put up hollow-block fences in front of their school. His job was to chisel the name of the donor on each bay of the fence. This was to be his first experience in the field of construction. Pracing finished high school in three years because he got accelerated. He graduated seventh over-all, and his high ranking
qualified him for admission to the University of the Philippines (Diliman, Quezon City). Pracing had always wanted to become a doctor, but Tatang, a frustrated engineer himself, urged him to try Engineering. To please him, Pracing enrolled in Engineering but admitted that he had a difficult time. Intimidated by his classmates who graduated from the best schools in Manila, he felt inadequate for the course. After some months, though, he learned to like his classes. On his third year in the program, he decided to transfer to Mapua Institute of Technology, a move which allowed him to work during the day and to study at night. The long days and nights of study and work were truly challenging, but he was resolved to finish what he began. 13
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He eventually earned his degree here. Little did Pracing know that these were shaping his work ethics and principles in preparation for a future which included a career that would surpass his wildest dreams, shared with an amazing woman, the best romance of his life.
Frank and his mother pose in front of their red Mercedes Benz, one of the family’s earliests cars.
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Chapter 2
His Family
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roup dating and chaperoned dating were the norm then, but bein g set up for a blin d date added a lit tle excit em en t. Nini was invited to a party by her co-worker, Inday Contreras, whose boyfriend, Architect Nanding de Leon, was eager to introduce Nini to his friend, Engineer Frank Ramos. Nini came accompanied by her brother, Dophy. This was where it all began. After their first meeting, Frank came to see Nini regularly. At that time, Nini also started praying the Seven Sundays Novena to St. Joseph, whose intercession was often invoked when choosing a life partner. It was a pious belief that on or before the seventh Sunday, the faithful’s petition would be granted. Nini had asked St. Joseph for a sign, indicating that Frank was indeed “the one.” A confirmation through a red rose was her request. On the Saturday before the seventh Sunday, an officemate distributed red roses to all the female staff. Nini took this as the sign she had asked for and she was truly grateful. When Frank eventually proposed; she readily said, “Yes!” They tied the knot on September 5, 1962. 17
Nini Aurora “Nini” Siquijor-Ramos was born on February 5, 1938, in Lucban, Quezon. She is tenth among the eleven children of Felix Siquijor and Rosa Casiño who nurtured their brood at the “Casa Rosa,” their ancestral home in Lucban.
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As a student, Nini was very diligent. She consistently earned honors at Southeastern College, during her high school days. In college, she graduated with honors at the Philippine Women’s University, where she took masteral units in Guidance Counseling, after she earned her Liberal Arts degree, major in Social Work. No sooner was she hired as case worker at Catholic Charities (now Caritas Manila), where she found her greatest fulfillment—working with the poor.
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a gorgeous couple Frank and Nini went on many exclusive dates. They went to dances and night clubs (like at Bayside in Dewey, now Roxas Blvd.), and had dinner at the Manila Hotel and the Hilton Hotel.
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fter that blind date set up by her friend, Inday Contreras, and after two more years of getting to know her beau better, Nini was soon ready to commit to be the devoted wife of Frank, and the doting mother of their three children: Menzi, +Ramon and Nina. Through the years, Nini has put all her talents to good use, as she continues to stand by Frank, through thick and thin, in raising their family, as well as in managing F.L. Ramos Construction, Co., Inc., the company they founded together in 1970. Today, she helps to grow the company as its VicePresident for Finance and Administration.
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Grateful for her many blessings, Nini persists to share her time, talent, and treasure where they are needed most. When they relocated in Naga, in the early years of their company, Nini took the opportunity to share her knowledge as she worked as college professor at the Ateneo de Naga, University of Nueva Caceres and the Naga College Foundation. Yet, even in ministry, Nini readily and unceasingly contributes to her parish (Christ the King, Greenmeadows), to the community groups where she is involved (like the White Plains Ladies Association), and to the other civic and religious groups where she and Frank belong (such as the Christian Family Movement and the Opus Dei).
