Driver: The story of Mang Owel

MANILA, Philippines – For the Salongas, Manuel Salvador Santos is not just a driver. They now call him “Tito Owel” and consider him a true part of their family.

For many years, Owel was just the kids’ school bus driver. He was popular with all his wards because he was caring and funny. The two Salonga kids – Sarah and Erick – quickly grew close to him. Soon, even their mother, Leni, started taking Owel’s school bus to work.

At first, the arrangement was borne out of convenience. Eventually, the family couldn’t imagine not having Mang Owel as part of their daily commute. So when he decided to stop driving school buses, the Salongas asked him to become their family driver instead. 

Owel’s dedication to the Salongas is not limited to steering the wheel. He was there for them during their most challenging ordeals.

When Sarah got diagnosed with a brain tumor, Mang Owel drove Erick to the hospital to visit his sister after school – every day, without fail. When Ondoy struck Marikina in 2009, Owel put his own life in danger to help the Salongas secure their belongings.

Owel has always been there for the Salonga family through the good times and the bad. In return, they’ve welcomed him – and his own wife and kids – into their lives. When the Salongas make their annual trip to Duty Free, Owel also gets to take home pasalubong for his own children. They also go on outings together and visit each other during the holidays.

Today Owel enjoys a close relationship with his so-called employers. But anyone who sees them will agree that their relationship depicts that of a true family. – Rappler.com

Have you ever encountered a person who was closer to you than kin – even if you weren’t blood related? Jollibee invites everyone to share their own “paano kami naging pamilya (how we became a family” stories. Visit Jollibee’s Facebook page to submit your story.