Flutist who lost his job, wedding money brings music to new gig as delivery rider

A flutist who became a food delivery rider amid the coronavirus pandemic continues to bring music closer to people in his new job.

According Bernadette Reyes' report for "24 Oras," Jethro Villamayor used to earn P3,500 per day playing his flute in various events. Most of the gigs, however, were canceled or rescheduled when the lockdown took effect.

The situation quickly drained his savings, to the point that he had no choice but to spend the money for his church wedding in May. In the end, he got married in a simple civil ceremony in July.

"Pag peak season, kaya naming mag-events ng 25 a month," he said. "Malaking-malaki talaga 'yung nawala sa 'kin nung nagkaroon pandemic."

Jethro turned things around thanks to Good Banda, a courier service app which hires musicians who lost their jobs amid the community quarantine.

After picking up delivery items and dropping them off to the recipients, riders would serenade their clients using the musical instruments they would bring with them.

Now, Jethro is earning P800 to P1,200 per day while doing something he loves.

"Basta masipag ka lang at tatanggapin mo lahat ng work, 'yun kikita ka naman ng malaki," he said.

Customers are often pleasantly surprised with the free musical performance from the riders, who are also glad to be able to share their talents.

"Mahalang-mahalaga sa akin ito kasi ito halos 'yung bumuhay din sa pamilya ko e," Jethro said. "Iba talaga 'yung music, di ko kayang bitawan." —MGP, GMA News