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Siquijor Family Nini’s Tatay was Felix Siquijor. He had a flourishing buntal hats business in Lucban, which he managed with Nanay Rosa (nee Rosa Casiño). As their children came one after the other, Nanay Rosa became more occupied with taking care of their brood, which soon counted eleven. She also maintained a grocery store at the ground floor of their house. Before World War II broke out in 1939, all the eleven children had been born. Life was very difficult during the war; the family had to keep hiding from the Japanese soldiers. Two of Nini’s brothers joined the American forces to fight against the Japanese. One of her sisters succumbed to a congenital heart ailment at age 14. Still, by God’s grace and through the perseverance of their parents, all the ten children finished college. Four graduated with degrees in Education (Lourdes, Navidad, Ceferina and Melquiades), three became lawyers (Roland, Albert and Abelardo), Rodolfo is a Commerce graduate, Dollie is a chemical engineer, and Nini became a social worker.
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With best Friends in naga city. Frank and Nini are flanked by co-teachers at the Ateneo de Naga, Nueva Caceres University, and Naga College Foundation, and friends from civic organizations.
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Naga
Naga was home to Frank and Nini in the early years of their marriage. Frank took along his entire family when his employer, Continental Construction Co., Inc., asked him to handle major projects in Bicol as Operations Manager. His first major project was the construction of the Tabaco (Albay) Public Market. Soon, he was also managing the construction of the Naga Public Market, a first-ever, multi-level facility with a floor area of 30,000 square meters—the biggest in the Far East at that time. He went on to handle construction of the Philippine National Bank building, the first medium-rise, 8-storey building in that area. This assignment proved to be a turning point in Frank’s career; it was then that he seriously considered putting up his own construction firm. On completing his assigned tasks, Frank knew it was time to soar on his own.
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First holy year pilgrimage of Frank and Nini in Europe, in 1975, with Msgr. Florencio Yllana as pilgrim director and guide 32
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side trip to the united states taken after the pilgrimage, visiting relatives and friends, and simply enjoying each other’s company. 34
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Frank and nini, a gorgeous couple through the years 36
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as a couple Frank and Nini are fond of donning costumes whenever they attend functions and socials. The picture above was taken during a CFM convention held at the Ateneo de Manila.
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tia celing and tio Feling Frank stayed in San Juan with Tia Celing (sister of his mother) and Tio Feling during his college days. The couple eventually moved to Araneta Subdivision, Quezon City, in a house Frank built after he graduated. Their house in San Juan became Frank’s home and office.
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Children Frank and Nini’s children started coming in their first year of marriage. Their firstborn, Menzi, came in 1963; Mon came
four years later in 1967; and the only girl, Nina, was born in 1969. Being the youngest, Nina was the family entertainer who sang and danced in family events. Being the only girl, she took the brunt of her brothers’ teasing.
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Menzi
Dr. Nemesio “Menzi” S. Ramos is the cool, composed and quiet type. He is an orthodontist by profession, and a Rotarian like his Papa. He married Alejandra “Sandra“ Clemente and they have four children—Margie, Paulo, Chesca, and William.
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Ramon Ramon “Mon” S. Ramos was the outgoing guy who always had a ready smile. He was Frank’s righthand man, the Executive VicePresident for Operations of their construction firm. Mon married Eleanore “Noi“ Quiaoit; they had four children—Marc, Teen, RK, and Monel. In December, 2007, at the age of 40, Mon returned to The Creator. 45
Nina Peñafrancia “Nina” RamosMarasigan, the only girl, is a licensed interior designer. She is married to Brando Marasigan. Their only child, Sabrina (“Brina”), who sings well like Mommy Nina, is studying Music Entrepreneurship. 46
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a Family tradition Taking family photos is customary during family reunions. In 1982, Frank and Nini sent Christmas cards with their family photo printed on it.
