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McDonald is ready to welcome back dine-in customers with guarantee of safety, cleanliness and deliver quality services

(McDonald’s) Upon entering, floor markers/stickers are placed to serve as guides on physical distancing and front counter acrylic protection for employees and customers

 

Are you excited to dine-in to your favorite restaurants? Since our country continues to follow quarantine guidelines and people continue to adapt to new behaviors, McDonald’s Philippines has elevated its standards and measures for people safety, sanitation and cleanliness for its customers and employees, as well as for food safety. With the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) eyeing resumption of dine-in for more restaurants by June 15.

McDonald’s Philippines President and Chief Executive Officer, Kenneth S. Yang said,  “Quality, service, value and cleanliness have always been integral parts of McDonald’s culture. These have guided us throughout the years of providing delicious food and feel good moments for Filipino communities. Now that we welcome everyone back to our stores for dine-in, we make sure to leverage this constant commitment as we elevate and strengthen our existing measures for the uncompromised safety of our people and our customers.”

The important guidelines and policies of McDonald’s Philippines:

  • Keeping employees safe so customers stay safe

For McDonald’s, customer satisfaction and safety begins with guaranteeing that their employees’ safety is prioritized. Since the quarantine period, not only has the company raised the standards for food safety, service and cleanliness, McDonald’s has also taken extra steps in supporting their employees’ health and safety.

To ensure that they are fit to work, store crew are required to regularly submit a health declaration form and a fit to work clearance if they experienced any sickness, whether or not related to the virus. Daily health checks are conducted, as well as temperature checks before and after their shift.

(McDonald’s) Ordering Kiosk for customers are sanitized after every use by a dedicated crew

The company also provides a face mask or face shield, hand gloves and a care kit for the use of its employees. This kit includes vitamins, face mask and sanitizers.

McDonald’s is also evolving operations with the aim of protecting the people that work in its stores. This includes more frequent handwashing and physical distancing in all areas of the store, including the kitchen area, and the crew and manager’s room.

“It is important for us to ensure the safety and health of our employees so they keep customers safe and continue to deliver quality service to our customers,” says Yang.

 

  • The dine-in benchmark for the new normal

(McDonald’s) Dedicated acrylic shields in each dining table and hand sanitizers for customers

Customers of McDonald’s can expect noticeable changes in the dine-in experience. For all of its stores, the company has built on its protocols on safety and overall sanitation, and has adopted enhancements that would allow for physical distancing.

Prior to entering the store, several safety measures will be conducted by McDonald’s. A “No Mask, No Entry” policy will be implemented to keep everyone safe in the restaurant. Temperature check, hand sanitation, and footwear disinfection will be done. A one-door policy will also be implemented to manage the flow and movement of consumers, and to comply with the guidelines of DTI on the number of customers allowed in-stores.

(McDonald’s) In-store safety enhancements reminder board for customers upon entering

 

Upon entering, customers will immediately see the in-store safety enhancements. Each restaurant will have floor markers to serve as guides on physical distancing, counter shields are placed on every counter, and table shields are placed on dining tables. Table markers are also placed to guide customers on distancing measures. Self-order kiosks are sanitized after every use. Hand sanitizers are available in every SOK area and the front counter.

McDonald’s also ensures that customers are properly guided as they experience the new normal for dine-in. To do this, a dedicated Safety Manager is assigned in every store. They are in charge of making sure customers comply with new policies and protocols that are implemented for everyone’s safety.

Dine-in customers may also expect McDonald’s crew to encourage frequent sanitation and disinfecting practices. As an additional measure, a Safety Manager, Guest Experience Leader (GEL) or crew will be offering sanitizers to the customers in-store every 30 minutes.

Cashless payment options are available and highly encouraged. Cash payments will still be allowed, but there will be a tray provision where the payment must be placed, to stay faithful to the no touch policy.

 

To ensure physical distancing is followed in the store, McDonald’s is also avoiding the crowding of customers at counters. As such, table service will be followed in every store, where the crew will bring the food to the dine-in customers’ table. For take-out orders, there will be a dedicated waiting area that is separate from the dine-in area.

