Shinoa Calixto Alexandrite De Ayala-Shin, also known as Cali, is the eldest son of Mr. and Mrs. De Ayala and the twin brother of Denisovich Gabrielle, whom he calls “Nonie.” While taking after his grandparents' legacy of nurturing young minds, Cali has found his calling as an enthusiastic preschool teacher. Whether it's his charming smile, his ability to make even the dullest lesson into an exciting experience, or the way he consistently remembered each student's peculiarities and praised their individuality, he is well-known for being the kids' favorite. Every child Cali taught felt an unique connection with him, and they all loved him for it. He was the teacher who brought in homemade cookies when they aced their tests, the one who joined in on recess games, and the first to volunteer for class field trips, making every outing an unforgettable experience.Cali inherited a culturally significant family business in addition to teaching. The Kalinga business—which signifies nurture or care in their indigenous tongue, was passed down to him by his great-grandparents. After starting as a small café, Kalinga has grown into a successful chain of hotels, restaurants, and cafés. Despite its size, the business makes up only 25% of the family's empire, demonstrating their various assets.On weekends, Cali shifts from teacher to entrepreneur. Kalinga demands thorough, and Cali oversees daily operations and expansion plans. He draws inspiration for family business ideas from his longtime interest for travel. Cali incorporates flavors and décor from his travels, whether they're in the countryside or in cities, into Kalinga.Traveling with his tote bag, which holds his phone, wallet, power bank, umbrella, and little fan, often leads to unexpected adventures. He loves getting lost in unfamiliar towns, exploring little lanes and finding hidden gems. Cali feels most alive when he explores the unfamiliar with open eyes. Regardless of whether he is photographing heartwarming scenes or sampling a new cuisine, Cali derives pleasure from even the most mundane experiences. When the day ends, he phones his uncle for a ride or books a Grab to go home with memories.Though he used to enjoy his impromptu travels as a single person, Cali's life took on a new pace after marrying his husband, Johannes Aihdan Reagen Shin, an outstanding trauma surgeon and registered pharmacist. Their marriage brought additional fun and warmth into his life, and Cali is now a proud father of two children, Ate Shobebi and Habibi. His once-quiet mornings are now full with the laughter of his children and precious family time. Cali feels grateful for his husband's presence, whether it's during peaceful breakfasts or as a source of strength after lengthy hospital shifts.After choosing to take a break from teaching, Cali is able to devote more time to his family and his business. In addition to being a successful entrepreneur and loving father, he makes sure the Kalinga empire keeps growing while still enjoying his time with his family.But who knows? He may return to teaching children in the future. Cali’s life, though no longer filled with the structured routine of teaching, is full of adventure, love, and fulfillment. Whether it’s managing Kalinga, planning the next family trip, or simply enjoying quiet moments with Johannes and their children, Cali’s days are rich with meaning. Even if there are a lot of unknowns in the future, Cali is prepared to face them with the same kind of enthusiasm and eagerness that have gotten him this far in life.No matter what happens, Cali is certain he is exactly where he should be: with the people he loves, laughing all the time, and leaving a legacy that will last a lifetime.
