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Community pantries have sprouted in the Philippines to help struggling Filipinos cope.

A lot community pantries have been spotted from different areas in Metro Manila, Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. (see photos on the last part of this article). 


The Maginhawa Community Pantry has been replicated in at least 40 other areas as other Good Samaritans were inspired to help people in need.
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The first known community pantry is located on Maginhawa Street in Quezon City, started by Ana Patricia Non.

In previous interviews, Non said she, too, was affected by the pandemic and wants to give back.


Inspired by the movement, more community pantries are being set up. Food and other items, also from donors, are available for free with the reminder to get just enough for one’s needs.


On Matiyaga Street in Quezon City, residents put up their own community pantry filled with vegetables given by farmers. Supplies ran out quickly as mothers, workers, and  drivers lined up for the goods.

Photo by Elijah San Fernando

The pantry is located at 34 Matiyaga in Barangay Pinyahan, near the Urology Center of the Philippines.

On P. Noval Street in Sampaloc, Manila, a table has been set up and filled rice, noodles, vegetables, and canned goods.

Photo by Toots Vergara

The pantry will be available from 10 am to 6 pm beside the Mang Tootz Food House.
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Meanwhile, labor group Defend Jobs Philippines put up a similar effort on Matimyas Street, also in Sampaloc.


Photo by Defend Jobs Philippines

In-kind donations may be dropped off at 2011 B Matimyas Street, while cash donations may be sent via GCash to 09155670410.

Outside Metro Manila, community groceries are also available at the Grove, Batong Malake in Los BaƱos, Laguna.

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Photo by Ja Abdel

It is open until 6 pm or until supplies last. In-kind donations such as fruits and vegetables are also welcome.

Since its launch on Wednesday, the Maginhawa Community Pantry has helped many people in need and brought out the bayanihan spirit in Filipinos.

Here are other community pantries in the Philippines.

Intramuros, Manila


INTRAMUROS COMMUNITY PANTRY Bukas na ang Intramuros Community Pantry sa Plaza Roma. Nagpapasalamat ang pamunuan nito...

Posted by Manila City Updates on Saturday, April 17, 2021

Brgy. Napindan, Taguig City

Photo by Vhon Quilao

Barangay Lumingon, Tiaong, Quezon

Photo by Letlet Lector


























Community pantries sprout all over the country after the viral one in Maginhawa


This is the new trend in dining today!


The pandemic has certainly reshaped the way we live today – wearing masks everywhere, temperature checks anytime we enter an establishment, toting a spray bottle of alcohol on our purse.

Making safety the priority in serving their customers, the food industry placed focus on providing safe outdoor dining spaces.
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You’ve probably seen restaurants convert even their parking areas into makeshift alfresco areas. 

But why this sudden shift to making sure there’s outdoor dining? Health experts, like those from the Center for Disease Control (CDC), explain that adequate ventilation and the ability for proper social distancing greatly decrease the spread of airborne transmission of diseases and infections like COVID-19.

So when you take off your mask to eat, wouldn’t it be perfect to do it in a space that’s uncrowded and open-air? Let’s make it even more perfect by creating outdoor dining spaces that put safety first but are also picture-worthy.


SM Mall of Asia opens more outdoor dining areas

Known for its wide space, SM Mall of Asia owned a lot of open spaces, perfect for al fresco dining!


Experience a safe and fun outdoor while enjoying Al Fresco Dining of your favorite meals with your family and friends from one of the following locations:

  • L1 & L2, North Entertainment Mall 
  • L1 & L2, North Veranda 
  • North and South Arcades 
  • North and South Main Mall 


SM Aura Premier reimagines Sky Park

Supporting the many food establishments located inside this upscale mall in BGC, SM Aura Premier transformed sections of its Skypark at the 5th Level into safe outdoor dining areas.

There, customers have the opportunity to keep enjoying the food they missed during strict lockdowns while feeling secure that the mall has their best interest in mind.

The Skypark Courtyard, a section on the other end of the Skypark which is nearer Ramen Nagi, Mesa, Yabu, and the like, takes a more minimalist chic approach. Fully open-air rectangular gazebos are dressed up for that stylish, LA-feel.

