His cup runneth over
Ricky Gutierrez did not have big plans when he started working in the early 90s. He eagerly took on every opportunity that came his way, from being a gardener at the Cenacle Retreat House and Spirituality Center to working at the AGS Cafeteria and Jesuit Communications doing maintenance/ messengerial services. What he wanted, however, was to have permanent employment. In February of 1997, his wife was due to give birth to their first child and he knew he needed to start earning a steady income. So when he had an opportunity to apply and got a job offer from the University, one that could eventually lead to becoming a regular employee, Gutierrez took the chance and never looked back. He was expected to report for work on February 7 as a utility man at the Ateneo de Manila Grade School.
“President’s Day pala yung February 4 at walang pasok kaya pinabalik ako ng February 7. Nanganak yung wife ko kaya nag-alangan ako kung papasok ako (February 4 turned out to be President’s Day, a school holiday and I was asked to come back on February 7. But my wife had just given birth so I was hesitant to leave her in that state),” Gutierrez recalls. But he knew he had a family to support so Gutierrez reported for work. It was the day that changed his life.
“Doon nagsimula yung blessings sa akin (That was the day blessings started to pour in),” he remarked.
Twenty-four years later, Gutierrez continues to reap blessings, with his children benefiting the most. All his four children have had the opportunity to gain an Ateneo education: the eldest graduated cum laude in 2019 with an A.B. Psychology degree; a daughter went to Ateneo Senior High School and in August, will enter the college as an A.B. Management Economics student. His twin sons are currently in Grade 6 at the Ateneo Grade School (AGS).
An opportunity with incredible benefits
“Inisip ko na lang para sa future ng mga anak ko kaya enjoy na lang trabaho (I’m always concerned with the future of my children so I just enjoy my job),” he says. What he didn’t anticipate was how an unbelievable opportunity also comes with incredible benefits.
In 1998, an AGS parent asked him if he had a son. When Gutierrez responded in the affirmative, the parent encouraged him to have his son take the AGS admission test for Prep when the time comes. Gutierrez initially balked at the idea, thinking that his son might not make it but eventually caved in, when his son turned 6 years old.
“Pinag-exam ko tapos minsan, pinatawag ako ng headmaster, si Fr. Fermin. Pagpunta ko doon, sabi niya,’Congratulations, pumasa yung anak mo (My son took the admission test. One day, Fr. Fermin, the school headmaster, called me to his office. When I got there, he said, ‘Congratulations, your son passed the test’).”
To help defray the cost, Gutierrez availed of the scholarship program given to children who are eligible.
Gutierrez, who was accompanied by his wife, shared the news with another parent who offered to finance the tuition fees due after the discount. He was rendered speechless. “Ang maibibigay ko lang po sa inyo ay prayer (I could only give you my prayers)” was all he said. And that, his fellow parent said, was more than enough.
When his son reached high school, Gutierrez also applied for a scholarship.
The advantages of an Ateneo education
His children’s academic achievements have also enriched his appreciation of Ateneo.
“Maganda ang tulong ng Ateneo, lalo kapag may anak kayo—mabibigyan sila ng magandang edukasyon (Ateneo’s assistance to employees is very good—children are able to receive quality education),” Gutierrez says. The University, he adds, helps build one’s character.
An act of generosity helped changed the course of Gutierrez’ life and it is not lost on him. To practice compassion and be magnanimous—Ignatian qualities that Gutierrez has learned to imbibe —are traits that he wants to pass on to his children.
“Maging bukas palad. Sabi ko sa mga anak ko, kung nakatapos kayo at nakakaluwag, tumulong sa mga bata na walang pang-aral. Mag-sponsor para at least yung nakamit ninyong biyaya sa pag-aaral ninyo na tulong ng Ateneo, ma-share ninyo (Be generous. I told my children when they graduate and have more than enough money, they should reach out to those who are in need and sponsor a child’s education. By doing this, they would be able to share the gift that they first received from Ateneo).”
