Nellida Dela Cruz is a new vendor for the Philippine street paper, the Jeepney. She sells from outside coffee shop Mocha Blends and the Faith Academy in the Rizal area of the Philippines, about 10 miles from the capital Manila.
"I did not always have my sights set on being a vendor," she said. "I was introduced to Jeepney Magazine through my husband, Larry."
Larry first found out about the street paper through his involvement in the paper's street soccer team, but he soon found that being a vendor was not for him: "He was going to be the Jeepney representative for our family; however, in a moment of truth, Larry conceded he was too shy," Nellida said. "But I saw the opportunity to help provide for our family and decided to go for it."
Nellida said family is her motivation: "I want to give my children a better life. I want to help provide for my family's immediate needs. My dream is to have a home of our own. We have been living with my husband's parents since we got married."
"They [Larry's parents] built a shack in a vacant land owned by Valley Golf Country Club. My husband has also started to build a shack near his parents but it is not yet complete. Thankfully we have not received a complaint yet. I desire to provide my children with many of the things I never had growing up."
One of nine children growing up in the Quezon Province, a six-hour bus ride from Manila, Nellida was forced to find work at an early age. Her first job was as house help in Manila.
"I was only 13, working for a wealthy family who had homes in the Philippines and abroad," she said.
Far from being an aloof employer, the family encouraged Nellida to continue her education. "My salary provided for my basic needs, my high school tuition and a small amount to send back home," she said. "Unfortunately, just as I was beginning college with the hope of studying hotel and restaurant management, the need for my services as a house help ceased. My employer's family had to go back to United States."
Discouraged and lonely, Nellida turned to her long-time friend Larry for help and comfort. "An unexpected romance blossomed between us and we are now working together to raise our three year old daughter, Laraine, and one year old son, Lei Leonard."
Nellida and Larry have had to adapt to a change in circumstances. "Before I became a Jeepney vendor I was a full time housewife taking care of the kids. My husband has no regular job. He gets some income as a maker of fiberglass products. We have to depend on my husband's parents for support for our everyday needs."
Whenever Nellida feels disheartened at selling Jeepney magazine, she turns to more seasoned vendors for inspiration.
"I leave my timid side at home and seek to be available to any interested patron. American customers are more sympathetic and apt to buy. Some people say they do not have money or say they will come back but they never do."
The support of other vendors coupled with a strong family bond has helped Nellida. "Now I am happy that I am able to help provide for our family's needs. I do not stay out late selling because of the kids. When I am out selling, my husband takes care of the kids. The income I get from selling helps, so I continue to sell. Every little bit makes a difference. I am also trying to save money so I can buy some furniture for when we get to move to the shack that my husband is building for us."