With the new guidelines and policies of McDonald’s were witnessed by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) led by Secretary Ramon Lopez for which he remarked, “we are happy with the preparation of McDonald’s. We appreciate the preventive measures for customers and even for their employees.”

To learn more about how McDonald’s has prepared to welcome their customers back in stores, you may see updates on Facebook.

 

June 13, 2020 by
Food

Araneta City now open more stores

Finally one of my favorite mall, Araneta City has may stores open now and ready to provide essential needs. If your craving for sumptous treats for the foodies, there are dozens of dining options open to satisfy your appetite. If you’re looking for some Filipino favorites, Max’s Restaurant and Cafe Adriatico in Gateway Mall or Barrio Fiesta in Ali Mall might be perfect for you. For international flavors, there’s Taco Bell in Cyberpark 1, Pizza Hut in Cyberpark 2, Tokyo Tokyo in Ali Mall, and Sachi and Gloria Maris in Gateway Mall to please your palate. Dairy Queen is also open to cater to your sweet tooth. But if fast food is more your style, Popeye’s in Ali Mall and McDonald’s in the New Frontier Theater Arcade are also serving some well-loved fares.

For those looking for refreshing drinks to help cool off amid the summer heat, Starbucks Coffee, The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf, and Macao Imperial Tea are open in Gateway Mall. Tim Hortons in New Frontier Theater Arcade is also ready to fulfill your craving for coffee and some delectable snacks.

Meanwhile, if you’re planning to start some home improvement projects and repairs while quarantining at home, Handyman in Ali Mall is open. Japan Home Center and Daiso Japan, both in Farmers Plaza, are also complete with various imported knick knacks to spruce up your abode. For those with a green thumb, Farmers Garden is stocked with supplies for your gardening needs.

Malls within Araneta City resume normal business operations starting June 1, but other essential services such as groceries, money remittance services, banks, and wet markets continue to operate to serve their customers.

Senior Vice President for Operations of Araneta City, Antonio Mardo said, “We are eager to welcome people here in Araneta City. More and more stores are now open to provide essential items and services. We have also put in place measures that are in line with the government’s guidelines to make sure that our customers’ health and safety are prioritized.”

All dining establishments provide take-out and/or delivery services and implement strict hygiene measures to ensure the health and safety of customers and employees. Establishments within Araneta City are also encouraging shoppers to use contactless payment methods to limit physical interactions. Social distancing directives and disinfection procedures are also implemented in Araneta City in accordance with the government’s regulations.

For a complete list of open establishments in Araneta City and their operating hours, click this link:  https://bit.ly/2yBDybW. Like and follow Araneta City on Facebook at facebook.com/AranetaCity.

June 5, 2020 by
Food

Pizza Hut reopens more branches, provide worry-free options for take-out orders

Take out worry free

Now that quarantine measures being loosened, Pizza Hut reopens more branches in Metro Manila and various area in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. Good news to the pizza lovers like me who enjoying eating pizza, pasta and other pizza hut specialty that you’re craving for. Now more convenient as Pizza Hut reopens more branches around the country and introduces new ways to take out your favorite dishes.

Pizza Hut marketing manager Lorent Adrias said, “Now that more branches are open,  we are eager  to see our customers and we have made certain we are implementing strict health and safety measures to guarantee  they are protected when they visit our stores.”

To ensure the well-being of customers and employees, they are required to practice physical distancing inside the restaurant. Food products are served at a safe distance to minimize contact. Team members follow secure preparation, dispatch, and serving procedures. All surfaces are also regularly sanitized.

Customers who intend to visit their nearest Pizza Hut branch are advised to wear a face mask as a ‘no mask, no entry’ policy is strictly enforced. Temperature checks and hand and footwear sanitation are also being implemented.

Car pick-up

Pizza Hut offers convenient take-out options as well such as Click and Collect, where customers may order through the Pizza Hut website and then pick it up from the nearest store. Another option is Pizza Hut’s Car Pick-up, all customers need to do is call 8911-1111 and place their orders at least one hour in advance, drive up to their choice of participating store, open their trunk when instructed by a Pizza Hut team member, and drive away with their order.

“We’ve made certain all Pizza Hut stores nationwide provide safe and worry-free options for take-out orders. This is to guarantee customers can have peace of mind whenever they visit any of our branches,” Adrias said.

