By Marilie Bomediano

When the global pandemic hit Sydney, Carlito and Aleli Ferrer, owners of Panlasang Pinoy Restaurant in Kogarah, Sydney, decided to show their generosity to the Filipino community.

In an act of kindness, the Ferrer husband and wife team distributed 50 grocery packs of essentials to Filipinos on working and student visas last April 3-4 weekend.  Both 457 visa holders and students were disadvantaged after the imposed lockdown. They were stood down from their jobs and were not entitled to the benefits being handed out by the government as they were not Australian citizens.  The travel ban also meant they were stuck in Sydney and unable to go home.

The “SOS food packs” included basic necessities such as rice, canned goods, sugar, noodles, drinks, 3-in-1 coffee, and snacks. “Kaunting tulong lang naman” said Carlito Ferrer who originally hails from Paco in the Philippines.

With three children, the Ferrers ran the Panlasang Pinoy Fast Food restaurant and grocery store in Kogarah since 2017. It features Aleli’s authentic cooking of Filipino dishes. The cozy venue also has a karaoke for the entertainment of Filipinos dining out. Business will resume once the lockdown is lifted.

“It’s heartwarming to witness the true Bayanihan Spirit in action” said one of their customers.  “Ika nga Kapit-Bisig” (arm in arm) during this unprecedented global health crisis.

Photos by: Joy Marcelo and Aleli Ferrer