A lantern maker in Pampanga was left devastated after a customer canceled an order of 700 lanterns worth P50,000 at the last minute. The incident, which went viral on social media, has drawn attention to the plight of local artisans during the holiday season.
Massive cancellation leaves artisan in financial turmoil
Maximino Simon Jr., a seasoned lantern maker, had poured weeks of effort and borrowed capital into fulfilling the bulk order. With only days to Christmas, the cancellation left him scrambling to cover expenses and pay his workers. The lanterns, a hallmark of Pampanga’s holiday tradition, now sit unused, embodying both artistry and lost income.
The customer’s sudden withdrawal left Maximino emotionally distraught. The financial blow was particularly harsh, as he had taken a loan to fund the project. For an artisan relying on seasonal orders, the loss of P50,000 represents more than just income—it’s a matter of survival.
Public and government step in to offer support
After Maximino shared his story on social media, it quickly went viral, prompting an outpouring of sympathy from netizens and local officials. With the help of a popular TV show and government intervention, Maximino and the customer eventually met to address the situation. While details of their resolution remain private, the incident has shed light on the struggles faced by small-scale entrepreneurs.
Netizens react with empathy and outrage
Social media users were quick to rally behind Maximino, with many expressing their disappointment at the customer’s actions.
- @LanternLover: “Cancelling at the last minute is so cruel. These artisans deserve better treatment!”
- @HeartOfChristmas: “Support local! Stories like this break my heart. Let’s do better this holiday season.”
- @SmallBizAdvocate: “People need to honor their commitments. This cancellation could ruin someone’s Christmas.”
- @LightUpPampanga: “Maximino’s work is incredible. I hope he finds a way to sell those lanterns.”
- @HolidayHelper: “Shame on that customer! These workers rely on us to make a living.”
- @SupportArtisansPH: “We should start crowdfunding for Maximino and other artisans like him.”
Jaja has a degree in journalism and took classes in international law and business communication. Her career spans roles at prominent international media outlets, including International Business Times, Celebeat and Delightful Philippines. As a news editor, Jaja covered a wide range of beats, including legal, business, economy, cryptocurrency, personal finance, gaming, technology, and entertainment.