ORDer UP!

byJeaceyA.Paralumanand JoshuaLouiseP.Solon

From food cooking to food delivering, this is how a chef-turned-delivery driver overcame pandemic problems.

From the heat of the kitchen to the heat of the roads, Jaime Marcelino Jr. worked as a luxury hotel chef prior to the pandemic.

He worked as a chef in a Japanese restaurant where he learned to make Japanese dishes. This served as a stepping stone in his career in the culinary world. Subsequently, he then worked as a chef in a high-end restaurant and made delicious cuisines. Up until the COVID-19 pandemic where millions were affected and lost their jobs, including Marcelino is halting his career and along with the Asian restaurant he worked in.

“When our operations were affected, I thought of finding a new job. I had a co-worker that worked as a rider for Foodpanda on the side, so I asked him to help me out,” Marcelino said.

Looking for opportunities to work for some time and being unable to pay for his family’s bills for an extended period of time, Marcelino was left with no choice but to leave his career as a chef and venture as a Foodpanda rider.

Rully is a caring father of a three-year-old toddler and a loving husband to his wife who is also striving at the City Government Office. All his hard work—the blood and sweat he has shredded, is entirely dedicated to his persevering family.

“My exhaustion disappears every time I go home and see them,” Rully said in tenderness.

Firsthand employees like Rully inevitably experience and see the diversity of people as they embark on their career journey. Oftentimes, as they rescue patients, they face encounters that have their own unprecedented stories that will mark front liners for a lifetime.

“Everytime I work, every individual is unique…I can notice their characters”, Rully stated with amusement in his tone.

Despite the endeavors that have passed Rully Linonhay’s life, the distinct experiences in his line of work—the people he meets on a daily duty will never be a cruel burden as it lifts his weary soul.

Food-delivery apps have seen a significant increase since the start of the pandemic as more people prefer the convenience and efficiency of ordering out. With the curbs on social contact, social distancing, and lockdowns, the demand for food-delivery drivers has risen, providing options for individuals who are struggling to find a job during the pandemic.

Marcelino admits that his earnings as a Foodpanda rider are enough to cover his family’s necessities as well as his wife’s online studies and his daughter’s education. The motorcycle he uses to commute to work has been converted into a delivery van. As he leaves home every day to make his rounds around the city, he uses it to bring food. When asked if he ever gets tired of working long hours, Marcelino says he draws his motivation from his family.

He felt compelled to share their experience and employment because they were facing the same problems and experiences as other delivery drivers. To achieve a decent salary for their family, they endured the heat of the roads, angry clients, traffic, and delays.

Marcelino intends to use the money he earns from Foodpanda to start his own business in the future.

The uncertainties and consequences of the pandemic have significantly impacted the lives of many workers and professionals across the country as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Unemployment has risen over the past two years and shows no signs of stopping. However, as COVID-19 limitations are lifted and more people are allowed to return to work, we may see a glimpse of normalcy among the unusual events of the previous two years.