 |
| The Derquitos. The father & son is a tandem on the mechanical shop, on the dirt track & in the barbershop |
From that point, father and grandfather constantly engage the young man with anything to do with tire and engine works. These were Gene Patrick “Jiggy” Derequito’s small steps to working his way into the family business. Last year, the 26-year old officially became part of the company.
On his own, Toto is into the construction business. Part of his job is to oversee sand and gravel deliveries, equipment rentals, and checking of the construction site of the family’s housing project. He owns a small farm.
Work is what gets Toto and Jiggy together. “That’s bonding time for us,” said the dad.
But there’s another activity that binds father and son—off road vehicles and racing.
“Off road racing is a common interest. I cannot remember exactly when it started but I have been actively competing since the late 90's,” shared Toto, “Jiggy was always exposed to off road vehicles and he would accompany me to the races. These may have sparked his interest in the sport,” he added.
Racing is a pastime they do together since Jiggy got into it. “We have competed in several competitions. In fact we are taking part in the Eagle Off Roaders Davao’s Kadayawan off road challenge this August 27 and 28.”
Toto is one of the founders of the Eagle Off Roaders Davao in 2000, where he served as president for several years in the past, and the club is host to the annual Kadayawan off road challenge, which started on its founding year.
 |
| Off road racing is a pastime they do together since Jiggy got into it. |
“Off road racing is a common interest. I cannot remember exactly when it started but I have been actively competing since the late 90's,” shared Toto, “Jiggy was always exposed to off road vehicles and he would accompany me to the races. These may have sparked his interest in the sport,” he added.
Racing is a pastime they do together since Jiggy got into it. “We have competed in several competitions. In fact we are taking part in the Eagle Off Roaders Davao’s Kadayawan off road challenge this August 27 and 28.”
Toto is one of the founders of the Eagle Off Roaders Davao in 2000, where he served as president for several years in the past, and the club is host to the annual Kadayawan off road challenge, which started on its founding year.
 |
| Toto on Jiggy's firs haircut at Rocky's Barbershop in 2003: He was so thrilled to be with adult men. It made him feel grown up. |
Off the dirt track and the mechanical shop, there was another “training” for Jiggy that Toto started with Jiggy when his son was 13—men’s grooming.
In 2003, Toto and Jiggy stepped in at Rocky’s Barbershop at SM City Davao and stepped out as loyal clients. They have been patronizing the brand every since.
It’s an advantage that the branch is near their home, but barbershop’s service is what gets the men coming back.
“The staff is friendly and their performance is professional, the place is always clean. I don’t have a regular barber but I always like the result after I get off the chair,” said Toto.
Toto remembers the first time he brought Jiggy to Rocky’s. Their first haircut together was one of my most memorable moments.
“Jiggy was thrilled to be with adult men. It made him feel grown up. That idea and his haircut were happy moments for him.”
Like Toto, Jiggy pretty much sports the same hairstyle and requires the same haircut whenever he visits Rocky’s. Both father and son don’t really mind who cuts their hair because they trust the barbers to do a good job.
Thirteen years after their first visit, their favorite barbershop is celebrating its 20th year in the men’s grooming business and they are proud to be a part of the Rocky’s family.
“I’m sure Jiggy will agree with me when I say that what’s very impressive with Rocky’s is how they value their clients,” declared Toto.
In 2003, Toto and Jiggy stepped in at Rocky’s Barbershop at SM City Davao and stepped out as loyal clients. They have been patronizing the brand every since.
It’s an advantage that the branch is near their home, but barbershop’s service is what gets the men coming back.
“The staff is friendly and their performance is professional, the place is always clean. I don’t have a regular barber but I always like the result after I get off the chair,” said Toto.
Toto remembers the first time he brought Jiggy to Rocky’s. Their first haircut together was one of my most memorable moments.
“Jiggy was thrilled to be with adult men. It made him feel grown up. That idea and his haircut were happy moments for him.”
Like Toto, Jiggy pretty much sports the same hairstyle and requires the same haircut whenever he visits Rocky’s. Both father and son don’t really mind who cuts their hair because they trust the barbers to do a good job.
Thirteen years after their first visit, their favorite barbershop is celebrating its 20th year in the men’s grooming business and they are proud to be a part of the Rocky’s family.
 |
| Off roaders Toto & Jiggy Derequito has been loyal clients of Rocky's barbershop since 2003 |
“I’m sure Jiggy will agree with me when I say that what’s very impressive with Rocky’s is how they value their clients,” declared Toto.
“Through the years, I have seen the different upgrades that the management has done to ensure comfort for their customers. The staff we regularly see treats us as family, the shop is well maintained, the entertainment— music, TV, reading materials, are good. There’s free brewed coffee, too. They go out of their way to make you feel comfortable and "at home”."
“I have always enjoyed my relationship with the staff and barbers. They are always friendly while being respectful of your space. This is what I don’t want to change”
As for Jiggy’s wish, “For Rocky's to be able to continue to be the leading barbershop in Davao in the next 20 years and more.”
Rocky’s Barbershop is the first barbershop to open in a mall in Davao City in 1996. All its five branches today are conveniently located in malls- Victoria Plaza, Abreeza Mall, GMall, SM City & SM Lanang Premier in Davao City, and Centrio Ayala Mall in Cagayan de Oro City. 2016 marks its 20th year in the business.
Toto and Jiggy Derequito are the featured Father and Son personalities for August in the 2016 Traditions calendar of Rocky’s.
*****
Email me at jinggoysalvador@yahoo.com. For more lifestyle & travel stories, visit http://apples-and-lemons.blogspot.com and http://jeepneyjinggoy.blogspot.com
Published in the SunStar Davao newspaper on August 14, 2016.
“I have always enjoyed my relationship with the staff and barbers. They are always friendly while being respectful of your space. This is what I don’t want to change”
As for Jiggy’s wish, “For Rocky's to be able to continue to be the leading barbershop in Davao in the next 20 years and more.”
Rocky’s Barbershop is the first barbershop to open in a mall in Davao City in 1996. All its five branches today are conveniently located in malls- Victoria Plaza, Abreeza Mall, GMall, SM City & SM Lanang Premier in Davao City, and Centrio Ayala Mall in Cagayan de Oro City. 2016 marks its 20th year in the business.
Toto and Jiggy Derequito are the featured Father and Son personalities for August in the 2016 Traditions calendar of Rocky’s.
*****
Email me at jinggoysalvador@yahoo.com. For more lifestyle & travel stories, visit http://apples-and-lemons.blogspot.com and http://jeepneyjinggoy.blogspot.com
Published in the SunStar Davao newspaper on August 14, 2016.
.jpg)