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Celebrations 50
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Silver Anniversary September 5, 1987 was a most memorable date for Frank and Nini. It was their Silver Wedding Anniversary—a most opportune time to express their profound gratitude for 25 years of togetherness and many blessings untold. The year also marked the 18th birthday of their only girl, Nina (born September 15, 1969), who has started to come into her own as a capable, charming young lady. This double thanksgiving celebration was held on September 12 at the Manila Hotel. Frank and Nini expressed their deep feelings about this day— “We realize how much God loves us. We feel His hands blessing us that even these two significant milestones in our family coincided on the same year. With the family and the business that He has given us, we feel encouraged with more meaningful messages to go on loving and serving Him the rest of our lives.” 53
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75th birthday Frank’s 75th birthday bash was held at the Christ the King Reception Hall. Actually, Frank makes it a point to celebrate all his birthdays—wherever and no matter how simple. He started doing this when he turned 56, in gratitude for each year that he outlives his father, who died of cerebral hemorrhage at the early age of 55. And for this matter, all birthdays in his family are occasions that should be celebrated!
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Golden Anniversary Fifty years of wedded bliss calls for a major, major celebration. Early before September 2012, Frank and Nini began making arrangements at their most preferred party place, Christ the King Reception Hall. But it seemed their children and grandchildren were a tad more excited as they were looking to the Makati Shangri-la Hotel as venue for the grand day. Although the couple was planning a simpler affair, two weeks before the event, a sudden cancellation from another client gave way to what the younger ones had in mind. Everyone was so thrilled and grateful! For Frank and Nini, celebrations are opportunities to share their blessings, especially to their favorite charities. As such, in lieu of gifts, they requested their guests to make donations to the Christian Family Movement Foundation, to Opus Dei, or to the stewardship program of the Christ the King Parish. 61
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photo ops held a week before their 50th wedding anniversary
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79th birthday Frank has many Chinese friends. In 2014, when he turned 79, his Chinese friends convinced him to have a big celebration because he was coming into his 80th year. In Chinese culture, age is counted in a different way. Birthdays become more important at age 60, when there is usually a big celebration. After this, celebrations are held every ten years. For Frank, whether he turned 79 or 80 that evening, nothing was more satisfying than being lavished with praises of “looking 60 at age 80,â€?‌ or 79. He could only be so grateful for the gift of good health.
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Chapter 3
His Works
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. L. Construction was the dream of young Pracing, who started out as a working student, struggling to learn the ropes of engineering and the construction business, as he worked as timekeeper and warehouseman for Age Construction Co., Inc. Pracing had to balance work with his studies. It was not easy, but because it was a job that he really loved, he went about it with much diligence and dedication. In 1959, he finally earned his degree, Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering. Right out of college, he landed a job at the Mariano Sideco Construction. Serendipity had it that his officemate, Architect Fernando “Nanding” de Leon, and Nanding’s girlfriend, Inday Contreras, would set him up on a blind date with Inday’s co-worker at Catholic Charities—Ms. Aurora “Nini” Siquijor. It has always been “Frank and Nini” since. In the business world, Pracing became known as “Frank.” A few years into his engineering practice, this time in another firm, Continental 87
Construction Co., Inc. (CCCI), Frank nurtured an ambitious plan. With P5,000.00 as starting capital, he began to establish a small construction office in his home in San Juan. He named it “Francisco L. Ramos and Associates�. In 1966 however, CCCI assigned him to be Operations Manager in Naga City (Bicol). He did not have much choice but to move there with his family. During their stay in Naga, they found the people to be gracious and hospitable. They made many friends. As Frank discerned 88
his career plans, he took courage in their friends’ support, and he put up a second office in Naga, where he transferred his center of operations; he maintained his San Juan office as a satellite office. After he had completed all major projects assigned to him, he resigned from CCCI. With his full attention now on his business, Frank restructured his firm as a family corporation in 1970, changed its name to “F.L. Ramos Construction Co., Inc. (FLRCCI),” and infused a paid-up capital of P45,000.00. Along with him, the original listed incorporators included his wife, Aurora; his mother, Felisa de Leon-Ramos; his uncle and aunt, Dr. Felix and Marcelina Tuason; and his brother, Teodulo Ramos. With his business briskly picking up, Frank had to move back to Manila in 1972. He had to converge his operations again in his home-office in San Juan. FLRCCI continued to grow, as it responded to the construction needs of its clients in the private and the government sectors, within Metro Manila, and in the provinces. For a company that took-off on a P5,000.00 capital, Frank’s construction firm thrived over the years, to become the successful construction company that it is today. Now on its 45th anniversary, it has become a company reinforced by experience, and distinguished for its solid performance and countless achievements. 89
the three-level san Juan residence was converted to Frank’s construction firm in 1963. The lower level housed the engineers and draftsmen, the ground floor was occupied by the officers and administrative staff, and the second floor was the living quarters of the Ramos family. Through the years, this facility was expanded and renovated to meet the growing needs of the business.
