Jackeline Ayes with veteran actor Joel Torre at Sari Sari Store in Karama, Dubai on September 17, 2024. SUPPLIED

Filipina supermarket worker in Dubai gets surprise of her life after chance encounter with Joel Torre

Actor Joel Torre has been spotted at a Filipino Sari-Sari store in Dubai, an employee confirmed to Expat Media. Speaking to Expat Media, Jackeline Ayes of Sari Sari Store in Karama area said the actor-director dropped by unannounced at around 10pm on Tuesday (September 17). “I was doing a product inventory when I spotted him. I was starstruck as he is one of my favourite actors on TV and movies,” Ayes told Expat Media. The Filipina said that Torre, who was with a group of people, struck up a friendly conversation with her, but didn’t purchase anything. "They looked like they just finished having dinner," she said. He was possibly intrigued by seeing the first “sari-sari” store concept in Dubai, she added. “He asked me what I was doing. I said I was putting aside some items that neared their expiration date. He asked me if those would be returned to the supplier,” she shared. The unexpected conversation with one of her favourite actors picked up her mood after a long shift at work, she said. “It must have been my lucky day because I was just standing in for my colleague during her day off. I am usually assigned at our branch in Deira,” she added. Veteran actor and film producer Torre stars in the Netflix hit “Lolo and the Kid”. The drama film, which premiered on Netflix on August 7, landed on Netflix’s Top 10 movies list in 38 countries, which included the UAE, Argentina, Bahamas, Portugal, Nigeria, Hong Kong and Taiwan, among others. Directed by Benedict Mique, "Lolo and the Kid" follows the story of a hustler (played by Joel) and a child he took under his wing. ICA/PIA/Expat Media ALSO READ: Meet the couple who brought Irvins Salted Egg to UAE
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