In the small, peaceful village of Dakit, Barili, Cebu, a young boy named Lito once dreamed of a better future. Life wasn’t always easy, but he worked hard, listened to his teachers, and never lost hope. Through determination and perseverance, he beat the odds and turned those dreams into reality.
Last December 20, 2024, Lito—now Chairman Rafaelito “Lito” Barino of the Duros Group of Companies.—returned to his roots, bringing with him the true spirit of Christmas. Along with his wife, Ms. Fe Mantuhac Barino, President of the Duros Group of Companies, he visited Dakit Elementary School, where his journey began.
The visit was made even more special with the support of Duros Hotels and Duros Land employees, whose contributions filled food packs that were joyfully distributed to children from Grades 1 to 6. Toys and warm smiles accompanied every gift, spreading holiday cheer. Joining the Chairman and President were Ms. Rhea Mantuhac Andales, VP for Finance of Duros Land Properties Inc.; Mr. Adie Gallares, Managing Director of Duros Hotels; Mr. Allan Ballesteros, Duros Land Properties Director of Sales; Ms. Cheyenne Kate Mantuhac, Duros Land Properties Marketing Head; Mr. Ian Mantuhac, Duros Land Properties VP for Operations; and personnel from Duros Hotels, DLPI, and Liloan Golf.
Chairman Lito and Ms. Fe also handed over cash assistance to help repair the school’s tennis court, a gift that will benefit future generations. Mr. Barino toured the classrooms where he once sat as a young boy. Memories flooded back, bringing tears to his eyes. Speaking to the students, he encouraged them with the lessons he lived by: “Listen to your teachers. Be happy. And always give.” The couple also reminded the children of the deeper meaning of the season, saying, “Christmas is the season of giving, and the best form of giving is forgiving.”
In the spirit of Christmas, Lito gave not only material gifts but also hope, inspiration, and a reminder of the importance of kindness and forgiveness. The boy who once dreamed big had returned as a man who achieved even bigger. And from the rivers of his hands, kindness flowed—back to the place where it all began.
