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Food, News

McDonald’s establish safety protocols in stores, to activate StaySafe App

McDonald’s Philippines President and CEO, Kenneth Yang, supports the IATF-EID’s efforts on contact tracing as McDonald’s stores around the country will be employing the StaySafe app

The spread of coronavirus disease COVID-19 continues to effect lives all over the country, McDonald’s Philippines reinforcing its commitment towards safety by adapting a more innovative means for contact tracing through the use of the StaySafe.PH app in its stores. This is in support of the platform launched and spearheaded by the Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) and the National Task Force (NTF) Against COVID-19.

StaySafe.PH aims to contain the spread of COVID-19 by encouraging users to actively report their health conditions and symptoms as well as that of their family members. McDonald’s stores will be utilizing the locally-developed app as a safer, more convenient and comprehensive contract tracing tool not just for customers but for its employees, too.

“In these challenging times, McDonald’s Philippines supports government initiatives that allow us to continue serving our customers in our restaurants and in other channels like delivery and drive-thru, safely.For us, nothing is more important than the health and safety of our people and our customers”said McDonald’s Philippines President and CEO Kenneth Yang.

McDonald’s Philippines has been reinforcing its commitment towards safety of people since the announcement of the enhanced community quarantine. Under its M Safe program, the company believes that by keeping its employees safe, they keep their customers safe, too. Each store has a dedicated safety manager to ensure all protocols are followed by employees such as wearing of masks and/or face shields, use of gloves, daily submission of health check forms, temperature checks before and after every shift, and increased hand washing frequency to every 30 minutes, among others. The safety managers also ensure that customers are properly guided on the protocols in the store. McDonald’s also started to offer new convenient ordering modes for customers such as Facebook Messenger to be able to enjoy their favorite meals.

 

Food, News

HENDRICK’S MIDSUMMER SOLSTICE: INDULGE YOURSELF WITH THE DELIGHTFULLY REFRESHING AROMA AND MAGIC OF NATURE’S MAGIC BLOOM

Hendrick Gin – Midsummer Solistice with Cocktail

2020 is nearly ending and within it is a blissful yet exciting feeling we want to both treasure and keep. To catch up with nature’s blessings and blooms, to indulge the taste and magic of  brightness and intoxicating aroma of summer even just before it goes away. Last September 15, well knowned Hendrick’s Gin launches a limited-edition Midsummer Solstice that will let you indulge the summer feels you won’t want to miss.

Following Hendrick’s authenticated and unique style, Midsummer Solstice composes itself with the infusion of deeply floral essences that emphasizes the liquid’s existing botanical bouquet and reveals the mystery of some of nature’s most effervescent blooms. This results to an enchantingly floral and exquisitely refreshing gin that blossoms on the palate while remaining the trademark of a true Hendrick’s. Midsummer Solstice’s fragrance include zesty juniper with an initial brightness that melts to reveal hidden undertones of orange blossom and exotic ripeness. This bright and floral take on Hendrick’s house style makes it as wonderfully perfect for drinking in the sun and can be highlighted in the perfect seasonal spritz. Its deep floral character makes the expression magically refreshing with the right and preferred choice of mixed drinks and cocktails.

All credits of this wonderfully-made liquid creation will to Hendrick’s Master Distiller Ms. Lesley Gracie, at the heart of the Hendrick’s Gin Palace in the Cabinet of Curiosities where she keeps her most experimental and treasured liquids under lock and key. “A deeply rooted respect for nature and its most beautiful creations excited me to capture the aromas and flavours of a midsummer day and I am truly enamored over this first release from the Cabinet of Curiosities” said Ms. Gracie. “Midsummer Solstice is the latest expression in what will be a long line of innovations from Hendrick’s and I’m very much looking forward to not to not only creating new and avant-garde expressions at the Gin Palace, but also sharing them with the world.”

On the other hand, Charmaine Thio, Regional Brand Ambassador for Hendrick’s Gin Southeast Asia, said: “We’re thrilled to share this enchantingly floral incarnation of Hendrick’s Gin with the region and we look forward to introducing more innovations in the near future. We hope to bring some summer cheer with Midsummer Solstice as we toast to new beginnings in the months ahead! Just like a holiday romance or the lifespan of the mayfly, Midsummer Solstice is a poetic expression of temporality; we hope you get to taste the beauty of summer’s blooms before it fades away!”

