On a recent trip to Fatima, we were billeted at Pinoy House Fatima. I was very curious about the name and the people behind it. When we took the first taxi in line at the bus station, we directed the driver to Pinoy House and were puzzled when he said “family, family.” Turned out he was the cousin of the owner. Victor, our driver, drove us to a souvenir store where we picked up Ritchiel, the owner.

A minute or so after we arrived at Pinoy House and were pleasantly surprised at the rooms and amenities. Pinoy House Fatima opened in May 2018, and Ritchiel pointed out that they were still on dry run. A bus load of Filipinos from Germany had just checked out as we settled in.

Ritchiel is married to Carlos, a Portuguese, whom she met through her best friend and neighbor when he came to the Philippines with her friend’s husband. She hails from Hinigaran in Negros Occidental and has been in Fatima since 2007. They have been blessed with three children. The last two are twins. I teased her that they are extremely blessed and that the twins have been a source of good luck.

The objective of Pinoy House Fatima is to offer homey service to Filipino pilgrims worldwide. The setup was well thought out: four separate wings, each consisting of four bedrooms with a common kitchenette, a fridge and complete set of cooking utensils and cutlery. Rooms have in-suite bathrooms, flat screen TVs, are air conditioned, spacious and the beds are very comfortable. To say that the location is excellent is an understatement. We were more than happy at Pinoy House Fatima and it did feel like home.

Rooms have in-suite bathrooms and flat screen TVs

What an admirable couple. They both manage the big souvenir store as well as Pinoy House Fatima. Her mother and sister help at the second souvenir store while her father lends a hand at Pinoy House. They make an excellent team.

May they be an inspiration to our kabayans living abroad and may their tribe increase.

Isabel Valles Lovina, an AB Child Study graduate from Maryknoll was an elementary school teacher at the International School Manila. After setting up a children’s garment factory in Negros Occidental, which she has recently passed on to her daughter Ines, she has set her eyes on traveling as much as she can.

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Pinoyspotting: Pinoy House Fatima

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