Man stands all day selling ube to support wife, kids, grandkids

Sometimes hard work pays off and sometimes hard work pays just enough for basic needs. This week, netizen Quiela Catagayan met a Kuya Willie, 65, who sells ube beside Ortigas MRT station to support his family of nine.

Catagayan was moved by Kuya Willie's kindness, determination and love for his family and she decided to share his story on social media.

"May asawa, 3 anak na babae at limang apo si Kuya Willie na siya ang nagaalaga at bumubuhay. Ayaw niya pabayaan ang pamilya niya lalo na ang mga apo niya," Catagayan wrote. "Sobrang mahal daw kasi ng diaper, ng gatas at iba pa (ang sakit sa puso na ang dapat na nasa bahay nalang at nagpapahinga ay ganitong klase ang pinoproblema)."

She added, "Hanggang malakas daw siya ay gagawin niya ang lahat para sa pamilya niya, hanggang kaya niya magbenta ng ube para mabuhay gagawin niya (halos gusto ko na siya yakapin habang sinasabi niya sa akin yun)."

Catagayan found out that Kuya Willie commutes every day from San Pablo, Laguna to SM Megamall. He leaves his home at 10 a.m. and stands all day on the street to sell ube. He gets home by 1 a.m., sometimes 2 a.m.

"Okay lang raw sa kanya dahil nawawala ang pagod niya kapag nakikita niya ang mga apo niya. Sobrang nagenjoy ako dahil ang dami niyang kwento," Catagayan shared.

"Sobrang positive niya sa buhay na halos sumabog na ang luha ko at madurog ang puso ko habang kausap siya pero pinigilan ko dahil ayokong makita niya na naaawa ako sa kanya at ang gusto kong malaman niya ay sobrang hinangaan ko siya. Sobrang swerte ko pala. Sobrang swerte pala natin," she continued.

Kuya Willie told Catagayan that he is "on Facebook" and she later found out that he was featured by When in Manila in 2014. She realized that he has been selling ube in the same spot for three years and felt compelled to help him, even by just sharing his story and encouraging other people to buy his product—which she says tastes almost as good as Baguio's Good Shepard.

"Let's go guys! Its only 65 pesos, and 85 pesos (with box). I got his number for orders, you may text his wife at 09238170261. You may order in advance by texting him," Catagayan wrote. — Aya Tantiangco/BM, GMA News