Explore a sip with your own choice and blendings

With the help of Laureen Uy(@laureen), Issa Pressman (@pressmanissa), and Mike and Nelly (@makingithappenvlog), everyone can indulge in delightfully floral cocktails at your social mixers at home with recipes, as they will share quick and easy to do tutorials on the best ways to enjoy Hendrick’s Midsummer Solstice on their respective social accounts this week! In partnership with Hendrick’s Gin, they will also be hosting giveaways of Hendrick’s Midsummer Solstice Twin Packs that consumers can win simply by commenting on the respective post with the day-casion they’d like to celebrate the most!

For more recipes, head over to the Hendrick’s Gin website and learn how to create your own delightfully floral cocktail creations with Hendrick’s Midsummer Solstice!

Take a Stroll in their Midsummer Floral Garden

As you go your way out to grab some much-needed essentials, head on over to your neighbourhood S&R* to stop and smell the roses – literally. Experience a slice of Hendrick’s Midsummer Solstice as we bring a dose of floral magic to you through a larger-than-life Midsummer Floral display within the aisles. Take home your very own Hendrick’s Gin Midsummer Solstice Twin Pack or take a stroll and forage for QR codes hidden within the displays to watch some Midsummer magic come to life!

Hendrick’s Gin and Midsummer Solstice Twin Pack
available for sale at S&R stores

Hendrick’s Midsummer Solstice is the first new expression to come from the Hendrick’s Gin Palace, an engine of innovation dedicated to the exploration and discovery of new tastes and flavours. The Palace is a centre of distilling excellence and a place where Hendrick’s expands the taste spectrum through the creations of new Hendrick’s variants. Over the past two decades, Ms. Gracie has amassed in her Cabinet of Curiosities an array of treasured botanicals, distillates and experimental liquids from around the world. Following Midsummer Solstice, additional new and unique gins will be released, replacing the previous expression and each variant will only be available exclusively during its launch year.

For more information on Midsummer Solstice, please visit www.hendricksgin.com

*Hendrick’s Midsummer Solstice is now available for purchase at selected S&R stores. The exclusive Hendrick’s Gin Midsummer Solstice Twin Pack will be offered for a limited time only at selected S&R stores starting next week (w/c 21 September 2020), until sold out.

Appendix: Hendrick’s Gin Midsummer Solstice List of participating S&R outlets

  • Congressional: 30 Congressional Avenue, Ramon Magsaysay, BagoBantay, Quezon City
  • Libis: Eulogio Rodriguez Jr. Avenue, Calle Industria, Bagumbayan, Quezon City, Metro Manila
  • New Manila: 1978-F E Rodriguez Sr. Ave, Quezon City, Metro Manila
  • Circuit Makati: Hippodromo, Makati, Metro Manila
  • Shaw: 514 Shaw Boulevard, Mandaluyong City
  • BGC: 32nd St., 5th Ave. Bonifacio Global City, 1634 Taguig City
  • Alabang: West Gate Development, Filinvest Corporate City, Alabang-Zapote Rd, Alabang, Muntinlupa City
  • Aseana: Bradco Avenue, Aseana Business Park, Blvd 2000, Baclaran, Paranaque
  • Cebu: Ouano Avenue cor. E.O. Perez St., Subangdaku, Mandaue City, Cebu
  • Dau: Barangay Duquit, Dau Access Road, Mabalacat, Pampanga
Food, News

Jollibee Group Continues to Support Frontline Health Workers

In responding to the COVID-19 Pandemic, the Jollibee Group continues food donations to Frontliners from its brands to about 300 hospitals around the country in August 2020.Health care workers have received food packs from Jollibee, Greenwich, Chowking, Red Ribbon, and Mang Inasal.

Jollibee Group Foundation Executive Director Gisela Tiongson says, “The Jollibee Group recognizes that our medical frontliners have made tremendous sacrifice in the past months. The fight against the COVID-19 pandemic gets tougher as days go by.Providing them meals to enjoy is a way to refresh their tired bodies and refuel their heroic efforts. We are more than grateful for what they are doing for our countrymen.”

