the filipino workforce in singapore's f and b industry

i once heard a myth about early filipino settlers in singapore that few of them migrated to australia while some returned home to philippines  because of a false belief that singapore would someday sink and will be completely submerged in water. in realization, some would think twice but others would think there is a possibility, with its land area of only about more than 700 square kilometers, surrounded by water and its soil that holds and supports building and infrastructure of huge weight and mass.

i do not have the exact figures of how many filipinos are presently in singapore in different field of endeavor but i am sure to say that across all industries there is and there are filipinos. the food and beverage industry in singapore employs a lot filipinos, from the most famous names in the food and beverage industry to the starting and budding food and beverage business.

during this month or season of the year marks a worthwhile and accomplished moments for many of the filipino food and beverage workers here in singapore, or maybe for all the overseas filipino workers all over the world. through this field and through this means they are able to send their brothers, sisters, nieces and nephews, sons and daughters in school...and this is the season to harvest what has been sown.

mcdonalds may pilpino, kfc may pilipino, burger king may mga pilipino, gong cha tea house may pilipino, garret popcorns may pilipino, eunos mrt hawker stations may filipino, lau pa sat festival market may pilipino,  mar'che restaurant may pilipino, pizza hut may pilipino, sa pasta mania may pilipino etcetera etcetera...

it is interesting to note that with the abundant list of food and beverage business names in singapore it equals or even surpasses the many stories and experiences of a filipino f and b worker in singapore, ranging from the glorious and triumphant stories of success, from joyful to sorrowful descend from top to the ground. some stories would even parallel and equals to jesus christ's station of the cross, an extreme comparison of the filipino sufferings and struggles but it is true and even sometimes an unimaginable scenario.

in the battlefield itself ( workplace) is an everyday calvary and requires a lot of hardwork, industry and patience. you will be faced with crew and staff of different personalities that challenges not just your skills, your style of management but sometimes posing danger to your emotions. ang dibdib  mo'y parang tinarakan ng isang matalim na balaraw. co-workers of same level of position but acts like a head of operation just because they are locals and believed in their minds that this workplace is in their territory that gives them the right to treat you as a legal property of another and is forced to obey them, in other word slaves. they speak of teamwork but the work is just done by "one", working very hard night and day with eyes open and mouth closed just to be out in the list of nominees.... to the haunting and scary "list of nominees".

in every workplace the "dot in a bond paper" theory has always been evident and true. they see one black dot in the center of the bond paper but they tend to overlook the big white space that occupy the same bond paper. they will remember your one mistake but they will always forget the million good things you have done for the company, for the store, for the staff and for the customer.

in the forefront, while you are bridging and connecting the gap between the restaurant and patron customers, it still constitute a bulk of a filipino f and b worker's bad and sometimes pleasing and rewarding moment. a patron would buy a one dollar ice cream but complains, talk and treats a worker like they bought the whole of you and gives them the ultimate right to lambast you with their words, this is the moment that requires the grace from the one up above and a complete divine intervention, the will to control.... but it is not fair just to talk about negative thoughts, it is also remarkable to note some rewarding moments in the field we are in. a simple thank you back, a simple smile and a pleasant and smooth transaction between a worker  and a customer is totally satisfying, it is an instance where a person that you do not personally know sees your hardwork, removes your worries and pays the sleepless and tiring days you were in. nakatataba ng puso at nakasisiya ng kalooban.

even if the myth that i have mentioned is true or not, i am very sure that filipino food and beverage workers in singapore are here to stay...growing, learning and fighting.

every filipino in the food and beverage industry has their own story to tell, even you who are reading this now has your own story to share. i would like to take this opportunity to give a big hand and a loud KUDOS to every filipino food and beverage worker here in singapore, you and me, them , us... let us continue to elevate our status to even greater heights..let us continue to be known for our hardwork, good interpersonal communication skills and the gift of executing great common sense and specially the talent to be happy, fun and exciting...a distinct filipino trait.

Everyday is a gift so do not be tired of waking up everyday and starting a brand new day.