A restaurant in Marikina, known for serving frontliners during the pandemic and helping evacuees during disasters, is now lending a hand to public utility vehicle (PUV) and delivery drivers by providing free meals to ease the financial burden of rising fuel costs.
Trining’s Kitchen Stories is offering free meals to PUV drivers and delivery riders affected by rising fuel prices, providing relief to one of the sectors hardest hit by the ongoing crisis. Although many businesses are also adjusting to cope with higher fuel costs, a few establishments continue to extend assistance and kindness to affected Filipinos. One such initiative comes from a local restaurant owned by Chef Jason Maulit, who said the free meal program is their way of giving back to the community. According to Maulit, the effort traces its roots to the COVID-19 pandemic, when their family also relied on public support during a difficult time. “Nagsimula po siya as gratitude campaign for frontliners [noong Covid-19 pandemic] noong maospital si Mama Trining tapos kinailangan po naming humingi ng tulong,” Maulit said in an interview on DZRH's Damdaming Bayan on Wednesday. Maulit shared that their family received generosity from fellow Filipinos through fundraising efforts. After his mother passed away, he established the restaurant to preserve her recipes and continue her legacy through food. “Noong namatay po siya, natakot po ako na iyong family recipes hindi na namin magawa dahil hindi siya nakasulat. So nagtayo po ako ng restaurant na iyong family dishes at niluluto ni Mama Trining ang ginagawa namin,” he added. Since then, the restaurant has transformed into a community support hub during times of crisis. Maulit said they operate as a soup kitchen during emergencies such as typhoons and economic hardships. “Kapag panahon po ng bagyo at krisis, nagiging soup kitchen po kami para makatulong kahit kaunti sa mga kababayan natin,” he said. Despite concerns about the long-term impact on their business, Maulit emphasized their commitment to continue helping as long as they have the means. He noted that many drivers are forced to make tough daily choices, sometimes having to decide between buying food and fueling their vehicles. “Ang kwento po nung mga tsuper na nakakausap namin. Minsan mamimili na sila between pagkain o gasolina,” he said. “Tingin po namin kung dumating na sa punto 'yun na 'yung choice ng tsuper, rider, kailangan nang may tumulong, kailangan nang may magbigay ng kahit kaunting assurance sa kanila na hindi sila nag-iisa sa krisis na ito. Ako naniniwala po ako sa kabutihan ng Pilipino,” Maulit added. Free meals are distributed daily at the restaurant starting at 4:00 p.m. until supplies last. The initiative is supported through both cash and in-kind donations. Maulit assured donors that as long as resources continue to come in, a portion of their kitchen will remain dedicated to feeding operations. “Ang pangako naman po namin sa mga kababayan, hangga't mayroong ingredients at resources na dumarating, ang portion ng kusina natin ay magiging dedicated for the feeding operation,” he said.