“Sobrang nakakaboost ng morale at nakakataba ng puso na mayroong kompanya na tumutulong sa aming mga frontliners(It really boosts our morale and warms our hearts that there are companies that send support to us frontliners,)” said Melagros Ancheta, a staff at the Veterans Medical Memorial Center who received food packs from Greenwich Pizza.

While according to Dr. Medina Magbitang, “Your donation made us feel that you are one with us in this fight against the pandemic. (We) truly appreciate your sense of generosity to our frontliners.” Dr. Magbitang is the Medical Director of M.S. Magbitang Hospital of San Ildefonso in Bulacan. The hospital received Mang Inasal meals for their frontline staff.

As of August 2020, the Jollibee Group has mobilized a total of P268-million worth of food packs that have benefited some 4.3 million people in communities and served 1.5 million meals to frontline health and checkpoint personnel. Of this, the company donated P227 million, while the additional P41 million came from business partners, other corporate foundations, and the general public through the Jollibee Group FoodAID Coin Bank.

The public can continue to support the Jollibee Group FoodAID Program to help feed more frontliners and families in need. Interested donors may donate through online bank transfer to the Foundation’s Metrobank (Acct. No: 473-7-473-01406-4; Swift Code: MBTCPHMM) and RCBC (Acct. No. 1253-10519-0) accounts, or via PayMaya (http://pymy.co/jollibee).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Food, Lifestyle

Allegro brew at home a complete coffee solutions

Allegro Beverage Corporation (ABC) is the country’s leading provider of complete coffee solutions. Since its founding in 1999, Allegro Beverage is  the exclusive distributor of the finest espresso machines, brewers, coffee beans, syrups, sauces, and teas from around the world. Their customers are hotels, casinos, chain accounts, restaurants, cafes, and offices.

For the past 20 years, Allegro is known for touching base with the B2B market, as time progressed, we aimed to expand our reach and capture the B2C market (the home brewers) as well to cover a larger market share. Amidst this pandemic situation, they decided to re-launch their Social Media sites, Facebook, and Instagram.

Top three goals of Allegro Beverage Corporation:

  1. to reach the consumers and introduce our products and equipment to household home brewers
  2. everyone can enjoy high graded coffee beans at reasonable prices
  3. brand awareness

Last September 2, 2020, I am very glad that I joined the webinar that Allegro Beverage Corporation organized: for grow and promote your business through social media. I learned a lot from this session, a very informative especially now that we are in a digital age and this really unexpectedly challenging times.

Moving forward, as they aim to have their brand be recognized with boundless limits, they made Allegro available and make it connected to reach the multitude of people across various social media platforms; to make them feel Allegro’s presence, and the need to avail of their products it would be as easy as tapping a button on your Facebook or Instagram account. So what are you waiting for, follow and like Allegro Beverage now.

Stay home and stay caffeinated!

Food, Lifestyle

Tanduay Rums Bag US Ultimate Spirits Challenge Award

It’s been many years now that Tanduay has been dominating spirits competitions and awards in other countries. Recently, three of its products again gained recognition, this time from the prestigious Ultimate Spirits Challenge in the US

The Tanduay Double 16 Years Old Aged Rum was a finalist for the rum category, receiving a rating of 94 and was adjudged excellent and highly recommended. Tanduay Asian Rum Gold, meanwhile, received a 92 rating and was also adjudged excellent and highly recommended. With a rating of 88, Tanduay Silver Asian received a strong recommendation and was deemed very good.

“Tanduay has always been committed to creating the best rum possible. From the sugarcanes we use to our distillation process, we make sure that each product that comes out of our plants have gone through our stringent quality checks,” said Tanduay SVP for Sales and Marketing Paul Lim.

Tanduay starts with the quality of the sugarcane from Victorias, Negros Occidental, where planting begins just as the rainy season is about to start and harvesting done by summer of the following year.

The canes would then find their way to Tanduay’s sugar mill, where they are carefully cleaned, stripped off their leaves, cut, and refined. From these canes will come the molasses, the key ingredient to making rum.

“At Tanduay, we only use first-syrup molasses, which are extracted from the initial boil of the sugarcanes. It contains a high sugar content, and is valued for its unique taste,” Lim said.

