I was born in the Philippines and moved to the United States when I was three. I moved to Buford and started second grade at Buford Elementary. I graduated from Buford High School in 1991.
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
I have a sister who was also a Graduate Buford High School. My wife, Kathleen, graduated from Brookwood high school. We now have three kids who all three go to Buford City Schools
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
My wife and I currently own Rico’s World Kitchen and the Brunch Apothecary. We both have worked in hospitality most of our lives and look to continue for many years to come. Especially love the ties that we have with the community and with each event that we are a part of, It’s a privilege to know that we are tied to special events like weddings, graduations, and other significant events in the lives of those whom we’ve catered and and provided our services.
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
I honestly feel like we have a Thai to most all the restaurants here in downtown Buford. That is what makes our community very special.
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
We opened our restaurant originally at the mall of Georgia over 13 years ago. We’ve been in downtown Buford for over 10 years now. Again, I’ve lived in Buford for a well over 40 years. I’ve worked all over and in too many businesses to count.
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
Years ago, there was a painter named Cecil. He used to walk the streets here of Buford and I had a chance to speak with him on numerous occasions. We had a few lengthy conversations at the old Kroger that is now empty across the street from the fire station here in Buford. His story is well documented, but The times I got a chance to speak with him we’re interesting and somewhat confusing for a young person like myself at the time. I regret that I never got a chance to really get to know him. I also regret that I never got a chance to see his art firsthand in the old Bona Allen Restaurant by the tracks.
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
Id like to have a glass of southern style sweet iced tea in the shadow of one of the Great Pyramids.
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
Ferris Bueller’s Day Off – The Office
Q: What advice would you give to people?
Don’t trust advice from strangers
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
I want the power company to stroke me a check.
Q: What is your go to band when you can’t decide what to listen to?
Jimi Hendrix and the Band of Gypsies
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
Tote a Poke
Q: If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would y’all meet for this lunch?
Gordon Ramsay-because it would just be a hoot-We’d eat at any one of our fine Waffle Houses after a night of drinks at our American Legion
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
I love our art community. Buford has always seemed to embrace the arts as well as athletics. Our Historic Downtown was ultimately revitalized by our strong artist community. We’ll before there were businesses like mine.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
Older and 20 pounds heavier
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I wasn’t officially a citizen until about a year ago-it was a shock to me as well
Q: What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
The United States Immigration office where I was sworn in
Q: Favorite month? favorite holiday? and best single day on the calendar?
October-Christmas-09-13-2004
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
Pork Chops and Eggs with eggs over light, double hashbrowns scattered smothered double covered, extra toast
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My mom-She threatens as well-it has worked over the years
Q: What is one or two of your favorite smells?
Bacon cooking at sunrise in a snow covered cabin-
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Something’s cooking-kids playing-warm and comfortable
