FB group 'SuperTsuper' comes to the rescue of out-of-work drivers

MANILA - The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has upended livelihoods, and the transport sector is among those bearing the brunt of the crisis.

Since mass transit in Luzon has been suspended, public utility drivers are not able to make a living, putting their lives hanging precariously in the balance.

But a group of University of the Philippines (UP) alumnae and students has come to the rescue of out-of-work drivers, through the Facebook group "SuperTsuper."

"It's just so heartbreaking to see the hardworking people who bring us to where we need to be everyday immobilized by the lockdown, so we wanted to help even in just a small way," Mariel Cunanan, one of the group's administrators, told ABS-CBN News on Thursday.

Cunanan and her friends created the Facebook group on March 31, and since then nearly 35,000 joined to help.

"What prompted this whole thing is seeing a lot of drivers on social media asking for even just 1 or 2 pesos from people on GCash to help them survive this lockdown," she said.

Through "SuperTsuper," drivers of jeepneys, tricycles and transportation network vehicle service (TNVS) could ask for donation from group members coursed through Globe's e-wallet service GCash.

Cunanan and other administrators strictly screen the PUV drivers to ensure their call for help are legitimate. They will be asked to provide their names, photos, addresses and name of their respective associations.

"Once posted, donors are free to donate to whoever they like, regardless of amount and how many people they want to give to," she said.

She added, "So the money doesn't really go through us -- the whole selling point of SuperTsuper is direct donations. No more middlemen so you know 100% of your money is going to someone in need. And it's also an avenue for donors and the tsupers to interact, humanizing the donation process because the donors will see the people whose lives they're touching talaga."

The donation varies from P20 to P2,000, Cunanan said.

One story that stuck with her was that of 63-year-old jeepney driver Eduardo Solis.

"He has 3 children and 6 dogs to feed, and it was a true testament to how sometimes those who have less have the most love to give," she said.

Since most seniors are not tech-savvy, Cunanan said she had to guide Solis on using social media.

"A lot of drivers are like this, very grateful to the donors and extremely kind. All of their stories are worth hearing talaga," she added.

In nearly 2 weeks, "SuperTsuper" has helped some 700 to 900 drivers all over the Philippines and will continue to do so as long as people are willing to donate.

"Give what you can because "not much" to us can mean everything to them," Cunanan said.

The Philippine government imposed an enhanced community quarantine in the entire Luzon, home to more than 50 million people, to arrest the spread of the novel coronavirus.

The same measure was imposed in many other areas in the Visayas and Mindanao.

Transport group Piston earlier said there were 500,000 jeepney drivers and 200,000 small jeepney operators affected by the lockdown.

source: news.abs-cbn.com

LOOK: Tamiya creates PH jeepney kit

MANILA – Did you know that Japanese manufacturer Tamiya has created a new kit modeled after the Philippine jeepney?

Hobby shop The BrickYard made the announcement on Facebook over the weekend as it unveiled a new mini 4WD kit called the “Dyipne.”

“To commemorate the Asia Challenge 2019 in Manila, brought to you by Lils Hobby Center, the BrickYard, and Tamiya, a Philippine icon immortalized in a Mini 4WD kit. It is about time!” the post read.

The bright red Dyipne will be sold at Lils Hobby Center and The BrickYard starting June 6, according to another post on the latter’s Facebook page.

“Your favorite retailers should be able to offer this soon after we begin selling. Price will be published on June 6 also,” the post read.

The Asia Challenge 2019 is a racing event for hobbyists and will be held in Manila from June 20 to 23.

source: news.abs-cbn.com

Pinoy restaurant week kicks off in NY, NJ

NEW YORK - Now on its second year, Filipino Restaurant Week is back, bigger and better with 15 popular Pinoy restaurants in New York and New Jersey participating this time.

Patterned after the New York Restaurant Week, foodies can sample a variety of Filipino cuisine at an affordable fixed price.

A three-course meal costs $25 dollars for lunch and $35 for dinner.

