ECQ Stories: Events professionals turn to transporting goods amid the COVID-19 pandemic
The world welcomed the year 2020 full of hopes, dreams, and positivity, completely unaware that humanity is about to face one of the biggest health crises in history: the COVID-19 pandemic.
COVID-19 came like a thief in the night and in a snap stole people's liberty to do many things outside of their homes, and also snatched workers' and business owners' ability to earn, as many industries and businesses were forced to cease operations temporarily.
One of the industries most affected by the pandemic is the events industry. In efforts to flatten the curve, the national government had to implement strict quarantine protocols, including the prohibition of mass or social gatherings.
Thus, weddings and other events or parties have been all postponed until further notice, leaving the events industry in limbo, and its professionals blindsided by this big hurdle in their career.
GMANetwork.com has reached out to two events professionals, who shared their stories of resilience amid the COVID-19 pandemic: Jingx Cruz, who owns a fashion styling company and Renjie Tolentino, a freelance photographer and PR Consultant.
Facing Reality
When the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) began, many people thought it would only last for two weeks at most, and then everything will go back to normal. But as the number of COVID-19 cases continue to rise day by day, it slowly became clear that the two-week pause would be extended further. Hence, some people had to find new ways of earning amid the ECQ, especially those whose industries have been hit hard, such as the events Industry.
For Jingx Cruz, who owns Jingx Cruz Styling, a company that does styling for weddings, engagements, and pre-nup shoots, he first considered the ECQ as a welcome break to his very hectic work schedule.
Jingx Cruz styling one of his clients
He said, “When it was first announced, I was a bit happy and terrified at the same time. Happy because people in the events and wedding industry works almost 24/7 can finally get some much needed rest, watch Netflix all day and whatnot. Or so I thought.”
But as days passed by, Jingx's anxiety over COVID-19 worsened. He shared, “The thought of the virus spreading and getting to anyone within my household gave me so much anxiety, especially that I live with senior citizens and children. As a self-proclaimed workaholic, I am used to being always on the go to grind and hustle. So I needed some adjustment period.”
As for freelance photographer and PR consultant Renjie Tolentino, panic and fear took over when he first learned that all events would have to be postponed indefinitely.
Renjie Tolentino doing photography work before the ECQ
When asked what his first thoughts were when the ECQ was announced, he said, “Oh no!!! We are all dead!"
The turning point
Fortunately, Renjie and Jingx both knew how to roll with the punches. And during the ECQ, they turned to transporting goods as a new source of income.
Jingx had always been a business-minded person. Before the ECQ, aside from owning a fashion styling company, he also opened a café and resto bar called Cheat Day Café. Plus, he and his wife have also been baking and selling pastries pre-ECQ.
And since the ECQ has been extended, apart from introducing new selections of pastries in their business, Jingx also decided to venture into transporting goods as an additional income generator.
He narrated, “I saw one Facebook post of my colleague, where he said that he just started transporting goods. So I sent him a message and asked him some details and random questions about it. Then that very same day, I applied, took the tests and took up the virtual training.”
Jingx also added, “I hesitated a lot. Safety is a big deal for me and it's my job to protect my family. I hesitated for my family because I can't afford to be exposed and worse, contract the virus and pass it on to them. I live with three senior citizens and one toddler, and another baby on the way.”
Depsite having qualms about the risk involved in his new job, Jingx pushed through with it, and started transporting goods during the ECQ on May 14.
Jingx at his new side hustle of transporting goods
In the case of Renjie, the transition was an easy choice to make since he has tried a similar side hustle before and had connections.
Renjie said, “Delivery service was the first thing I thought of because I have tried doing car rental last year in a government agency when I had free time.
“I texted one of my supplier clients on Labor Day if they need delivery services and luckily she said 'Ok, you can start immediately because we are in need of additional 3rd party supplier/transporter.'”
Renjie busy moving goods
Adjusting to the 'new normal'
Both Renjie and Jingx seem to be adapting well to their new daily grind in transporting goods.
