Small people, big hearts, new home (2)
People with dwarfism suffer from a genetic or medical condition, generally defined as an adult having a small stature of about 4 feet 10 inches (147 centimeters) or less.
The average adult height among people with dwarfism is 4 feet (122 centimeters).
“That’s why we are very thankful that finally, we can say that we now have a perfect place for people like us who just wanted to earn a living and live a normal life,” Mario Cuatro, restaurant staff at Hobbit House in Boracay, said.
Cuatro said most of their customers, particularly foreign tourists, take photos with them — amazed that there is a restaurant providing a livelihood for midget people like them.
“They also wanted to take pictures with us, especially the first-timers. And we are willing to serve them and give them that pleasure,” he said, adding that they appreciate the treatment they get from fascinated guests. He takes pride in the compliments they get regularly for their quick service. “What is hard to accept is when some customers tell us that we are abnormal. It’s painful to hear those kinds of teasing, while others commend us for a job well done. But we will not stop serving them despite the rare occasions of bullying we get from some; that’s part of our being,” Cuatro added.
Hobbit Tavern has been earning accolades from its customers. It has been described by guests as a great restaurant that offers the freshest seafood, especially raw oysters.
“This restaurant is very special. I went to Boracay the next day. I was afraid that there was no seat at night, so I booked it in advance in the afternoon. After watching the sunset, I walked over to dinner. The restaurant is decorated in a simple style, and the famous paintings on the wall are everywhere. The waiter is very professional, and the service is very good. The a la carte follows the recommended dishes on the Internet, and of course, there is no shortage of island food: Roast chicken and special pizza, as well as Filipino raw beer,” according to the comment of a Chinese customer posted at
Pandemic resilience
Cuatro said the health crisis that affected all business establishments in the country, including Boracay, was unforgettable, as it was daunting.
As all borders were closed, they could not accept guests from other places, so the management decided to temporarily close the restaurant, forcing him to go back home to Laguna where he and his family tried online selling to survive.
“I sold food trays online, and merienda (snacks) in front of my house just to earn money. I only got back here in Boracay last January 2022 when restrictions were already eased, and tourists are returning.”
“Customers are back but still not comparable to the vibrance of 2019 and prior years. But we are hoping for a brighter 2023,” he said.