Food

Together with the Samahan ng Nagkakaisang Pamilya ng Pantawid (SNPP) the Affiliated Network for Social Accountability-East Asia Pacific (ANSA-EAP), the Jollibee Group has distributed some 215,000 food packs to communities in need as part of its FoodAID Program (Photo credit: SNPP).

Jollibee Group Foundation (JGF) is the social responsibility arm of Jollibee Foods Corporation (JFC), one of the largest and fastest growing Asian restaurant companies in the world. JGF implements programs on agriculture, education, and disaster response with partner communities nationwide. The JGF has already donated million-worth of meals for frontliners and families in need from March to May this year.

Many families have been severely affected by the ongoing pandemic, reason that the Jollibee Group Foundation (JGF) partnered with the Samahan ng Nagkakaisang Pamilya ng Pantawid (SNPP) and the Affiliated Network for Social Accountability-East Asia Pacific (ANSA-EAP) to distribute some 215,000 food packs to families in need across 42 cities and municipalities in Luzon and Visayas.

SNPP is an independent organization composed of parent-leaders who are also members of the government’s Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program. It has around 80,000 household-members across the country. ANSA-EAP, on the other hand, is an inter-country resource facility for social accountability, and is SNPP’s institutional partner for providing leadership and skills-building seminars.

SNPP and ANSA-EAP’s established network enabled JGF to systematically identify affected communities that became direct beneficiaries of food packs from Jollibee Group.

“In times of crisis, access to food is always a major concern. During this pandemic, the spirit of bayanihan is very much alive and we are humbled by how Filipinos from all walks of lives came forward to find ways to bring assistance during these uncertain times.” said JGF Executive Director Gisela Tiongson. “Being mindful of social distancing while doing food distribution required new ways of doing things. Our NGO partners, including SNPP and ANSA-EAP, made it possible to deliver food quickly and directly to the homes of those who need it the most.”

“Dahil matibay ang samahan ng SNPP, mahusay ang naging distribution—organized at may social distancing. Natuto ang parent-leaders sa tamang pagdi-distribute,” said SNPP president Jaina Catacio. “Sa mga beneficiary, hindinilaakalainna may ipamimigay talagana Jollibee chicken packs. Naiyak at naluha sila, hindi akalain na matutugunan ang tawag ng tiyan, (Because of the strong structure and relationships within SNPP, the organization was able to help keep the distribution organized while ensuring social distancing. The parent-leaders even learned about how to properly conduct the distributions. The beneficiaries could hardly believe that there were Jollibee chicken packs that would be distributed. There were some in tears because they did not expect that their hunger would be addressed).”

The Jollibee Group Foundation has brought its coin banks online to give the public a convenient way to donate and help feed even more frontliners and families who have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Jollibee Group FoodAID Program

The food distribution effort is part of Jollibee Group’s FoodAID Program wherein the company earmarked P220 million-worth of food donations. From March 15 to May 10, 2020, the Jollibee Group and its non-government partners have already served over 3.8 million meals to frontliners and families all over the country.

“Even now when the community quarantine restrictions have been eased in many regions, many families are still need our help,” said Tiongson. “Together with our partners, we are exploring more ways to help even more families.”

To give the public a convenient way to actively take part in the Food AID Program, the JGF has recently taken the coin banks that used to be found only on the counters of Jollibee Group stores and made them available online.

Donations to the Jollibee Group’s digital coin bank will be used to bring food packs directly to the doorsteps of families in need through the help of JGF’s partner non-governmental organizations, including SNPP and ANSA-EAP.

For interested donors, they 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).

DQ Father’s Day Cake

Have you plan the perfect Father’s Day for your Dad? This year’s celebrations might be different with the things going on but you still take the time to commemorate. If you’re not able to dine out, maybe you can just surprise him by giving something.

Just like the Dairy Queen is offering a limited edition exclusive until June 22, the basketball-designed ice cream cake made especially for dads. Starting at P799, you can pick-up the cake from any Dairy Queen store or have it delivered to your home through GrabFood, FoodPanda, LalaFood, or their new delivery hotline 8911-11-11.

If you want to celebrate early? Order from GrabFood between June 15 to 19 to get P100 off for every purchase of the limited-edition Dairy Queen Father’s Basketball Day Cake.

“Make dad feel extra special with Dairy Queen’s limited-edition ice cream cake. With its fun basketball design, we’re sure that basketball dads will find this treat extra special,” Angela Cruz, Marketing Manager for Dairy Queen said.

For more information about this offer and to keep updated about Dairy Queen follow them on Facebook and Instagram.

(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.

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.

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.

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/).