Cousins who studied culinary arts start sushi bake business amid lockdown

A pair of cousins who studied culinary arts started a sushi bake business after their job prospects were affected by the coronavirus pandemic.

According to Saleem Refran's report for "24 Oras," Bea Rivera applied at a cruise ship but it was the worst possible timing as crews all over the world were coming home.

Miyuki Delos Santos, meawhile, was in the United States earlier this year for her internship but she was also sent home due to the pandemic.

"Sobrang apketado 'yung hospitality industry, kumbaga loss po talaga," she said. Bea added that she was already losing hope that she would find work.

Instead of feeling helpless, however, the two of them decided to put their culinary skills to good use and sought an alternative way of earning income amid the lockdown.

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With a starting a capital of P8,000, they made 30 trays of sushi bake, a popular food trend during the quarantine. They also created Dak Galbi, a Korean chicken variety.

The business quickly hit its stride. Miyuki and Bea now make over 100 trays of sushi bake per day.

"Sobrang creamy po talaga 'yung product namin. Marami na po silang na-try, 'yung iba po kasi pinagpapatong-patong lang ['yung ingredients]," Miyuki said.

They also have resellers in other areas such as Cavite, Laguna, Muntinlupa, and Makati City.

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"Nakapag-pundar naman po kami, nakabayad naman po kami ng mga dapat bayaran, then nakakatulong na rin po kami dito sa bahay," Bea said.

The two cousins advised others to do something they are passionate about when thinking about what they could do for livelihood. 

"Piliin po nila kung saan po sila mag-e-excel. Andun po 'yung hirap, pagod, 'yung susuko ka pero dapat hindi siya maging negative para sa 'yo, dapat gawin mo siyang motivation," Miyuki said. —MGP, GMA News