SM AURA PREMIER OUTDOOR DINING Other outdoor dining areas in Taguig: šŸ‘‰ bit.ly/MegaworldLifestyleMallsAlfresco #TaguigFoodtripšŸ“

Posted by Taguig Food Trip on Tuesday, March 30, 2021

Apart from providing picture-perfect spaces, SM Aura Premier also encouraged restaurants to have their own outdoor dining set-ups. Prego, Barcino, and Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf all have alfresco tables for their dining customers.

Down at the Upper Ground Level, SM Aura Premier did not forget their walking and biking community. They have set up the Pocket Park which is conveniently located just outside Starbucks, Providore, and Cibo.

This open-air area allows the walking community to quickly grab a coffee or a meal and sit comfortably without walking going inside the mall. The biking community has even more reasons to make use of the Pocket Park as it already has bike racks for bike-riding customers to park and dine right next to their beloved ride.


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SM Megamall recreates their open spaces


While you can still order food from the restaurants and food establishments inside the mall, you can take it out and bring your food to one of these Mega Outdoor Dining spots locations:

  • GL, Mega Fashion Hall Terrace
  • UGL, Mega A Covered Walkway
  • GL, Mega Strip A & B, J. Vargas

Perfect way to dine in and catch up with your love ones!


SM City Bicutan transforms their South Streetside


In the south part of Metro Manila, SM City Bicutan also recreated their outdoor areas into SOUTH STREETSIDE Al Fresco Dining Area.

Order meals to go from your favorite SM City Bicutan restaurants and head on to the Entrance 5 (near Starbucks) at Bldg. B to experience dining out doors with your family, friends or even on your me time. 

READ NEXT: AsiaTown, a new alfresco dining in McKinley West, Taguig

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SM City East Ortigas opens East StrEATS

Last but not the least, this mall from the East side metro also repurpose their driveway area.


Thinking of a safe dining spot at SM City East Ortigas? Visit the Al Fresco Dining Area at the East StrEAT Driveway.

This is ideal for your mall visit that provides shoppers a safe space to enjoy your meal while following strict health protocols. ❤️

These are just some of the SM Malls that converts and reinvents their outdoor areas for you to still enjoy dining outside home without worrying about the COVID-19.

This is their way of making sure that customers are safe from COVID-19.

Which of these are you looking to visit soon? Tell us in the comment section below.

SM Malls transformed their open spaces into al fresco dining areas

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There's now enough crispy-sarap fries for everyone in Jollibee's newest offering.


The homegrown fastfood chain on Thursday introduced the Jolly Crispy Fries Bucket, the bigger version of the famous Jolly Crispy Fries that people love to snack on.

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You can now share your favorite crispy-sarap fries with everyone! Order via Take Out and enjoy the new Jolly Crispy...

Posted by Jollibee on Wednesday, April 14, 2021

"One of Jollibee’s most popular products are the Jolly Crispy Fries, so we’re happy to give people more of it to share with their loved ones in the new Jolly Crispy Fries Bucket," said Jollibee Assistant Vice President for Complementary Products Mari Aldecoa in a statement. "It’s sure to satisfy families and even housemates whenever they’re bonding."

Priced at P129, the Jolly Crispy Fries Bucket is good for sharing for up to four people.


LOOKING FOR FOOD VOUCHERS?

Here are the latest discounts and promos from different restaurants and food stores in the Philippines:

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However, some of the people who already tried it doesn't agree with it. Some claimed that they can eat two or more of the bucket of fries.



What are your thoughts about this? Share your comments below!


ALSO TRY!


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BUCKET OF FRIES? Here's what's new from Jollibee Crispy Fries!


Learn the complete procedures and requirements for passport courtesy lane applicants



The Department of Foreign Affairs has launched a Courtesy Lane for OFW (Overseas Filipino Workers), Senior Citizens, pregnant women, PWD (Persons with Disabilities), solo parent, and minor applicants.
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What is DFA Passport Courtesy Lane?

DFA Courtesy Lane is a passport priority service launched by the Department of Foreign Affairs in the Philippines for senior citizens, persons with disabilities, pregnant women, solo parents, minors, and overseas Filipino workers.

For those who are not covered by the courtesy lane and haven't got a passport, read my guide for NEW PASSPORT APPLICATION.

If you are renewing your passport, go to - PASSPORT RENEWAL APPLICATION PROCESS


DFA Passport Courtesy Lane Requirements


1. Senior citizen (60 years and above) with a proof of age

A senior citizen applicant is allowed one (1) companion.