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San Juan Office The San Juan Office is actually “home” to Frank and to his construction firm. This is the house that Tio Feling and Tia Celing shared with him when he was yet in college, and with Nini too, when he brought her home in 1962. When Tio Feling and Tia Celing moved to the new house that Frank built for them, the ground floor of this San Juan residence became the head office of Frank’s construction firm—and it continued to be so for almost forty years, until it was moved in 2011, to a new facility in the Ortigas business center of Pasig City.
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Naga Office When Frank was relocated with his family in Naga for a special assignment, he saw the opportunity to put up his own construction firm there. As soon as he completed his assigned projects, he resigned from his company and pursued his dream of putting up his own firm. The Naga Office was built in 1968, beside the apartment that his family was renting. This became the command center for all his construction projects. The San Juan Office was maintained as satellite office. Very soon, business was flourishing in Naga, but so too in Manila. Frank needed to go back to San Juan in 1972. He left the Naga Office under the care of his brother, 95
Teddy, and their cousin, Engr. Andy Mangiduyos, until all projects there were completed in the 80s. In 2005, a new Naga Office resurfaced, as new major projects were acquired in that area.
the naga oFFice was blessed by Msgr. Romulo Vergara, then parish priest of the Basilica of Our Lady of Pe単afrancia. Their guest of honor was Mr. Fidel Cu, the owner of the Avenue Square Mall and Convention Center which FLRCCI built.
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Turning 25 In 1990, FLRCCI’s partners and employees gathered at the Club Filipino (San Juan, Metro Manila) to celebrate a company milestone—25 years of construction ventures! FLRCCI has indeed come a long way, and it has definitely made a mark as a major player in the industry. Looking back, Frank attributes the company’s success not merely to technical or financial acumen but more importantly to the company’s strong adherence to moral and ethical
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philosophies. He cites the value of satisfaction and the sense of fulfillment from a job well done over monetary rewards. He regards his clients as business partners and he treats his employees as family members whom the company cares for. These are actually FLRCCI’s stepping stones, moving the company forward to the next 25 years.
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ur clients are our partners in business. We want our company to be remembered as the company that always gives good service to our clients no matter what. We want to set an example of integrity, excellence, professionalism and honesty in the industry. —Frank L. Ramos 101
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Ortigas Office Although the old house in San Juan has been such “good luck” to the company, the time has come for FLRCCI to give its headquarters a more professional look, for better representation. In 2011, its office was moved to a unit on the 7th floor of the Padilla Building, located along Ortigas, Jr. Avenue, in Pasig City. Frank’s daughter, Nina, an interior designer, gave the new headquarters a make-over, creating an ambiance befitting a prestigious yet client-friendly construction firm. With this new image, the company also upgraded its organization to increase its capability to meet new and varied customer demands. Re-energized, FLRCCI seems poised to keep on going for many more years. The Ortigas Office was blessed on September 23, 2011.
