One of the groups adversely impacted by the pandemic was international students who lost their jobs due to the COVID 19 restrictions resulted in the closure of small businesses. In July this year, The Australian Filipina featured the story of Rizza Jaena who was one of these students.
The article on Rizza and her interview at Radio Tagumpay received very positive response by the Filipino-Australian community. Through the word by mouth and support by friends, what started as a few orders for a 'muffin' Torta De Cebu she and her husband Cesar home-baked, the demand has become steady and increasing.
Rizza was recently interviewed by GMA Regional TV to share the inspiring story of their struggles and now have established their own small business.
We are glad to share below an update on the journey of Rizza and Cesar, and their three sons.
From our last interview, what has transpired with you and the family?
Cesar: Our family went home last March 2020 to pay our last respect and attend my father’s funeral. Honestly, we did not focus much on the COVID-19 situation at the time, since our attention mainly was focused on our loss. After the burial on 12th March 2020, news in the Philippines were flooded with the government’s plan of lockdown. The next day, my wife and I decided to rebook our plane tickets which were originally dated 21 March 2020.
Rizza: The rebooking was tough and I have to wait on the queue. Upon rebooking, I made sure that our 3 sons will get a seat and that left me and my husband with none. So, the staff told me that we can go earlier the next day, 14 March 2020 as chance passenger since our sons were already rebooked on a sure flight from Davao to Manila that same day at 6:00pm. We came early around 10:00am and luckily got 2 seats on a 12pm flight.
Cesar: We were in NAIA at that time waiting for our sons and got surprised that Manila was declared on a “lockdown” early in the afternoon and all flights were cancelled. Our sons can’t make it to Manila even if we rebooked them to Clark Airport because no one can enter Manila because of the strict lockdown. Their flights from Manila to Sydney were again rebooked and eventually their original flights from Davao-Manila and Manila-Sydney were converted to travel fund.
Rizza: Sadly, until now our sons are still in Davao. Our requests for travel exemptions were declined for so many times. Our son's employer wrote a letter to the Immigration, but it was declined. The schools of our other sons gave documents to the immigration in support for the travel exemption process but to no avail. We even sought the help of our Philippine Consulate through the reference of Radio Tagumpay but this was still unsuccessful . The advice we received is that the immigration law of Australia that will prevail. We remain hopeful that with the easing of restrictions, we would be able to get approval on compassionate ground for our son to come back here in Australia.
What you have been doing with regard to earning a livelihood?
Rizza: In the midst of pandemic and without work my husband started baking Torta de Cebu and I sell them through social media. We deliver our product to individual customers and friends starting last week of May 2020. The biggest help was obtaining a reliable car through the help of a good friend.
The date 16 July 2020 was a memorable day because this was our first day to deliver to our first 2 Filo shops. We were still doing deliveries to direct customers, getting orders through social media and referrals and increasing our filo shops deliveries. In 4 months now since July 2020, we have displays in more than 30 Filo shops and cafes around Sydney, join in market events, resellers in Wollongong, Dubbo and Canberra and even reached Queensland, interstate delivery.
Cesar: We continue to share our product and proud that Torta de Cebu is well accepted not only to Filipinos but other races as well. We have a café owner told us that locals loved our Torta de Cebu and gets frustrated when they run out of stocks. It’s a proud feeling that Filipino muffins are being patronised by many now.
Where are you now in your plans and aspirations?
Cesar: We are humbled that through our perseverance, an opportunity to start our own small business just came and we did not expect that God will give it to us this soon. It was a simple, transparent and honest discussion with the shop owner. We gave an assurance that we will take care of the shop and run the business, improve the sales and introduce another concept. The difficult part for us aside from the financial aspect is the updating of the requirements. We already started it from our Torta de Cebu product but this recent venture is already higher than that thus requires more work. My wife for now quit her part time job to focus on the Filo shop business whilst I still work to have fix income.