The companion of the senior citizen must be an immediate family member, i.e., spouse, siblings, adult children, adult grandchildren, and children-in-law of the senior citizen, and must show proof of relationship.



2. Person with disability (PWD) with a proof of disability

A PWD applicant is also allowed one (1) companion.

The companion of the PWD must be an immediate family member, i.e., spouse, siblings, adult children, adult grandchildren, parents-in-law, and children-in-law of the PWD, and must show proof of relationship.


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3. Solo parent with a valid solo parent ID card

Minot children of the solo parent applicant are also eligible to apply their passport through the courtesy lane.


4. Minor children (7 years old and below)

A minor applicant must be accompanied by his or her parents, legal guardian, or their authorized representative. The adult companion may also be an applicant.


5. Pregnant women

If pregnancy is not visible, the applicant must present a medical certificate or a medical record as a proof of pregnancy.



6. Overseas Filipino Worker (Land and Sea based) with a valid proof of status

The OFW applicant must present a proof of their OFW status such as:
  • OFW eCard
  • Valid Employment contract
  • Valid Work Visa
  • Seafarer’s Identification and Record Book (SIRB) stamped at an international border not more than three hundred sixty-four (364) days from the date of application;
  • Expired or canceled working visa or employment contract, and a Philippine passport with an immigration arrival stamp of not more than three hundred sixty-four (364) days from the date of application.


7. Exceptional and emergency cases

In exceptional and emergency cases, Courtesy Lane privileges may be extended to applicants upon due approval of his or her written request by any of the following Department officials:
  • The Secretary of Foreign Affairs
  • The Undersecretary for Civilian Security and Consular Concerns
  • The Assistant Secretary for Consular Affairs


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Important Reminders for Passport Applicants Using the Courtesy Lane:

Senior citizens and PWD applicants may select either regular or expedited processing of their passport applications during regular working days. Hence, all applications outside the regular working hours are required to pay for expedited processing fees.

Other passport applicants, including their companions, must pay for the expedited processing fees because they are not entitled to use the courtesy lane.

DFA branches and consular offices are authorized to set their maximum daily number of passport applicants to comply with social distancing and health protocols.


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How to Make an Online Appointment for DFA Courtesy Lane?

Because of the pandemic, the DFA now strictly requires an online appointment system for those passport applicants eligible for the courtesy lane through DFA ASEANA. To schedule an appointment, follow the steps below:
  • Visit the DFA Passport Appointment website
  • Select “Asia Pacific” as your Region
  • Select “Philippines” as your country
  • Choose “DFA Manila (ASEANA-Courtesy Lane)”
  • Confirm your qualification
  • Click the NEXT button
  • Select your date of appointment
  • Provide your profile details
  • Keep your confirmed appointment

To see the complete list of IDs and documents you need to prepare when applying for a Philippine passport for the first time, visit Requirements to Prepare for DFA Passport Appointment


RELATED:

Guide to DFA Passport Courtesy Lane (Procedures and Requirements)

Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Ramon Lopez said restaurants with outdoor dining are allowed in places under the modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ).


In a text message to reporters Sunday night, Lopez said food establishments with alfresco dining services are only allowed up to 50 percent capacity, with diagonal seating arrangement and acrylic dividers on tables.


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He added that indoor dine-in services are still not allowed in areas under MECQ, but food establishments can continue to operate with their take-out and delivery services.

From April 12 to 30, the National Capital Region, Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna, and Rizal or the NCR Plus as well as Santiago City in Isabela, and the provinces of Quirino and Abra were also placed under MECQ.


Earlier, the DTI chief said that the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF) might be sensitive in allowing indoor dine-in due to the highly contagious new variants of Covid-19.


“The IATF recommended to the President to shift to MECQ after two weeks of ECQ to restore more jobs and livelihood for the people,” Lopez said.

On the other hand, Lopez added that the government continues to ramp up its health care capacity.
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“But this comes with the continuing priority to increase the health care capacity such as ICU (intensive care unit) rooms and isolation units and contact tracing capabilities to lower the number of new cases per day,” he added.

ALSO READ: SM Malls transformed their open spaces into al fresco dining areas
He also urged Filipinos to strictly adhere to minimum health protocols and avoid non-essential gatherings to slow down the number of new daily Covid-19 cases.

Klook.com
Via PNA

DTI allows outdoor dining under MECQ

Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez has released a list of industries allowed to operate — either on limited or full capacity — during the implementation of modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ) in NCR Plus.


