Meet Luiza, your 24-year-old crew ready to serve you with the biggest smile on her face! But behold, she is not your ordinary restaurant server.
Born with Down Syndrome, Luiza is just one of the many kids who were given the opportunity to be part of the service crew of the pizza parlor Shakey's in one of their branches in Quezon City, which is just a one-jeepney ride from their home.
In a now-viral Facebook post of her brother, Nicholas, he invited everyone to come to visit her sister, whose duty is every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM.
He also jokingly quipped that visitors might also get free tissues from her!
In an interview with DZRH Online, Nicholas shared how his sister leveled up from her usual task of just greeting the guests, something she genuinely enjoyed.
"Nung una taga greet lang siya sa door, pero ngayon siya na nagseset up ng plates and utensils, nagfofold ng tissues and kumukuha ng bill," he proudly shared.
Luiza also enjoys her time with her co-workers and guests, who are all very accepting of her condition.
"Sobrang saya ni ate kasi parang mas lumalawak yung mundo niya," Nicholas added.
Luiza has been helping out at Shakey's, the first in their Commonwealth branch, since 2018. This halted following the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, leaving them no choice but to stay at home most of the time.
With the restrictions lifted last year, Luiza and the other kids, who are part of the Down Syndrome Association of the Philippines (DSAPI), are now reporting back at their respective works.
Love 'Em Down
What started off as a mere chance to provide opportunities for kids, turned out to be mutually beneficial for the crews and guests of the famous pizza parlor.
The Love 'Em Down program was officially born in February 2018 after DSAPI Chairman Elmer Lapeña and Shakey's sealed the deal through the signing of a memorandum of agreement.
"What was initially thought to be good only for the participants had a positive effect on the co-workers and clients as well. The relationship among the participants and restaurant staff became more like family," said Ms. Agnes Lapeña, proud parents of Jeremy, a Love ‘em Down Participant at Shakey’s BF Aguirre.
By the end of 2019, at least thirty (30) kids were assigned to various stores around Metro Manila.
Through Love 'Em Down, they were able to participate in small tasks such as greeting guests, handing menus, folding napkins, and clearing tables with their infectious smiles.
"All the 30 participants developed better behavior not just in the stores but at home as well," says Agnes.
However, the program faced a hiccup when the pandemic happened.
"Going to work was something they all looked forward to," Agnes said.
In an effort to keep the partnership, Shakey's created a virtual event for all the participants in time for the celebration of National Down Syndrome Consciousness Month in 2021.
They were all sent pizza dough, ingredients, an apron, and a chef toque, and together with their store bosses and buddies virtually, they prepared their pizzas and baked them at home. Throughout the pandemic, they received pizzas or mojos personally delivered.
"Hence, going back to work was more an exciting thing as they would be able to be with their friends again," she added.
By the end of 2022, the program got back on its feet! They also made sure that all the participants as well as the staff of the establishment are fully vaccinated.
According to Agnes, among the important improvements monitored by the program is the change in behavior. Given their daily interactions with customers and their co-workers, the kids were seen to become more and more confident each day.
"Some practices like setting and clearing the table are brought home, and even their spoken language or way of communication improves," she noted.
Interesting is it? This is why DSAPI invites kids with Down Syndrome who can perform the basic tasks, like greeting the guests, opening the door, setting the table, and giving the menu to be part of the group.
With the inclusion of Peri-Peri Charcoal Chicken & Sauce Bar in the Love 'em Down program, Agnes said they are looking forward to more persons with Down Syndrome having the opportunity to work, be part of society, and contribute to it as well.
"The public will have more awareness and hopefully realize that our children are more than just having a disability," she said.