Filipino Restaurant Week was first launched in 2015. It shines a spotlight on Filipino restaurants as Philippine cuisine becomes more and more popular in the US mainstream.

"Last year, it was sort of an introduction to the Filipino food kasi everyone was talking about the Filipino Food as the 'in' thing, kaya lang alam ba nila kung saan sila makakakain?" Philippine Consul General Mario De Leon Jr. said. "This time, we’re really trying to look more on how to really sustain the Filipino restaurant business here."

Participating business owners say the restaurant week not only elevates the profile of Filipino cuisine, it helps feed their cash registers.

Nicole Ponseca, owner of Maharlika and Jeepney said, "We saw a bump in business, for the week, it was awesome and new faces too, gives an excuse or reason for people to come in."

Tyrone Conshue, owner of Pinoy Filipino Restaurant said, "Every time you’re mentioned, it helps, it’s gonna really bring a lot of people who were nosing us before around the county."

Filipino restaurant week’s launch at the Philippine Consulate in New York also served as a way for restaurateurs to learn from each other’s experience.

Food and travel blogger Kat Popiel said running a restaurant is a tough business in New York City.

"Also know you have a responsibility, a good responsibility, a happy responsibility to the Filipino community to spread the message of what sinigang is or what a choriburger is. It’s all part of the business. The more you can promote your menu and your way of doing food, the more you’re elevating Filipino food as a status," she said.

Ponseca added, "I'm really hopeful. I feel a camaraderie for these startups. I see a lot of women, female Filipino Entrepreneurs. I reach out to them and hopefully we can support each other because this business is very very hard."

More information about Filipino Restaurant Week and the participating restaurants and their menu can be found at www.newyorkpcg.org/frw

Read more on Balitang America.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

LOOK: It’s not a bus, it’s not a jeep, it’s...

It’s not a bus, it’s not a jeep, it’s a Skyjeepney.

The 44-seater Skyjeepney, used to ferry members of the press to cover the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation Economic Leaders’ Meeting from November 16-20 in Manila, became an instant attraction at the International Media Center.

Just like the legendary Philippine Jeepney, the double-decker bus is a sure hit for foreigners and locals alike given its color and unique design that reflect Filipino culture.

Designed by Mark Cabili Bautista of Design Development Industries, Inc., the Skyjeepney is being promoted as a touring bus that gives passengers both fun and comfort.

The air-conditioned bus is also equipped with a GPS, refrigerator, cellphone-charging station, and a videoke that make a commuter's trip memorable.

The manufacturing cost of a Skyjeepney varies from 3.5 million to 12 million Philippine pesos, depending on one’s specifications.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Pope Francis thrills in PH with 'jeepney' popemobile

MANILA - Pope Francis made a triumphant entrance for a mass with millions in the Philippines on Sunday aboard a "popemobile" styled after the nation's iconic, flamboyant and much-loved "jeepney" minibus.

The pontiff, standing in the elevated open body of the uniquely Filipino version of his popemobile, travelled through the streets of the capital Manila for the main event of his five-day visit.

Wearing a think plastic yellow poncho over his vestments, the 78-year-old pontiff smiled and waved to hundreds of thousands who had lined the route to the venue for the mass.

The rectangular vehicle with distinctive giant grille repeatedly stopped so he could reach into the cheering masses and pick up babies to kiss and bless them.

The pope rode the jeepney popemobile to Rizal Park where millions had gathered to hear him celebrate mass, in one of the world's biggest papal gatherings.

The jeepneys are regarded by many Filipinos as a symbol of national ingenuity. Locals created them from surplus US military jeeps after American forces left at the end of World War II.

The bodies of the jeeps were extended, seats were added and a fixed roof put in place. The vehicles were then painted with colourful and Catholic designs.

They proved to be strong vehicles with decades-long lifespans, and can be seen ferrying people through city streets and animals on mountain roads.

However the diesel-powered vehicles are also one the nation's chief air pollution culprits.