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PCA The Philippine Constructors’ Association Incorporated (PCA) is known as “a prestigious organization of prestigious constructors.” Frank sought the immediate membership and accreditation of FLRCCI into this organization as he knew well that this was crucial to the growth of his business. The PCA accreditation is a recognition and affirmation of a construction company’s expertise and capabilities. On June 2, 1970, FLRCCI got PCA’s nod. It was among the first batch of constructors to be certified under the Philippine Contractors Accreditation Board (the accrediting arm of the Philippine licensing law, in the construction industry). Philippine licensing law also categorizes construction firms according to their technical expertise, financial capabilities, track record and bank relations. In its early years of operation, Frank’s firm was rated a Category D (the lowest). Gradually, as the company learned and developed, its rating steadily improved. It earned the highest Category AAA, almost twenty years ago, and it still enjoys this rating to-date.
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PCA christmas party 2014 was held at the Wack-Wack Golf and Country Club. PCA invites its contractor members and suppliers to their annual Christmas parties. They would have a different motif each year. An award would be given to the best-dressed attendee.
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Projects F.L. Ramos Construction Co. Inc. ventures in a diversity of construction projects, including residential and high-rise buildings, agricultural and institutional edifices, industrial plants and warehouses, public markets and supermarkets, waterworks, sewerage, drainage and water supply systems, and housing and land development. It also specializes in painting, steel fabrication and erection, plumbing, and interior finishing works. Flrcci capabilities in photos Clockwise, starting upper left: 1) Purefoods’ 40-ton capacity feedmills with 4 storage silos, administration and equipment buildings, warehouse and site development, in Luisita Industrial Park, Tarlac; 2) Prince Investment’s 6-storey building with roofdeck, on Rada St., Legaspi Village, Makati; 3) Avenue Square’s 3-storey mall and convention center in Naga City; 4) Land Registration Authority’s 4-storey building on East Avenue; 5) Burger King’s 2-storey building with basement parking on E. Rodriguez, Quezon City. 111
Naga College Foundation building in Naga City 112
Silver Finance Building, an 8-storey edifice with roofdeck, in Cubao
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Christ the King Church in Greenmeadows Avenue, Quezon City
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Christ the King Church (interiors)
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Engr. & Mrs. Frank Ramos residence (interiors), with 1,500 square-meter floor area, located in White Plains, Quezon City, completed in the year 2000
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Middle photo: Hunungan Resort, with its 25 cavanas and other facilities in Caramoan Island, Camarines Sur Top photo: Mr. Francisco and Mrs. Sofia Zobel-Elizalde residence (interiors) in Dasmari単as Village, Makati City
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Clockwise, starting far left: 1) Lorenzana residence in North Greenhills; 2) Sta. Ana Villas in Manila; 3) St. John of the Cross Seminary and Formation Center of the Discalced Carmelite Fathers in New Manila, Quezon City; 4) Ayala Land Inc. Woodside Homes, with 108 units in Quezon City
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Awards Throughout his life, Frank has received countless professional awards from various organizations. But he treasures most the “Outstanding Civil Engineer and General Constructor” award given to him by three different organizations, on different occasions, as follows: • from the Philippine Veterans Legion Auxiliary, given in March 1977, • from the President of the Philippine Institute of Civil Engineers (East Metro Manila Chapter), given in January, 2009, and • from the Licab (Nueva Ecija) Mayor’s Office, given in March, 2009. These honors affirm his capabilities, as civil engineer and as general constructor, these God-given talents that he had been honing and sharing all his life.
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Chapter 4
His Advocacies
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s founder and leader of his construction firm, Frank manages his time, talent and treasure to help bring out the best in his employees and his company. Frank is also aware that beyond these, he still has more to spare. Thus, apart from his engineering ventures, Frank shares his time, talent and treasure in promoting the other important things that he and Nini strongly believe in. They join civic and religious groups in order to promote these advocacies, which include: family life, personal sanctification, education for indigent children, and stewardship as a way of life.
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the First marriage encounter Weekend organized by Frank and Nini was held at Sunnyside Rest House, Baguio City in 1976. In attendance were CFMers, mostly from Immaculate Conception Parish (Cubao).
