PHOENIX star Calvin Abueva and his family went around to hand out packed meals which 'The Beast' helped prepare for local tricycle and jeepney drivers in their community.
With the enhanced community quarantine shutting down all transportation, Abueva is aware these drivers are among the most affected as they have lost their main source of livelihood amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Both Abueva and his wife Sam were hands-on with the entire outreach, from going around the street markets of Divisoria to buy ingredients, to cooking and meal preparation, before personally giving out the food.
“Para ito dun sa mga bibigyan naming ng mga relief, para makakain naman sila ng mga fresh, hindi lang puro noodles and canned goods,” Sam told SPIN Life. “Target talaga naming mga trike and jeep drivers eh, ‘yung mga arawan lang ‘yung kita kasi [mas kailangan] nila lalo ngayon na tigil lahat ng transpo.”
In a way, they've also been affected by the pandemic.
Calvin had only recently reopened their restaurant, Dampa ni The Beast, last January 2020. The seafood restaurant has been their main source of income since the controversial PBA guard is still under suspension.
However, the Abuevas assured SPIN Life that Dampa ni The Beast is up and running. Dine-in, of course, is prohibited, but the restaurant currently accepts delivery and pickup orders.
“Pinagsasabay-sabay namin hanggang kaya naming mag-asawa tumulong, tutulong kami," Sam continued. "Pero ngayon ang hirap talaga isipin ‘yung mga less fortunate sa panahon ngayon. We are blessed na kahit papaano nakakakain ng masarap and may maayos na shelter."
This is the family's second outreach in as many weeks.
When their son Clint celebrated his birthday last week, they also gave out food to the tricycle and jeepney drivers in San Juan.
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