A viral photo of a 73-year-old grandma rocking her role as a service crew at Jollibee SM Masinag in Antipolo City is serving up inspiration and spreading good vibes on the internet, hinting that the Philippines is finally breaking stereotypes around aging.
Captured by the eagle-eyed netizen Angelkhym Sto. Domingo, the photo was captioned: “Ang galing ng Jollibee SM Masinag, nag hire ng senior.”
Thrilled netizens chimed in, expressing joy for this uplifting change.
“So happy na may ganito na sa Pinas,” a netizen commented.
“Meron po kasing mga senior nap ag ang stay sa bahay feeling nila lalo sila magkakasakit, mas mainam na din po yan hindi naman sila nai-stress,” added another.
One netizen also mused: “What if all the fast food chains would do like this… napaka fair cguro ng buhay…kudos Jollibee Masinag. Attention sa ibang branches. Beke nemen!”
Turns out, the inspiring Jollibee crew member named Lola Lara Ariola is one of the many senior citizens who scored jobs under the Antipolo City government’s Special Recruitment Program for Senior Citizens and PWD.
In a Facebook post, Antipolo Mayor Jun Ynares revealed that the local government collaborated with fast-food giants like Jollibee, Greenwich, Chowking, Burger King, and more, to empower seniors who are still fit to work.
“Patunay si Nanay Lara na age is just a number. Keep it up, Lola Lara! Mabuhay po kayo,” he said.
