MALIMONO, SURIGAO DEL NORTE — In the quiet coastal municipality of Malimono, where the rhythm of daily life is shaped by the sea and the seasons, a small eatery has grown into something far greater than its humble beginnings. G & J Eatery, established in 2016 by Mrs. Jerlin C. Bonotan, began as a modest roadside food stall in Barangay San Isidro. Today, it stands as a thriving local enterprise that not only serves affordable and satisfying meals to travelers and residents but also provides livelihood to three workers and sustains the Bonotan family.
A Foundation Built on Family and Tradition
Mrs. Bonotan's journey into entrepreneurship began long before she ever opened her doors to customers. As a teenager, she learned to prepare traditional delicacies, known locally as kakanin, under the guidance of her grandmother. Those early years spent assisting in the kitchen taught her far more than recipes: they instilled in her the values of patience, hard work, and resourcefulness. She also ventured into selling kakanin at a young age, gaining firsthand experience in customer service, small-scale sales, and the satisfaction of earning through her own efforts. These formative experiences became the bedrock upon which G & J Eatery would eventually rise.
Growing One Step at a Time
When Mrs. Bonotan established G & J Eatery in 2016, she saw an opportunity in the steady flow of people passing through their area. She believed there was a need for accessible, affordable, and satisfying meals, and she took a leap of faith. The business started in a small corner along the roadside, with limited resources but an abundance of determination. As word spread and customers began to patronize the eatery, G & J Eatery gradually gained a steady following. A significant turning point came when her husband retired, allowing the couple to devote more time and effort to the enterprise. They expanded the eatery and improved its operations, eventually creating employment opportunities for others.
Overcoming Challenges Through Adaptability
Like many micro and small enterprises, G & J Eatery faced its share of challenges. The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted the food business and significantly affected face-to-face dining. Rather than allowing the circumstances to halt the business, Mrs. Bonotan adapted by introducing packed meals as an alternative to dine-in services. This practical adjustment allowed G & J Eatery to continue serving customers while observing health and safety protocols. The experience reinforced a valuable lesson in entrepreneurship: when circumstances change, businesses must be willing to adapt.
The Role of Government Support
Further strengthening G & J Eatery's journey was the assistance provided by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Surigao del Norte through the Livelihood Seeding Program: Negosyo Serbisyo sa Barangay (LSP-NSB). As one of the program's beneficiaries, G & J Eatery received a double-burner stove with LPG, casserole, frying pan, and other essential equipment. The LSP-NSB is designed to provide livelihood opportunities and support existing micro-enterprises affected by natural and human-induced calamities, including health disasters arising from epidemics and pandemics. The assistance provided not only additional resources but also practical support that helped enhance the enterprise's operations and productivity.
A Vision for the Future
Despite the progress she has made, Mrs. Bonotan is not stopping here. With an entrepreneurial mindset and a vision for the future, she hopes to establish her own fried chicken brand and eventually open a siomai corner once additional capital becomes available. Her dreams may still be works in progress, but her journey has already shown that growth begins with the courage to start. Today, G & J Eatery serves not only as a source of affordable and quality meals for its customers but also as an important source of livelihood for the Bonotan family. Through the business, they are able to support their daily household needs while contributing to the local economy and providing employment in their community.
