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The entertainment industry is one of the industries that have been greatly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, as tapings and shootings for TV and film were temporarily prohibited during the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ). Even those who juggle two careers and co-own a business like actor-model JM Magalona were not spared from the brutal economic consequences of the pandemic.

Actor-model and gym owner JM Magalona / Source: @joemarie.s.magalona (FB)

GMANetwork.com reached out to JM to learn how he was able to bounce back from the setback brought about by the ECQ and the pandemic.

Stressful ECQ
JM is an actor and commercial model, who also co-owns a fitness center called Project Fit. During the ECQ, aside from having to temporarily close their gym, JM also had to suffer the brunt of losing acting and modeling gigs.

“Having no commercial or acting projects for the past few months during ECQ has affected me so much because I have bills to pay and have less income.”

JM during some of his acting/modeling gigs / Source: @joemarie.s.magalona (FB)

“And since it gave me so much anxiety, it has led me to stress eat, setting aside my figure and appearance, which are mainly my most important asset as a commercial actor/model.

“And as for the temporary gym closure, we were devastated nung kinakailangan namin mag-close kasi we were in ECQ status and fitness centers or gyms are not allowed to operate.

“First thing that came to mind was our employees. Kasi paano namin sila papaswelduhin kung wala naman income 'yung gym?

“Kaya katakot-takot na sakit ng ulo ang nangyari, but again, in every aspect of the business, you have to be wise and think of ways on how to cope up with the current situation.

“And we were able to come up with ideas on how we could somehow provide food for our employees on a daily basis.”

JM starts a new “project” during the ECQ / Source: @joemarie.s.magalona (FB)

Starting a new “Project”
Just like how the old saying goes, “When one door closes, another one opens,” JM may have lost his earning capacity as a model and actor, but the ECQ served as an opportunity in disguise for him. He went from losing projects to putting up a new kind of “project."

“I have always been a fan of 'silog,' like all-time favorite ko talaga siya, kaya even before the pandemic nagawa ko na 'yung business idea sa laptop ko.

“Pero tinago ko lang muna 'yun and planned to start it when I have the capital that I needed to put up the business.

“But, all these difficulties happened and it forced me to launch the business with a few revisions, of course, due to the current situation.

“I started Project Tapsi with a capital of around PhP 6,000, a borrowed refrigerator, and all kitchen resources I personally have.”

Project Tapsi's silogs / Source: @projecttapsinijm (FB)

Thriving amid the pandemic
Fast-forward to two months after JM started his tapsi business, and he has transformed from being stressed into feeling blessed.

“I never thought I would get this far, but with all the support and guidance coming from my business partners, friends, family, and our dear God, I can say may ilalaki pa si Project Tapsi.”

Aside from gaining many customers, JM's business has also garnered support from celebrities and personalities such as Kapuso actor Wendell Ramos, Joseph Bitangcol, and PNP-CSG Director Police Brigadier General Roberto Fajardo.

Moreover, JM also used his tapsi business as an avenue for helping out during this difficult time with the launch of #ProjectTapsiCares, where they give a free meal to the delivery rider each time a customer orders more than ten silogs.

“Hindi lang siya basta business dahil nakakatulong pa tayo sa mga frontliners and less fortunate, naiibsan 'yung kanilang gutom kahit ilang oras lang.”

What's next for JM?
Both businesses of JM are located in Parañaque, which is among the places currently under the general community quarantine (GCQ) until July 15, wherein fitness centers are not yet allowed to operate.

But, in anticipation of Metro Manila being placed under the modified GCQ or MGCQ, JM and his business partners have already come up with safety protocols that they will be implementing once they reopen.

And once acting and modeling gigs start pouring in again for JM, he plans to carry on with his tapsi business.

“Acting and modeling gigs are not regular, kaya kapag may project na ulit, imo-monitor ko na lang 'yung team ko sa Project Tapsi online, kasi basically alam naman na ng mga tao ko 'yung flow, standard, and way of business.

“Kapag may free time, aayusin ko na lang reports and other things that I have to check as a business owner.”

What is JM's takeaway from his ECQ experience? / Source: @joemarie.s.magalona (FB)

Lesson learned during ECQ
JM revealed that he has learned so much during the ECQ period and it has definitely made him stronger.

“Maraming lessons e. Pero siguro 'yung isa sa pinakamalaki is 'yung laban lang kung ano man ang maging hamon ng buhay.

“Lahat ng nangyayaring ito ay pagsubok lang ni Lord and this too shall pass. Every gising is a blessing kaya laban lang, walang sukuan!"

Indeed, struggles are what make people tougher, wiser, and better. And during trying times, one must learn how to turn a crisis into an opportunity, just like what JM did.

For more lifestyle content, head out to GMA's Lifestyle page.

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