This man worked for Tropical Hut for 46 years.
When the local fast food chain went viral on social media, Daddy Antonio and his family decided to visit his former workplace last Father’s Day.
“For ten years, sa Shaw Boulevard branch, doon siya nag-work as a manager. Mandalas naman kami dun, tapos from time to time nangangamusta siya sa mga crew members doon, tapos nung Sunday, after the mass, nag-decide kami kumain dun for dinner. And, nakita namin na ang daming tao talaga, totoong maraming orders din. And, nakakatuwa lang makita na biglang sumigla ‘yung vibe nung branch na ‘yun,” daughter Marian Boneo told The Philippine STAR.
It was Daddy Antonio’s first company after graduating from college. He started working in the fast food chain in 1970. Daddy Antonio was transferred from one branch to another and eventually became a manager.
“For 42 years kasi, ‘yun lang ‘yung naging buhay niya. Every part of his life, nandun ‘yung Tropical Hut. Pagkabinata niya, nung kinasal siya, nung nagkaanak siya. Parte ‘yun ng Tropical Hut. And, even kami, noong mga birthdays namin, first birthdays na cine-celebrate, ganon. Kaya sobrang laking parte ng Tropical Hut sa buhay ng tatay ko,” Marian shared.
Marian said that her father’s salary and benefits sustained their everyday needs. Her father was also able to send them to school because of his work.
“Di siya umalis sa Tropical kahit di kataasan ang sahod, maayos naman ang benepisyo sa mga empleyado. Sabi nga ng Nanay ko, may gatas kaming ininom, diaper and mga gamot nung baby pa kami dahil sa Tropical Hut,” she shared on Twitter.
Considering the current state of the company, it was even harder when the COVID-19 pandemic happened.
“Nakadagdag na rin sa hirap nung time na ‘yun, kasi walang customers. Walang dine-in customers so puro takeout lang, tapos puro deliveries lang. Syempre in food service, iba pa rin talaga yung nakakainteract mo ‘yung customers directly,” she said.
Daddy Antonio considered his fellow Tropical Hut employees like a real family after building a life-long relationship with his co-workers.
“Sobrang sipag niya, at sobrang bait. And I’m sure, many people can attest sa kabaitan ng tatay ko. And yung mga nagmemessage nga sa akin, uy, kilala ko yung tatay mo. Sobrang bait niya nung kumakain kami dun. May paki talaga siya sa crew members niya, and nag-eenjoy naman siya sa pagtatrabaho niya sa Tropical Hut,” Marian said.
That is why when he learned that the public poured support into the fast food chain, Daddy Antonio was very happy.
“Nagulat siya and syempre, masaya siya. Kasi, deserve naman talaga ng Tropical Hut at ng mga empleyado nila ‘yung current na natatanggap nilang attention,” she said.
“Medyo nami-miss niya ‘yung pagtratrabaho sa Tropical Hut, lalo na ‘yung products, ‘yung makasama ‘yung mga crew, tapos syempre makakausap niya rin ‘yung mga customers daily so namimiss niya talaga magtrabaho,” she added.
In 2021, Daddy Antonio retired from the company when he reached 60 years old.
“Sa tingin ko lang, siguro winiwish niya na sana nung nandun pa siya nangyari ‘yung resurgence. Pero, okay na rin, kasi matanda na rin siya. At para rin makapahinga na siya kahit paano,” she noted.
Marian hopes that by sharing their story, the public will continue to support the local food chain