For a complete list of open branches, please check this link https://bit.ly/2LYzVjo. Like and follow Pizza Hut on Facebook at facebook.com/pizzahutphilippines., follow Pizza Hut on Instagram at instagram.com/pizzahutphils and Twitter at twitter.com/pizzahutphils. You may also visit their website at www.pizzahut.com.ph.

 

June 4, 2020 by
Food, News

Eden Celebrates National Cheese Day with the 2,000 indigent families during Uncertain Times

Three months into what can only be described as the most unprecedented event in this lifetime. This is a trying time for everyone, regardless of where you are. So my favorite and country’s favorite cheese brand, Eden marks the special day as the internet-proclaimed National Cheese Day on June 4. By providing ways for families to make ordinary moments more special and give comfort during these uncertain times to the Filipino families is what Eden cheese has been doing for the past four decades and what people need most which Eden cheese is ready to provide.

Eden Cheese Brand Manager Kristen Mendoza said, “Our purpose is to nurture family connections with every savor-worthy meal. Despite the uncertainty of our current situation, we can still make the most out of our time at home. No family moment is too ordinary to share. We can cherish togetherness and bond over home-cooked dishes which are made more delicious with Eden Cheese.”

Eden cheese, together with partner Rise Against Hunger, thought to celebrate the role that cheese plays in our lives and kitchens by sharing snack products with the latter’s adopted community in Laguna.

“We wanted to show our support to the families of Rise Against Hunger’s community in Calauan, Laguna by celebrating National Cheese Day. We provided Eden family packs to 2,000 vulnerable families. We hope the enjoyable meals they can make together as a family and with Eden cheese, brings them some comfort during these uncertain times,” shares Mendoza.

The beneficiaries families also received other snack products from the brand’s maker, Mondelez Philippines, has been sharing its snack products to health front liners and communities in danger of facing hunger since the beginning of the COVID-19 lockdown in March 2020. Their contribution has amounted to some P14 million worth of products distributed by partners like Rise Against Hunger and more than 40 other organizations and individuals nationwide. The Eden Cheese packs shared with families is one of the ways the Company aims to show that as a nation, we are #StrongerTogether.

“It’s so important to keep extending support to communities and families at this difficult time. This crisis has impacted everyone, and more so the families who have little. We thank Eden Cheese for providing comfort to the families, so that at home they can experience small moments of delight as we endeavor to get through this crisis as one nation, “ said Jomar Fleras, Executive Director of Rise Against Hunger.

To know more about Mondelez International and Mondelez Philippines visit: www.mondelezinternational.com; https://ph.mondelezinternational.com/home or follow the company on Twitter at www.twitter.com/MDLZ.

 

June 3, 2020 by
Food, News

McDonald’s shares enhanced safety protocols with DTI

[From left: McDonald’s Assistant Vice President for Operations Rommel Ong, DTI Undersecretary for Consumer Protection Group Ruth Castelo, McDonald’s President and CEO Kenneth Yang, Chairman of House Committee on Trade and Industry Congressman Wes Gatchalian, DTI Secretary Ramon Lopez, National Task Force against Covid-19 Chief Implementer Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr., and SM Supermalls President Steven Tan.]

Flattening the curve is a health strategy to slow down the spread of the virus during the COVID-19 pandemic. Safety and sanitation remain to be the top concerns of Filipinos and McDonald’s Philippines has further reinforced their commitment to quality, safety and cleanliness.

During the visit of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) led by Secretary Ramon Lopez, National Task Force against Covid-19 Chief Implemente Secretary Carlito Galvez, Jr., and Chairman of House Committee on Trade and Industry Congressman Wes Gatchalian, McDonald’s showed that it is ready for dine-in with its safety protocols for employees and customers in place.

“McDonald’s has always been strict and committed when it comes to quality, safety and cleanliness. This has always been part of our DNA.  We have global standards and protocols when it comes to food safety and quality from sourcing to serving, sanitation of our stores, and most importantly, safety of people—our own employees, and customers. As we face the new normal, we assure everyone that it is safe to enjoy your favorite World Famous Fries or Best Tasting Chicken McDo either dine-in or through McDelivery, Drive-Thru, Take Out and even pick up option,” says Kenneth S. Yang, President and Chief Executive Officer of McDonald’s Philippines.

