Wearing a simple black shirt, rugged shorts, and slippers, Don Chiyuto chuckled warmly at his guests as he welcomed them to his home. “I’m not the Boss here. He’ll be out soon,” he said and gave each person an elbow bump.
Patrocenio Calvez Chiyuto Jr. or Don Chiyuto exudes the kind of charm and charisma that makes him endearing. And yet, one can tell he’s very much grounded and down to earth. He blends in so well with everyone, you wouldn’t even think he’s the man responsible of providing homes for those who need a roof over their heads, jobs for those who lost their livelihood, or simply those who need someone to help save them from misery.
Some of his beneficiaries were even featured in Korina Sanchez’s top-rated show "Rated Korina" on TV5 and this was where Don Chiyuto got the name ‘Mr. Solve.” Any problem brought to him, he addresses with ease and compassion.
Don Chiyuto has paid for thousands of hospital bills of those who can’t. He has repeatedly provided capital for people wanting to start their own businesses. He even asked his team to visit Aeta communities to see what they need and how he can help them.
Don Chiyuto is doing all these things behind the scenes. No cameras, no media, no publicity. This is why some people are calling him ‘angel here on earth.’ He has been tirelessly helping without expecting anything in return.
In fact, Don Chiyuto doesn’t even consider what he does as ‘helping.’ He said, he’s merely giving back what Filipinos have always deserved. “Hindi ito tulong. Deserve niyo ito. Actually yung binabalik ko sainyo, kulang pa sa lahat ng kinuha sa inyo.” Recently, Don Chiyuto has finally agreed to unmask and reveal himself because some people are starting to claim his identity. He fears people might be lured by such posers and might get in deeper trouble.
Why Don Chiyuto has such a benevolent mindset and an unselfish character can be attributed to how he was brought up by his parents. Growing up with 4 siblings, Don Chiyuto said his parents made sure they experienced the realities of life and grew up very grounded.
Don Chiyuto said he didn’t know his family came from money until his parents died. “Pinalaki ako ng sakto lang. Ang nanay ko nag abroad. Ang tatay ko walang trabaho. Hindi naman ako nagtataka bakit wala siyang trabaho. Yun pala apo siya ng mayaman, hindi na nya kailangan magtrabaho. Pero pinalaki kami ng tatay ko nang hindi marangya. Kung pwede kami maghugas ng tricycle, maghuhugas kami. Wala akong alam sa kayamanan, wala akong alam sa halaga ng piso.”
When asked about the most important lesson he learned from his parents, Don Chiyuto said it’s to not discriminate. He believes people are born equal, should have the same privileges, and should be able enjoy the same things. “Kailangan kasi no discrimination at all. Kung ano kinakain ko, yun din ang kinakain nya. Kung may kotse ka, may kotse din sya. We should all be beneficiaries kasi lahat tayo nilikha ng Diyos.”
Don Chiyuto has been helping people since he was 12 years old. He vividly remembers how he would share his food with a classmate so both of them have something to eat. He giggled remembering how he shared his test answers to a classmate so he can also pass the exam. “Pero pati pangalan ko kinopya din nya kaya pinagalitan kami ng teacher,” Don Chiyuto laughed.
But more than just helping, Don Chiyuto is also all about paying it forward. “Palagi kong sinasabi na i-extend nila yung tulong sa iba. Yun talaga ang requirement ko. Once na hindi mo pinasa ang ayuda ko, wala ka nang kasunod na ayuda.”
For a man who has everything, one could not help but wonder, what’s one thing that Don Chiyuto would be looking forward to this New Year? His answer… nothing he hasn’t hoped for before. “Ang New Year kasi, New Year lang yan. Bakit hindi natin gawin araw-araw ang New Year? Or Pasko… bakit hindi natin gawing araw-araw Pasko? Dito sa bahay ko, sa mga kaibigan ko, sa mga nakikita ko, gusto ko araw-araw Pasko. Kasi pag anak ka ng Diyos, araw-araw Pasko para sayo.”
Some people may think Don Chiyuto’s story is too good to be true. But for those whose lives he has touched and helped improve for the better, Don Chiyuto will always be an answered prayer.