The molasses is then fermented for 12 hours. This process turns the sugars into alcohol, creating a ferment prime for distillation.

Distilled and Blended to Perfection

Tanduay’s distillation plants are located in Negros Occidental, Misamis Oriental, and Laguna, and they keep the tradition of Tanduay’s original distillery in Manila, which has already been decommissioned.

The country’s humidity and these distilleries’ high elevation contribute to Tanduay rum’s distinct flavors and aromas. It is in these distilleries where the molasses is turned into a clear liquid—ethanol.

“Our skilled blenders would then take over. We owe much to them for creating the Tanduay flavors that the world has come to love,” Lim said.

Watch the making of Tanduay below:

The liquids are stored in Kentucky bourbon oak barrels, where they will be aged.

“Tanduay uses two aging processes. In the single-barrel method, rums mature in individual barrels for a set amount of time. The solera aging process, meanwhile, channels the rums through a series of Kentucky bourbon barrels that are never empty, which helps create and sustain the flavors contained there for generations,”  Lim said.

Tanduay’s Master Blender, who is the guardian of Tanduay’s formulas, will then check the rum for consistency and quality. Once the Master Blender gives the go signal, the rums are sent for bottling and packaging.

“Creating a Tanduay product requires hard work and dedication, so we are deeply honored every time we would receive an award. Most of all, we are thankful for the loyal patronage of Tanduay consumers who now comprise not only our fellow Filipinos but people from other countries as well,” Lim said.

In June, Tanduay was declared once again the world’s best-selling rum by Drinks International. Early this year, Tanduay won five medals from the Beverage Testing Institute. Tanduay Asian Rum Gold topped the list with a gold medal. Silver medals, meanwhile, were awarded to Tanduay Asian Rum Silver and Boracay Cappuccino Flavored Rum. Tanduay Double Rum and Boracay Coconut Flavored Rum both received bronze medals.

 

Food, News

McDonald’s ensures to continue safety protocols for customers and employee

The fast food giant, McDonald’s Philippines continues to re-assure its customers of its steadfast commitment to safety through its protocols and facilities, as the country adapts to the new normal. This are the quality, service, safety, cleanliness and value have always been inherent in McDonald’s operating culture. Aside from complying with government guidelines, the company leverages on global standards on safety to better protect its people and safely serve its customers.

McDonald’s has already implemented various measures in their stores and different ordering channels through its M Safe program. Each store has a dedicated safety manager to ensure all protocols are followed by employees such as wearing of masks and/or face shields, use of gloves, daily submission of health check forms, temperature checks before and after every shift, and increased hand washing frequency to every 30 minutes, among others. The safety managers also ensure that customers are properly guided on the protocols in the store.

In addition, McDonald’s ensures customers that it uses fresh air ventilation and air conditioning mechanism in all its stores. Its fresh air supply system is certified by the Philippine Society of Mechanical Engineers (Mandaluyong Chapter).

  1. With its design, McDonald’s stores are equipped with the following, ensuring a safer environment in the store:
  2. centralized air conditioners that are equipped with higher filtration systems
  3. low air velocity for lower risk of the spread of airborne contaminants
  4. proper air humidity and comfortable temperature where contaminants are less active
  5. efficient utilization of outdoor fresh air for better ventilation

“We understand that consumers remain to be wary of their safety in shared spaces. Part of our commitment is to ensure that from our protocols to our facilities, we have the best systems in place for the safety of everyone, especially inside our stores,” said Kenneth S. Yang, President and Chief Executive Officer of McDonald’s Philippines. “With these measures in place, employees are safe and customers can enjoy their favorite World Famous Fries or Best-Tasting Chicken McDo worry-free in any McDonald’s branch in the country.” Yang added.

“We commend McDonald’s for their continuous efforts not just in implementing preventive measures for their customers and employees, but also in ensuring that their stores are in the safest conditions to operate,” DTI Secretary Ramon Lopez said.

McDonald’s encourages customers to send their feedback to [email protected].

