Angelica Abrugar, 19

How do you become an elevator operator?
I applied. You don’t need a diploma to get here. You just need to reach college level.

Does it pay well?
It’s okay. I earn minimum wage — it’s all the same here in SM.

Is this a full time job or a sideline?
It’s a full time job. Our hours run from 11am to 8pm and we can’t leave our spot.

So what do you do when you need to take a toilet break?
That’s why we have a break time reliever. This month, I’m actually assigned as a break time reliever for the elevator operator assigned to this elevator. That means I’m on standby for her. If she needs to use the toilet, like right now na sa toilet siya, she’ll call me so I can stand in for her. Full timers can also text the assistant lead man of the supervisor.

What else do you do here aside from pressing the buttons?
We clean the elevator.

Does this job require training?
Yes. We are trained also for emergency calling. If that doesn’t work, there’s a switch here in the elevator that we need pull. When customers encounter problems, we provide assistance. This is why elevator operators are needed.

Do you ever get lonely inside the elevator?
Um, more stressed out thank lonely. They say this job is easy but it’s not. It’s a lot of stress. You can’t be late.Some customers get mad, they get impatient and complain about waiting for too long. Punuan kasi. When the customers complain, you can get suspended. Especially since we follow the “customer is right” rule.

Do you ever get bored?
I get bored, yes specially when there aren’t that many people who board the elevator. But here in SM there are always plenty of passengers. That’s stressful, makes you haggard.

Ever been stuck?
Yes. I got stuck in the other elevator.

What do you like most about this job?
It’s fun, you get to meet a lot people. And when you have an experience in a job like this, you’ll never forget it. You’ll have something to be proud of.

If you can do another job, what would it be?
I was a sales clerk once. Like a lot of people, I also want to fly abroad because there’s not much success here in the Philippines.

Ever fought with a passenger?
Hm-mm. I’ve argued with a passenger before. Two Jollibee workers. But we easily settled the issue because we are all Iglesia ni Cristo members. We’re siblings in the faith.

Has anyone farted inside the elevator?
No one yet. I haven’t experienced that yet.

This interview was originally conducted in Pilipino and has been shortened for length.