Ariel Lachica: A life of service, sacrifice, and Filipino pride

Empowering OFWs, uniting communities, and honoring our roots

by Denissa G. Venturanza

“Some are called to serve; others are chosen. I believe I was chosen.”

That’s how Ariel Lachica begins his story — not with accolades or titles, but with humility shaped by a lifetime of grit, service, and deep devotion to the Filipino people, especially overseas workers like himself.

We sat down with Ariel in Rome, where he has lived for over three decades. What follows is not just a recounting of events, but a story of how a boy raised in hardship grew into a man dedicated to uplifting others.

Early roots: the making of a leader

"I was born and raised in the province, where life was hard, but full of values,” Ariel recalls. “Our parents taught us to love and fear God. Before we even stood up from bed, we had to make it first — that’s discipline.”

As a young boy, Ariel would rise at dawn to sell native rice cakes like puto and suman, just to earn enough for food. "I’d go to school afterward, and then on Saturdays, I helped in the fields, preparing the land for cassava. By 6 PM sharp, we had to be home to pray the Angelus.”

Despite financial struggles, Ariel remembers his childhood with fondness — the river swims, climbing fruit trees like santol and guava, the laughter shared with classmates.

“I graduated from elementary with honors,” he smiles, “but in high school, life got even tougher. I sold more rice cakes and worked as a laborer at the National Irrigation Administration before classes just to afford notebooks.”

Even then, Ariel was not just a survivor — he was a leader. He joined the choir, folk dancing, scouting, sports, and religious programs. At graduation, he was awarded the Gerry Roxas Student Leadership Award.

His next move was Manila, where he earned a degree in BSBA Marketing from the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila, while juggling multiple jobs: “I sold Tupperware, delivered lingerie for Triumph, worked as a teller at San Lazaro Jockey Club... anything to get by.”

Ariel originally planned to join the army after finishing his ROTC training at MCMTC, but life had another path for him.

“In 1989, I had the opportunity to go to Italy to help support my siblings. It wasn’t easy. I had to cross mountains through Yugoslavia to get there. But I made it.”

Life abroad: From househelp to hero

His early years in Italy were far from glamorous.

“I started as a house help and a caregiver, then juggled part-time jobs. I didn’t speak Italian then, so I did anything — washed dishes, cleaned hotel rooms, worked in warehouses.”

But Ariel didn’t let his circumstances define him. As he learned the language and culture, he found better opportunities — eventually becoming a doorman and earning the respect of his community.

More importantly, he began organizing.

Building community: The birth of FEDERFIL

“I saw how fragmented we were as Filipinos abroad — by region, by religion, by association. I knew we could do better if we came together.”

In 2011, after years of groundwork, Ariel co-founded FederFil-Italy — a non-political, non-profit federation uniting Filipino organizations across the country.

“Our focus was humanitarian aid, community coordination, and policy advocacy. When the Philippines was hit by calamities, we mobilized. When OFWs needed support, we were there.”

One of his proudest achievements was lobbying for the extension of Philippine passport validity from 5 to 10 years, through a Europe-wide signature campaign.

Ariel also led mock elections for national polls and launched the Outstanding Filipino Workers and Migrants Awards, which has honored excellence in caregiving, government service, entrepreneurship, and more — now on its 6th edition.

The 7th edition is set for 2027, with clear criteria, including 5+ years of residency abroad and endorsement letters, especially for domestic workers and caregivers.

Faith, family, and Filipino pride

A man of deep faith, Ariel helped establish the Cofradia Sr. Sto. Niño de Cebu International at the Church of Saint Anne in Vatican Rome in 2022 — in collaboration with the European Sinulog Festival founders.

“We carry our faith wherever we go,” he says. “Even in a foreign land, Sr. Sto. Niño keeps us grounded.”

Despite facing his own health struggles, Ariel remains active. “I owe it to our mentors — Ate Marie, Tito Stefano, Ate Marlyn, Bro. Jerry. Their legacy is now in our hands.”

Lights, camera, service

Interestingly, Ariel has also found his way onto the screen — appearing in:

• The New Pope (2018, Sky Cinema series with John Malkovich, Jude Law)

• Baby Gang (Italian Netflix series)

• Conclave (Hollywood feature film directed by Edward Berger, with Ralph Fiennes, Stanley Tucci, and others)

“It was surreal,” he laughs. “But I’m still just Ariel from the barrio — who happened to serve, to lead, and, yes, to act a little.”

The last word

“To all Filipino leaders and OFWs — don’t forget where you came from,” he says, his voice steady. “We were taught that many are called, but few are chosen. I hope you are among those chosen — to serve, to unite, and to uplift others.”

In Ariel Lachica, we see a reflection of the Filipino spirit — resilient, compassionate, and always ready to answer the call to serve.

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About the author

From boardrooms to gardens, Denissa Venturanza’s career blends trade, heritage, and cultural storytelling. A pioneer of the Philippines’ Countertrade Program, she spent 18 years with the Philippine International Trading Corporation (PITC) before becoming Executive Director of the Chamber of Commerce of the Philippine Islands (CCPI), where she revived the historic Commerce Magazine. A well-travelled individual, she has met inspiring Filipinos who have thrived in countries they now call home. She is currently co-authoring The Tapestry of Philippine Gardens, a coffee table book for the Fern and Nature Society of the Philippines (FNSP).