The closure of many businesses as part of the COVID-19 control measures exposed the sad plight of a lot of people who lost their jobs. One of these people are international students who are not entitled per se to government financial assistance. It is heartwarming to see the Fil-Aussie businesses, community organisations and the greater communities rally together to extend some assistance to the students. A-Team's Kitchen located at Shop 4 52 Weston Lane, Rooty Hill Road North in Western Sydney is one of these Good Samaritans. A-Team's Kitchen which is owned by Arvin and Rose Acosta was established in July 2017.
In an interview with Radio Tagumpay* on May 18, we asked Arvin to speak about the outreach to the international students.
Arvin said: "We did a series of relief goods distribution to the international students with the help of our Lord and utilising sponsors and donors from all over Sydney. They have donated canned goods, rice, bread, milk, toiletries, instant noodles, snacks, hand sanitisers, masks and many others. We are so blessed to be a channel for all these kind hearted, selfless souls who opened their hearts and homes to accommodate the students’ needs.
"We started early April of this year and probably are on our 6th or 7th round last 17th May. "
"Our sponsors range from individuals, group of friends, religious groups such as Christ is the Head Fellowship, Filipino organisations including Philippine Australia Sports and Culture INC and even The Filipino Channel (ABS-CBN) offered help and coordinated with us. The rest of the donors and sponsors chose to remain anonymous upon their request and we totally respect that."
He also spoke about how the students who need help were asked to come forward, Arvin shared:
"We advertised on our A-Team’s Kitchen Facebook page as it is a popular platform to let them know of such initiative. We asked the students to bring either a student ID or a copy of their student visa. We started from catering 10, gone up to 20 and our most was around 150 in one event."
Would this outreach be a one off or there are plans for subsequent assistance?
"This is not a one-off. To date, there are still people who ate committing to donate so as long as we can be a medium for it, we will be more than happy to be a channel as our restaurant is close the station and very convenient for everyone."
About A-Team's Kitchen
It specialises on Filipino favourites including an “all-day breakfast” with the array of choices such as tapsilog, tocilog, bangsilog, chorisilog and cornsilog amongst many. They also serve desserts such as all-time favourite halo-halo, turon and their very unique “iskrambol” which reminds most Filipinos of their childhood adventures in the Philippines. It is a frozen dessert made from shaved ice with banana extract and evaporated milk with sugar, topped with powdered milk and chocolate syrup. They also have as their bestsellers homemade crispy pata and pork sisig.
What is the direct impact of COVID-19 protocols on the business?
"We have been close monitoring the day-to-day updates with regards to legislations and laws from our government to ensure everyone’s safety. We had to close our dine-in’s and offer limited services to takeaways and deliveries only. We also did a series of thorough cleaning of our premises with our customers’ and staff members’ welfare in mind."
About the A-Team
Arvin is from Batangas City and his wife Rose is from Novaliches. He came to Australia at the end of 2005 on a student visa and then went back home the year after to bring his then girlfriend Rose to Sydney, then on a short term business visa. Their three kids Aaron (10), Aaliyah (9) and Aangelo (6) forming the rest of the A-Team.
Arvin graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy in UST (2002) and started working then after including a stint as a Fitness Instructor at Slimmers World International at SM Megamall until the last few months before flying to Sydney. Rose, on the other hand was a member of several professional dance groups in Manila including Hotlegs, performing in major concerts in the CBD and sometimes regional places in the Philippines.
He worked as a Physiotherapist at Minchinbury Community Hospital for almost nine years until he ventured into Real Estate. He is currently working at LJ Hooker Rooty Hill as a Sales Consultant and loving every bit of it! Rose is currently managing A-Team’s Kitchen.
In terms of what would he consider fondly in his heart as the best things he has achieved in Australia, Arvin said:
"It was a strain for me to be away from my family in the Philippines as we are not used to being this far from each other. We are a close-knit family and that’s how we were raised, always checking on each other and making your parents and siblings feel that you can be physically there for them in times of needs. It was quite stressful to experience that but on the other hand, it has taught me to be independent; that your wings can only make you fly high if you let them."
What challenges did he have to overcome settling in Australia?
"Before I reached my current status, I worked as a fish market vendor, a dishwasher, tried aged care as well, sidelined as a carpenter, and eventually tried buying and selling different stuffs such as electronic gadgets, exercise equipments, and even gone into private car sales. Every dollar counts, as long as I know that anything that I do is bound by morals and right conduct."
And if he is able to change something, what would that be?
"I am the type of person who wouldn’t change anything coz I do believe that every part of my past was a part of what I am know. And I am thankful for that."
What advice can he give kababayans who are thinking of establishing a business of their own?
"As long as you put your heart and soul into something and remember where you came from, you will do good. Plant good seeds bow and watch then grow. Water them with the Word of God daily. You will not go wrong."
We also asked Arvin how he defines "success"?
“Success” when associated with material “earthly” things defeats the real essence of it. If I encounter a soul, get to sit down with him, put myself in his shoes, understand him and bring him closer to the Lord... that’s mission accomplished for me."
Lastly, is there is anything else he wishes to achieve in life.
"Saving souls. If I could be a channel in bringing people closer to the Lord, I would be ecstatic."
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*Radio Tagumpay airs 2-4pm on Mondays, on Triple H 100.1FM and can be streamed via https://www.triplehfm.com.au/