In the busy streets of Tayuman, Tondo Manila, the familiar cry of “Taho!” is more than just an invitation to buy a snack; it is the heartbeat of their mornings. For 60-year-old Reno Anato or also known by his neighbors as “Mang Rey”, that cry has been his life’s work for the past two decades.
At an age where many are already settled into a quiet retirement, Mang Rey continues to navigate the streets of Tondo and its complex landscape, one neighborhood at a time. He isn’t doing it out of desperation, but out of a quiet, steady love for his craft.
“Hindi naman ‘yan mahirap”
When asked about the challenges of his job—the uneven pavements, the heavy timba of the silken tofu, and the unpredictable weather in this country—Mang Rey waves off the concern with a humble smile.
Hindi naman ‘yan mahirap,” he says simply.
He shared that the buckets are heavy in the morning, but as the day progresses and the taho sells, the burden lightens. His secret to handling the intensity of the Filipino heat at 60?
Basta inom lang nang inom ng tubig.”
It is a testament to his quiet determination and choice to focus on the work rather than the struggle.
Rain or Shine
The changing seasons in the Philippines have brought everything from the scorching heat to sudden, pouring rain. When asked how he survives these drastic shifts, Mang Rey stays sensible.
Pag umulan, sisilong muna.” He doesn’t fight the weather; he works with them.
His motivation is as straightforward as his method;
Pag nasa bahay lang at wala akong trabaho, maiinip lang ako.”
For Mang Rey, selling taho is his way of staying connected, active, and useful to the community that has become his extended family.
The happiness, he says, is in the simple interaction with his mga suki.
The customers who wait for him regardless of the weather. When they buy, he is happy. When they enjoy his taho, it makes his day whole.
The Long Road to Iloilo
Twenty years after he traded in his fishball cart for a taho bucket, Mang Rey remains a beacon of simplicity. He isn’t worried about the competition of modern, chilled-taho brands in malls. He knows his trade, he knows his value, and he knows his goal.
His dream is not complex. He doesn’t ask for fame or fortune.
‘Pag mas nakaipon-ipon pa ako, uuwi na ako sa probinsya ko,” he shares. His heart is set on a quiet retirement back home in Iloilo.
Until that day comes, Mang Rey will keep walking. He will keep waking up at six in the morning. He will keep carrying those heavy buckets. And every time you hear that distinct call of “Taho!” echoing through your street, remember that behind that warm timba ng taho is a man working toward a dream, one cup at a time.
No matter the season, a warm cup of taho is still a comfort that never goes out of style. So, the next time you hear that familiar, pitchy, and rhythmic call of ‘Taho!’ echoing through your own street.
Wherever you are in this country—remember that there is a story behind every cup. Don’t just reach for your wallet; take a moment to say hello and share a bit of small talk to give back the comfort our mamang taho gives.
After all, it is these simpol connections that make the daily grind worthwhile, for both the vendor and for us.
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