“We are happy with the preparation of McDonald’s. We appreciate the preventive measures for customers and even for their employees.” DTI Secretary Ramon Lopez said.

Even prior to the announcement of the enhanced community quarantine, McDonald’s Philippines has already introduced a couple of precautionary measures such as its No-Touch McDelivery and Drive-Thru, more frequent handwashing and temperature check for its employees,use of facial masks and gloves by all restaurant personnel and availability of sanitizers for customers, among others.

QSR giant reinforces quality, safety and cleanliness as the McDonald’s shares their protocols for dine-in and for other ordering channels such as McDelivery and Drive-Thru:

1.Employee safety first. Protecting People has been a guiding principle for McDonald’s. In order to ensure that every person in every store is safe, the company has set the following measures aside from the safety minimums of wearing a facial mask, temperature check and frequent handwashing:

  • Daily health check before shift
  • Additional safety PPE such as hand gloves
  • Physical distancing in all areas of the store as well as the kitchen area, and crew and manager’s room
  • Care kits for restaurant teams with vitamins, face mask and sanitizers for personal use

2.A safe dine-in customer experience. The company has set new policies and made store adjustments to assure its customers. These are:

  • No mask, no entry
  • One door policy
  • Managed entry of customers
  • Temperature check for customers
  • Hand sanitation and footwear disinfection for customers
  • Protective acrylic shields installed in counters and dining area
  • Cashless payment options available
  • Tray provision for cash payment
  • Table service: crew will serve orders to their customers on their tables to avoid crowding in the claiming area
  • Take out Waiting Area: dedicated waiting area for take out orders, separate from dine-in area
  • Availability of hand sanitizers for customers
  • Physical Distancing in all areas including hand sink area and restrooms
  • More frequent sanitation of highly-touched surfaces

No-touch policy measures will continue to be observed for Drive-Thru and McDelivery. Playplaces will be closed and common customer areas like water dispensers, gravy refill and reusable utensils will be disallowed for everyone’s safety.

 

 

June 2, 2020 by
Food, Lifestyle

Mega Malasakit Kitchen continues to provide home cooked meals for our community frontliners

In times of the crisis and the global pandemic that we are now experiencing. People are showing gratitude and appreciation to those who are at the forefront of the war. In order to show its gratitude and support to frontliners, the Mega Malasakit Kitchen continues to provide home-cooked meals to the men and women in the trenches, especially those who operate services that serve the community during the lockdown. By far, the Mega Malasakit Kitchen has distributed more than 15,000 meals to checkpoints officers, barangay health workers and volunteers, supermarket staff, bank staff, security guards and street dwellers.

An initiative of sardine brand manufacturer, Mega Global, the Mega Malasakit Kitchen started out providing 500 meals a day, but has since increased its output to 700- 800 meals a day to serve more frontliners. It intends to provide meals for as long as these are needed by our frontliners – a simple way of keeping to its commitment to help in nation-building by improving people’s lives.

“There were social media posts and news that we came across where the checkpoint officers, supermarket personnel, bank personnel, security guards, barangay health workers have difficulties in looking for places to get their meals during work hours, because most establishments are closed. Since we are a food manufacturing company who takes pride in the quality of our products, and taking inspiration from our previous CSR program Mega SustansyaEveryday, home-cooked meals are what we thought of providing these unseen frontliners. We hope to boost their morale, and energy by providing them nutritious and delicious meals daily.Through our humble contribution, we are able to help keep their spirits up as they render steadfast service to the community. Seeing the joy in their faces inspires us at Mega Global to do more, knowing that in the end, we will all emerge from this crisis stronger than ever ,”  said Marvin Tiu Lim, VP for Sales and Marketing.

Mega Global partnered with other food manufacturers in making these meals possible and accessible. To further scale up its outreach efforts, the Mega Malasakit Kitchen extends its invitation to those who want to help out in its feeding efforts, by way of donations in cash and in kind. Also launched a care package program to show its solidarity with merchandisers and distributor sales personnel who tirelessly work in groceries and supermarkets nationwide.

