Withstanding Time

When the tables have turned, and the industry that you're in starts to die – how far are you willing to go?

For over 20 years and counting Mang Jeanito M. Lintag, 61 years old, remained faithful to his business. He sells, rent-outs, and swaps pocketbooks with the ranging price of 5-115 pesos. His stall is located at Public Market, General Santos City. It is evident in the appearance of his stall that he has been in the industry for quite along. As our conversation unfolds, he genuinely shared with us how his business came to life. It was his love for reading and the advocacy of wanting people to gain knowledge through reading – this was his motivation.

He openly shared with us how the birth of technology affected his business. Before, there was competition in the public market when it comes to selling pocketbooks, but as of the moment, he is the only one left who does the business. The harsh reality that our current generation now prefers digital reading materials highly affected the business. Within a normal day, Mang Jeanito’s income varies from time to time, depending on the number of customers who will avail of the books.

He mentioned that even if there were drastic changes, he is grateful for his avid readers that continually support his business. Amidst the pandemic, it never came to his mind to stop his business. When asked why – he genuinely said to us that he is devoted to what he has started. His love for reading is what fuels him to strive – withstanding time.