Five years ago, Rhoubrick “Robi” Balboa believed his dream of becoming an engineer would remain just that—a dream.
Born into a broken family without responsible parents to guide or support him, he had come to accept a life that felt predetermined, one without a promising future.
“‘AKO SI ROBI, WALANG NAGPAARAL PERO GRUMADUATE NG ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING,’” he said on his viral Facebook post.
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| Photo courtesy: Robi Balboa/Facebook |
“May limang taon na rin ang nakakaraan, no’ng akala ko hanggang pangarap na lang ang maging isang inhinyero. Produkto kasi ako ng sirang pamilya. walang mga responsable at matatawag na magulang.”
Unlike others who hear words of encouragement from their parents, Robi recalls only one message from his own: “Walang mararating.” That harsh reality sparked a determination in him to rewrite his destiny and chart his own path.
When the COVID-19 pandemic struck, Robi applied to a renowned university for a degree in Electrical Engineering. The day he was accepted into Technological University of the Philippines (TUP) remains vivid in his memory, not just because tuition was free, but because the quality of education was exceptional.
However, there was still a looming problem: no financial support. Robi realized he had to work his way through college. The online class setup during the pandemic gave him an opportunity—he could earn and study at the same time.
He began as a barista and service crew member. That was his first taste of the real world—where earning money required relentless effort. Still, with determination and faith, he made it through his first year.
By his second year, as face-to-face classes approached, Robi needed more income to cover living expenses. He became a delivery food rider, working up to 18 hours a day, rain or shine.
Even so, he pushed forward. His perseverance allowed him to save enough for dorm fees and transition into the “back-to-normal” campus life. That meant finding new side hustles, this time as an online sales agent and customs escort. Slowly, he was able to invest in electrical tools, preparing for the contracting work he’d long dreamed of.
Electrical work had always been his passion, even before he pursued engineering. Eventually, “Ako si Robi” became more than just a name: it became a symbol of grit, survival, and ambition.
— Noel Ed Richards, The Summit Express