Ruben "Benjie" Rivera Maniego

Affectionately known to many as Pac Man or Congressman for his generosity, he was lovingly called Lolo Benjie by his grandchildren and simply Benjie by his immediate family. His warmth, humor, and selfless heart left a lasting impression on everyone he met.

Ruben was the eldest of thirteen siblings born to the late Martin Galulu Maniego and the late Gloria Del Rosario Rivera. He was born in La Paz, Tarlac, where he spent his childhood as a star student admired for his intelligence and sense of responsibility.

As the eldest of thirteen, Ruben carried a strong sense of responsibility from a young age. He began working early as a bus conductor for Philippine Rabbit, where fate led him to meet the love of his life, Arsenia “Arsie” Butiu Montoya. They eventually married and were blessed with five children. Together, they built their home and raised their family in Santiago, Sta. Ana, Pampanga, a place that became the heart of many cherished memories.

To support his growing family, Ruben took on the role of breadwinner and worked overseas in Saudi Arabia as an Overseas Filipino Worker. Despite his sacrifices, financial challenges remained, prompting both Ruben and Arsie, despite the heartbreak of leaving their young children to seek better opportunities in Hong Kong as domestic helpers. Later, as professionally educated individuals, they transitioned to more stable jobs: Ruben in a printing press and Arsie in a prestigious handbag company.

After years of sacrifice and hard work abroad, Ruben and Arsie returned home to the Philippines with pride and joy, knowing that all five of their children had successfully completed their college education. In recognition of their dedication and perseverance, they were honored in July 2017 as the Best OFW Couple in their town, a tribute to their unwavering commitment to family.

That same year, they brought pride and smiles to their family once again by joining the Gwapong Lolo and Gandang Lola 2017 competition in Sta. Ana, Pampanga. With their natural wit, charm, and infectious spirit, they captured the hearts of the crowd and took home the titles, giving their family yet another reason to celebrate their beautiful journey together.

In retirement, Ruben found joy in traveling with Arsie to visit their children and grandchildren in Singapore and the United States. His pastimes included “sabong”(cockfighting) and farming, hobbies fully supported by his children. His eldest son gifted him a farm for his roosters, while his second eldest son purchased another property that Ruben affectionately named “Sofia Sharks Farm.”

He was also an active member of the Unity Best group, known for their community service in their barangay, particularly in devotion to their patron, Saint James. In 2024, Ruben and Arsie served as Hermanos, a role they both cherished.

Ruben was a spirited traveler, a social butterfly, and the life of every party. His wit, humor, and charm made him a natural icebreaker, and he was beloved by all who had the pleasure of knowing him.

In August 2024, with the help of his son and daughter-in-law in the United States, Ruben fulfilled his long-held American dream by moving to the U.S. with Arsie. True to his energetic nature, he began working as a caregiver at a nursing home operated by his niece’s sister-in-law.

It was during his duty that Ruben suffered a major heart attack and collapsed. With his feet on the ground in service to others, he was called home to our Creator.