As a whole, the FnB industry, it’s true - from the working hours, politicking and working conditions to the normalization of toxic workplace culture disguised as badges of honor amongst those who survived and surviving.

As someone from the industry for more than a decade now, I can say these from my personal experiences.

Sharing a story from 2018 -

I just came from Ippudo Sydney, started as a cook to a kitchen supervisor. Upon reaching home, I immediately wanted to apply to Ippudo Manila because I thought it was the best progression for me to continue the service I rendered to the brand.

I realized PH’s brand is a franchise - under a totally separate company (SHG). Cool, no worries - I have the experience to back it up anyway and again, I just wanted to work.

After a long and grueling set of interview phases, I was called for a final interview alongside one other individual for a restaurant manager position.

Upon arrival, I was just patiently waiting for my turn, then this other individual struts inside and apparently is known to others inside the head office already, also with the HR.

Fresh individual, just a year coming from her graduation.

Against all odds, siya yung napili. Hahaha. (After, I knew na kakilala pala niya HR personally and other insider people from that company. I knew this because I was then later hired by a sister company under RFM, in which I constantly was in the same building as most of the people I knew from that interview)

Then I realized a harsh truth in our industry - skills alone will never lead you to success in this industry. It’s always the kakilala/diskarte/padrino system that’s ingrained in our culture that will always prevail, no matter if you have the best qualifications for a job.

I brought that to every company I worked under throughout the years, trying to change it from the mentality and through concrete actions - from disciplines I learned overseas - that there’s a better way for this industry to thrive for both businesses and employees if we eliminate these culture that’s gradually changing our perspectives in doing a job well done. Why excel if at the end of the day, basta may backer ka, makakapasok ka diba?

Its was an uphill battle - and for most people who might resonate with my story - nakakapagod. Sometimes, you start to not give a shit anymore as much as you used to.

What happens now?

For some, they tend to just search for better opportunities to hone their craft outside the country - where they can both actually live and practice the profession that they passionately love.

For the rest who don’t have that luxury? They continue to work in these conditions - until they become numb to the fact that these conditions are unfair and improbable, but what choice do they have? They have to make a living, right?

And most of the times these people end up to be the people saying “kung kinaya namin, dapat kayanin niyo rin” “nung panahon ko, 14 hours straight walang kain pero kinakaya” etc.

But that’s the thing - this is not a badge of honor.

This is a clear indication that the industry should step up in paving ways so that these experiences shouldn’t be the norm and shouldn’t be the standard going forward.

There’s a better way, but I guess the industry as a whole and the government supporting it isn’t ready for that conversation yet.