Dad Who Used To Sell Vinegar In A Kariton Builds Family's Dream Home

The COVID-19 pandemic has inspired Filipinos to turn their homes into a more comfortable place for work and living. Thanks to communities like Home Buddies, they can share their do-it-yourself projects and revamped spaces and inspire others to finally purchase their own homes or pursue renovations.

More than the beautiful homes, the stories behind it is what truly captivates us. One example is the Sicat family home, which was built thanks to the hard work and perseverance of Rudolfo "Rudy" Sicat, a father of three who is a vinegar seller turned construction executive. 

His son, Randall Sicat was inspired to share his father's success story to SmartParenting.com.ph, hoping it can touch others and prove that working hard can help you achieve your dreams.

“Pinanganak si Papa sa mahirap na pamilya sa isang barrio sa Pampanga at pang-apat siya sa walong magkakapatid. Hindi nakapag-tapos ng pag-aaral ang mga magulang niya pero hindi ito naging hadlang para matupad niya ang mga pangarap niya sa buhay,” Randall shares in an email he sent to Smart Parenting.

From selling vinegar to building houses

At a young age, Rudy had to work different jobs to help his family as well as finance his schooling. Selling vinegar proved to be the most profitable from the different jobs he had taken on.

Rudy traveled from San Fernando to Angeles and Mexico, Pampanga to sell his products. “Naka-kariton lang po siya noon at tirik ang araw. Ang kwento niya po sa akin ay malaki ang kinikita niya sa pagtitinda, around 90 pesos noong panahon na iyon pero noong kalakasan ay umaabot daw ng 300 pesos,” recalls Randall.

Motivated by his dreams, Rudy continued selling vinegar until his college days. It took him seven years to finish Civil Engineering at Holy Angel University because he had to juggle work and his studies. After graduating, he used his savings to go to Manila so he can take the Civil Engineers Licensure Examination. With the grace of God and Rudy’s perseverance, he became the first licensed civil engineer in their barrio.

Not wanting to rest on his laurels, Rudy worked in different construction companies in Manila. “Minamaliit po siya dahil graduate siya galing probinsya pero habang tumatagal ay nakikita nila ang worth ni Papa kaya bumibilib sa kanya ang mga boss niya,” Randall proudly shares.

After gaining enough experience and knowledge about the industry, Rudy decided he was ready to start his own construction company.

“Maraming nagtiwala na clients sa kanya at halos lampas na ng 1, 000 projects ang kanyang natapos sa araw na ito. May mga buildings, bahay ng mga artista, mga malls, sikat na restaurants, mga ospital, at iba pa,” says Randall, adding that one of Rudy’s completed projects is often rented for TV and movie productions

From starting a small company where he did most of the work to establishing corporation with more than 300 employees, Rudy becamse a trusted name in the industry with Rodsy Construction and Development Corporation.

“Dati, nilalakbay niya ang buong Pampanga para magtrabaho at magtulak ng kariton pero ngayon nakakapag-bakasyon na siya sa ibang bansa. Dati kariton ang tinutulak niya pero ngayon ay kotse na ang kanyang minamaneho,” Randall adds.

Rudy’s success story is an example of perseverance, believing in your dreams, and never giving up. “Natuto ako maging matiyaga, masipag, at madiskarte sa buhay dahil sa Papa ko. Some words of wisdom he shared with me and my brothers are, ‘don’t let your bad habits ruin your life. Don’t just let things happen, make it happen,” Randall shares.

Want to share your #budgetperofancy home makeover? Email us at smartparentingsubmissions@gmail.com and tell us about your project. For more home improvement and renovation ideas, click here.