by Reynaldo Umalay, Jr.
Helen Keller once said, “Life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all.” Life is what we make it and the choices that we make will seal our destiny.
A testament to this is Reynaldo C. Nandin, who rose to become a successful businessman from being an ordinary vegetable vendor.
Born to a large family of nine siblings, he grew up living an impoverished life in the quiet barangay of Puyad, Cabatuan, Iloilo. Despite this, the young Reynaldo still managed to finish his schooling by selling vegetables in their place just to sustain his studies.
As a lad, he learned the tricks of the trade from his mother Josefina and his father Jose, a poor but industrious farmer. He quietly envisioned a dream of a better future which he held on despite the everyday struggles.
Reynaldo’s life was difficult. Each time was spent earning an income that was barely enough to survive the day. But this did not hinder him from pursuing his dream. He continued his studies and got an Aeronautics degree. He also earned his Civil Engineering degree at the Western Institute of Technology in 1978.
Reynaldo was not alone in his quest. As he skillfully crafted his plan, his loving and equally supportive wife, Melly stood by his side all throughout the stormy and bumpy road of his journey. Although incredibly tough, but because of the internet technology, he was able to gather information and inspiring ideas from highly successful people.
He started as a financier for a mango spraying business in the entire Panay Island and became an efficient distributor of various agricultural products for the Planters Product Corporation in 1989. He acquired business acumen and dedicated his heart to prosper in this area. This led him to build his own business, the Nandin’s Agro Sales Inc. With two branches in Cabatuan and New Lucena, it has become a major distributor of various construction materials and agricultural products, including that of Atlas Fertilizer Corporation.
He also involve himself in community service by serving as a Municipal Counsellor in Cabatuan for 18 years. He was also involved in other organizations such as the Tanod Association and the PTA Federation.
Due to his accomplishments and backed by his loving and supportive family, he was awarded as the Most Outstanding Businessman of Cabatuan.
Reynaldo Nandin credits his success to God’s gift to him, personal vision, courage to carry the act and purpose to pursue his dream with passion, integrity, and responsibility. For him, a life well lived is a choice that we all must make.