To date, Mega Global has earmarked P50 million to help the country’s COVID-19 efforts. It has provided funds for employee upliftment and goods for donations to LGUs, companies and private organizations during the enhanced community quarantine. It has also donated ventilator machines, PPE and other medical materials to hospitals.

For those who wish to show their appreciation to community frontliners through the Mega Malasakit Kitchen, details can be found at the Mega Global Corp Facebook page (@megaglobalofficial). Your humble donation will certainly be appreciated by our valiant frontliners.

May 11, 2020 by
Food

Make Mother’s Day truly special with Taco Bell and Dairy Queen

Mother’s Day is just around the corner and now’s the perfect time to start planning a sweet and memorable surprise for the most special women in our lives. Good thing Taco Bell and Dairy Queen have new offerings that will surely make Mother’s Day unforgettable at home!

Share a sumptuous Mexican-inspired meal with Taco Bell’s Mother’s Day bundles that can be delivered straight to your home through Grabfood or Foodpanda.

Taco Bell’s Grabfood bundle is perfect for families of four with its four Gordita Supreme, one Cheese Quesadilla, two Nacho Sprinkles, and four 16oz. Soda. For families of three, order our Foodpanda bundle that comes with three Gordita Supreme, one Cheese Quesadilla, two Nacho Sprinkles, and three 16oz. Soda. Taco Bell’s Mother’s Day bundles start at ₱599. This promo is valid until May 31 and deliveries are limited to areas near Taco Bell Cyberpark Tower 1 in Araneta City.

To complete your Mother’s Day surprise, order a Sunflower Blizzard Cake from Dairy Queen! This 8-inch, 100% ice cream cake comes with a limited-edition sunflower design that will surely brighten Mama’s special day.

DQ Mother’s Day Cake

The Sunflower Blizzard Cake will be available until May 17 and available for delivery through Grabfood and Foodpanda. For take-out orders, you may visit the following Dairy Queen branches: Alphaland Makati, Cherry Congressional, Cyberpark Tower 1, Portal, Robinsons Lipa, SM Baguio, SM East Ortigas, SM Light, SM Manila, SM Novaliches, SM Sangandaan, SM Sucat, SM Valenzuela, and Waltermart Muñoz.

For more exciting news and updates from Taco Bell Philippines, visit their official website (https://www.tacobell.com.ph/) and follow them on Facebook (https://web.facebook.com/tacobellPHL) and Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/tacobellphl/).

For more exciting news and updates from Dairy Queen Philippines, visit their official website (https://www.dairyqueen.com.ph/) and follow them on Facebook (https://web.facebook.com/dairyqueenphilippines) and Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/dairyqueenphils/).

 

 

 

 

 

 

May 8, 2020 by
Food, Lifestyle

Latest McDonald’s Mother’s Day Video, “Na-Lockdown Tayo, Ma” 

We are in a hard time situation now that we locked up at home during this ECQ but if you look at the positive way, it has given us the opportunity to spend more time with our families. During these moments together there’s much more to discover about each other to our family, especially our mothers.

We celebrate Mother’s Day this year with quirky and unique things that set our mothers apart. As we get to know more about them over shared moments at home, and as we discover that there are always more reasons to love them and to say #LoveKitaMa

Na-lockdown tayo, Ma. McDonald’s Mother’s Day video this year opens our eyes to the often unseen side of our mothers, which many of us are getting to know with the almost 24-hour confinement brought about by the current situation. For many, it’s a pleasant surprise to realize the stark realization of our mothers leading their own lives—beyond what they do for the family. Now is the time to pay even closer attention to them, and to put in that extra effort of appreciating them for all that they do.

“We sometimes forget that mothers also have other personal interests, hobbies, or roles aside from being ‘mom’. They can be gamers, tech experts, artists, movie buffs, Kdrama addicts— we don’t really know because how caught up we are on our own daily lives. Here at McDonald’s, we hope for families to bond even more, embracing every moment as an opportunity to appreciate our mothers – quirks and all,”  shares Ollie Rabatan, Marketing Head of McDonald’s Philippines.

