Chickes n' Patties

I remember a song by Britney Spears. I can't for the life of me remember the bloody title. but the chorus goes "Everytime I see you in my dreams, I see your face, it's haunting me. I guess I miss you, baby."

The song brings back memories because it reminds me of my first paid job. I was a waiter for Chickies n' Patties, a local fastfood joint with 5 branches in Davao. The song became popular during the time was waiting tables. This was 5 years ago now.

I had just dropped from college due to lack of money and the situation at home was stifling. The sight of my mom and her husband being unable to raise the needed cash for everyday living and being uncertain as to where the next meal will be coming from... Well, it drove me. I was determined not to be a burden to my stepdad.

I remember scouring the newspaper ads for a job. Any job. And the few I could qualify for were all for sales positions. I hated them all. I remember wandering downtown Davao for hours looking for little-known job postings that would accept an undergraduate. I remember becoming desperate for any job.

And then I found Chickies n' Patties. They were looking for a dishwasher. I had 7 years of college under my belt, and I was applying for a job where I dip my arms up to my elbows in soapy water to scrub plates and crockery.

The hiring officer was kind enough to 'upgrade' me to be a waiter. She kept asking me if I'm sure. She kept looking at the school where I came from. And I kept repeating yes, I want the job. I didn't let her know how desperate I was. She might take it to her head to lower my pay or something. Or cadge favors from me so I can be hired. Talk about paranoia.

Anyways, the pay still sucked. I can't imagine how I managed. I was earning a net wage of 70 pesos per day, working 10 hours a day for 6 days a week. So every week I got paid 420 pesos. Every month I got 1,680 pesos. This was in 2004...

On the other hand, we were fed twice during the shift. Twice a day, a van would deliver our meals. Homecooked meals at that, and I could have all the rice I want. So I learned to eat a lot and eat them fast. We only got short breaks. The hours were long and lunchtime was the most hectic.

Across the branch where I was assigned is San Pedro College. There would be an awful lot students wanting to have their meals. God but I sigh at the memory of those days. Following up on delayed orders for hungry customers isn't really that good for the nerves.

Anyways, during the lulls where we didnt' get diners, I would clean the tables and the floor. And while I was doing so. the piped-in music would play the most popular songs. And one of them was Britney Spear's song. It never fails to evoke the memories I got on Magsaysay Avenue. It makes me appreciate my job even more.