FILIPINO VOLUNTEER USES BROTHER SEWING MACHINES TO PRODUCE PPEs FOR FRONTLINERS

As the Philippines undergoes its enhanced community quarantine to help prevent the further spread of COVID-19, many Filipinos are stepping up and helping out in any way they can, serving as an inspiration to many others to also do their part for everyone in need.

One such inspiring story is that of volunteer Rod Jean Claire Dullano, who shared how they relied on Brother sewing machines to produce a number of personal protective equipment (PPEs) and facemasks for medical frontliners.

Photo from Rod Jean Claire Dullano

“Your products have been so helpful to us,” said Dullano in her e-mail to Brother Philippines. “Thank you so much for your great effort in making quality machines for us. God bless you.”

Brother Philippines is truly honored to power meaningful efforts such as Dullano’s, and we salute everyone giving their time and dedication to help our country’s frontliners in these challenging times.

If you are using our sewing machines or any Brother product to help in the fight against this crisis, please do send us your stories at marketing@brother.com.ph. We would like to thank you personally and share your story with the world.

For more info and updates, you may visit our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/BROTHERatyourside/. For any inquiries or concerns, please call the Brother Helpdesk Hotline at (02) 8 581-9898, through the toll-free line at 1-10-BROTHER, or send an e-mail to helpdesk@brother.com.ph.

MEGA PRIME'S AMBASSADOR CHEF ROSEBUD ONLINE COOKING DEMO FOR FILIPINO MOMS DURING ECQ

Mega Prime has signed up its newest ambassador—Chef Rosebud Benitez, a top-rated celebrity cook and hands-on mom who has become a household name for her mouthwatering recipes. 

Known for her versatility as a chef, Chef Rosebud has always used Mega Prime’s wide array of high-quality products that has made cooking much easier for moms. “I always have Mega Sweet Chili and Oyster Sauce in my kitchen, because they can be paired easily with any dish. With Sweet Chili, there’s no need to think of a complicated dish,” she shared. 

Both Mega Prime and Chef Rosebud are passionate about helping everyone come up with yummy dishes that the whole family will enjoy. That is why homemakers are looking forward to what the partnership between Mega Prime and Chef Rosebud has to offer. 

During this enhanced community quarantine, Mega Prime is aware of the different sentiments of Filipino families in the kitchen at home. With this, Mega Prime is kicking off its partnership with Chef Rosebud through a Facebook Live cooking demo featuring healthy, nutritious and practical recipes to upgrade our everyday meals. 

Happening on April 25, Saturday at 3:00PM, Chef Rosebud will be featuring some of her go-to Mega Prime products that can turn simple dishes into super meals that moms can do at home during the quarantine period. 

Chef Rosebud joins Marian Rivera, who serves as Mega Prime’s main ambassador, in reaching out to moms. Together, the two will add even more dynamism to the Mega Prime Mom Club, which has been steadfast in its efforts to turn Filipino moms into savvy homemakers. 

“I like the products of Mega Prime because the taste is very close to "panlasang Pinoy". They have a variety of products for all our cooking needs and offer value for money. You don't have to pay a premium but what you're getting is of premium taste, which is very important for price-conscious moms,” she said. 

Don’t forget to tune in at https://www.facebook.com/MegaPrimeQuality and get ready to cook the yummiest but pocket-friendly dishes with Chef Rosebud and Mega Prime!

STARBUCKS COMMITS $10 MILLION IN COVID 19 RELIEF FOR GLOBAL PARTNERS

Starbucks announced the new Starbucks Global Partner Emergency Relief Program as part of its $10 million (USD) commitment to support partners (employees) around the world impacted by COVID-19. The program marks the first time both company-operated and international licensed market store partners across Starbucks may access hardship grants. These one-time, direct relief grants will be made available to partners facing extreme hardship as a result of COVID-19 and help ensure that partners around the world have access to emergency support during this difficult time. 

In every community Starbucks serves, partners are the foundation of the company’s fundamental Mission to inspire and nurture the human spirit. Support from the Starbucks Global Partner Emergency Relief Program will be made available to retail partners in licensed store markets through the Emergency Assistance Foundation, to partners in company-operated markets through the established Caring Unites Partners (CUP) Fund, and to partners in Europe through the Starbucks EMEA Partner Relief Fund, a new fund established for European company-operated markets including the U.K., Austria, Switzerland, as well as the company’s Roastery in Italy and roasting plant in the Netherlands. 

Starbucks has a long history of supporting partners. In 1998, the CUP Fund was started in the U.S. by partners, for partners facing unexpected financial hardship. Since then, the CUP Fund has supported more than 28,000 individuals. To date, the program has been extended to Starbucks company-operated markets in Canada, China and Japan. 

Starbucks $10 million commitment to the Global Partner Emergency Relief Program will support the existing CUP Fund as well as the new Starbucks EMEA Partner Relief Fund and create a pathway for international licensed markets to set up their own funds with Starbucks contributing an initial investment, a first for the company. 

As each community faces unique response and recovery challenges, the new funds will be processed through the Emergency Assistance Foundation and enable licensed store operators in international markets to join Starbucks in providing support for partners in disaster designated areas, who are immediately eligible to apply for assistance. Qualified categories for fund grants include, but are not limited to, housing and utilities, sudden loss of home, death of a family member or partner, and related funeral expenses. 

To learn more about how Starbucks is managing through COVID-19 please visit Starbucks.com/covid-19. 

To learn about the countless ways that Starbucks partners are uplifting their communities in times of need, visit The Good Things Are Happening blog. 

PETRON FUELS HELPS TO FIGHT AGAINST COVID-19

Petron Corporation through Petron Foundation joins in the country’s collective efforts to help health workers standing at the frontlines of the battle against COVID-19. 

Petron announced that Petron Value Card (PVC) holders can now donate their points to fund personal protective equipment (PPE), masks, and relief packs for health workers from the Lung Center of the Philippines, Philippine General Hospital, Jose N. Rodriguez Memorial Hospital, and Sanitarium San Lazaro Hospital. 

These hospitals have been designated as COVID-19 referral hospitals by the Department of Health. 

To donate, simply text DONATECOVID1916-DIGIT CARDNUMBERAMOUNT and send to 0917-567-1111 with no minimum amount required. 

Petron has pledged an initial contribution of P1 million to support the PVC donation drive. 

Steadfast in its commitment to nation-building, the Philippines’ largest oil refining company has also donated free fuel to the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) and the Department of Transportation’s (DOTr) Libreng Sakay program. Through this, front-liners can avail of free transport for the duration of Luzon’s month-long Enhanced Community Quarantine. 

Petron also distributed pre-loaded PVCs to doctors, nurses, and other hospital staff as a token of appreciation for their invaluable service and sacrifice. 

The company continues to work with government agencies and LGUs to extend much-needed assistance to Filipino workers and communities most affected by COVID-19. Petron has affirmed its commitment to ensuring sufficient and stable fuel supply while emphasizing that the health and safety of its people remain its top priority.