Don’t miss and checked out the video, head on to McDonald’s Philippines’ YouTube Page or click this link here: https://bit.ly/NaLockdownTayoMa

 

 

May 7, 2020 by
Food, Health and Wellness

Online Workouts brought to you by Mega Tuna!

Who wants to get fit and keep active during this pandemic? Since we stuck at home and we have a very limited activity that we used to do. But it’s very important to keep healthy and boost our fitness goals in fighting the ongoing virus.

Fortunately, Mega Tuna started the year with the relaunch of its variants with a new look and even richer flavors, and they believe that even this pandemic shouldn’t stop anyone from achieving this fitness goals – even if it means doing it at home.

To keep their promise of encouraging a healthy lifestyle, Mega Tuna will be launching #MegaMoveTunaMax, a series of Facebook Live events where different fitness classes, which will be conducted to watch consumers and health buffs have physical activity in spite of being in quarantine.

The fitness sessions will run for all Mondays of May via their Facebook page. See schedule below:

Week 1: HIIT

Week 2: Pop Dance (tentative)

Week 3: Total Body Workout

Week 4: Hip Hop Dance (tentative)

On top of this, 20 participants will also get a chance to win Mega Tuna gift packs. All they need to do is comment their favorite Fitness Routine during the live and we’ll pick the winners at the end of the session.

 

 

 

 

 

May 1, 2020 by
Food, News

Hybrid Seed Firm Donate P1M Worth to Fight Against the Covid-19

Sweet Corn Packaging

SeedWorks Philippines extends full support to DA’s Plant, Plant, Plant Program, GMA Kapuso Foundation’s and the spirit of bayanihan amid the country’s fight against the new coronavirus disease (Covid-19) pandemic. Also SeedWorks PH is donating P1M in cash and kind to Covid-19 relief efforts.

“A major part of the donation will be in the form of high-quality sweet corn seeds in support of the Department of Agriculture’s (DA) ‘Plant, Plant, Plant’ program also dubbed as ‘Ahon Lahat, PagkaingSapat (ALPAS) Laban sa Covid-19,’ which is aimed at farmers and consumers nationwide.

The sweet corn seeds will be turned over to DA LGUs in targeted local government units in CALABARZON, Bicol, Bukidnon, Agusan del Sur, and Davao beginning in the April 20 week. SeedWorks is donating seeds of its popular sweet corn variety that is characterized to be early-maturing (can grow and yield harvest in just about 70 to 75 days) and can be cultivated in the current climate.

“We are heeding the government’s call for modern technology and intensified use of high-quality seeds to bolster food productivity amidst the current threat of the Covid-19 pandemic. Our sweet corn seeds can easily grow even in one’s backyard with little or no farming skills required. The variety is also tolerant to major diseases, produces cobs with long ears, and yields very sweet kernels”, said SeedWorks Philippines VP for Sales Remus Morandante.

SeedWorks Sweetcorn

Why sweet corn?

Corn makes an excellent staple food especially in times of crisis. Aside from having dietary fiber that curtails hunger for a longer period and being a rich source of carbohydrates (86 calories per 100 grams, higher compared to vegetables), its nutritional value can never be underestimated as it provides important minerals that the body requires like copper, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, and zinc. It also contains valuable B-complex group of vitamins—folates, niacin, pyridoxine, thiamin, and riboflavin—that pair with necessary enzymes during the body’s metabolism process.

Furthermore, corn also provides vitamins C, E, and A (in the form of beta carotene) as well as antioxidants and other beneficial compounds that help protect the system against diseases. It even reduces the risks of Type 2 diabetes, colon cancer, and cardiovascular conditions.

Cash donation

At the same time, SeedWorks Philippines is donating P250,000 cash to GMA Kapuso Foundation’s “Operation Bayanihan: Labanan and Covid-19’ program,” which is generating funds to aid health front liners, border-quarantine personnel, and families that have lost income due to the ongoing enhanced community quarantine implemented in Metro Manila and the entire Luzon.

“The amount is comprised of monetary donation from the company and voluntary dole-outs from our staff nationwide,” said SeedWorks Philippines Finance and Admin Manager NorielAviñante. “We hope these donations could help our fellowmen especially during these trying times.”

 

 

April 19, 2020 by