From street dweller to head of a top performing Chowking store: Jonathan Abelda’s journey with Jollibee Group’s Chowking

Jonathan “Cholo” Abelda could not bear seeing his brothers and sisters staying homeless and drenched each time the rain poured. Describing their past life as “Talagang mahirap kami dahil nabubuhay lang kami sa isang kahig, isa ng tuka noon,” he prayed hard for an opportunity that could turn the tables for them.

Today, he runs Chowking SM Mall of Asia (MOA), one of the brand’s best-performing stores in the country and has made a better life for his family.

The gamechanger

Cholo’s journey began in 2004 with failure upon failure as all his applications with ten fast food chains were turned down. 

Despite this, he believes that his prayer helped open the door for him: “Lord, bigyan mo lang ako ng isang trabaho na maiangat ko ang pamilya ko. Pinapangako ko sa inyo na gagalingan ko.”

A neighbor had told him that Jollibee Group’s Chowking was hiring, and Cholo immediately went through the usual application process. Steeled by the numerous rejections and the belief that he had mastered answering interview questions, he eventually got in.

His first store was Chowking Tutuban in 2004, followed by Chowking Robinsons Ermita.

A college education for the better

Cholo shared that he had second thoughts about pursuing a degree for fear that he won’t be able to provide for his family.

“Pagka-regular ko noong 2006, parang wala na akong plans noon mag-aral kasi kumikita na ako, eh. Parang ah, okey na ako,” Cholo recalled. 

His then Area Manager thought otherwise. She categorically told him it would be a waste not to get a college education. Her message came with a little warning in jest, quoting her as saying, “Pag hindi mo naipakita sa akin ‘yung enrolment mo hanggang bukas bibigyan kitang maraming trabaho sa kitchen.”

“So, ura-urada akong nag-enroll sa STI dahil natakot ako,” he said.

Cholo eventually finished his college studies and earned his B.S. in Hotel and Restaurant Management degree after seven years of juggling schooling with work.

A strong support system

In retrospect, Cholo recalled that he was initially overwhelmed, having been given a massive branch. He even second-guessed himself and thought that there were more senior restaurant managers (RM) who were more deserving of the assignment. After all, he was still a young RM who’d only been in the branch for a year.

But his superiors were there to guide him. His area manager (AM), who was not only a superior but also a friend to him, offered a helping hand by giving him a two-week break to rest, think, and recover.

“Ginabayan niya ako hanggang maka-recover ako, hanggang maka-move on ako,” he said of how his AM guided him. 

Cholo learned that acceptance is critical and that one needs to recognize the mistake and take steps to overcome it.

Every day, his mother would ask him about his store’s sales. “Araw-araw, promise,” he revealed. 

“Ganito ako mag-trabaho kasi hindi lang sa store ang suporta, pati sa bahay,” he added.

Together they grow

To give back for their support and to set the mood for the day, Cholo ensures that he always looks after his team.

“Alam ko na kung ano ang nakakapagod sa kanila, alam ko na kung paano ko sila mamo-motivate. Alam ko kung ano mga bagay ang makakapagpasaya sa kanila. Kasi ako mismo nanggaling ako dun,” he said.

As an RM, Cholo involves himself in operations because he wants his people to feel that he can be their “navigator” in the daily operation. This self-imposed role includes setting goals and plans with the team for the store’s continuous improvement. 

On a personal level, Cholo inspires his people to dream, not only for themselves but for their children, for their family. “Gawin natin [para] sa mga anak natin para maging maayos din yung buhay nila,” he said. 

Despite the significant progress he’s made, Cholo still wishes to learn more and discover more. After all, he believes that becoming a leader means embracing a continuous learning process.

For those aspiring to join JFC, Cholo advises them to set their goals because then their commitment and dedication will surely follow suit.

“Natutunan ko na kapag isinapuso mo ang core values ng JFC, bibigyan ka rin ng matibay na pundasyon,” he stressed.

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Editor’s Note: This article was provided by Jollibee Foods Corporation.