The COVID-19 pandemic has halted many industries such as professional sports and the entertainment industry. With the suspension of work in such industries and other events, thousands of athletes and talented actors are being put out of work. The widespread closures and strict implementation of guidelines caused by the lockdowns are indeed affecting everyone.
Although the country is shifting into more moderate quarantine restrictions, the professional sports and the entertainment industry are still struggling in facing the “new normal.” (Read: How Are Safety Protocols Observed in Production Shoots?) Projects and events for athletes and actors are still limited, pushing them to look for alternative sources of income while they are at home.
While some celebrities decided to put up online food businesses while in quarantine, Descendants of the Sun star Neil Ryan Sese and University of Santo Tomas (UST) Men’s Volleyball Team member Jayvee Sumagaysay decided to take the same route, but as delivery drivers. (Read: 4 Online Food Businesses by Your Favorite Celebrities)
Practicality and Wisdom
In this time of need, delivery drivers are definitely frontliners. The fear of being exposed and potentially getting infected by COVID-19 every time they are out buying or delivering things for their customers is always present.
According to an interview with Lhar Santiago for 24 Oras, Neil and Jayvee decided to switch careers during the quarantine not only for themselves but also to help in their homes while acting projects and events are limited.
Neil first thought of putting up a seafood business but realized that it would be hard for deliveries, so he decided to be his own delivery boy. “Naisip ko ‘yung seafood, so ‘yun kumuha kami ng puwesto pero hindi pala siya magwo-work kasi lockdown nga,” Neil said. “What if i-try natin na online siya, i-deliver natin, kasi marami namang gumagawa nun di ‘ba?” he said. (Read: 5 Seafood Places in the Metro That Deliver at Your Doorstep)
Neil personally delivers his products using his bike. He also shared that his fellow Kapuso artists such Dingdong Dantes and Jennylyn Mercado are very supportive of his newfound business. (Read: Dingdong Dantes Launches Delivery App to Hire Laid-Off Showbiz Perzonnel )
“Lalo na si Dingdong, hindi ko alam pala nag-oorder siya ang ginagamit niyang name ‘yung name nung helper niya. Nahuli ko lang dun sa address,” he said.
Jayvee, on the other hand, delivers his brother’s silog meals on the streets using his motorcycle.
“‘Yung kuya ko po kasi chef eh. Hindi po siya nakasakay ng barko, nung April dapat po alis niya. Kaya ayun po kesa matengga, magamit namin ‘yung skill niya,” he said.
Jayvee has also been active in relief operations. Recently, he distributed food packs to hospital frontliners, stranded passengers at the airport, LGBT senior citizens, and homeless people in Manila. (Read: From 20 Pesos, Millennials Raise P4-M to Help Communities)
Just like everyone of us, the two admitted that they miss going out and being on their regular jobs. “Sana hopefully makapagstart na ulit kami, makapag resume kami,” Neil said.
“Kahit pader na lang ‘yung kalaro minsan, andyan pa rin ‘yung hawak ko yung bola ng volleyball,” Jayvee said.
