IN PHOTOS: Celebrity businesses affected by the COVID-19 crisis
Just like the rest of the world, celebrity business owners are also affected by the community quarantine brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic. Get to know these business ventures that were put on a temporary closure and even filed for bankruptcy.
Arny Ross, Lalaba Laundry Shop
'Bubble Gang' star Arny Ross temporarily closed her laundry business, Lalaba Laundry Shop, when the enhanced community quarantine took effect on March 17. She wrote on Instagram, “Nagsara lahat ng businesses namin, renta ng kada pwesto kung paano, hindi sigurado. Mga stocks na masisisira, mga bayarin na nakaabang pa rin. Mahigit kumulang 40 na empleyado na iniisip din namin. Hanggang kelan? Walang nakakaalam.” Her laundry business resumed operations on April 16, 2020.
Arny Ross, Bon Appetea
Unlike her laundry shop, Arny Ross's other baby, Bon Appetea still continues their operation but limits its deliveries through the website menugoph.com. Aside from maintaining operations, Arny and longtime partner Franklin Banogon make sure to help frontliners by giving them free milk tea drinks as a way of thanking them for their service.
Bea Binene, Mix & Brew Coffee
On March 15, Bea Binene's coffee business, Mix and Brew Coffee, has temporarily closed until further notice. Their stall is currently under the administration of SM Megamall located in Mandaluyong City.
Dennis Trillo and Jennylyn Mercado, Litterbucks
Dennis Trillo and Jennylyn Mercado's newly opened cat cafe, Litterbucks , was also affected by the enhanced community quarantine. Amid all this, Dennis and Jennylyn assured their fans that their employees are being provided their needs during the quarantine period.
Gladys Guevarra, Kitchay
Kapuso comedian Gladys Guevara has temporarily suspended operations to her new food business KitChay or Kitchen ni Chuchay . On her YouTube channel, Gladys and her fiance Leon Sumagui have decided to stay at home due to the health crisis.
Alden Richards, Concha's Garden Cafe
Asia's Multimedia Star Alden Richards has also decided to temporarily suspend all operations of his food business due to the pandemic. Concha's Garden Cafe has three branches --- Silang, Tagaytay, and Quezon City. In an interview for showbizportal.net, Alden assured his fans that he is helping his employees during these trying times. After months of temporary closure, all of its branches have resumed its indoor dining service recently. Alden's team implemented preventive measures to ensure its customers' health and safety.
Kris Bernal, House of Gogi
Kapuso actress Kris Bernal also joined the roster of celebrities who have temporarily closed their operation to support the government's quarantine efforts. House of Gogi has announced it's temporary closure during the month-long hiatus. As restaurants start resuming operations, Kris still chose to offer takeout, pickup, and delivery services over dine-in because she believes that the end of the pandemic is not yet in sight.
Janine Gutierrez, I Do Nails
Janine Gutierrez's business, I Do Nails , has also been placed in a temporary halt during the community quarantine. In their official Instagram, it was announced that all their branches, totaling to seven, are all closed until further notice.
Ryan Agoncillo and Judy Ann Santos, Angrydobo
Ryan Agoncillo and wife Judy Ann Santos have also stopped the operations of their restaurant, Angrydobo.. In the meantime, its Alabang and Manila branches offer take out, pick up, and delivery services.
Jasmine Curtis-Smith, Funky Quarters
La Union boutique hotel Funky Quarters, which is co-owned by Jasmine Curtis-Smith, has indefinitely suspended operations. In order to extend help, the hotel management decided to donate 50% of its net profit from the bookings and merch orders to the province's frontliners and surfing instructors, who lost their jobs due to the implemented enhanced community quarantine.
Rocco Nacino, Elorde Boxing Gym
The Ortigas and Ayala Malls Feliz branches of Elorde Boxing Gym, that Rocco Nacino co-owns, have temporarily suspended their operations. However, the gym management continues to motivate their clients to get moving by posting workout videos on its social media accounts which they can follow. Meanwhile, Rocco called for donations for their gym instructors and staff whose jobs are affected because of the COVID-19 crisis.
