Rico G, the Funnyman

THE Monday Club was formed in the mid-nineties, and no exact date can be recalled by any its members. But they all know, as far as they can remember, that it started at Ribeye Steak House, a restaurant in Balibago, Angeles City, owned by Manny Alfonso, a businessman from Barangay Balanoy in La Paz, Tarlac.

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It all started when actor Lito Lapid was the province’s governor and met his key staff members every early Monday evening at Ribeye. Aside from the governor, there were two of his lawyers, Benjie Galang and Rico Quiambao, businessman Doret Tombo, Engineer Andy Austria and the late Dr. Nell Guanlao. Then over time, the fellowship group swelled to more than 50.

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The first president was Gem Guiao, brother of the late Gov. Bren. Mikey Macapagal Arroyo was vice president. The membership was who's who in politics, business and professional roster. There were Pangasinan mayors, Bebot Villar and Boy Penguin De Vera. Pampanga mayors Tarzan Lazatin and Boking Morales. Businessman Manny Alfonso, owner of Ribeye, Fil del Rosario,Ariel Jersey, Cesar Garcia, Troy Recabar, Joseph Policarpio and brother-in-law Nash Tuazon.

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Remarkable were the years when Atty. Manollo Feliciano, Romy Calara and Recabar were president of the fellowship club. Tae Chun and Eric Hong are the two Korean members. Colonels Guilor Eleazar, Marvin Bolabola and Dindo Laguda represented the military. There was Pasky Bognot, banker Gus Agustin, Kiko Antonio, Louie Lopez. But it is former mayor and Tesda chief Pastor Guiao who was most consistent. He was never absent. Then there was Jojo Flores, Patrick Macran, Ding Tuazon, police General Orly Macaspac and Paris Tolentino.

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In the life of Monday Club, the most unforgettable incumbency was that of Engineer Rico Guilas, more known to his friends as Rico G or Tata Rics. He hosted the club for one year, meaning he picked the weekly tab. I consider Rico as one of my best friends. Never a dull moment with him. He is one guy whom you will like really as friend, or BFF, best friend forever. Rico can give the late Dolphy or bossing Vic Soto a run for their money when it comes to cracking jokes.

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Rico's life is one for the book. Another success story. Born in Betis, Guagua, he is the youngest in a large family of nine siblings. His father died when he was only two weeks old. At a young age he did a lot of odd jobs but he remembers most his apprenticeship in sculpting in a small factory selling antiques. According to a friend he was fired when he was tasked to do an image of St. James, Betis patron saint, but what came out was a look-alike of his brother Tony.

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Lucky enough, Fr. Pablo Songco, brother of his mom Victoria supported him in his studies. He finished civil engineering in the University of Sto. Tomas in 1974 and immediately found a job with a Korean company Nam Kwang, which was undertaking the expansion of MacArthur highway. He didn't like the treatment of his Korean boss, and he nearly clobbered him with a shovel. He was hired as engineering aide at the Department of Public Works and Highways and overtime he became regional director of the agency.

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You don't want to engage Rico in a drinking bout. He would gulp a glassful of scotch and empty it with one stroke. During his younger years, he had a memorable drinking match with Toy Pineda of Pentagon Construction when the two finished 4 cases of beer which lasted till dawn. When you meet Rico, beg for the story on what happened that day. If you will not get the real laugh of your life, I am willing to donate 4 cases of beer on your birthday.