alk about what inspires
you!”, that’s what he
would say. An ask not
so difficult. We could say that some of the best people that inspire us aren’t always around to be acknowledged for their brilliance and luminosity and Chef Rodelio Aglibot is one of them.
For me, my list of inspiration is drawn from a special group of people that have shown me principles of life without even trying. Effortless strength is what Chef Rodelio taught me.
Acknowledged by the world, my friend Rod, was a man of true genuine joy and adventure. To Rod, trivial things never mattered such as where he was going for dinner or where he should spend the day. Rod was unconcerned about life’s impediments and focused on the bliss of the journey.
Every time we’d talk, he just waited to be heard and he did it by simply wanting an honest ear to listen. I was more than honored to be on the receiving end of the line hearing Rod because the time he gave me was received as a high level of respect.
As an aspiring baker, I discussed with him every detail of projecting and forecasting the release of my new product. I trusted his wisdom and for some reason knew he had the best intentions for me although we had only known each other for a little more than two years. And, he was always one for sharing his experiences.
He told me vivid stories of far-away places that I only dreamed about to let me know not what I was missing, but what I could have! His stories gave me the understanding that life is about knowing what we have in our grasp and believing that God granted us our inheritance and purpose already.
Wherever he was in the world and during his culinary missions he always included me. For that reason, and in his spirit of adventure, I now promise to take more people up on their invitations.
I have memories of him gushing about Italy, gelato and how I was missing the best time in the world, not saying it to make me jealous, but to make me learn that life’s about color, grace, and freedom of thought. Yes, you were smart, rational, but above that you knew what it meant to dream and create your reality.
He had a love affair with Chicago. He could never quite separate himself from this unrequited love. That’s the kind of stuff that spoke to his soul you can’t quite explain, but he always came back. He’d say, “Chicago, she was difficult, hardheaded but she always had you”.
He never concerned himself about how he was going to get there; always had the confidence of knowing he had a predestined seat…something only true faith could provide.
He taught me and many others a great deal. Never to take love for granted and to give it all you got at all times. Without giving direction he encouraged taking time away when you needed to breathe and work on your passion and strength, even if it meant across the world, and to enjoy life because it’s too short, and to ensure your choices make you feel alive and filled with joy.
Finally, he taught me how you should come back to important places and people, like he did with Chicago and his parents because they’ll always be missing you. I’m taking a page out of your book sir. Thank you for the memories, but more so thank you for the lesson.
T