Candy Pangilinan visits son Quentin at work for the first time

Candy Pangilinan visits son Quentin at work. Image: Screengrab from YouTube/Pangilinan

Candy Pangilinan visited her son Quentin at his workplace for the first time since he began his on-the-job training in Quezon City. 

In her latest vlog, Pangilinan offered a glimpse of her visit to the Cucina Di Francesco in St. Pio Chapel, where Quentin, who is on the autism spectrum, currently works.

The celebrity mom captured her son taking food orders from customers, preparing items like calamansi juice and coffee americano, serving food at tables, and giving out change to customers. 

Although Quentin could be seen as easily distracted and hyperactive, he was able to complete all of his tasks.

“I was told that Quentin is more behaved when I’m not around. He seems to be restless in the presence of a familiar face. This is the first time I visited Quentin in 2 months of his work here,” wrote the actress. 

Pangilinan also asked one of Quentin’s superiors about her son’s development at work, and learned that he can now assist with grocery shopping and bank errands.

“Nasasama ko na rin siya sa grocery nagbibigay lang ako ng listahan sa kaniya tapos siya ang naghahanap (He can now accompany me in grocery shopping. I just give him a list of items and then he does the searching),” shared the superior. “Nakaka-pagbank na rin siya (He can also do banking).”

Pangilinan noted that teaching life skills to individuals with disabilities and allowing them to experience work life is important.

“They feel needed. They feel useful. Kaya nakakalimutan niyang mag-tantrums o magkaroon ng outburst emotions kasi busy (So he forgets to throw tantrums or have outburst emotions because he’s busy),” she said.

The celebrity mom emphasized that it is also important to support businesses that allow persons with disabilities (PWDs) to join their workforce.

“Let’s support businesses that open their companies to PWDs as workers. Quentin is very loyal. Having someone like Quentin in your company is like hiring a human CCTV. This also makes the workplace kinder, more patient and helpful with one another,” she concluded.

Last month, Pangilinan’s video went viral after she burst into tears, admitting her fatigue from dealing with Quentin’s constant tantrums.  /ra