DURING the Cvid-19 pandemic, people throughout the world are struggling to keep up with their livelihood. This reality is no different in the Philippines. Among the most battered was the events industry. The sector, which relies heavily on parties and mass gatherings, has been forced to shut its doors and cancel its functions. This, in turn, has led to thousands of people losing their jobs.
For Davao Events Coordinators/Entrepreneurs of VonRic Event Services Voniele Fornillos Layese and Eric Dive Lao, this is quite difficult to calculate. Yet, these two showed resilience and strength just when the local events industry is teetering on the brink.
Hit hard by the cancellation of events, VonRic still made rounds in doing vital work to help save lives and give comfort. Among the many activities, they launched as a team is the distribution of 500 relief goods for those people who were hit by flooding and the onslaught of Tropical Depression “Auring” in Tandag City, Surigao Del Sur last Feb 20, 2021. The goods contain rice, canned goods, biscuits, noodles, bottled water among others. The relief distribution also marks the company’s 5th anniversary.
This project mobilized friends, family, and the community to help others during the crisis, demonstrating the strength of a community that is banded together. Present during the donation drive is the City Mayor of Tandag Roxanne Pimentel , Vonric Team Assistant Cherell Jane Fantonial, Chaelo Terris Lao, Justin Noval, Mervin Hao, Merlyn Lao, Arnold & Sonnynoy, Joever Albano and famous vlogger “Pambansang Uga”, Rowell Divina.
Von may have earned praises from the events industry, but what most people don’t know is just how he and Eric failed before they succeeded.
“I have been through a lot. I go where life leads me. My mindset is always positive, to go with the flow and not think of the hardships but the best experiences I have encountered,” he said.
Von attributes his attitude to his struggles. He had a rocky start in life and became a company guard for a year. He saved his earnings to be able to finish his studies at Holy Cross of Davao College, where he took a Bachelor of Arts Major in Mass Communications.
As a working student, he earned income doing part-time work as a clown host for more than four years at Davao’s Bonjee Entertainment Services run by James Infiesto and Abegail “Skye” Bangoy Dionela. He later became a call center agent for two years and was a top performer at that.
With their savings and with the help of his business partner Eric Dive Lao they started VonRic Events Services in November 2015 and realized their life’s passion. They become one of Davao’s sought-after event and wedding planners.
VonRic Events Services didn’t give up in the face of their struggles. They persevered. They pushed through their present-day limitations, had breakthroughs, and yet they didn’t give up.
“We understand the difficulties that the events industry currently faces. The road to recovery will be a long and tough one. But I know nothing is permanent, so I don’t stress myself too much because no matter how bad the situation is. It will change”.