Akari has always been a staunch supporter of Philippine sports, as evidenced by its support for the Adamson program, national volleyball team, and its two PVL squads.
The lighting and technology company not only provides assistance to student and professional athletes, but it also extends a helping hand to the teams’ staff.
One of the staff members is G-Jong Bueza, a utility worker for the Akari Charges and a student pursuing a Bachelor of Physical Education degree at Adamson University.
The 26-year-old Bueza believed it was never too late to pursue a degree. Fortunately, the management made his wish possible by covering his school expenses until he graduates. In addition, he also receives a salary in exchange for his services to Akari’s volleyball team.
“Nag-apply po ako sa Akari at sinabi ko po kay Sir Russell (Akari Sports Director) na gusto kong mag-aral, tapos nakarating po yun sa mismong boss po namin,” said Bueza.
Since joining the team in June of last year, Jong has been delighted by the perks provided by the company.
“Nag-start po ako sa dito magtrabaho noong June, hanggang ngayon masaya ‘ko na tinulungan at binigyan nila ako ng trabaho at libreng pag-aaral,” he added.
Bueza pays it back by performing his job excellently, whether it’s refilling the players’ tumblers, removing or setting up the net, mopping the floor, or putting balls back to the carts.
“Ang tanging inaasahan nila sa akin ay yung sipag, tiyaga, pagiging masunurin at yung pakikisama lalo na sa Team Akari kasi sila yung nagbigay ng opporunity na ‘to sa’kin.”
Bueza, known to the team as darling, also recognized the Chargers for the relationship they have built together as the former felt a sense of belonging in the team.
“Sila yung kasandalan ‘ko sa hirap at pagod araw-araw, isa sila mga patunay na iba-iba man kami ng estado sa buhay, pantay-pantay pa rin kaming lahat. Gusto rin nila na makatapos ako ng kolehiyo.”
Despite all the positive aspects of the job, Bueza stated that it’s not entirely smooth sailing.
“Medyo mahirap din kasi mahalaga na i-manage ko yung oras sa bawat araw at may times na nagpapahelp ako sa ibang staff pag di ako makakapasok sa work kasi po kailangan kong pumasok sa school,” said Bueza. “Mabuti at naiintindihan naman nila ako bilang working-student din naman yung iba.”
Despite the hardships, Bueza still described his job at Akari as life-changing and felt in his heart that he was destined to be a part of the Black and Magenta.
“Binago talaga nito yung buhay ko at sobrang masaya ako sa trabaho ‘ko. Ang Akari ay isang kompanya na matulungin sa mga nangangailangan at ramdam ko na dito talaga ako itinadhana,” claimed Bueza.
Asked for a message to working students like him, he had this to say, “Mag-aral kang mabuti habang nagtatrabaho. Magsipag ka at tuloy dapat ang pag-aaral kahit mahirap. Pagod ka o pinagpapawisan ka man, huwag kang susuko.”
At the end of the interview, Bueno expressed gratitude to Akari for changing the course of his life, vowing to complete his studies and fulfill his duty in the team.
“Thank you management, coaches, mga ates at buong Akari family sa blessing at tiwalang binigay niyo sa’kin, makakaasa kayong lahat na tatapusin ko ang pag-aaral ko at nandito ako lagi para sa inyo. Mahal ko kayo kaya sana tumagal pa ang pagsasama natin!”
