Age Is Just a Number: How Two Senior Filipinos Found Purpose, Independence, and Belonging at Jollibee Group

Retirement does not necessarily mean slowing down, stepping away from responsibilities, or putting personal ambitions on hold.

For some older Filipinos, it can be the beginning of another meaningful chapter, one filled with new opportunities, friendships, and reasons to get up each morning.

For 66-year-old Rosalinda Caparanga, working at Chowking means much more than having somewhere to spend her time. It gives her the opportunity to earn her own money, remain physically active, and take pride in knowing that her efforts make a difference in the workplace.

A similar sense of fulfillment brought 70-year-old Manuel Moran to Greenwich. After spending years working overseas, the retired Filipino worker decided that retirement was not a reason to stop learning. Instead, he welcomed the challenge of entering the food-service industry, taking on responsibilities he had never handled before.

Their journeys may be different, but Caparanga and Moran share something important: the belief that age should never prevent anyone from finding purpose, remaining productive, and contributing to the community.

At Jollibee Group, their stories reflect the value of creating workplaces where people of different ages and backgrounds have the opportunity to belong and make a difference.

Finding Independence and a Renewed Sense of Purpose at 66

Before joining Chowking, Caparanga had a different daily routine. Before the pandemic, she earned extra income by selling various items from home. Later, much of her time revolved around helping care for her grandson, particularly taking him to and from school.

When her grandson grew older and began spending the entire day in class, Caparanga suddenly had more free time. Rather than simply settling into a quieter routine, she began thinking about returning to work.

She wanted to have something of her own again, especially the opportunity to earn an income and take on responsibilities outside the home.

Her search for employment opportunities led her to Manila City Hall. While renewing her senior citizen ID, she came across information about job openings for older Filipinos at different Jollibee Group brands. Through the Public Employment Service Office (PESO), she learned more about the available positions and eventually decided to apply.

That decision opened the door to a new chapter in her life.

Today, Caparanga helps maintain cleanliness and order in Chowking's dining area, including clearing tables and assisting in keeping the restaurant welcoming for customers.

Her role may involve simple everyday tasks, but the meaning behind them goes much deeper. Having a regular responsibility gives her a sense of direction, while earning her own money allows her to maintain a degree of financial independence.

"Malaki rin po ang naitutulong. Mayroon akong mga bayarin, kaya kailangan ko rin talagang kumita. Nahihiya rin akong umasa sa mga anak ko, kaya gusto kong magtrabaho," Caparanga shared.

("It helps a lot. I have bills to pay, so I really need to earn as well. I also don't want to depend on my children, which is why I want to work.")

Her decision was not immediately welcomed by everyone in the family. Initially, her children worried that working at her age might be too demanding. But Caparanga knew what she wanted and was determined to give herself the opportunity.

"Noong una, ayaw nila kasi matanda na raw ako. Pero sabi ko, gusto kong may obligasyon ako at may oras na kailangan kong kumilos. Exercise na rin iyon para lumakas pa ako," she recalled.

("At first, they didn't want me to because they said I was already old. But I told them I wanted to have a responsibility and a reason to keep moving. It is also a form of exercise that helps me stay strong.")

Without previous experience in food service, Caparanga had to adjust to an unfamiliar working environment. She learned by observing her colleagues, paying attention to instructions, and focusing on completing her assigned responsibilities.

Over time, she became more comfortable with her routine and developed friendly relationships with both coworkers and customers.

She has also become an informal source of encouragement for other senior citizens who are interested in finding work. Whenever someone asks about employment opportunities, she recommends visiting Manila City Hall and PESO to inquire about available positions across Jollibee Group brands.

Her experience is part of Jollibee Group's Inclusive Employment Program, an initiative launched in 2019 that provides employment opportunities to qualified senior citizens and persons with disabilities.

Through partnerships with local government units, the program helps open doors to customer relations and other front-of-house positions across participating Jollibee Group restaurants.

Since its launch, the initiative has provided employment opportunities to more than 1,000 senior citizens and persons with disabilities. In 2025 alone, it welcomed 285 senior citizens into the workforce.

Aligned with Jollibee Group's Joy for Tomorrow sustainability agenda, the program underscores the importance of inclusive employment and creating opportunities for individuals to remain active, independent, and valued members of society.

For Caparanga, the impact is something she experiences every working day. Having a job means having her own income, maintaining her independence, and knowing that she still has something meaningful to contribute.

At 70, Starting a New Career Is Still Possible

While Caparanga returned to work to regain her independence and daily routine, Moran had a different reason for seeking employment.

After years of working overseas in accounting, operations, and logistics, he had already built a wealth of professional experience. Retirement, however, left him wondering how he could continue putting his time and abilities to good use.