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Family Life Four years into their marriage, while they were in Tabaco, Albay, Frank and Nini joined the Christian Family Movement of the Philippines (CFM), the first family and life movement in the country. Its mission is to evangelize other families by first evangelizing its own members. Frank and Nini believe that a solid husband-wife relationship is the foundation for a strong family. As such, they have been very supportive of CFM’s couple programs, particularly, the Marriage Encounter. They participate by encouraging as many couples to join the encounter. They have also been involved as speakers and facilitators in other CFM programs. They have significantly contributed as CFM Foundation Chaircouple, a position they held for eight years, from 2002 to 2009.
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the ecclesial team of another Marriage Encounter Weekend organized by Frank and Nini. Almost half of the Rotarians of Downtown San Juan attended this weekend.
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Top photo: Frank and Nini helped organize a block- screening of “The Passion of the Christ� at the SM Megamall in 2004. Proceeds of this project replenished the funds of CFM Foundation, Inc.
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Left photo: A collage of CFM Unit 3 members. Until today, the unit meets twice a month for family evangelization.
Top photo: A reunion of pioneer CFMers Right photo: Frank and Nini with CFMers of Unit 3, Christ the King Parish; Msgr. Jaime Mora, parish priest is at center
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2001) painting by godoFredo F. zapanda, sr. (oil on canvass,
Personal Sanctification Opus Dei, which literally means “work of God,” is a Catholic institution founded in 1928 by a Spanish priest, St. Josemaría Escrivá. His teachings focus on Jesus’ calling to everyone to a life of holiness. He teaches that all man does is the “work of God,” 136
which should lead him to a life of dedication, commitment and love for Jesus, and for others, as he loves himself. Nini joined Opus Dei in 1980. She and Frank regularly attend recollections, retreats, and other activities here. The spiritual formation that they receive helps them to sanctify their daily lives.
In 2002, Frank and Nini attended Blessed Escrivå’s canonization in Rome. They cherished the rare opportunity of praying before their beloved saint’s mortal remains.
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mayor Willie s. domingo collaborated with civic-minded Licabeùos to form the Licab Nueva Ecija Development Foundation, Inc., one of the community development arms of the Mayor’s office. Frank is a pioneer and incorporator of the Foundation.
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SCHOLARSHIPS FOR INDIGENT CHILDREN Frank believes that education is every man’s way to improve his lot. Thus, he generously supports scholarship programs for indigent children. For Frank, it is enough that the child who seeks support has the desire to go to school; he need not be of high or superior intelligence. He and Nini support the scholarship programs of the following: • Rotary Club of Downtown San Juan Foundation, • Licab Nueva Ecija Development Foundation, Inc. and • Philippine Institute of Civil Engineers (East Metro Manila Chapter) Frank with co-Rotarians in Baguio City for a District 3800 convention
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Frank and Nini pose with c0-parishioners of St. John the Evangelist Naga Cathedral. Frank was the Hermano Mayor in 2004. He was in-charge of the financial upkeep and maintenance of the church.
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Frank and Nini have a deep devotion to Our Lady of Peùafrancia, Patroness of the Bicol Region. They were greatly involved in the celebration of INA’s 300 years as Queen, Patroness, and Mother of the region.
PROMOTION of STEWARDSHIP Frank and Nini are staunch believers of stewardship. They are members of the Stewardship Promoters of Christ the King, their parish. They want to spread the good news about adopting stewardship as a way of life. They want to help the poor parishes in their diocese (Cubao Diocese) through formation in spirituality, livelihood programs and financial assistance. In the process, they want their marginalized brothers and sisters to experience God’s care, hope and peace as well.
Nini shares a live moment with volunteers after an activity with women detainees at Camp Karingal. Sister Auxilium Salle, RVM (foreground) is over-all in-charge of the women detainees.
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Nini gives a talk to women detainees in Camp Karingal.