Rizza: The good part is the mentorship and guidance of the owner and other Ffilo shop owners as well. We are not prepared but we will learn along the way. Just like what happened with our Torta de Cebu that we just learned slowly on how to acquire permits, licenses and insurance. Now for our Filo shop business, I have to update my ABN, finish my Food Supervisor course (ongoing now), talk to our bank for business account and get Point of Sale. My husband and I will have a lot of work to do with our new venture now.
What advice can you give to kababayans who wish to start their own small business?
Cesar: “Paniniwala sa Diyos”, “lakas ng loob”, “huwag susuko”, “tiyaga” and “pagsisikap”. Faith in God, strong will, never give up, perseverance and effort. We had tried a lot of times to establish a business in the Philippines even before coming here in Sydney. We experienced downfall but that did not affect our desire to still dream to have a business of our own. Focus on the dream and work on it. Do a business that you really love and enjoy doing it. The effort and sacrifice are all worth it if you have the passion and drive to achieve your dream.
Rizza: Pray, submit your plans to God and claim it even if it is impossible. God can work in so many ways and there’s no impossible with Him. When you feel no fear and hesitations, smooth and as if well-planned (because God plans for you), that’s the sign that God affirms and He will give it to you. Do not forget the people that God made instruments for you to get you where you are. Always be grateful and positive even if at times negativity comes in. Do business fairly and think of others as well. Bottomline, you have the same goals.
Celebrating with Cesar and Rizza Janea
At the introduction of Vida Aquino Fernandez, head of APSA, in one of the food sharing initiatives, Radio Tagumpay interviewed Rizza in July this year, to help promote her and husband baking Torta de Cebu on radio; this was followed by sharing on social media which generated orders from friends and supporters, then orders through Filo stores. An update on their journed will be aired on Radio Tagumpay this Monday, December 7 on which day is Rizza's birthday. We also shared Rizza's story in The Australian Filipina way back then, and this update article includes also Cesar.
Addendum: It was great feeling of joy for Radio Tagumpay broadcasters Criz Guce and Violi Calvert to see the start of a new chapter of the life of Rizza and Cesar as owner of a small business which they hope to build up.
Cesar and Rizza Jaena with Violi Calvert
Cear and Rizza Jaena with Criz Guce
Vida also posted in social media:
"I will sleep with a grateful heart tonight holding the conviction that GOD indeed works in many mysterious ways... Over 6 months ago they were the first of almost 1,500 students who have to queue for food packs. Because of the pandemic this couple has lost their jobs, no source of income. During the distribution, they brought a pack of their own home-made Torta de Cebu which, to cut it short became their legacy in Sydney. Today, I am so blessed to witness the soft opening of Cassaja Torta De Cebu
"Their story needs to be told & retold, as these students were an inspiration to many. Covid-19 may have brought big impact to the whole world, yet, with faith in GOD coupled with hardworks & determination, these students who almost had nothing much then, at the edge of almost giving up, now owns a Filipino shop in Rockdale... To GOD be all the Glory!!!
I would like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank all those who have partnered with Association of Pinoy Students in Australia - APSA
during our Adopt-A-Student Program, Feed-A-Student Program & Cover-A-student Program. May your hearts be full of joy as you have brought hope to almost 1,500 Filipino International Students... GOD bless you all!!!"
About Cesar and Rizza Janea
Cesar was born in Cebu with his father Cesar Sr. originally hailed from Dumanjug, Cebu but he grew up in Davao. He is a graduate of Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration major in Management in Ateneo de Davao. Currently he is taking up Advance Diploma in Hospitality and Management.
Rizza was born and raised in Cagayan de Oro City and graduated a Bachelor’s Degree in Commerce major in Management in Ateneo de Cagayan (Xavier University). In 2017 she finished her Masters in Professional Accounting here in Sydney, Australia.
Cesar and Rizza are blessed with three sons: Carlos Gabryel, 22 Carlito Enryque, 20 Carmelo Adryel, 17 who are presently unable to join them here in Australia due to the COVID 19 restrictions.
The Australian Filipina and Radio Tagumpay congratulate Rizza and Cesar who proved that with the support of friends and the community, and with their hard work and deep Faith they are well on their way in accomplishing their dreams. We hope that their sons will re-join them soon so that their happiness will be complete.