Starting as a bank teller 14 years ago, Ramon Llamas is now a vice president for the mortgage department of Bank of America. For years, he’s been in the elite Platinum Club, an award given to the top five per cent of the company’s mortgage originators across the nation. He’s proud to be a part of Bank of America with its long-term commitment to opportunity and growth. He’s also proud and happy that in doing his job, "I am able to help families achieve their American Dream."

Award-winning area realtor Lovette Rosales Llantos echoed his view. She told Asian Fortune: "What’s most striking about Ramon is how much he truly cares for his clients. They’re not merely numbers on his ledger. They’re an opportunity for him to help a family realize its dream of home ownership. At the end of the day, the recognition, awards, and professional achievements pale in comparison to the satisfaction and fulfillment he feels in being able to help families achieve the American Dream. Ramon is very conscientious, customer-oriented, and very professional. That’s why he’s my mortgage officer of choice."

Lovette also stressed Ramon’s role as an active community leader. Ramon does so in his personal capacity and also as a part of Bank of America’s community reimbursement (outreach) program, which has given $10,000 for annual minority festival celebrations and other projects.

Remarked Lovette: "He sponsors and supports various community events, as well as fund raising events to benefit the needy locally and in the homeland. Last March, he was my guest speaker at the Philippine American Chamber of Commerce-DC and Lovette HomeBuying/Investment Seminar."

Monsignor Lio Rotor of the Archdiocese of Washington wrote in an email: "Ramon has many strong points that make him a good community leader, from being a people person to a great organizer. His strongest point is his dedication to the person he is serving. He gives his all and honestly wishes the best for that person. On a personal level, he is a good friend and a good ‘brother’ in the faith. I consider myself lucky to be associated with him."

Ramon knows all families think of the future in terms of getting education for their children and owning a home, two investments that spell progress for society as well. He agreed that these are the top priorities among immigrants from the time they come here. "And Bank of America recognizes business is coming from emerging markets such as the Asian Americans and the Latinos," he said. He identifies with these goals. In an interview over a cup of coffee at MacDonald’s near his office in Annandale, Virginia, he told of his humble beginnings. He related how, against all odds, he himself achieved the American Dream.

Dream Big

"I’m a firm believer in dreaming big," he said, smiling as he held his coffee cup. "I also believe that once you’ve made it, wouldn’t it be wonderful if you gave something back to society?"

Ramon is the youngest of 13 children. He was born in the Philippines to Francisco, a supervisor and checker at Manila’s famous pier, and Concepcion, a housewife. Growing up, he counted among his friends the priests in his parish. At 19, he entered the seminary of Our Lady of Angels in Novaliches, Quezon City, with the goal of being a priest himself. He graduated cum laude with a B.A. degree in philosophy.

In 1986, he reached a turning point in life. "At 4 o’clock in the morning, I heard a knock at the door at the rectory. Now, a knock at the door at 4 o’clock in the morning could only mean one thing: bad news. Our family’s house burned down. It was hard to take that in, there was nothing. But as I stood there, I imagined, ‘This is where I will build my mother’s room.’"

Ramon left the seminary, determined to help his family. He tried to apply for a job in Saudi Arabia. He went to Japan and took a class in Japanese on a student visa. At a Tokyo Catholic church, he met Mary Ann Santos. The two got married in a ceremony performed by a priest with whom he had studied in the seminary. Mary Ann came to America on a sponsorship. Ramon joined her in 1992, staying at the District’s Mt. Pleasant apartment of Mary Ann’s sister. He worked as a gardener, baby sitter and courier.

He rose from the ranks at Bank of America, starting as a teller at Adams Morgan branch, then becoming personal banker, customer service manager, and later banking center manager for East Fall Church till 2002. As VP for mortgage, he meets with realtors to discuss opportunities for first time home buyers and those who want to refinance their house.

His extraordinary success is based on a reputation for integrity and for closing 100 per cent of his loan commitments without any delay in settlement. He levels with his clients. He tells them right away whether he has a program to help them, and if not, he helps them prepare for the next step in their mortgage search. He has also trained and mentored several of the company’s loan officers. In the industry itself, Ramon’s advise is much-sought after by other loan officers.

                Senior Vice President and Mortgage Sales Manager Keith W. Stiles said Ramon is the most conscientious mortgage account executive. He added: "He takes pride in Bank of America, takes pride in serving his community, and operates 100 per cent in the best interest for his clients. He has been extremely successful in his career with Bank of America because he always keeps a positive attitude toward his work, his clients and his teammates. Ramon is truly a ‘class act.’ It’s a pleasure to have him on our team."

                Ramon’s wife said in a phone interview, "He drives a Mercedes Benz because of his position, but he would be happy with any other car. He’s really a very humble guy and very kind and I think that’s why I fell in love with him. He’s low-profile and doesn’t like to give interviews–maybe this one time it’s because he wants to inspire others." The couple owns a house in Falls Church that’s part of Fairfax County in Virginia, and a lake house at Culpepper where they spend summers boating, swimming and fishing with their children Patrick, Francis, Andrew and Veronica. With his penchant for planning for the future, Ramon also has real estate investments that assure their children’s education.

He has not forgotten those in need in the Philippines. Four years ago, he and his wife started helping ten elementary and college students (one law student and two future nurses). They also helped friends start a food business. "It’s not really how much we give, it’s how much love that goes with what we give in helping others achieve their dream," said Ramon, who knows what it’s like, against all odds, to achieve one’s dream for himself and his family. By Jennie L. Ilustre