The man with a big heart

Life is a constant journey for this big man with a big heart. Born more than forty summers ago, Kenneth Ronald “Kiking” Constancia Camacho was very athletic growing up. He involved in many sports activities, most particularly basketball where his 5’10” height and huge frame played to his advantage.

Blending with nature

He is born to prominent parents. His father, the late Dr. Estanislao Camacho practised medicine and once served as Chief of Hospital at Catigbian District Hospital. Following his retirement, he ran and won as Board Member representing the second district of Bohol. His political career was cut short by his demise. Kiking’s mother served as budget officer at the Sagbayan local government unit until her retirement. She is a public servant at heart. She served the local government while raising a family. It is solid proof that women can manage multi-roles and multi-functions.

He has two other brothers and one sister. Their eldest is Father Jesus Frederick who is now parish priest at Sto. Nino parish in Anda, Bohol. Joseph Lemuel, a younger brother presently serves as staff of Congressman Aris Aumentado while sister Eymardine, a nurse who was also a high school classmate of this writer, is based in the U.S.

He completed his elementary education at Sagbayan Elementary School; obtained his high school diploma from the University of San Carlos–School for Boys; and his Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the University of San Carlos–Technology Center. He took the Mechanical Engineering Board Examinations in October 1988 and passed it in March 1989.

He joined BOHECO I in 1992 fully acknowledging that the company is the proverbial greener pasture. He desired to have a first-hand experience in running a hydro power plant. He has served the company since then. 

At work, he’s the big brother to many. People are naturally drawn to him because of his good nature and easy personality. He is literally a big brother. To this writer, he is a suave driver.

Kiking is married to the former Fritzie Lasco, daughter of the former Mayor of Tubigon, Bohol. She served as BOHECO I nurse for eight years. It was an office romance for this couple which culminated in marriage. Presently, they have three kids aged 10, 7, and 4. Suffice it to say, he married late in life. He enjoyed his bachelor days to the max!

His work functions include overseeing the over-all requirements of the electric cooperative in terms of materials, supplies, equipment, and other logistics. He makes sure that he is on top the situation and anticipates all needs to ensure the smooth operation of each functional unit.

Like most everybody, Kiking has future plans but is not ready to disclose them yet. In time, he will. In the meantime, the man with a big heart is enjoying his life journey to the hilt. 

             

Loyalty is a virtue

After a day’s bonding with the daughter Sunday, we proceeded to a new shopping complex in the city. It’s a little exploration for her since she just returned to Bohol last week.

She had organic ice cream from The Buzz. We sat on the corner bench provided for The Buzz’s spa clients. A few minutes later, I had Batchoy at Binalot. It’s the food shop where everything you eat has to be wrapped in banana leaves. But the Batchoy was not wrapped huh!

Anyways, as I was relishing my Batchoy ala Boholano with gusto, it rained harder. Shiloh and I watched the rain as well. We absorbed everything in our present environment. In simpler terms, we tuned it. A utility man was busy mopping the wet floor. Customers from the complex hurriedly got inside their vehicles but were afraid to get wet. I thought they could have waited for the rains to stop. Wishful thinking. More cars arriving. The rain didn’t stop.

Then the head security officer (he looks the part) approached the utility man who was mopping the floor. I remember the guy from my high school days. I didn’t forget the face. I then narrated to Shiloh how I remember the guy. I told her the guy has been serving this business establishment since I was in high school. He used to wear the blue security guard uniform back then. Shiloh responded by saying, “talk to him Ma”. I rose to the challenge. I called him and said, Sir I remember you from my high school days. You were serving their original store. He smiled broadly and said, yes Ma’am; I have served this company for 35 years. I was 19 when I started working here and now I have produced an Engineer who works at Panglao Island Nature Resort; a Nurse who works at a local hospital, and a CPA. The company helped me educate them, he added. He was beaming with joy and pride as he shared his story. He said the bosses helped him. I also met my girlfriend who eventually became my wife at the same company, he further explained.

He asked, you do remember me Ma’am? I said yes. He looked glad I did.

We spoke about how city folks used to watch movies at the old movie houses located on the second floor of the original business arcade. In those days, those were the only air-conditioned movie houses. Boy, I remember the days.

Thirty five years is no small feat. It is loyalty etched in the heart and mind of this simple man. What an inspiring story.

That’s Roque Yana. His story is worth emulating.