Rise of a public servant
Early life and education
Born on the 16th day of February, 1963, Aida De Guia Macalinao was the sixth born child of the seven children of Ms. Engracia De Guia and the late Mr. Senon Macalinao, both natives of Brgy. Lalawigan, Samal, Bataan. She was the second to the youngest and for her, growing up amidst the adversities in life has never been that easy during that time. Aida's parents who used to be a farmer and a vegetable vendor back then really went through a lot of hardships just to send her in school. Macalinao grew up in their ancestral house, near the town Plaza. She finished her primary education at Lalawigan Elementary School and continued secondary education at St. Catherine of Sienna Academy, a private catholic school in their town. There are times in her life way back her childhood days where she experienced going to school with nothing in her pocket. Her classmates were sharing their food and money just to give her something to eat during break time and lunch and just like the other children coming from the less privileged families; she also experienced wearing ragged clothes. Nevertheless, Macalinao was still lucky enough because she was able to obtain a degree in Management at the Feati University at Manila, being supported by her siblings during those years.
Business career
After completing tertiary education, Macalinao entered a business by establishing a selfowned hardware selling batteries and other construction needs. She was a hand-on employer when it comes to her employees and a keen observer even to the smallest details of what she's managing. She also tried venturing to other field of works however, those business careers went through ups and downs as she also faced losses on it but those failures stood as her stepping stone to aim for greater heights until achieving her first forwarding business, the "Cargo Star Express", a trucking company which still operates until today.
Identity colors
The way she dressed, the way she talks, the way she lives define her true gender preference. Admit it or not, the people of Samal, regardless of sexual orientation would always be prouder as ever upon knowing that their Mayor is an out and proud member of the LGBT SOCIETY. Macalinao, as the first trans man Mayor of her town never tried to hide who she really is; in fact she's as brave as a real man, becoming a brother/sister to her siblings and friends, mother/father to her adopted son, Charles. Aida was once a lover as well, as she has been in some relationships back then. Now, she is an active supporter of LGBT rights supporting the advocacies of the first Trans woman Congressman in the Philippines, Rep. Geraldine Roman of Bataan (1st District).
The rise of a public servant
Aida, as being called by her friends, started her political journey with the advice given by her brother, Engr. Reynaldo Macalinao, year 2004. Her career in serving the Samaleños began on the same year as she ran for Vicemayor and lucky enough to obtain sufficient votes leading to the said position. After her term ended year 2007, she decided to vie for Mayorship where she experienced her first loss against the incumbent Mayor Tigas. Just like other people who have been in defeats, Macalinao suffered from a lot of stress and pressure giving her health issue as she was once a victim of mild stroke but the healing did not took so long leading to her fast recovery. She never thought of ending her political career just because of what she went through during those years. Year 2010, her will to serve the public urged her to run once again and by God's grace she was elected as no.1 Councilor for one term under the regime of the first female Mayor of Samal. It was year 2013, when she decided to run as Vice- Mayor under Mayor Gene dela Fuente where she got the full support of her constituents giving her two terms (2013-2019). Macalinao, took the risk and ran as the Mayor of her town before dela Fuente ended her three consecutive terms and the Samaleños never disappointed her despite the close rivalry against Tigas, hundreds of votes became her edge to win the position. Now, she's just continuing her legacies as a politician by leading and supporting numerous projects and activities for the betterment of Samal and for the sake of its citizens. Known for the "AKSYON AT MALASAKIT" political battle cry, Macalinao is really persevered to uplift the state of life of every Samaleños by providing services anchored to her #AIDACARESBEST platform and to give her "Serbisyong may Puso" advocacy. When she assumed office, being the town Mayor, achieving the Ambisyon 2029; Matatag, Maginhawa at Panatag na Buhay was one of her driving force and catering the needs of those unheard will always be her mission until she will be destined to another life calling.