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| The ring that marks 20 years of service |
When Rocky’s celebrated a milestone of 20 years in the men’s grooming business in 2016, it featured in a calendar fathers and sons spanning up to three generations who have been clients of the barbershop since it opened in 1996. The twelve sets of male personalities are but a few who had made men’s grooming at Rocky’s a tradition.
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| The 2016 Rocky’s calendar cover. Fathers & sons on the 2016 Rcoky’s Traditions calendar |
Why these bunch stay loyal while others start a tradition with the Davao-born grooming brand is no secret. More than the excellent service, it’s the good relationship that has been and is being cultivated and nurtured by the homegrown barbers with each and every client who gets to sit on the barber’s chair. It makes the men look forward to the next visit.
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| All the Rocky’s men. From 5 to 21, there are years of partnerships that strengthen the bond between these barbers and Rocky’s. |
The 20th year in the industry is a milestone for the first barbershop in the mall. This wouldn’t be so without a band of strong trade partners behind the name Rocky’s.
Recently, Rocky’s honored its trade partners—the barbers who made the brand what it is today.
Since the day Rocky’s opened the doors of its first branch in Victoria Plaza, three barbers are still on board, marking their 21 years of service this 2017. Jun Acub, in Abreeza branch today, and Noel Namacos and Ruel Danas, both you will catch at the Victoria Plaza branch.
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| The openers. Jun Acub, Noel Namacos and Ruel Danas are still with Rocky’s since the first branch opened in Victoria Plaza mall in 1996. That marks their 21 years of service at Rocky’s. |
Among these loyal barbers’ many awards, each were handed a ring made of silver engraved with the Rocky’s logo and the number of years as partner of Rocky’s.
“Rocky’s barbershop recognizes your loyal and dedicated service to our clients. Your contribution to the company made Rocky’s synonymous to excellent service provided by homegrown barbers,” extended the manager, Tom Gempesaw, to the three “family members” who have been with the company since its “birth”.
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| Rocky’s Barbershop manager, Tom Gemepsaw. It’s making each barber a part of the family. Tom Gempesaw of Rocky’s Barbershop with Jun, Noel & Ruel. The bond goes beyond the employer-employee relationship |
The three men set the standard for the rest of the team of barbers. But there are many not too far behind them who are following their footsteps. These younger trade partners are following the footsteps of Jun, Noel and Ruel, and they received the recognition due them.
For every five years of service with the company one star pin were given to all the barbers. Receiving two star pins were Al Sarallena (SM Ecoland) with 14 years of service, Pert Gudmalin (SM Ecoland), 12 years with Rocky’s and Renz Arca (Gaisano Mall), 10 years.
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| Marks of excellence-a star for every 5 years of service & the mark of a Rocky’s family member |
A pin each was awarded to Raffy Prafina (Victoria Plaza) 9 years with the company; Rangie Begonia (SM Lanang Premier), 9 years; Asel Agudo (SM Ecoland), 8 years; Gary Bulanon (Abreeza Mall), 6 years; Jerry Israel (SM Lanang Premier), 5 years; and Gaga Darato (Abreeza), 5 years.
If you see a pin and stars on the barbers’ collars on your next visit, those are the marks of their loyalty to their craft, to Rocky’s. It’s the mark of excellence, their pride.
Congratulations to the homegrown barbers of Rocky’s! May you continue the tradition of excellence in men’s grooming in the city, welcoming the generations of Davaoeños on your chair, their “throne”.
Rocky’s Barbershop is the first barbershop to open in a mall in Davao City in 1996. All its branches today are conveniently located in malls- Victoria Plaza, Abreeza Mall, GMall, SM City & SM Lanang Premier in Davao City, and Centrio Ayala Mall and SM City in Cagayan de Oro City.
Email me at jinggoysalvador@yahoo.com. For more lifestyle & travel stories, visit www.ofapplesandlemons.com & www.jeepneyjinggoy.com
Also published in the SunStar Davao newspaper.
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