Francis's jeepney was an all-white popemobile. It had no doors, after the pope told local organisers he did not want a bulletproof vehicle so he could reach out and touch his followers.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Filipino restaurant gets New Yorkers to eat 'kamayan'-style

NEW YORK – A restaurant in Manhattan is a living showcase of one of the ties that bind the Philippines and America: food. Thursday night is "kamayan night" at Jeepney, a Filipino gastropub brought by the creators of the hit Filipino restaurant ‘Maharlika.’

The Filipino owners behind these successful Pinoy eats are making Filipino food in New York as ubiquitous as the jeepneys of Manila.

“As a Filipino American I grew up having my American friends over at my house and when I was 5, I would beg my dad not to eat with his hands when they’re there,” recalled Jeepney owner Nicole Ponseca, “now I’m so thankful that my dad made me remember that I’m Filipino.”

With a minimum party of four, foodies experience the real deal in dining Filipino style without plates nor silverware. Guests eat with their bare hands and before they’re seated, a maharlikan crew meticulously builds a foodscape of one’s favorite “ulam” on top of a mountain of rice served on banana leaves.

The food extravaganza comes with lumpiang shanghai as appetizers, huge portions of longganisa, tocino, bicol express, chicharon bulaklak, and dampa fry on white rice.

“It’s really good, I’m really enjoying it,” diner Arnev Mukherjee said.

“I love it, the food is really delicious, this vinegar stuff is really great, I’m eating with my hands, it’s awesome,” another diner, Anthony Germinario Teaneck said.

Jersey City Mayor Steve Fulop said he’s not Filipino but he considers Filipino food as comfort food.

“We have a terrific Filipino community in Jersey City. I’ve had a tremendous amount of Filipino food in my life though I’ve never had this sort of kamayan,” he said, “it’s a new experience, the food was delicious, it’s a little bit more messy than I’m used to.”

“It felt very natural, it’s like being home,” Jersey City council president Rolando Lavarro said.

A Zagat restaurant reviewer said it’s the best thing they ate that night.

New York Times said, dinner at Jeepney felt more like parachuting into Manila.

“It’s something to be proud of that you’re a Filipino, na the mainstream is already accepting who we are, what we are and what we eat,” Jersey City resident Helen Castillo said.

Time Out New York wrote that for all their work spreading the word about the country’s food culture, the Philippine government ought to pay these restaurant owners a stipend.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Vin Diesel rides jeepney in Manila

MANILA – “Fast and Furious” star Vin Diesel took the social networking site Facebook by storm on Wednesday afternoon after he posted a photo of him inside a jeepney.

In the new cover photo of his Facebook page, Diesel is seen seated at the far end of a jeepney. With over 41 million fans on Facebook, Diesel’s photo became viral right away.

As of posting, the photograph already has 152,404 likes and 7,414 shares. Many netizens also commented on the photo saying they are amazed that the Hollywood actor took a jeepney ride.

Below are some of netizens’ comments:

Tug'z Dolain: “Hahaha ITS MORE FUN IN THE PHILIPPINES”

Anneline Gorospe: “Awesome!!! Enjoy your jeepney ride Vin!”

Maricar Aquino: “Valeros enjoy the traffic vin!!!!”

Jamès De Vera: “HUMBLE actor . Thumbs up for you dude!”

Xyza Resurreccion de Vera: “Hahaha..isama sa fast n furious ang jeep...why not?”

Ian Moralde: “Vin you can't beat the jeepney drivers here in a race match. The jeepneys here will eat your Dodge Charger. LoL”

Mary Ann Trinidad: “Nice shot vin enjoy.”

Mark Christian Ramirez: “astig sya lang ang sakay hehe.. sabay sabi para po sa tabi lang hehe”

Kate Pampola: “MABUHAY!!! Welcome to the Philippines Vin Diesel... hope you enjoy you stay here... Coz It's more fun in the Philippines."

Morgan Cristobal Diaz: “My crush is here... Pambihira...sna ako nalang driver ng jip!”

Diesel was supposed to have arrived in Manila on Monday night via a private plane.

The actor along with other “Fast and Furious 6” stars are here in the country for the red-carpet screening of their movie to be held on Wednesday night at the SM Mall of Asia.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com