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Actor and comedian turned content creator Jimmy Santos recently immersed himself in the world of street food by spending a day as a vendor.

In his latest vlog, he set up shop in San Antonio, Nueva Ecija, trying his hand at selling popular street snacks as a way to pay tribute to the resilience and effort of everyday food sellers.

While trying out life as a street food vendor, Jimmy gained a deeper appreciation for the challenges vendors face every day. He pointed out how physically demanding the job can be, especially under the scorching sun or during unexpected rain.

“Ang trabahong 'to napakahirap (para) sa mga nagtitinda [dahil sa] init, minsan inaabot ng ulan, [pero] kailangang mag-tiyaga para kumita,” he shared. “Yung pang-araw-araw na kita, tulong na po sa ating pangangailangan sa ating pang-araw-araw na buhay.”

He added, “Kailangang may tiyaga tayo rito,” he said. 'Pag hindi kayo nag-tiyaga [rito], nganga. Ang klase ng hanapbuhay na ito ay kailangan may tiya. Kailangang matibay at siyempre kailangang malakas ang katawan. Maagang gigising para i-prepare ang mga [paninda].”

Jimmy also emphasized the importance of honesty to maintain a connection with customers, “Kung hindi naman sila magiging honest, paano naman po 'yung nagtitinda?”

Jimmy also reflected on how street food isn't just a quick bite--it's a staple in the daily routines of many Filipinos.

“Makikita n'yo naman (na) ang tinatangkilik ng mga tao kung ano 'yung mura (at) masarap, ayos na sila roon, masaya na sila roon. Lalo itong mga galing sa trabaho,” he said.

Jimmy also shared that street vendors embody the strength and resilience of the Filipino spirit.

"Ito ang buhay Pilipino. Matiyaga silang naghahanap buhay, sa maliit na kita nag-ti-tiyaga sila,” he said.

Back in April, Jimmy shared in a vlog that he had returned to the Philippines after spending time in Canada for his grandchild's first communion.

He also mentioned in the same video that he's currently living alone here, as his family remains in Canada.

"Nag-iisa lang ako [rito], siyempre, 'pag wala si misis, ako na rin ang gagawa ng mga bagay-bagay para kumain, at saka mga personal na gamit ko, ako na rin ang naglalaba," he said. "At 'pag andito naman siya, aba, napakasarap magluto ng misis ko. Saka 'yung mga anak ko nga, nasa kabilang ibayo, nakikipagsapalaran din."

In a 2023 vlog, Jimmy shared that he was making money by collecting and recycling plastic bottles while in Canada.

Jimmy revealed, “Maganda, masaya, at konswelo dahil nakakatulong sa pagre-recycle ang mga ibinenta nating bote, karton, at 'yung mga nabubulok po ay ginagawang fertilizer," he said.

Since the pandemic, the former host has stepped away from television and has been concentrating on creating online content up to now.

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