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Pinoy’s success story: From balut vendor to coffee shop owner in Ireland

Jeffrey Velasco is a living proof that no goal is impossible for a person who works hard.

The former balut vendor in Tondo, Manila, where also he used to work as a pedicab driver, now owns coffee shops in Ireland. But his success did not come overnight, reported ABS-CBN News.

Hoping to give his family a better life, Velasco left the Philippines and initially flew to Taiwan where he worked as an electronics official for several years.

With his entrepreneurial instincts and the money h saved from working abroad, he was able to put up several businesses in the Philippines which include a billiards and bar place, and a internet cafe.

After going back home to the Philippines for some time, he decided to work abroad once again in 2006. This time around, he was able to fly to Ireland with the help of his wife.

Velasco worked two jobs upon arriving in Ireland. He was a coffee shop barista by day, and a bed and breakfast staff by night.

It wasn’t until 2013 when he decided to take a leap of faith due to an encouragement of his former employer.

He decided to buy a failing coffee shop business in Cork and turn it to his own.

Velasco then gave the coffee shop a makeover and converted it to a friendly and homey place where people can enjoy a cup of coffee.

After fixing every aspect of the business, like the construction, the interior, the maintenance work, and the hiring of staff, Velasco introduced Cuppacity Coffee and Bagel to Cork.

Despite having some tough competition, it instantly became a hit among Irish customers.

After two years of opening Cuppacity, Velasco opened his second branch which also became a success.

His business has also been recognized by TripAdvisor by giving it the Five Star Excellent Awardee status for three consecutive years.

Velasco has come so far from his humble life in Tondo, but he still has a lot to look forward to. He said that he is about to put up his third shop with a different name.

Main photo credits: ABS-CBN News

Staff Report

The Filipino Times is the chronicler of stories for, of and by Filipinos all over the world, reaching more than 236 countries in readership. Any interesting story to share? Email us at [email protected]

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