There’s a significant culture that happens in Taft Avenue—you’ve got a mix of college students from all walks of life, professors and laborers all scrambling together in the busy streets. One thing that every Taft native knows though are the small food and drink businesses you visit for your daily meals.
However, with the pandemic, the small businesses in the area have lost their usual market—especially with students not coming back to their campuses any time soon. Yet, since most Taft natives are loyal customers, a few students set up the Taft Initiative, an operation that aims to ease the problems brought on by the pandemic along Taft Avenue and preserve its culture.
One of its first projects is Project Taft Express, an online delivery system that can bring you classic dishes and drinks from a number of establishments around Taft. You can order those huge, beefy burgers from Burger 3001, shawarma from Shawarma Sham, Dumaguete-style inasal from Bai, and of course, the quintessential chicken wings from Topside. Other establishments also include Crazy Katsu, Eric’s Siomai and Sisig, Chef Bab’s Sisig and Chick N’ Tea.
https://www.facebook.com/thetaftinitiative/posts/116640343432635
To order, simply visit Taft Initiative’s Facebook page, select the photo of the restaurant you’re availing from and click the link on the description. Fill out the form and select your payment method, then wait for updates on your order via text. Taft Initiative encourages you to tip the riders as well.
“Due to the effects of the pandemic, your favorite restaurants are on the verge of closing down. The quarantine restrictions prevent them from operating normally and serving us in person,” the organizers wrote on their Facebook page. “These establishments that define the Taft culture need our support in their adjustments to online selling.”
https://www.facebook.com/thetaftinitiative/photos/a.116812880082048/119710666458936
Additionally, they have recently launched a new project called “Tutors of Taft,” which offer online classes with chosen academic professionals. This will also help provide financial support for teachers who have been badly affected by the pandemic. The first professor is Mr. Allan Hernando of Delta Edge Taft who can teach math or engineering electives.
Taft Initiative is also currently selling face masks for P220 per box of 50 pieces. The proceeds will be donated to its partner establishments as financial aid. “The Taft Initiative also pledges to give out free face masks to those in need with every purchase,” they added.
If you are interested in volunteering for their cause, they have an open call for volunteers. They are in need of creatives and operations officers to help out with their future endeavors. In these trying times, keeping small businesses alive is one way of maintaining the culture of Taft Avenue—especially if the food was so tasty.
Header photo courtesy of Topside Diner
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Writer: THEA TORRES