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Detainees take an ice-breaker to heart.
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Some awards Frank and Nini Ramos received from civic and religious communities
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AWARDS Among the honors that he has received from civic/religious organizations, Frank treasures most the one conferred by the Knights of Columbus (KC), Bishop Barlin Council, Naga City. This award recognized him as a 4th degree KC member. This represents the highest degree of service and dedication to the ideals of the council—in spiritual formation and in service to the community (carried out through medical/dental missions, disaster relief operations, among others). Frank feels humbled to be at the service of his fellow men, especially when help is needed most.
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Looking Forward
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ighty years is such an important milestone—it marks endings as it also signifies new beginnings for Nini and me. Personally, feel moved to refocus my attention to celebrating life more fully, especially with those who have been close and familiar to me, and to connect with people whose lives I have yet to touch. Nini and I still have other plans to carry out, which, by God’s grace, we would also like to share with as many people. We want to promote planting fruit-bearing trees in my hometown in Licab and in its environs. This is not only to create a physical legacy but also to provide for the next generations, and to raise concern for nature. We want to draw attention to the educational needs of the youth, especially in Licab, in the hope that the youth will also dream big and rise up to life’s challenges. In addition, Nini and I will initiate weekend rendezvous with relatives and friends, with whom we want to create more happy memories. Our home will remain open to anyone seeking, not only delectable dishes, but more importantly, comforting company with music, dance and cheers. The best years of our lives have just begun. Thank you, Lord! —Frank L. Ramos 151
Thanks to Relatives & Friends through the years
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Acknowledgements
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have spent eight decades savoring God’s goodness—through the many people He has sent to love, support, and care for me and my family all these years. Our awesome God is truly “Emmanuel” in all of them. Before I start citing other people, let me first lavish my love and appreciation on my ever dearest wife, Nini, on our children (Menzi, Mon, Nina, and their respective spouses: Sandra, Noi, Brando), and on our grandchildren. And so… On behalf of the F. L. Ramos Construction Co., Inc., Nini and I thank our key personnel and staff, our suppliers and subcontractors, our valued clients (past and present), and our associates in the construction industry. We thank our partners in our advocacies: officers and members of the Christian Family Movement (CFM) and the CFM Foundation; fellow members of the Opus Dei; Frank’s fellow knights in Knights of Columbus (Naga); district governors, officers and members of the Rotary Club of Downtown San Juan, and co-promoters of the Stewardship Program of Christ the King Parish. We thank our most cherished friends—Nanding and Inday de Leon, Gil and Del Perez, Lope and Baby Semaña. We express our gratefulness and love to our families of origin—to Tatang and Inang, and to all my siblings (Mencio, Sinia, Teddy, Bambino, Violeta, Banding, Amang, Baby), and their families; to the Siquijor clan, especially to Nini’s nine siblings and their respective families; and to all our other relatives on both sides of the family. In a most special way, we thank our beloved Tio Feling and Tia Celing, their children (Marietta, who died as a teenager, Ely, Lina, and Ben, and their respective spouses, Arianne, Joey, and Angie), and their grandchildren. I feel truly blessed each time I recall how Tio Feling and Tia Celing cared for me (and later, Nini) as their own. This memento is our little way of saying “Thank You” to all of you who let us be, to you who helped us grow, and to you who pushed us to soar. We thank the members of our book production team (Gerry, Jimmy, Grace and Lulu) for their talent, patience, and dedication in helping us turn our deepests feelings of gratitude into keepsakes that you can take into your hands and into your hearts. —Frank L. Ramos 164
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he distance from Manila to my hometown, Licab, is 151 kilometers, which usually takes two and a half hours to cover. But on my birthday this year, my travel took eight decades. It has been a meaningful journey made more memorable by the love and attention of my parents, siblings, children, teachers, relatives, friends, and my one and only窶年ini. To all of you, I will always be grateful. And to God, you have been greatly kind and merciful to me. Maraming salamat po窶ｦ. 窶認rank L. Ramos