Ricky Reyes

Ricardo Enriquez Reyes (born April 12, 1950) is a Filipino hairdresser, entrepreneur and television personality.

He is the owner of the Ricky Reyes chain of salons and host of the television program Gandang Ricky Reyes.

Early life Ricardo Enriquez Reyes was born on April 12, 1950. He was the eldest of seven children although he has three older half-brothers from his mother's earlier relationship.

His father was reportedly abusive and negligent,

He realized he is gay back in his childhood. His half-brothers would beat him up for being gay but Reyes insist they still loved him and they just don't want him to be ostracized for his identity. Ricky Reyes set up his first beauty parlor in a laundry shop in San Juan, Metro Manila.

Philanthropy In 1984, FilHair Coop initiated the "Isang Gunting, Isang Suklay" program which gave free livelihood training in hairdressing. FilHair Coop also provided free hair cuts to indigents.

Reyes also set up the Ricky Reyes Learning Institute (RRLI), a vocational school which offers technical courses in cosmetology and hotel and restaurant services. The first RRLI opened in 1995.

In 2010, Reyes was cited by Forbes magazine as one of the 48 Heroes of Philanthropy list in the Asia-Pacific region.

Labor issue In 2015, Renato Nocos, a former employee of Reyes' chain of salons, filed a discrimination case against his employer. Reyes fired Nocos after he found out that he is positive with HIV. Reyes denied the claim. In February 2016, the National Labor Relations Commission found Reyes guilty on the said case and ordered him to reinstate Nocos in his job and pay 600,000 pesos worth of back wages and benefits.

Marcos Estrada, Reyes' lawyer, stated that his client appealed the decision that Nocos allegedly distorted the truth. He claimed that Reyes treated Nocos for his declared pulmonary tuberculosis diagnosis. Nocos was said to return to work and secured a medical certificate despite "still coughing" but admitted to having HIV and was asked to secure another certificate. Nocos did not return and went to the NLRC to file a complaint insisting he was not fired.

Personal life Family Ricky Reyes is a gay man. He has been with his partner Cris Aquino who is a businessman since the 1970s. Reyes met Aquino when he was still performing drag revue in Taxco night club. Aquino was a back-up dancer in the now defunct venue.

Views on the LGBTQ community Despite being in a gay relationship, Reyes is against the legalization of same-sex marriage in the Philippines believing the institution to be the domain of the Catholic Church. He calls its supporters as "deluded" and "entitled". Reyes believes that the LGBTQ community should settle for tolerance.

Reyes also opposes the SOGIE Bill claiming to have stop its passing into law, a claim that was disputed by Rainbow Rights Philippines which noted that Reyes is not even a legislator.

Accolades Business 1986 Agora Award 2009 Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year-Philippines – Ur Van, Ur Business (UVUB) Inspiring Entrepreneur

Television Year Award giving body Category Nominated work Results 2000 14th PMPC Star Awards for Television Best Educational Program Host Beauty School Plus