It has been 10 long months since the lockdown was implemented in the country and some businesses were affected by the global pandemic. There has been an inevitable recession to the economy and this gives our country a hard time coping. 

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The Polytechnic University of the Philippines - College of Communication community has been in a tough battle since the lockdown was implemented. The College is known to have different food stalls that offer good food at student-friendly prices. With the ongoing pandemic, the community has experienced tremendous change in its way of life as some of these stalls were left with no choice but to close.

 

Fortunately, some of these stalls were able to continue their operation despite the risks they would face.

The end of hardships caused by the pandemic is still unsure. We’ll never know when this would finally end with the status we are in today. 

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Here are some food stalls that have shared their struggles during the lockdown and pandemic:

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Master Buffalo

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“Nawalan kami ng trabaho, isa sa mga kinaharap namin pero sa suporta ng mga boss namin, naka-survive kami,” said Rollie Rebina, 40, receptionist.

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Master Buffalo is one of the famous restaurants around the University. Many students even from other nearby universities can go the extra mile just to try and experience the ‘talked-about chicken wings’ offered by Master Buffalo.

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The pandemic forced Master Buffalo to close for three months. Their employees together with Rebina were sent home because their store will be closed. Rebina’s employer helped them survive by giving them relief goods and other necessities. 

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After three months of closure, they started operating gradually by letting their business explore and try something new for the new normal including food delivery services (Food Panda, Grab Food, etc.) 

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In October 2020, Master Buffalo was able to get reoperate while adjusting to the new normal.

 

Q Stuff Sizzling House

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Along the busy streets of Teresa, you will find a hideout that serves sizzling sisig that you’ll never forget. If you’re searching for a pork dish that will cradle your tastebuds, in Q Stuff Sizzling House, you’re in good hands. Q Stuff Sizzling House has been part of PUPian’s plate for about a couple of years and they are still serving satisfaction up until today. 

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It has been tough for Q Stuff to face the problems caused by the pandemic. It reduced their gross income big time and forced them to sudden closure.

 

Chef Von

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Chef Von is a very popular eatery store that you may find in different places in Manila. Their greasy yet delicious food sparks in your Filipino tongue. One of the best reasons why so many PUPians love this restaurant is because they serve twenty-four hours. It is good for students who stay in dormitories and overnight gatherings. 

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Jeffrey Baldo, 28, a cashier in Chef Von, said they closed from March to August 2020 due to the pandemic. 

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All of the staff of Chef Von stayed for five months and sustained their everyday living for free but no salary by the management. Many of their employees decided to leave because of  income loss. 

As of now, little by little, they are able to continue their business. 
 

Kubo Z 

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Not all the stalls still focus their business on food, some of them tried something that is considered to generate more income; hence, the change in their line of business. 

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Kubo Z is a “karinderya” store near PUP Main Campus. Most of their customers are students and faculty members of the university. 

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Because of the pandemic, Leni Perez, the store owner, said that their income was deficient during the early stage of the pandemic, but they found ways to cope with this crisis. She started to sell different necessities that we need during quarantine such as face masks and face shields. 

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The store thrives to open but the operation is half way full. 

 

2048 coffee

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One of the best coffee shops along Anonas street is 2048 coffee. Many students visit their store to experience their famous frappe and milk tea. They also serve different varieties of food that are budget friendly for students, and offer good ambiance and accommodating facilities. You can stay in the shop while studying and eating great food. 

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Like other stores, they face the same problem brought by the lockdown. They want to keep the store operational but because of the extension of the Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) at the time, they have changed their business from a café store into a shop related to motorcycle parts. 

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Yet, they are still full of hope and plan to reopen the café store once the pandemic ends.

 

Kinachok

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Kinachok plays a big part for every COCian. It serves as a home for everyone, not to mention that they serve really good food at an affordable price. But Kinachok wasn't spared from the cruel effects of the pandemic -  they also faced different hurdles and found ways to adjust with the new normal.

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Ana Indiongco, 44, the owner of Kinachok, shared during the first surge of the lockdown, she already knew that it would really affect their business because their first line of customers were the students. 

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When classes were suspended, this affected them big time. Their income started to curve low. It even came to the worst when she had to close the store to prevent bankruptcy.

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Months had passed until something came into Indiongco’s mind. She started a new business - rice selling. “Since rice is a necessity, it would be a good start for our new career to kick off. We turned our store/eatery to a store that sells rice,” she said.

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“Hahanap at hahanap ako ng paraan para bumangon,” Indiongco added.

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For her, everything is an opportunity to grab, it is just waiting at the corner to be found. She will always find ways to survive and get up from whatever is pulling her down.

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Today, as the COVID-19 continues its onslaught, no one is guaranteed safety and everyone is unspared from its challenges. Yet, we have to remember that everything is just a matter of choice. Our choices will be our platform of change, and these choices can only be: to move forward or to stay on our course. Whatever we choose, it is upon us to do our best amidst this crisis. May we have the courage to step on the platform and take the risks without regrets. 

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