Turn back the clock | The Manila Times

Jerry “Sambo” Yaokasin Owner, Espazio Arts History

“We wanted an art gallery as Tacloban didn’t have one. There was no historical museum highlighting the city’s history and culture.”

PHILANTHROPIST Jerry “Sambo” Yaokasin opened a café in Tacloban City.

Yaokasin’s café — Espazio Arts + History — features a room filled with stories from the province of Leyte. His family’s entrepreneurial background has deeply influenced his business acumen.

After studying Accountancy at the University of the Philippines Tacloban College, Yaokasin shifted to Psychology in his junior year.

“I’m the only one in my family who hasn’t studied a business-related course,” he told The Manila Times.

Following college, Yaokasin earned a Master of Divinity degree at the Biblical Seminary of the Philippines at the young age of 23. He served in a church in Cebu for a year before returning to Tacloban.

With a positive outlook on life, Yaokasin entered politics, serving as a barangay captain and then as a city councilor for three terms. He won his first term as vice mayor and ran unopposed in his third term. Although he was unsuccessful in his mayoral bid, his political experience has shaped his perspective.

City museum

The concept for Yaokasin’s café developed during his time in government.

“We wanted an art gallery, as Tacloban didn’t have one,” he explained. “Additionally, there was no historical museum highlighting the city’s history and culture.”

Yaokasin observed that Taclobanons resorted to bartering during the pandemic due to a lack of cash. He joined the Tacloban Barter Community on Facebook, recognizing it as a form of solidarity. “We could only communicate with others online at the time due to health protocols,” he recalled.

The barter community exchanged various artifacts, and Yaokasin acquired a plantsa de uling (charcoal-fired flat iron). This bygone item sparked interest, and others began approaching him with their old belongings for cash.

Yaokasin revealed that the business concept developed while he was still working in government.

“There were two things that developed out of my head at the time: first, we wanted an art gallery, and Tacloban does not have one.

“Second, there is no historical museum that highlights the city’s history and culture.”

Yaokasin observed that Taclobanons resorted to bartering during the pandemic since they lacked cash at the time.

We formed the Tacloban Barter Community on Facebook, and when I joined, I realized that it was a kind of solidarity with the people.

“We could only communicate with other people on Facebook and online at the time because we couldn’t do it physically due to health protocols.

“The barter community gradually delivered various artifacts, and the very first thing I got was a plantsa de uling.”

After acquiring the charcoal flat iron, which is considered a bygone item by the current generation, other people began approaching him with their old stuff in exchange for cash.

“We got an insight that it would be the ideal time to create a place like what we want.”

Yaokasin put together the café since it would be bound for the gallery’s maintenance and operations.

“As much as possible, we do not charge an entrance fee; therefore, the meal you purchased serves as your admission to the gallery.

“These are all pieces of history, and we wanted to motivate government agencies so that one day there would be a full-blown historical museum similar to Cebu’s National Museum.

“Tacloban is undoubtedly historic; it served as the seat of the government during the Commonwealth.”

Both the café and the gallery opened on Sept. 9, 2021, which Yaokasin called risky since many were worried due to the pandemic, but his family pushed it through to support the city’s economy.

The café is located on the first level and displays some artwork.

Patrons can satisfy their cravings by ordering rice meals, sandwiches and pasta, which are served alongside coffee and other beverages.

The garden includes several dining tables for those who prefer an outdoor setting where they can view the propeller of the MV Eva Jocelyn, which Yaokasin purchased.

MV Eva Jocelyn was among the large cargo vessels that were swept ashore in the coastal community of Anibong by Super Typhoon Yolanda.

The second level is the gallery, which has artifacts, newspapers and historical items.

There is a tour package available, with Yaokasin serving as the curator and guide where he discusses the stories behind some of the more significant pieces.

“I was particularly pleased that we had one newspaper in 1944, the Leyte Samar Free Philippines, which was published on Oct. 29, 1944, nine days after the Leyte landing.”

When asked what the oldest object in the gallery was, “I have a postcard dated Oct. 23, 1907,” Yaokasi said.

Everything began with barter and eventually blossomed into a campaign to promote local history.

Business as mission

Yaokasin emphasized that they considered Espazio as BAM, or business as a mission.

“We allocate a portion of our daily sales to help initiatives such as Wheels of Hope, which buys wheelchairs and gives them to poor people with disabilities.

“The second portion of the proceeds is donated to the Leyte-Samar Center for Change Foundation, an NGO (nongovernmental organization) that has been in operation for 22 years and is currently led by me, as we rescue children who have been mistreated and neglected, and provide them with shelter and a formal education.”

Espazio operates with a specific mission with a challenge on how to make it profitable.

“Apparently, because we have such a unique place, many people visit but just a few dine in; others simply snap photographs without purchasing anything.”

His family hopes that Espazio will become a tourist attraction when visitors come to Tacloban.

In terms of expanding or establishing a branch or franchise, Yaokasin said that a couple of people from Tarlac and Samar have approached him about launching something like this.

“Tarlac is actually historic, particularly during the Japanese occupation.

“I really hope that every city and municipality, particularly those that are historically significant, will be able to educate, preserve and provide a cultural hub in the community by establishing something like this.

“You combined the history, arts and dining experiences.”

Yaokasin pointed out that the name of the establishment is a play on words that signifies space, which is discovering a creative space, a historical space, and that is exactly what they provide to their customers.

“And, no matter how busy we are, people need to put some time to rest, reflect, renew and recharge.”

Espazio is located at 130 Juan Luna Street in downtown Tacloban.

“The city is rich in history, culture and the arts, and our mission is to provide a space for them.

“Business is more than just profit; it is also about mission.”

NOSTALGIA Espazio Arts History features a room filled with stories from the province of Leyte. Jerry Yaokasin’s family’s entrepreneurial background has deeply influenced his business acumen. PHOTOS FROM THE YAOKASIN FAMILY

Quick questions

What is your biggest fear?

Living without a higher purpose and dying without leaving a meaningful legacy.

What really makes you angry?

Social injustice.

What motivates you to work hard?

Seeing my dreams and ideas transform into reality and success.

What makes you laugh the most?

Funny jokes and comedy movies.

What would you do if you won the lotto?

Retire and travel the world.

If you could share a meal with any individual living or dead, who would they be?

Share a meal with Jesus of Nazareth.

What was the last book you read?

“Outlive: the Science and Art of Longevity”

Which celebrity would you like to meet for a cup of coffee?

Bill Gates or Elon Musk.

What is the most daring thing you have ever done?

Run for public office.

What is the one thing you will never do again?

Run for public office.