Jingx said he was used to driving to different places for his styling gigs, so he didn't really need much adjusting when he decided to transport goods for Lalamove.
He detailed, “I would sometimes drive to shoot and style a pre-wedding photo shoot in Tagaytay, Zambales, Ilocos, Pampanga within a week on a normal basis.”
Plus, he reveals that being a transporter is pretty similar to owning your business.
“Well, just like in business, you have the time to your hands. You are the boss of you. So meaning, you don't grind, you don't earn.”
Renjie's routine as transporter for Zoleta & Lennon, Inc. is slightly different from that of Jingx's, since he mostly goes to warehouses and grocery stores only.
Renjie explained, “I started on May 5, 2020. I usually work 4 to 6 days a week, for 8 hours a day. We usually get the goods from the warehouse, which is located in Sucat, then we transport it to 5 to 6 grocery stores assigned to me. It varies daily.”
He also added, “Driving is a bit tiring, of course, because I come from UP in Quezon City, then drive all the way to South almost everyday.”
When asked about how their current income from transporting goods fare against their previous income, both Renjie and Jingx admitted that they earned more from their previous jobs, but they're nevertheless grateful for their new hustle.
Renjie revealed, “It is incomparable. Before, when someone offers me a shoot worth PhP 2,500, I would politely decline, thinking itutulog ko na lang 'to (laughs). But now, every peso counts.”
Jingx echoed a similar sentiment, saying, “I can say it's a little far from what I earned in my job before, but in this challenging time, there's no big or small. Anything makes a difference. You just have to appreciate and learn to look at things in a different perspective.”
Keeping safe amid the pandemic
It's no secret that transporting goods can put Renjie and Jingx's health at risk, since they are constantly working outside of their homes and have interactions with several people.
However, they do not go to battle unprepared. Knowing that they are among the frontliners in this pandemic, both of them implement safety measures to ensure that they lessen their risk of contracting COVID-19.
Jingx narrated, “Before I started on my first day, I made it a point that I had 'safety gears' to use at work. Aside from the usual mask, sanitizers, disinfecting wipes and alcohol, I always tell clients about our no touch policy.”
He further detailed, “They load the package inside the car, then the receiver unloads it personally. After every trip, I try to wipe and disinfect the area where the package has been loaded, and spray it with Lysol before and after my day. I also maintain physical distancing and have a box where I put the money/payment, so I can sanitize it first before safekeeping.”
As for Renjie, although he has less interaction with people since his main task is to drive his Innova MVP, he still practices safety measures.
He said, “I usually do the driving that is why I am inside the vehicle at all times. Brian, my co-worker, does the coordination. But, I still do the basics like wearing a face mask with face shield, washing of hands after each trip to a grocery store, and using alcohol every now and then."
Life after ECQ
When asked about their plans after the ECQ, both Renjie and Jingx said they would be willing to continue transporting goods if the circumstances allow.
Jingx would gladly push through with this side hustle if his schedule permits, while Renjie is thinking about hiring a driver who can replace him.
The two events professionals also had words of encouragement for people who have been struck hard financially by the pandemic.
Jingx said, “Everybody is affected. The only thing that we can do is to try and look at the situation in a different perspective. Always keep moving forward. Take one step back, take 5 high jumps and 5 forward steps. Everything will pass. Just remember to keep your body and mind healthy at all times.”
And as for Renjie, he urges everyone to have faith. He said, “Believe in God. He will make ways for you to earn a living. Just trust in the Lord and He will provide. Basta bawal lang ang tamad!”
Jingx and Renjie thriving as transporters during the ECQ
Thriving amid the pandemic
Everyone will not be affected the same way by the COVID-19 pandemic. But some people will be blessed to have an opportunity to turn their situation around, and all they have to do is seize that chance. They are proof that not only can Filipinos survive during times of crises, but more importantly, thrive despite the setback.
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