Manny Penaredondo was living his dream working as a demi chef at a five-star beach resort in the Maldives. With a lucrative salary plus benefits, he was on his way to realizing his dreams for his family.

But then, the COVID-19 pandemic happened. Resort operations came to a grinding halt and, like many others, this hopeful chef lost his job.

Manny saw no other choice but to go back home.

Upon his return to his hometown in Tondo, Manila last February, Manny immediately focused on finding any opportunity to make money.

So from being a chef, he became a barber, a massage therapist, an online seller, and even an air conditioning technician.

"Noong nagkaroon ng pandemic, alam mo 'yung nagkaroon ka ng eagerness na matuto ng mga panibagong skills. 'Yung pandemic ngayon, maganda siyang [opportunity] para malaman mo 'yung mga panibago mong skills.

(When the pandemic came, I developed an eagerness to learn new skills. The pandemic presents a good opportunity to learn.)

Manny started cutting his relatives’ hair first. As soon as he became confident with his skills, he began accepting customers. A friend who is an aircon technician taught him how to repair air conditioners. He now works seven days a week.

"Kasi ang nasa isip mo kailangan mong kumita eh (What’s on your mind is that you need to make a living)," he said.

With his multiple jobs, Manny admits he gets exposed to a lot of people, which is not ideal considering the risk of transmission. He says strictly following health protocols will keep him safe.

"Kung takot lang paiiralin natin, hindi tayo mabubuhay diba? Kaysa naman i-asa natin sa gobyerno natin, kung di pa tayo gagawa ng paraan, walang mangyayari sa buhay natin. Kailangan nating kumilos. Make it sure na doble o triple 'yung pag-iingat natin," he said.

(If we let fear take us over, we won’t live, right? Instead of relying solely on the government, if we don’t think of a way, nothing will happen. We need to move. But be sure to apply double or triple the level of precautions)

Of course, Manny is not about to forget his main profession. When he still has the time, he hits the kitchen to create culinary delights that he can sell.

Opportunity and positivity amid the pandemic

Manny's life was turned around by the pandemic, but he refused to sink under the struggle. He earns less now despite his multiple jobs, but, as he clearly knows, that is better than nothing.

"Huwag tayong mawalan ng pag-asa. Maging positive tayo sa mga bagay-bagay na nangyayari. Kung positive ka, makakakita ka ng mga paraan para mabuhay sa pandemyang ito. At ang pinakaimportante sa lahat, ay mag tiwala sa Diyos," he advised.

(Don’t lose hope. Be positive about things that happen to you. If you are, you will find ways to live during this pandemic. Most important of all, have faith in God.)