The list shows that at least 10 more industries, including dental and rehabilitation clinics , have been allowed to operate under the MECQ at 50% capacity on-site.


Aside from those, other industries allowed to reopen at half capacity on-site include:
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  • veterinary clinics
  • media establishments
  • banks, pawnshops, money transfer services
  • capital markets
  • water supply, janitorial/sanitation services
  • energy sector
  • telecommunication companies, internet service provider, cable television provider
  • airline and aircraft maintenance pilots and crew employees of aviation schools
  • ship captains and crew of shipyard operations and repair


On the other hand, industries allowed to operate at full capacity under MECQ are:
  • public and private hospitals
  • health emergency and frontline services
  • medicine manufacturers
  • industries involved agriculture
  • logistics service provides
  • manufacturing related to food and essential goods
  • companies which manufacture construction materials
  • essential retail trade groceries , hardware office supplies, bicycle and laundry shops
  • water refilling stations
  • restaurants and kiosks limited to take out and delivery
  • financial service provides
  • Business Process Outsourcing
  • public transport

Meanwhile, establishments that are still not allowed to operate during the MECQ are:
  • Entertainment venues with live performers, cinemas
  • Recreational venues such as internet cafes, arcades, etc.
  • Amusement parks
  • Outdoor sports courts or venues for contact sports
  • Indoor sports courts or venues, gyms, spas, swimming pools etc.
  • Casinos, horse racing, cockfighting and operation of cockpits, lottery and betting shops, and other gaming establishments except for the draws conducted by the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office
  • Indoor visitor or tourist attractions, libraries, archives, museums, galleries, and cultural shows and exhibits
  • Outdoor tourist attractions
  • Venues for meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions
  • Personal care services which includes beauty salons, beauty parlors, medical aesthetic clinics, etc. Homes service of these activities are also not allowed
  • Indoor dine-in services
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Only hotels or accommodation establishments with valid accreditation from the Department of Tourism will be allowed to accept guests for legitimate purposes, according to the DTI.

As for age restrictions, Lopez said local government units (LGUs) can lower the age restriction for those allowed to go outside their homes for essential reasons to 15 years.


NCR Plus covers Metro Manila, Laguna, Bulacan, Cavite and Rizal. The MECQ protocol started on April 12 and will last until the end of the month.

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Industries allowed to operate under MECQ according to DTI

Metro Manila and the surrounding provinces of Bulacan, Rizal, Cavite, and Laguna will be placed under modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ) beginning April 12 until April 30.


Santiago City, Isabela, Quirino province and Abra will also be placed under MECQ during the same period.
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Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque announced the new quarantine classifications for these areas on Sunday, the day that their ECQ status would lapse.


The rising number of COVID-19 cases in the country prompted Metro Manila and its surrounding provinces, collectively called the "NCR Plus" to be placed under stricter community quarantine classifications.


On Saturday, the Philippines reported 12,674 new COVID-19 infections, bringing the total number of active cases in the country to 190,245, the highest recorded this year.
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The country has reported a total of 853,209 COVID-19 cases so far.

MMDA Chairman Benhur Abalos says a new unified curfew of 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. will be implemented in NCR during the MECQ period.

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NCR+ placed under MECQ until end of April

Amid the continued surge in COVID-19 cases, the government announced on Saturday evening that the enhanced community quarantine imposed (ECQ) on the National Capital Region (NCR) Plus area would be extended for one week starting April 5, 2021.


"Karagdagang linggo, minimum of one additional week beginning on the 5th... one more week at least," said Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque Jr. on Saturday.
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“Nanawagan din po tayo sa mga lokal na pamahalan sa lugar na ito na paigtingin ang kanilang reinforcement doon sa ginagawa nating quarantine measures,”  he said.


The development came following separate recommendations from the Department of Health and the OCTA Research for a one-week extension of the stricter quarantine. 


Last week, the government reimposed ECQ over NCR Plus from March 29 to April 4 following the spike in the number of new COVID-19 cases.
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After April 11, Roque said there is a possibility that the restrictions in the NCR Plus areas could be downgraded to a modified ECQ.

"Pero titignan po muna natin ang resulta ng karagdagang ECQ [However, we will first assess the results of the ECQ extension]," he said.


