REELING from the adverse effects of the pandemic, notwithstanding.
Of late, we have been seeing the recovery of many business firms. Especially those in tourism – hotels, restaurants, attractions and theme parks. The food business too.
We can only be thankful to our Big Brother up there in the heavens. While I am no businessman, I can only share their joys as semblance of brisk commerce and trading is now taking place.
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PAINS AND JOYS. Mekeni Food Corporation (MFC), a Porac-based food processing company that started from a backyard family enterprise and is now a globally recognized brand, was not spared from the effects of the pandemic.
Still in pain over the loss of one of its top officials and member of the family that started it all – Nards Garcia and also one of their in-laws (rest in peace), yet this company never forgets to share joys.
Prior to the Covid-19 pandemic, it was also affected by the Asian Swine Flu.
But that has not stopped them from reaching out to the community. In fact, I did not hear them laying off any workers despite the hardships. Why would they when in the 1990s, Tatang Felix Garcia, the patriarch, herded his sons to continue the business with but one aim – to provide livelihood.
Long story short, Mr. Pruds Garcia, MFC president, was not only an obedient son. He always had that compassion and leadership as he came from his high-paying job abroad and led the company. Providing jobs and minding people’s livelihood was all they put in hearts and minds even when Mount Pinatubo erupted that was even followed by destructive lahar flows.
Fast forward from Pinatubo to Pandemic, MFC continues to reach out. Beneficiaries of four Pampanga-based shelters were recently filled with joy when MFC employees – continuing their annual tradition – donated groceries, snacks, and other gift packs to them.
MFC visited Munting Tahanan ng Nazareth, Duyan ni Maria, Children’s Home of Immaculate Mary, and Bahay Pag-ibig.
Through the employees’ initiative and generosity, Mekeni was able to provide gift packages, health care packages, food items, and groceries to over 200 beneficiaries. The recipients from Children’s Home of Immaculate Mary, in return, greeted MFC employees with a moving performance.
Take a bow there MFC employees led by Marilou Uy, who is a very efficient and reliable head of HR and Exports.
Despite some business losses, MFC reached out even to media colleagues at Pampanga Press Club which it does every year, by the way. They don’t ever forget. Their offices (and even home of Sir Pruds) have been open to media guests.
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IN CLARK. Hotels are starting to pick up not just with occupancy rates but also with continuity in their business plans.
For example, the Widus Hotel Casino complex will be opening this month its new beautiful casino and hotel building. It will also have a new name – the gaming venue will now be called Hann Casino complemented by 380-room Swissotel. Already, it shows a Las Vegas-type frontage with that uniquely shaped LED screen at the corner. Its driveway ramp and lobby looked so imposingly impressive with attractive lighting. I remember its owner Daesik Han diligently grew his business, starting with a small 50-room lodging facility from the late 1990s. And how he built bigger and taller buildings as the years go by.
Less than a kilometer away is also another attractive structure that is about to be completed – Royce Hotel’s new 297-room expansion building. It has gold and brown glasses for its walls and it reminds me of Wynn Hotel in Las Vegas.
I am also excited to see how Royce would dress up its new façade at the corner of Roxas Highway and Abad Santos Avenue. This spot is like the Flat Iron building in New York City where motorists and tourists are greeted by a unique, triangle-shaped building at a fork road.
While these two hotels are finishing up their new edifices, Hilton Clark, on the other hand, has been opening new F and B outlets and is offering more in their menus.
It has recently opened the Xi (Chinese) Restaurant and Treat Bar, while its Olive Restaurant is now offering buffet dinner and lunch during weekends and holidays. We are talking about superb food here from western, Asian, European cuisines. There is pasta, noodle delights, hams and cheeses, seafoods, carvings, steaks, variety of salads and desserts.
Clark Marriott was first to bring back buffet meals at its Goji Kitchen and Bar not just for businesspersons but for everyone. It has re-opened also its well-refined Smoki Moto Restaurant that offers the best steaks and Korean dishes. Ahh, not to forget the panoramic view from its ledge deck and the Executive Lounge which make it more delightful having wine or sipping coffee.
Quest Conference Center inside Filinvest Mimosa Plus has that Al Fresco dining as it extended its Charley’s Bar by the street across a mini-park. Food and service here is also par excellence.
You see, all these are taking place as part of the restart, rebound, recover battlecry of CDC President Manny Gaerlan. And this is becoming a reality as the Tourism Promotions Division aimed for the Freeport to become a Mice destination from several years ago. They must be glad that this is fast taking shape as they are on their way to reach the 5,000-room target. Take a bow there Miss Noemi Julian and staff.
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PERSONAL THANKS to members of the Pampanga Press Club for the trust and confidence as they elected me to lead them in the next two years. Thanks to outgoing President Tonette Orejas who will now become the ex-officio Chairman.
Am equally grateful too to our pillars in the Club -- Perry Pangan, Bong Lacson, Bert Basa, Max Sangil, Lino Sanchez for their guidance and wisdom.
Likewise to Governor Dennis Pineda, Mayor Cris Garbo, Mayor Carmelo “Pogi” Lazatin and right hand man, Boss IC Calaguas and LausGroup President Paul Laus, and NLEX Corp. President Luigi Bautista and Comms Team led by Kit Ventura.