By: Margaret Padilla
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The 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic had a significant economic impact on the Philippines and millions of Filipinos have lost their jobs.
Following the outbreak of the virus in the Philippines, many industries and businesses were forced to close to comply with the government’s protocols and restrictions, including community quarantine.
Hence, even celebrities chose to start their own businesses at the height of the pandemic because they are not exempt from the financial losses caused by COVID-19.
In an interview with Push, a celebrity news website of ABS CBN, actor Neil Coleta described how he overcame the pandemic when work in showbiz became insufficient and his career slowed.
The actor revealed that he was selling “bangus” and “tuyo” gourmet to make ends meet in the midst of the pandemic.
“Kaya ako nagtitinda ako ng mga “bangus,” mga gourmet. Sinubukan ko lahat kasi walang arti-artista at that time eh. Nung 2020 nagtitinda ako. Nag-alok ako sa social media, nagdedeliver ako ng ice cream.”
Coleta stated that he cannot simply sit. He knew he had to figure something out because he had a family to support.
“Kasi hindi puwedeng dun ka lang mag-se-stay. Mauubos ka. Lalo ako may binubuhay akong pamilya. Kaya kailangan gumawa ako ng paraan.”
Coleta explained that it was necessary that he must work his way up because there was no taping or work in the entertainment industry at the start of the pandemic. He was well aware that his family would not survive without him. That’s when he began to inspire others.
“Walang showbiz, walang taping so gawa ka ng paraan. So napaikot ko naman. Kailangan eh. Hindi tayo pwedeng mabuhay ng naka-stay ka lang sa ganyan. Kumayod ako. Doon sila na-inspire sa akin. Sa akin naman, nag-enjoy ako and at the same time nagkakapera ako and may nakakain kami sa araw-araw,” Coleta narrated during the interview.
Despite the relaxed restrictions, the actor continues to sell food products. He stated that selling has become a consistent source of income for his family.
“Ngayon meron pa rin, beef tapa naman ang tinda ko at saka gourmet tuyo at tinapa. Nag-re-resell ako. Si DJ (Padilla) umo-order lagi sa akin at si Joshua (Garcia). Yung mga kaibigan natin sa industriya sinusubok subukan ko, binibigyan bigyan natin para mag-promote.”
He also mentioned that during the pandemic, he opened Coleta’s Liquor Store in Dasmarinas, Cavite, for wine lovers.
Coleta began his career in show business in the Philippines in 2008. He came to popularity after appearing in shows such as 100 Days to Heaven, Juan Dela Cruz, Starla, The Killer Bride, and FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano.
He was later known for appearing in a Nestea television commercial. Since then, he has worked on several ABS-CBN television projects.
Coleta starred in the 2012 film I Do Bidoo Bidoo: Heto nAPO Sila! His performance in the film earned him the “New Movie Actor of the Year Award” at the 29th PMPC Star Awards for Movies in 2013.
The actor is dating Jazmin Chinnei, also known as Chinkee Nini, one of Wowowin’s dancers. Their eldest child, Jazmin, was born in September of last year.
He recently completed Widow’s Web on GMA Network.
Likewise, he is also a cast member of the upcoming ABS CBN’s Mars Ravelo’s Darna: The TV Series, which stars Jane de Leon, Joshua Garcia, and Janella Salvador.