Joselito Malig

Article (news)

Darylle Sarmiento

ABS-CBN News

MANILA — Fuel prices are surging, and a looming energy crisis is threatening livelihoods, especially those in the transportation sector.It is no secret that this situation has a domino effect on other industries, including food production and more.Amid these challenging circumstances, a restaurant in Marikina has chosen a rather uncommon path.Despite facing the same struggles, it continues to give back and care for others.Chef Jayson Maulit, chef and founder of Trining’s Kitchen Stories, said that the advocacy of giving back has always been at the core of their mission.In fact, this commitment was shaped by his late grandmother’s experience during the pandemic.“Noong 2021 nagkaroon ng COVID yung dalawa ko pong lola. Para makapag-raise ng funds for her expenses binenta po namin yung family dishes and nagkaroon po ng gratitude campaign for front-liners noon,” said Jayson Maulit.But the advocacy did not end there.During typhoons and other crises, the restaurant responds quickly by offering free hot meals to those affected.Now, amid the fuel crisis, Chef Jayson and his team have prepared 2,000 to 3,000 free meals for Public Utility Vehicle (PUV) drivers and food delivery riders.“Ngayon po, dahil nagkaroon ng fuel crisis masyadong tinamaan yung mga restaurant at tsaka yung transport sector. Tingin ko po, magkakakabit iyon eh. So, dahil medyo tayo po may konting buffer naman, tingin ko kung yung lola ko buhay ay gugustuhin niya rin makatulong ibang tao, gaya ng pagtulong ng mga Pilipino sa kanya nung siya naman yung nangailangan,” Maulit added.To Chef Jayson, though they are going through the same struggles as those in the transportation sector, they will continue to help for as long as they can.“Kami po hindi pa naman po tayo umaabot sa puntong yun, pero kami rin po nanggaling po sa kumakalam na sikmura karamihan yung team namin. So, alam po namin kung ano po yung bigat na dinarama ng mga drivers natin. Kung umabot po sa punto na mamimili ka between gasolina tsaka pagkain tingin po namin, kailangan may tumulong na. Kung hindi po yung gobyerno kami nalang po na private initiatives ang gagawa nun.”One recipient, a tricycle driver, shared that due to expensive petroleum he would rather save his food and let his children eat instead.“Mahirap dahil…lalo na ang taas na ng gasolina. Halos parang sa gasolina nalang napupunta yung benta namin, konting nalang kinikita. Di baleng kumain mga anak ko, kahit ako (huwag na) kaya ko,” said Rolando Pascual.Meanwhile, a food delivery rider said he chanced upon the free meals and immediately took one, as he often skips meals just to bring home a reasonable income.“Kakakain ko nga lang ngayon, banana cue yun. Masaya po, ito nga po nadaanan ko lang po ito. Sabi ko, hinto muna ako, sayang din po. Tapos mamaya kakain, tapos dire-diretso ang byahe,” said Jelmar Pabo.The ingredients used for the meals are also donated by private individuals who share the same desire to help their fellow Filipinos.To keep the business running, the team have divided their efforts; some focus on daily operations, while others lead the advocacy drive.

Fuel prices are surging, and a looming energy crisis is threatening livelihoods, especially those in the transportation sector.

Fuel prices are surging, and a looming energy crisis is threatening livelihoods, especially those in the transportation sector.

Giving back: Restaurant in Marikina serves free meals to PUV drivers, delivery riders

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Giving back: Restaurant in Marikina serves free meals to PUV drivers, delivery riders

Darylle Sarmiento,

ABS-CBN News

Published April 08, 2026 12:51 AM PHT

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Marikina

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