Kharl Anthony Calleno 
The influence of street food must not be underestimated. In times of pandemic and crises, population finds comfort in what is readily available, like Street Food.
More than food, Jim Delos Santos found “Street-Style Pinoy Mami,” not just source of nourishment, but a business to support his family. And it took Mr. Delos Santos Php 2,000.00 grow to a business earning Php 100000 per day.
Mang Jim’s Mami has overflowed with beef and noodles. That is one of the factors that keeps his customers coming back and individuals lining up every day. It is a true bestseller because of the delicious soup, the delectable noodles, and the tender beef.
Mang Jim claims that he began his Mami business on a tricycle. Every day, he traveled far. Usually driving a sidecar, Mang Jim wanders around Manila selling near the Philippine General Hospital, the National Bureau of Investigation, and the US Embassy on Roxas Boulevard. Then into the intersection of Pedro Gil Street and Roxas Boulevard and Rajah Sulayman Park. The majority of his customers are taxi and jeepney drivers, and he sells his delectable Mami from six o’clock in the morning till ten in the morning.
“Nagsimula po ako sa kariton. Galing Cavite ay niluwas ko pa sa Maynila. Mula sa kariton, nakabili ako ng sidecar,” Mang Jim shared on GMA’s Pera Paraan.
After knowing that sidewalk vendors are prohibited from selling along any street in Manila, Mang Jim continued finding a location to set up his Mamihan because of the difficulty of selling on the streets.
Mang Jim now has a large space for his customers after passing his days of managing a Mami-trike. Customers order, stand, and eat their Mami at his no-fuzz restaurant. They called it “Maiming Tayo” since you have to stand up to eat and there are no chairs. It can be found on Maria Orosa Street next to a car wash, close to Robinsons Manila and St. Paul University. Near the Pearl Orient Hotel, it is another notable landmark if you are looking for Mang Jim’s Mamihan.
Even though this is street food, his customers visit him day and night, all the time. Customers travel from Quezon City, Caloocan, Bulacan, Pandacan, and Tondo (small towns in Manila), as well as other nearby areas. Riders, bikers, and even rappers like Flow-G, King Badger, and Omar Baliw visited Jim and tried his delicious Pares. You can enjoy Mang Jim’s delectable Mami at only Php 70,00.
The Secret of Mang Jim’s Mami Pares
The list of ingredients includes onion, soy sauce, Mami noodles, beef meat and bones, Pechay Baguio, onion rings, Chilli sauce, chili, and pepper. Cook everything in a pot of water until the meat is tender and the soup tastes good. Place the Mami ingredients in a bowl and serve.
Lending a hand to the others
Mang Jim has kept a humble personality despite his accomplishments. He stated that he prefers to assist those in need than purchasing expensive items. He understands the importance of money since he has lived in poverty and wants to lend a helping hand to others.
“Ang perang ito ay pinapadaan lang ng Diyos sa akin para makatulong sa kapwa,” he said.
Thanks to the people who have supported Mang Jim through the last 21 years of challenges and difficulties, his business is now successful. He was the first to start selling his cuisine, and as more customers came in, he soon had 16 people working for him, all of whom were given free meals. Jim discovered a means to assist others in the present predicament today. That is the hightlight of it.
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