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Local merienda chain's co-founder apologizes for viral ‘working lunch’ video
Steffi Santana, the co-founder of popular merienda shop Lola Nena's, has issued an apology after a promotional video showing her team having a lunch meeting went viral and drew flak from netizens.
Santana posted a statement on Instagram on Saturday and apologized for taking some time before addressing the issue.
She also apologized for being "careless" and "irresponsible" with her words and actions, saying that it wasn't her intention.
"I am so sorry for the day-in-the-life video that I posted with the 'working lunch.' Pinanood ko 'yung video over and over and sobrang nakaka-frustrate," she said.
According to her, the colleagues she was with in the video were an "executive, a department head, and other members of higher management" and explained that while they all have big responsibilities, they also have the privilege of deciding their work hours including taking breaks.
However, she acknowledged the importance of healthy work-life boundaries regardless of roles. She also emphasized the importance of taking a break, unplugging from devices, eating and resting while working.
"We keep on preaching in our trainings that we value love, care, and respect but with the video—I didn't show that. I failed to show that, and I am sorry," she said.
Santana also said she understands the flak from the netizens and took accountability for her mistake, saying that she still have a lot more to learn as a business owner.
"Naiintindihan ko 'yung gigil ninyo. Naiintidihan ko kayo. Tama na merong platform ang lahat na makapag-comment and speak out kapag may mga bagay na hindi dapat. Mali din ako sa pag-post nung day-in-a-life on the Lola Nena's page aside from my page. Maling mali and I am sorry," she said.
In the now-deleted video, Santana held a meeting with her staff during their lunch break and discussed their plans and future goals for their brand.
"Nandito kami to game plan," Steffi can be heard saying in the video.
"Siyempre, 'yung lunch, hindi lang 'yan break. Isa pa 'yung chance to clarify and remind ourselves, 'Ano ba 'yung main goal natin?' and 'Paano ba natin make-keep 'yung sarili natin accountable to those main goals?" she said.
Shortly after the video was released, netizens were quick to slam the content, saying that working shouldn't be allowed during lunch breaks.
—Jade Veronique Yap/MGP, GMA Integrated News