He initially considered becoming a tourist guide through a program designed to provide opportunities for senior citizens in Manila. But instead of a tourism-related position, he was presented with an unexpected opportunity: working in food service at Greenwich.

It was an entirely different industry from the ones he had worked in throughout his career.

Naturally, he had questions about whether he could keep up with the demands of restaurant work. The environment was unfamiliar, the responsibilities were new, and he knew he would have plenty to learn.

Still, Moran chose to give it a try.

He gradually familiarized himself with the restaurant's daily operations, learning the importance of staying alert, maintaining cleanliness, and handling food-service items properly. He approached every responsibility with a willingness to learn and a determination to prove that he could contribute.

For him, the goal was not simply to occupy his time. He wanted to become a dependable member of the team.

"Sabi ko sa sarili ko, I have to prove myself. Ayokong maging liability; gusto kong maging asset at may maitutulong talaga ako," Moran said.

("I told myself, I have to prove myself. I don't want to be a liability; I want to be an asset and make a real contribution.")

That mindset helped him embrace the learning process. Rather than allowing his age or lack of food-service experience to hold him back, he focused on what he could do and how he could improve.

His new role has given him an opportunity to challenge himself, learn unfamiliar skills, and spend his days doing something productive.

It has also reminded him that professional growth and personal fulfillment do not have to end with retirement.

When Different Generations Come Together, Everyone Has Something to Offer

Starting a new job can be challenging at any age. For Caparanga and Moran, adjusting to restaurant operations also meant becoming part of teams with colleagues from different generations.

Fortunately, they found an environment where support and respect made the transition easier.

Caparanga gradually learned the ropes by observing her coworkers and working alongside them. Their guidance helped her become more confident in performing her responsibilities.

Moran, meanwhile, was initially unsure how he would fit into a workplace where many of his colleagues were considerably younger. He wondered whether the age difference might make it difficult to build connections.

Instead, he found acceptance and genuine camaraderie.

"Memorable sa akin iyong respect at acceptance nila simula nang pumasok ako rito. Iba ang samahan. Kahit mas bata sila sa akin, naramdaman ko talaga iyong support," Moran shared.

("What stands out to me is the respect and acceptance they have shown me since I started here. There is a different kind of camaraderie. Even though they are younger than me, I really felt their support.")

Their experiences highlight how inclusive workplaces can benefit people across generations.

Younger employees can share their knowledge of restaurant procedures, introduce new colleagues to established routines, and help create a welcoming working environment. Senior employees, in turn, bring years of personal and professional experience, a strong sense of responsibility, and perspectives shaped by different stages of life.

Ultimately, successful teamwork is not determined by age. It comes from recognizing each person's abilities, respecting their contributions, and working toward common goals.

For Moran, older Filipinos deserve more opportunities to demonstrate that they remain capable of learning, working, and sharing valuable knowledge.

"Marami sa aming seniors ang may kakayahan at mayroon pang maiaambag. May mga experience kami na puwede pa naming ma-share. At para sa marami, hindi lang ito tungkol sa financial need; mahalaga rin na may meaningful na pagkakaabalahan," he said.

("Many of us seniors are still capable and still have something to contribute. We have experiences that we can share. And for many, this is not only about financial need; it is also important to have something meaningful to do.")

His words capture an important reality about aging: financial security is only one part of a fulfilling life. Having responsibilities, building relationships, learning new things, and feeling appreciated can be just as meaningful.

Purpose, Opportunity, and the Freedom to Keep Growing

For Caparanga, working at Chowking has become a source of independence, confidence, and everyday fulfillment. She enjoys earning her own money while staying active and knowing that her work supports the restaurant team.

For Moran, joining Greenwich has opened an unexpected opportunity to learn something completely new, share his abilities, and remain engaged with the community.

Neither journey is about proving that age does not matter. Instead, their stories show why older individuals should be given the chance to decide for themselves what they can still accomplish.

Their experiences also reflect the importance of employers creating opportunities where people are valued for their abilities rather than defined by their age.

Through initiatives such as the Inclusive Employment Program, Jollibee Group demonstrates how businesses can help make workplaces more welcoming to individuals from different backgrounds and stages of life.

At 66 and 70, respectively, Caparanga and Moran continue to show up, take on responsibilities, learn from their colleagues, and make meaningful contributions.

Their stories carry a simple but powerful message: retirement does not have to mean the end of ambition, and growing older does not mean running out of opportunities.

Sometimes, a new beginning comes in the form of a job, a supportive team, or the simple satisfaction of knowing that someone is counting on you.

Because the desire to keep learning, earning, connecting, and making a difference does not come with an age limit.