Magpakailanman: Kakanin-selling MMDA officer grateful to his ‘understanding’ boss

Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) traffic enforcer Fernando Gonzales thought it was the end of his main source of income when he was caught on video selling kakanin or rice cakes to motorists last October.

His boss, MMDA Chairman Atty. Francis Tolentino, summoned him to his office a few days the video went viral. Gonzales expected that to be asked to leave his job. But Tolentino had something else in mind: a promotion.

Gonzales' story began when netizen "Tonsmags" sent a video to YouScoop of a traffic constable selling rice cakes to motorists at a gasoline station along EDSA in Quezon City for additional income.

Promotion

The video went viral and gained the attention of the netizens and the MMDA chair. A few days later, representatives from the MMDA went to Gonzales' home to bring him to the main office, where Tolentino was expecting him.

His wife, Maribeth, who makes the rice cakes and other Filipino delicacies, said she cried that day, fearing her husband would lose his job and the source of income that had helped them send their two sons to school.

"Akala ko may problema, kaya umiiyak ako," Mrs. Gonzales told GMA News Online in an interview.

But when Gonzales met the MMDA chair early in November, his boss told him that he deserved a promotion.

"Gawan natin ng paraan para ma-promote," Tolentino said while the traffic constable stood stiffly in a corner.

Gonzales revealed during the interview that his promotion process has begun.  

"Naasikaso na po. Nabigyan na po ako ng adjustment ng salary. Kaya lang po 'yung ranking, kailangan mag-exam pa po nang civil service," he said.

The traffic constable admitted that he was nervous when he met his boss.

"Iba po yung nafi-feel ko nga mga oras na 'yun... (Pero) naiyak po ako sa tuwa kasi naintindihan ako ng boss ko," Gonzales explained.

And if he was to be kicked out of his job, he said he had two back-up plans: to apply as a security guard or to sell delicacies full time.

Life after viral video

In the middle of the interview at the MMDA Eagle Base in Quezon City, Gonzales saluted a bus driver while waiting for the traffic light to turn green.

Gonzales said that ever since his story spread online, and came out on TV, people started recognizing him as, "yung nagbebenta ng kakanin!"

Gonzales just gives them a salute. "Sumasaludo ho 'pag nakikita ako, sumasaludo na lang din ako," he said.

He also said that he no longer has to explain to motorists why he's selling rice cakes and other delicacies to them.

"Sa ngayon, hindi ko na kailangan ipaliwanag sa mamimili kung bakit ako nagtitinda. 'Pag nakikita nila ako, sinasabi nalang nila, 'ikaw 'yun,'" Gonzales explained.

Aside from being recognized, Gonzales had been invited to guest on various TV shows.

He visited the "24 Oras studio" and brought turon for the anchors. He was also featured on Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho where they got the recipe for their turon.



And on Saturday, Gonzales' story will take the spotlight on "Magpakailanman," starring Ricky Davao and Lani Mercado.

"When it was offered to me, na-excite ako... his story, although very simple lang and not really unique, is inspirational naman. Sana ganun nalang lahat. 'Wag nalang sila mangongotong. Gumawa nalang sila ng ibang ways para kumita," Davao said.

To portray the role of Fernando Gonzales, the actor-director got a taste of the traffic constable life.

"Mahirap pala! Half day palang akong nasa kalye, nagta-traffic. The noise pollution is too much lalo na pala when you're under the LRT or the MRT—'yung busina, 'yung volume ng kotse... 'Yung air pollution sobra.  Mga dalawang oras pa lang ako, ang sakit na ng ilong ko. What more sila, diba? Ang hirap pala ng trabaho nila. Sana makita ng mga tao 'yun at ma-appreciate din," Davao said. — VC, GMA News


Catch the story of the rice cake-selling MMDA traffic enforcer Fernando Gonzales on GMA 7's "Magpakailanman" on Saturday after "Pepito Manaloto."