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BRAND TALK

How a junk shop boy’s dream came true


Struggles can take an ordinary person to an extraordinary future.  Jayvee Acorita Calayag learned a valuable lesson at a tender age: he understood that he was unlike other kids. Cheap toys or basic necessities were luxuries his family can never afford. “Hindi ko mabili yung gusto kong bilhin, parang kailangan kong paghirapan bago ko mabili yung isang bagay " (I can’t buy the things I want, like I had to work hard before I can buy something for myself), Jayvee recollects.

He motivated himself to earn a college diploma.   Studying hard, however, was insufficient in his opinion. He knew he needed to go the extra mile to achieve his goal.  In between his studies, Jayvee joined his father to scour streets and garbage bins for junk.  They traded what they collected for some cash to buy food and other household necessities.   At 10-years-old, he was shuffling school, home work, and being a junk shop boy.

“Gusto ko talagang maka-ahon sa hirap,” (I wanted so badly to rise from poverty) Jayvee recalled.  The 24-year-old grew up living a humble life with his family in Malolos City. In an old abode inside a crowded compound, he is the youngest out of three kids. His father, Raymundo, earns a living as a tricycle driver while his mother, Editha, stays at home to care for the family.

Even with a tight budget his mother made sure he always had the strength he needed. “Since elementary ako, pinapainom na ako ng gatas,” (Since elementary, I have been drinking milk) remembered Jayvee.  To help keep him away from sickness, his mother would buy BEAR BRAND® Fortified Powdered Milk Drink from the local store.  She would prepare a glass of milk for her boy to make his body strong, and help him focus in school. “Paano ka nga naman makakapagtrabaho kung wala ka namang tibay, di ba?” (How will you be able to work if you do not have endurance, right?) Jayvee said.

Jayvee kept this routine in order to graduate.  For him, it was the only way he could help his family. “‘Di ako papayag na ‘di ako maka-graduate. Paano ko iaahon pamilya ko kung ‘di ako gagraduate?” (Not graduating is unacceptable. How would I provide a better life for my family if I fail to graduate?) Jayvee said.  His determination paid off in April 2016 when he, a former junk shop boy, marched to get his diploma on Electronics Engineering in Bulacan State University.

 

Jayvee Calayag's graduation photo
Jayvee Calayag's graduation photo

 

Jayvee Calayag and his mom (photo from his Facebook account)
Jayvee Calayag and his mom (photo from his Facebook account)

With hard work and persistence, Jayvee was promoted as Quality Engineer in a semi-conductor company after only three years.  He also sells insurance policies to augment his income.  He has since given his father a new tricycle, and their family house is expected to be fully renovated anytime soon.  “Hindi naman lahat ng pangarap ko natutupad na, pero lahat ng pinaghirapan ko, nagbunga siya ngayon,” (Not all my dreams have been realized yet, but everything I worked hard for are beginning to come to fruition) Jayvee proudly said.  He credits his determination and strong immune system for the success he is enjoying.  His story was noticed by BEAR BRAND and featured in its recent TVC.  See below to watch the full video:

 

Jayvee Calayag is living proof that a bright future is possible as long as you have the strength and courage to pursue it. You can give your kids the same fighting chance as Jayvee by giving them fortified milk every day.  Food and Nutrition Research Institute (FNRI) recommends a glass of milk a day for a child to get the essential nutrients the body needs.

BEAR BRAND® Fortified Powdered Milk Drink has Tibay-Resistensya nutrients to help fight sickness due to micronutrient deficiency (MND).  It has 100% Vitamin C, and high level of Zinc for immunity, Iron for focus, and high level of Calcium for proper growth.     BEAR BRAND® Fortified Powdered Mild Drink was co-developed with FNRI-DOST to help fight against micronutrient deficiency. For more information, visit https://www.bearbrand.com.ph/aming-produkto

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