Winston Churchill once said, “We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give.” Truly RS Francisco has learned to make a blessed life in this world. Recently awarded by the American Association of the Philippines as philanthropist of the year, RS continues to give back by sponsoring a “Healing Concert,” bringing Oasis of Love Cebu’s renowned healer Tatay Dodong (Nonito Limchua) to the transparochial Catholic Church of Oasis of Love Manila in Mandaluyong City to heal 200 or more participants at the roofdeck of the Emar Suites this coming Sunday, Jan. 29, at 10am till 3pm.
Other stars who will participate out of service to God and humanity are Christopher de Leon, the servant leader of Oasis of Love, Mitoy Yonting, Lance Raymundo and yours truly.
Gossip Girl was able to get an exclusive interview with the president of one of the most popular multi-level marketing organizations in the Philippines, Frontrow, and I got to see his spiritual side.
“I was raised in a God-fearing home with parents who were deeply rooted in values and faith. Growing up, I would just do what I wanted, and loved having fun (well up to now, I’m still always up for a good time). But deep inside, I uphold the virtues passed on by my mom and dad. Coming from hardship and experiencing the miracles of God has also amplified my spirituality, and helped me better appreciate the values that I was instilled. And now, I find myself passing on the principles I adhere to – like choosing to be honest, God-fearing, considerate and kind – to all those who surround me…especially to my younger friends. When Oasis of Love Manila approached me to sponsor a healing concert, I suddenly remembered my mom’s twin sister and I wanted to do this for her. As simple as our life was back then, my mom and her twin did everything in their power to support me and make me feel loved.
“My mom is my foundation, and taught me most of what I know. Even though I wouldn't act like I was really listening back then, the more mature I grew, the more I appreciated all the virtues that she passed on to me. When I grew my hair for M. Butterfly, when I did the stage play in college, my mom would even be the one to help me pin my hair. She was behind me in everything that I did. My mom’s twin was equally there for me and treated me like her own son. I’ll never forget the time when I wanted a CD player so badly, she spent her savings so that she could appease me with this. We may have been ‘poor’ back then, but I never lacked love and support because of my mom, her twin, and my father who is now in heaven.This is why it’s always been my vow to give back to them in every way that I can.
I was humbled and flushed when RS told me his life story, I did not know that I was part of it. “Acting (especially theater) is and always will be my first love. Though as earlier mentioned, life wasn’t easy growing up. My father retired early, so I wasn’t able to enjoy the usual comforts and luxuries of my peers back then. So I eventually dropped out of college, because of our financial setback, and got into different jobs to hopefully improve our quality of life. I cut hair, became a shoe salesman, and sold perfume.
“Thankfully, I found my way back to theater (acting). But although my soul was full, my pockets were still empty. It was you, my friend, Giselle, who opened my eyes to venture into advertising. I pursued directing commercials, and this solved our financial shortages.But because it wasn’t what my heart really longed for, I burnt out after a few years. I could no longer bear working about 16 hours a day everyday, and having no time left for anything else.This is why I immediately jumped at the opportunity of “time freedom” when multi-level marketing was presented to me. I gave it my all and rose as a top distributor in the company I was part of. When this closed due to management concerns, Sam (my fellow top distributor and org-mate in UP Diliman) and I carefully planned and built Frontrow – with our tried and tested Luxxe health products and a thought out business model – so that more people can meet the success we found in multi-level marketing.”
Aside from Frontrow, RS now has a new clothing line RS Merchandise and to my surprise all profits of RS merch goes to the the needy. “I felt helpless during the pandemic as I didn’t know what I could do in that given situation. For the first few months of 2020 it became our obligation to stay at home to help stop the spread of the virus. But I just couldn’t “stay home” and do nothing. Hence, with help of my creative team, we developed and introduced RS merchandise, which started with shirts and masks. 100 percent of proceeds from our merchandise is devoted to charity – like our Kontra Gutom feeding program. Apart from our regular feeding program, through RS merchandise, we have provided tablets to students for online learning, sent milk to nursing mothers, handed treats and toys to street children, and given cash assistance to noble organizations like Home for the Golden Gays and LoveYourself PH. We’ve also given cash assistance to deserving students, so that they could pursue their education. As my way of giving back, I re-staged M. Butterfly in 2018 and donated 100 percent of sales from each performance to a different organization. We were able to donate to over 30 institutions.”
Truly RS Francisco has transcended and it is in giving where he made a difference. “Giving what you can spare can’t hurt you or take anything away from you. It can only make life better for another. So never hesitate from giving back and paying it forward. Think of all the times when you were in need, when you needed help, and received kindness from others. If not, just remember how it feels to be in a difficult situation, and do what you can to be a blessing to those who may be going through the same. RS merchandise and Frontrow are not just enterprises or “businesses” to me. These have become channels to spread goodness and pay it forward. Frontrow provides people the opportunity to empowerment. And by being a Frontrow business partner you become an enabler for more people to improve their quality of life through self-employment and through our Luxxe health products. As a spearhead of Frontrow my biggest reward is now seeing our business partners (distributors) use their own initiatives and efforts to help other individuals and communities. And I’m proud to say that Sam and I have succeeded in fostering a culture of generosity, humility and kindness through Frontrow, which we now extend through RS merchandise. To help our fellowmen is the absolute beauty. So let’s all choose to be a light in the darkness. Give freely, give often, change lives… and never dim your light!"
The Oasis of Love Manila Healing Concert which RS Merchandise has sponsored will be this coming Sunday Jan. 29. It will start with the rosary of healing at 10am followed by the Holy Mass and lunch. The Healing concert and the anointing of the sick begins at 1pm. For tickets you may DM the facebook page of Oasis of Love Manila ,email [email protected] or call 0285314951.