10 Things To Know About Restaurants, Groceries And Other Food Businesses Under The New MECQ
This MECQ is not like the previous MECQs we've experienced. Here's the lowdown on what you can and can't do.
From August 21 to 31, 2021, Metro Manila and the nearby provinces of Bulacan, CAvite, Laguna and Rizal — now collectively called NCR Plus — are under Modified Enhanced Community Quarantine (MECQ). This will be the fourth time that the metro has been placed under MECQ, but this time the rules are a little different. Before you do anything, it's a good idea to take a read up on the guidelines just to be safe.
NCR Plus was under hard lockdown, aka Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) until August 20, in an attempt to manage the rising cases of Covid-19 cases due to the Delta variant. However, social and economic pressures have made it necessary to transition to MECQ (lockdown has been disastrous for the economy.)
If you're concerned about how MECQ will change the way you access food supplies, groceries and other food services, we listed ten things you can expect.
For a full list of guidelines, please click here.
MECQ 2021
MECQ 2021
1. You won’t be able to dine at your favorite restaurants.
Indoor and al fresco dining is still prohibited in Metro Manila, Laguna and Bataan. Take out and delivery services are allowed, so you will be able to order food for delivery to enjoy safely at home.
Photo Credit: @margaritafores
2. Many restaurants are offering menus adjusted for home dining.
For example, Hapag Manila, a pioneering private dining space that offered a carefully curated modern Filipino dining experience now has ‘Pan Pamilya Serye’ with a modern twist on beloved childhood snacks. Think Bonete Donuts, Burnt Bibingka Cheesecake and the like. Modern French bistro Metronome has a limited-run menu designed for takeaway. You can definitely still enjoy delightful dining experiences, just tailored for home eating rather than dining out. In photo: Hot and hearty Beef Bourguignon from of Bistro Take-away Menu.
Photo Credit: @restaurant.metronome
3. Curbside pick-ups can be a nice way to get out of the house.
Many restaurants have redesigned their al fresco spaces to be more comfortable for pick ups. Dunkin Donuts on 2nd Avenue in BGC created biker-friendly spaces for safe and easy curbside pickups.
Photo Credit: @dunkin_ph
4. There are creative new ways to dine out.
Mimi & Bros in BGC is pioneering a “Park & Munch” service where you can order your food online and it will be brought to your parked car.
Photo Credit: @mimiandbros
5. Courier and delivery services will be fully operational.
Don’t worry. You can still order the food you crave using GrabFood, Pickaroo or through cloud kitchens like Off Grid or Kraver's Canteen. Make sure to check for operating hours which might be adjusted to follow ECQ Guidelines.
Photo Credit: @pickarooapp
6. Your city might still be under liquor ban.
According to MMDA Chairman Benhur Abalos, the decision to implement liquor ban is up to the LGUs. So far, liquor ban is in effect in Valenzuela, Mandaluyong, Parañaque, Pasay, Navotas, Pateros, Quezon City and San Juan. There is no liquor ban in Makati, Taguig, Pasig and Las Piñas. But we suggest you double check before making any boozy purchases.
Photo Credit: @boozyph
7. Groceries and supermarkets will be operational.
And you can avail of online grocery delivery services like MetroMart or Pickaroo. Take advantage of the online specialty grocery stores too, like Growcery MNL.
Photo Credit: @growcerymnl.ph
8. If you can, please continue to support your community pantry.
The community pantry is a lifeline that many of our fellow Filipinos need more than ever. The Maginhawa Community Pantry responded to the lockdown by launching the Ayuda Hatid where volunteers distribute the goods from house to house. In this way, people don’t have to line up, minimizing social contact.
Photo Credit: George Calvelo, ABS-CBN News
9. Party boxes and grazing kits are a great way to party.
In spite of the pandemic, there’s so much to be thankful for. So take time to celebrate life events and small wins. The easiest, most convenient way is to order party platters or grazing boxes from your favorite purveyors. You can get a five-star restaurant experience at home. Spiral at Home by Sofitel Manila, has a specially-curated menu of signature dishes from its 12 dining ateliers prepared by culinary artisans — all at the tip of your fingers.
Photo Credit: Sofitel Manila
10. Some restaurants will close.
It’s a sad reality that we will lose some of our favorite dining destinations. Restaurants are not just places to eat, but community hubs where we congregate and where we experience some of our happiest moments. So if a favorite restaurant is closing, take the time to say goodbye and please support the staff until their last day. It’s a tough world, but a little kindness goes a long way. We’re all in this together.
Photo Credit: @preskocoffee
Lead photos: Unsplash
Top Stories
Metro Beauty Picks Of The Week
BEAUTYMar 14, 2023