 

Food

With the new McDo Party Box You Can Now Celebrate Parties At Home

There’s no reason to skip the important events like birthdays while we need to stay home due to the coronavirus pandemic. You can still celebrate with an exciting party to remember – even right in the comforts of your home! Party planning is now easier than ever with the accessible, hassle-free, and convenient way of setting up a celebration whenever and wherever with the all-in-one McDo Party Box.

The McDo Party Box now available for as low as Php 1,699. With a complete food and party amenities for the whole family to enjoy moments and milestones worth cherishing, plus it does not require advance ordering or pre-booking, so you can easily get your party essentials in a snap via the McDelivery App, website, Drive-thru, Take-out and Pick-up!

In addition to McDonald’s favorites feast on, the McDo Party Box is the party planner’s ultimate starter pack because it also comes with exciting amenities such as party hats, activity tray mats, assorted mystery classic Happy Meal toys, balloons, and a limited edition McDo pillow as a special treat especially for the celebrant!

With McDo Party Box bundle for every kind of celebration there are up to four (4) bundles to choose from –  two (2) sets are good for five (5) pax available at PHP 1,699, and the other two (2) sets are good for ten (10) pax priced at PHP 2,999. You can indulge in some of the well-loved favorites by taking your pick between the McSpaghetti bundle, or the Chicken McNuggets bundle, both of which also comes with the original Chicken McDo, BFF Fries, and Regular Coke.

Don’t miss out, and experience fun-filled celebrations made easy with the McDo Party Box that’s now available in select stores nationwide. You can simply order via Drive Thru, Take Out, or McDelivery (bit.ly/McDeliveryPartyBox), App, Chatbot, or by calling the hotline 8888-6236 (for NCR), without the need to do any advance ordering or pre-booking.

For more information, visit the link bit.ly/McDoPartyBox. For updates, follow McDonald’s Philippines’ official Facebook at fb.com/McDo.ph, Twitter at twitter.com/McDo_PH, Instagram at instagram.com/mcdo_ph, and Viber Community group at McDo PH.

 

Food, Health and Wellness

NOVUHAIR®SUPPORTS HEALTHYBITES FOR THE HAIR

During this challenging time we need to be healthy not only for our body but also healthy food for our hair. Good news, the country’s leading natural hair loss solution, NOVUHAIR®, supports the nation in highlighting the importance of a healthy and balanced nutrition amidst the ongoing health crisis.

NOVUHAIR® partnered with Chefy Wifey’s Kitchen and cooked up something, literally. Consistent with the brand’s advocacy, the “Food for the Hair” mini-program shall offer four (4) video demo episodes on how to prepare practical, nutritious and easy-to-do meals at home, focusing on ingredients that support healthy hair and prevent hair loss.

The initial episode features VIP Nutrition Coach Michelle Co-Huertas’ Chicken Afritada with Boiled Egg, a Filipino staple recipe loaded with nutrients and vitamins essential in achieving the best hair growth goal.

Chefy Wifey’s Kitchen prepared with TLC 100 packs and donated them to the hospital medical staff of the Philippine General Hospital in the city of Manila.

Try this healthy bite recipe and make happy faces at home.

Discover more at https://bit.ly/3e9N2tv

Food

McDonald’s Philippines strengthen on safety commitment and more accessible to consumers

McDonald Philippines always comply with the government guidelines and very strict to follow their global standard for safety, food quality and cleanliness as the country remains under quarantine. Also their committed to find ways for Filipinos to continue enjoying their McDonald’s favorites, in the restaurant as well as in their homes.

The three Guiding Principles of McDonald’s:

  1. Protecting the PEOPLE – committed to our people
  2. Protecting the BRAND – brand purpose to build trust
  3. Protecting the BUSINESS – prudence in saving/investing

“Quality, service, safety, cleanliness and value have always been part of McDonald’s philosophy when it comes to operating its restaurants. As we continue to bring feel good moments for Filipinos in the new normal. We constantly strengthen all our practices and protocols for our customers, employees and partners” says Mr. Kenneth Yang, President and CEO McDonald Philippines

The company has also released a video on its M Safe Program, featuring their President and CEO, Kenneth Yang. Watch it here:

With the recent resumption of dine-in services, McDonald’s Philippines has shared how they have elevated their commitment to quality, service, safety and cleanliness with stringent policies for both their customers and employees:

Employees also now follow enhanced stringent safety protocols:

  • daily submission of health check forms
  • temperature checks before and after every shift
  • increased hand washing frequency to every 30 minutes
  • provision of M Safe Care kits, including vitamins to help them take better care of their health.

