From April 6 to 10, Trining’s Kitchen Stories in Marikina offered free meals to public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers and delivery riders as a compassionate response to the ongoing national energy crisis. The initiative served bus, jeepney, and tricycle drivers, as well as riders from the country’s leading transportation network vehicle services (TNVS). Notably, this campaign was part of Trining’s Kitchen Stories free meals Marikina drivers initiative.
Serving a purpose alongside food
Trining’s Kitchen Stories, a popular Filipino-Ilocano restaurant on Gil Fernando Avenue, has built a reputation as a “restaurant with a heart.” It frequently transforms into a community kitchen for typhoon evacuees and was a pioneer of the bayanihan soup kitchen movement during the COVID-19 pandemic. Most recently, during the devastation of Tropical Storm Crising, the restaurant provided warm meals to displaced families in Marikina’s evacuation centers, furthering the advocacy for drivers by offering free meals in Marikina through Trining’s Kitchen Stories.
In an era when younger generations increasingly prioritize brands that lead with their values, Trining’s has successfully bridged the gap between social advocacy and the dining experience. While humanitarian efforts remain the restaurant’s heartbeat, the quality of its heritage dishes ensures its status as a staple of the local culinary scene. Here, empathy is as essential to the menu as the food itself. Moreover, the Trining’s Kitchen Stories initiative of free meals for Marikina drivers has inspired other community kitchens across the region.
The mission behind the menu
Trining’s Kitchen Stories is more than a culinary destination; it is a mission-driven establishment rooted in community resilience. During typhoons, the restaurant’s al fresco area is repurposed into a relief hub to nourish displaced families, echoing its commitment to giving free meals to Marikina drivers as part of Trining’s Kitchen Stories.
This spirit of service is championed by chef-owner Jayson Mauliit, who identifies primarily as a “food dignity advocate” rather than a traditional businessman. In just four days, Trining’s prepared 1,625 meals for the people of Marikina, reflecting the ongoing commitment to giving free meals to Marikina drivers through Trining’s Kitchen Stories.
Chef Jayson said;
“Maraming maraming salamat to our protein donor Bounty Cares Foundation, Inc., Bounty Fresh, and Evan Chen! 1,625 meals in four days! By a kitchen of nine people. And through your generosity and kindness, we are extending it to next week!”
Advocates of empathy and kindness
Trining’s continues its mission to support Marikina drivers and riders, through the Trining’s Kitchen Stories free meals campaign, many of whom have been forced to choose between refueling their vehicles and purchasing a meal due to surging fuel costs.
The kitchen is currently seeking support to sustain the program. Supporters may contribute pantry staples such as rice, cooking oil, and condiments including fish sauce, soy sauce, pepper, and oyster sauce. The initiative also welcomes proteins such as meat, chicken, fish, and tofu. Monetary donations are preferred for sourcing fresh vegetables directly from farmers, helping support local agriculture while ensuring ingredient quality. Importantly, participation in Trining’s Kitchen Stories free meals Marikina drivers project helps the community thrive.
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