JEEP TO CANADA

magazine while the Filipino Canadian Magazine acclaimed his food truck as the Most Popular Food Truck in 2016 and 2017.

He was also awarded as Entrepreneur of the Year in 2016 by the Filipino Champions of Canada, and also hailed as one of the Filipino Champions of Canada in 2016.

Initially, JayTee’s purpose to go to Canada was to work as a nurse and help his family here in the Philippines. But after a fire consumed their house in Sampaloc, Manila, which left his family with nothing, he realized that he needed to work more hours and increase his income, which gave birth to his food truck idea.

“I’m fortunate enough to grow up in a kitchen with high quality Filipino food. My mom would always serve us delicious dishes, even if it’s just a simple meal. When I was about to leave for Canada, I asked my mom to teach me how to cook so that I can do it on my own when I’m there. With lots of practice, I’m now able to cook my own dishes,” shares the Sanchez-Mira, Cagayan native.

Open on Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays, his truck can be found in Collingwood, Millwood, Sherwood, or Hudson Park. People would line up for hours just to get a taste of his dishes.

“The Canadians love my pancit, spring rolls, adobo, and the sisig putin. I also serve crispy kare kare, bopis perogis, burger steak with rice, beef pares, sisig taco, taho, pan de sal with embutido, pork isaw, kwek kwek, barbecue, buko pandan, halo halo, and ice scramble. All of my dishes are freshly cooked and with high quality. If I see something wrong with the food, I immediately bring it back to the kitchen. I would rather lose a few dollars than lose you as a customer,” says JayTee.

Though very successful now in his endeavor, one cannot deny that JayTee has a good heart.

He was one of the first persons who responded when the town of Fort McMurray was burned in 2016 due to a wildfire. He requested his customers that instead of the usual cash, he would give them his food in exchange for toiletries, used clothing, and baby needs. His drive was able to fill a 10wheeler truck.

Now, he dreams of expanding his truck but maintaining its high food quality, not only in Canada but also in the Philippines.

“When opening a business, it’s not enough that you do what you want to do and follow your dreams. You have to do your research, know your battles, and test the waters. You are betting your time, money, and effort, that’s why you have to put a lot of thinking into it and only if you are already sure of everything that you proceed and go for it,” he says.