For customers, the number of those entering the stores will be managed:

  • The following are implemented before entering the store: ‘no mask, no entry,’ temperature check, hand and footwear disinfection, and completion of a health check form.
  • In stores, physical distancing in all areas including order queues and dine-in areas willbe observed.
  • Table service is done for dine-in customers to avoid any crowding in the claim area.
  • Counter and table shields are also in place, among many other precautionary measures in-store.
  • More importantly, a dedicated safety manager is assigned in every store to ensure all protocols are followed, and goes the extra mile of  offering hand sanitizer to customers every 30 minutes.
  • To better improve its safety protocols, McDonald’s also encourages customers to send their feedback to [email protected].

“While we have reopened our doors for dine-in, and as we gain the confidence of our consumers with our elevated measures, we also acknowledge that a large population of Filipinos still choose to eat at home. Because of this, the omni channel approach that we have prioritized since 2011 has become very relevant today in making our products more accessible to consumers while ensuring their safety. With the introduction of the M Group Selections and our no touch channels, we are hopeful that our consumers will be able to satisfy their cravings at the comfort and safety of their homes. We will continue to find ways to delight our consumers as we navigate through the new normal,” says Margot B. Torres, Managing Director of McDonald’s Philippines.

McDonald introduces more convenient ways to order and enjoy food:

1.More ways to safely enjoy McDonald’s favorites

Committed to ensure the safety of customers while making their meals more accessible, McDonald’s constantly introduces digital innovations to continue providing delicious food and feel-good moments to consumers.

As a forerunner in digital transformation among quick service restaurants, McDonald’s introduces a new ordering channel. With the Facebook Messenger chatbot, consumers can conveniently place their orders online. Through this initiative, McDonald’s allows an enhanced customer experience as they are able to place their orders ahead, schedule delivery or pick up at a designated time and preferred branch that is convenient for them.

The brand has also introduced Park, Order and Pay in some stores wherein customers will just park, order from a McDonald’s crew without leaving the car, pay and wait for their order to be brought to them.

2.M Group Selections

Another new offer which allows small groups to celebrate with McDonald’s food at good value, available via McDelivery, Drive Thru, Pick up or Take Out. With this initiative, customers are able to mix and match from the five (5) Group Selections food products depending on their preference and budget. Included in the offers such as World Famous French Fries, Best Tasting Chicken McDo (original and spicy), Chicken McNuggets, McSpaghetti and plain rice.

At the same time, McDonald’s continues to be available and accessible through platforms such as McDelivery, GrabFood, and FoodPanda. Check out delicious deals and other special offers through its McDonald’s app available on Android and iOS.

Food

Pizza Hut celebrating Riders’ Pizza Day

Mark your calendar on June 30, 2020, Pizza Hut will be celebrating Riders’ Pizza Day. The delivery riders will be given a box of free pizza for every ala carte order of a Large Super Supreme Pan Pizza that they deliver. In this way it’s worth giving back our gratitude and appreciation to delivery riders where they take their risk on the road just to make sure that we get our food orders in time.

Under the promo, Pizza Hut will give a box of Regular Hawaiian Supreme Handstretched Pizza for free to the corresponding delivery rider for every ala carte order of a Large Super Supreme Pan Pizza, one of Pizza Hut’s most beloved pizza flavors made with nine delicious toppings on Pizza Hut’s signature Pan Pizza. Orders can be made through Pizza Hut’s hotline 8911-11-11 for metro manila orders,#11111 for provincial orders, via their website www.pizzahut.com.ph, or through their food delivery partners GrabFood and FoodPanda.

Pizza Hut Marketing Manager, Lorent Adrias said, “Pizza Hut values the everyday modern-day delivery hero, which is why we decided to honor their hard work through this initiative. It’s our own simple way of giving back to our delivery partners for helping us bring food safely to countless Filipino homes.”

Don’t miss out on the latest deals and promos from Pizza Hut by visiting their official Facebook page at www.facebook.com/pizza-hut.