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Pinoy English teacher sells atsara in Cambodia after losing job amid COVID-19 pandemic


A Filipino English teacher is now selling atsara and other Pinoy favorites after losing her job in Cambodia.

According to Oscar Oida's report on "24 Oras," Tiffany Marie Jamaybay-Realis almost lost hope after the school she works for closed at the beginning of the pandemic in March.

Her husband is a factor worker, but his income is not enough to support their living expenses in Cambodia.

"Nag-iisip na po kaming mag asawa kung gi-give up na po ako, kung kailangan ko na pong umuwi," Tiffany said. "Kasi hindi po sagot ng company niya 'yung bahay, 'yung visa, 'yung working permit so kahit wala po kaming trabaho kailangan po naming magbayad."

READ: OFW starts online food business in Bahrain after losing job at restaurant

Their fortunes changed, however, when Tiffany decided to sell the Ilonggo specialty, the atsara.

She had a starting capital of $20 or P1,000, and it quickly tripled after all her products sold out in just one day.

Their fellow Filipinos in the country supported their business to help them amid the pandemic, but Tiffany said even foreigners have started to develop a taste for the beloved side dish.

"May gusto pong mag-resell sa amin na Chinese at Indonesian po. Actually po pati locals dito gusto po nila mag-resell," she said.

After the success of the atsara, she decided to add some items to her menu: lupiang sariwa and ginatang bilu-bilo. She also resells peanut butter and longganisa to help other Filipinos in Cambodia.

"Sa lahat ng ating kabayan, wag po tayong mawalan ng pag asawa," she said. "Hindi po imposible makamit pa rin natin 'yung pangarap natin kahit sa maliit na halaga. Basta po mag tiwala lang po tayo kay lord, hindi po niya tayo pababayaan."  —MGP, GMA News

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