IT used to be that a lot of Chinese nationals would flock to a Samgyopsal outlet in one of the malls in Mandaue City and feast on the “unli” gastronomic delights at late evenings or in wee hours of the morning.
The eatery personnel said that while the work-load, no doubt like a graveyard shift, was heavy on their physical well-being (because the busy hours would start past 11 in the evening to early morning), still they were happy because of the good pay.
A day’s average income would be more than a hundred thousand pesos, they recounted.
But not anymore.
No more Chinese eaters this time, only very few Pinoy eaters in the early evening and no more costumers past 12 midnight.
Lugi mi for the past 3 months, he said.
And he said his boss is already contemplating of terminating the lease and selling everything in the eatery, at “rock-bottom price.”
But up to now, no takers.
And the employees are now evaluating and seeking possible options because all of them are family men.
* * *
Many months back, sleek Mercedes Benz vans, BMWs and even some Audis were part of the constant stream of vehicles entering the gates of that mall in Mandaue at late evenings. Once the doors were opened, a flock of Chinese nationals in flashy sartorial elegance would disembark, together with a string of pretty and nubile “island souvenirs.”
They would proceed to the casino and disappear inside for a while.
They would be seen later at the famous samgyopsal joint, feasting the foodies and gulping bottles and bottles of SanMig Lights.
But again, not anymore.
What is the reason for this?
* * *
This is no doubt one of the effects of the Alice Guo scandal.
Accordingly, the Chinese nationals who frequented the place were apprehensive of their safety and well-being.
Some of them believed, rightly or wrongly, that they too would be included in the “hot list” and be arrested anytime.
They could not afford that.
So to avoid all of that, they simply disappeared.
* * *
One might say, good, because they were some bad people. Who knows, they might be like Alice Guo, one might add.
And that’s the end of it.
But on closer inspection, the sudden disappearance of the Chinese nationals imprint an indelible mark on the economic life of the Pinoys.
The samgyopsal crew for instance.
Knowing that the Manila-based owner is now contemplating of abandoning the business because of serious reverses in operations, they knew that their income-days are numbered. Once their take-home pay stops coming, they have to find a quick income replacement because they can’t afford even a day of no-food on the table for their family.
But finding an instant work is terribly impossible nowadays. Especially for them whose background skills revolve around food preparation and service. And many of those affected by the silent exodus of Chinese nationals are food establishments.
So either they look for similar work (which is very hard to find) or try new ones, and the latter is like mission impossible too.
The food suppliers of that food joints are also affected.
While before they were asked to deliver supplies thrice a week, this time, no more.
So they have to look elsewhere for alternative market.
And when several food joints are affected, they are adversely affected too.
Just like a Domino effect. Economic misery is no joke, especially if there are children waiting for food.
* * *
Meanwhile, many are affected by the “designated survivor” drama launched by VP Sara Duterte, following her announcement that she’s skipping PBBM’s SONA.
As applied under US laws, a designated survivor is one official in the cabinet who is “sequestered” for security reasons when the Executive and the Legislative branches meet in executive session under one roof.
Simbako og dunay mahitabo unya mamatay tanan, dunay gyoy mo-survive and who will continue the national governance.
The VP’s drama is a dramatization of that scenario, where she voluntarily excused herself from an official function while everybody is in attendance in the SONA event.
What’s the big deal?
Anyway, because of that drama, many are now browsing the Netflix and focus their attention to the movie Designated Survivor starring Donald Sutherland in the main role as new president.
Be wary though.
When you start watching the movie, be ready to spend the bulk of your sleeping time to watching time because once the movie starts, for sure you don’t want to stop watching until the end.
Write to BALITE Family 🔥
