‘Ang bilis natin humusga ng kapwa’: Customer learns a valuable lesson after learning server had autism

People shouldn’t be quick to judge others.

This was the valuable lesson one netizen learned as they dined at a Pancake House branch upon realizing his server was on the autism spectrum.

In a now-viral post, Jose Enrico Libunao shared his story of how he was starving as they entered the restaurant. “Order agad. Mabilis ako pumili,” he wrote. But as he started pointing at his pick from the menu, he said the waiter was just looking at them, “Parang nag-hang.” So he repeated his order, saying it louder and slower.

“Parang nag-hang. Pero nakatingin siya sa menu, parang nag-loload talaga bago magsalita. Napipikon na ako,” he said. Then when the waiter finally repeated their order, the netizen shared that it was like he was asking instead of confirming.

Later on, he and his wife saw that the waiter, whose name is Giancarlo, had an “A-OK” button pin on his chest. They later realized the server was part of Autism Society Philippines and Pancake House’s program where they employ those on the spectrum.

After the order, which were all complete and accurate, arrived, Libunao said he had on a smile as he ate.

“Madalas, mabilis nating humusga sa kapwa. Walang preno kung magsaslita at manlait kahit hindi natin alam kung ano kwento ng buhay nila. Guilty ako diyan,” Libunao wrote.

“Today, I learned a valuable lesson. Giancarlo didn’t just take our orders. He took our hearts and made us realize that it takes more than being ‘normal’ to truly experience life. It takes kindness.”

Since the May 25 post, other Facebook users echoed his sentiments about being kind to others. Even Pancake House left a comment on his post.

Not all the comments were positive though as some users said that he should have apologized to the waiter. Some also said that people shouldn’t be rude to wait staff whether they’re differently-abled or not.

In April 2023, Senator Raffy Tulfo expressed concern over the rising number of Filipinos diagnosed with autism. Data from the Department of Health (DOH) saw that the number of Filipinos on the spectrum ballooned from 500,000 in 2008 to 1 million in 2018.

Sen. Joseph Ejercito also filed Senate Bill No. 2026 in March, which sought to establish a Center for Autism in the country. This would provide adequate support to those on the spectrum through easy access to health care, education, and other services.

Related: PSA: Show servers and restaurant staff respect

 

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Source: we the pvblic