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| A sight of the road in front of Jacko's Kan-anan after Sendong Photo Credits to TravelJams.comMs. Lovette Jam |
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| Me with Ms. Lovette Jam, the princess of Jacko's Kan-anan. |
What was your business all about?
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| A view of their carwash business before Sendong. Photo Credits to Ms. Lovette Jam |
Jacko’s started out as a carwash center in 2009. After a couple of months, we opened a snack bar to provide a waiting area for the customers. The snack bar soon evolved into a carinderia and soon into a restaurant offering meals (turo-turo and short order) in addition to the snacks.
How was your business before Sendong?
Dining Area of Jacko's Kan-anan before Sendong.
Photo Credits to Ms. Lovette Jam
In late 2011, Jacko’s has expanded in terms of area and services offered. We had additional carwash bays as well as an air-conditioned function room, which doubles as an office and classroom for Prime tutorial and review center. We have also started with catering services.
What happened during Sendong?
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| Sendong destroyed almost everything except for their kitchen area. Photo Credits to Ms. Lovette Jam |
Jacko’s was totally submerged in water. Thankfully, all our stay-in staff and crew were able to evacuate and were all safe. (READ HER FULL STORY HERE)
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| A saddening view of Jacko's Kan-anan after Sendong. Photo Credits to Ms. Lovette Jam |
What were the challenges that you faced in rebuilding your
business?
The mere thought of having to start all over again was terrifying enough. Then there’s the stress of planning new strategies, re-thinking the business direction, and the looming fear, trauma, and phobia. Then there’s the need for additional capital and resources for the actual rebuilding of the structure, repairing of destroyed appliances and replacing everything that had been washed away.
What were the strengths that helped you rebuild your
business?
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| A sample of their sulit and delicious food packs. Photo Credits to Jacko's Kan-anan |
Sendong left Jacko’s in a wrecked, destroyed, and chaotic state. But despite the thin glass that separates the kitchen from the destruction, the kitchen remained intact and unharmed. Amazingly, the contents of the refrigerator and coolers were safe and uncontaminated – even the eggs were in good condition! We took it as a sign that we MUST continue with the business. As a thanksgiving, we took everything we could salvage home, and prepared food for families in evacuation centers. After the stocks were all delivered, several organizations ordered food to be distributed to the survivors of the deluge. This allowed us to have income despite the losses.
Did you ask for any support from the government,
friends or family?
If there’s one good thing about Sendong, it brought out the best of people. We didn’t actually have to ask for support. Family, friends, employers and mentors, gladly and wholeheartedly offered help. J
What are the present improvements after Sendong?
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| Present view of the counter of Jacko's Kan-anan. |
Because Sendong practically washed out the original structure, we had the chance to improve the structure and plan a better layout of the building. Kitchen and dining areas are now bigger. And the larger and better function room has recently opened. J
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| Jacko's Kan-anan's conference hall which can accommodate more than 80 people. Photo Credits to Jacko's Kan-anan |
What are you looking forward for the future of your
business?
Like all other start-up small businesses, we aim for growth. We’d like to see the business expand and open more branches and perhaps offer franchises someday. We look forward to diversifying the business too, seizing other opportunities for growth. Through this, we could offer more jobs and in our own little way be able to give back to the community.
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| A view at the side of the conference hall and dining area. Photo Credits to Jacko's Kan-anan |
What do you want to share to other businessmen/women
who faced the same experience during Sendong?
We are all victims. But let us not forget that that we are survivors too. Take heart with some hope that this too shall pass.
It's now 9 months after Sendong and this is how far businesses in Iligan City has become resilient after the tragic experience they had. They never lose hope. My favorite dish at Jacko's Kan-anan is their Crispy Squid. I don't really eat squid but who would decline such a very tasty, delicious and mouthwatering delicacy. Indeed, Sendong cannot wash away good food.
For more information about Jacko's Kan-anan you can visit these links:
October is also Iligan's Business Month. Visit Iligan City and join the month long activities!
This is part of the Iligan to 1 Series. What happened to Iligan 1 year after Sendong? A blogger report through his visit to different relocation sites and interview with some Iliganons. Like us on facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ItsSimplyFrancis
Other Parts of the Series:
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