Meanwhile, Roque announced that 110 additional beds for moderate to severe COVID-19 cases will be opened at the Quezon Institute over the weekend while no less than 160 moderate and severe beds will be opened next month.

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On Friday, the Philippines reported an all-time high of 15,310 new coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases.

At present, the Philippines has reported a total of 784,043 confirmed COVID-19 cases with 604,905 recoveries and 13,423 fatalities. --DVM/MDM, GMA News

ECQ extended in NCR Plus areas for 1 week


Smart has introduced a new promo that offers up to 24GB of non-expiring data, the MAGIC DATA PROMO.



Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) is making it simpler and easier for Filipinos to shift their daily activities online powered by the country’s fastest mobile data network as it launches the Smart Magic SIM, a limited-edition prepaid SIM that comes with 24 GB no-expiry open access data for only Php399.



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WHERE TO BUY A SIM CARD IN THE PHILIPPINES

Here are the top mobile networks (where you can purchase and get a SIM card) in the Philippines:

Shopee is my go-to app for things I needed like the ones above. If you'd like discounts and vouchers, you may get the best offers here:

Smart’s latest MAGIC DATA promo allows users to subscribe for either 2GB, 6GB, or 24GB of non-expiring data for all sites. The MAGIC DATA 99 gives 2GB for PHP 99, the MAGIC DATA 199 gives 5GB for PHP 199, and the MAGIC DATA 399 gives 24GB of data for PHP 399.



Note that the promo offers non-expiration data for all sites, without the inclusions of calls or texts.


The Smart Magic SIM is ready-to-use in all smartphones including Smart 5G-certified devices, and is available at the Smart Online Store, Smart’s Flagship Store in Lazada, and on GrabMart.



For more no-expiry open access data, Smart Magic SIM users can also link their account to the GigaLife App to avail of exclusive rewards and data offers such as Magic Data with just a few taps on their phone.


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Downloadable on Google Play Store, Apple App Store, and Huawei Mobile Services, the GigaLife App also enables subscribers to conveniently monitor their data usage as well as earn and accumulate GigaPoints, which may be used to redeem exclusive rewards and lifestyle perks.

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The Smart Magic SIM is powered by the country’s fastest mobile data network as reported by third-party mobile internet analytics firm Ookla® and Opensignal.

Ookla, the global leader in internet testing and analysis, named Smart as the country’s fastest mobile data network in the second half of 2020 after it achieved a Speed Score™ of 24.99, with average speeds of 20.08 Mbps for download, and 7.42 Mbps for upload, based on 3,915,679 user-initiated tests taken with Speedtest®.  Ookla has also cited Smart as the country's fastest mobile data network for three years in a row now.  


Smart MAGIC DATA: Up to 24GB No-Expiry Data

Food delivery is allowed 24/7 in areas under enhanced community quarantine (ECQ), MalacaƱang clarified on Wednesday.


Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque made this reminder after a video of a GrabFood rider being barred from delivering lugaw (hot rice porridge) went viral.

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“A video, which has been circulating online, has come to our attention. Lugaw, or any food item for that matter, is considered an essential good,” Roque said in a statement.

Roque on March 27 said delivery and courier services transporting essential goods will be allowed during the ECQ.

“Delivery of food items must remain unhampered 24/7. Huwag natin harangin sa checkpoints (Let’s not stop them at checkpoints),” he added.

In a Facebook live video early Wednesday morning, rider Marvin Ignacio was apparently scolded by a female personnel from San Jose del Monte City government in Bulacan at a quarantine checkpoint, saying the lugaw is a non-essential item.


"Essential po ba si Lugaw? Hindi. Kasi mabubuhay ang tao ng walang lugaw," she was videoed as saying.

She cited the curfew in areas under ECQ from 6 p.m. to 5 a.m. by showing the rider a copy of guidelines issued by the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID).

However, she seemed to have forgotten that Authorized Persons Outside Residence (APORs), workers, cargo vehicles, and public transportation exempted by the said curfew.
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She said the rider should explain the IATF guidelines to the company he works for.

“Sabihin niyo dun sa Grab niyo. Paano po ‘yan pinapa-implement namin (Tell that to Grab. What about the rules we need to implement?” she said.


Metro Manila, Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna, and Rizal are currently under ECQ until April 4 to curb the spike in Covid-19 cases nationwide.

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Via PNA

MalacaƱang: Food delivery allowed 24/7

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