Community pantry initiator Ana Patricia Non has won the first Stellar of the Year Award given by AirAsia for sparking hope among Filipinos at the time of uncertainty when COVID-19 struck in the Philippines.
Non was recognized for her initiative during the government’s strict lockdown in 2021 which closed borders across the country in an attempt to stop the spread of COVID-19 but which also resulted in farm harvests and supplies not reaching their regular markets.
The University of the Philippines Fine Arts graduate and student leader responded to the situation by setting up a bamboo cart packed with vegetables and other food items, offering them for free to anyone passing by the street near her home in Quezon City.
The Maginhawa Community Pantry initiative sparked a movement across the Philippines with people setting up their own community pantries which numbered over 6,000, to help neighbors in need.
Stories of the Bayanihan good deed reached beyond the country’s borders and inspired community pantries set up by Filipinos in Thailand, Timor-Leste, and many other places.
The free food pantry also inspired other versions, such as the free plant to feed yourselves pantry, taho vendor giveaways, zero-waste pantries, pet food pantry, and online healing sessions.
Even the popular design app, Canva of Filipino-Aussie Melanie Perkins, offered free design templates for community pantries.
Non personally received her award from the first and only aviation award-giving body in the country in ceremonies which also awarded over 100 media, celebrity, and industry partners at the inaugural AirAsia Stellar Awards for A-list celebrities, influencers, credible industry and trade partners.
“Give what you want and take what you need. The gracious reminder on the sign that hangs at every community pantry reminds everyone, regardless of sex, age, religion and status in life to always share their blessings with others, no matter how big or small.
“Through the community pantry, we survived and thrived towards the pandemic. Through the community pantry, we aim to strengthen and keep the Filipino spirit of Bayanihan alive in these trying times. This recognition from AirAsia is a testament that I am on the right path,” Non said at the recognition event on March 22, 2022, held at the AirAsia Philippines Red Point Headquarters at the NAIA Terminal 3.
AirAsia Chief Executive Officer Ricky Isla said, “Stellar Awards is the culmination of all the hard work we have done over the past two years to keep not only AirAsia Philippines afloat but to also support the tourism industry which was similarly, very badly hit by the pandemic.
“We wouldn’t have done it without the help of our friends from the media and celebrities who have always backed our programs and projects. Also, the incredible support which we received from our industry partners also shed light to this path, and tonight, they shine the brightest as we bested them with the STELLAR AWARD.”
AirAsia said the event also signified the recovery of the aviation and tourism industry two years after the onset of the global pandemic.
The company also unveiled the Hall of Stars, similar to the Hollywood Walk of Fame, a collection of photos of celebrities and influencers along with the AirAsia aircraft livery since 2020.
Celebrities who are part of the Hall of the Stars also received recognition in the Stellar Awards. Catriona Gray was awarded the Stellar Travel Ambassador and Allstars Choice Award being voted by the Filipino Allstars (employees) for her relentless contribution in promoting safe travels, thereby helping local economies rebound from the ill effects of the pandemic.
Meanwhile, Vice Ganda was awarded the first-ever Stellar Youtuber of the Year for contributing to the wide exposure of AirAsia and its advocacies by vlogging with YouTube as the main platform.
The hottest couple on Philippine cinema – Jerald Napoles & Kim Molina meanwhile was awarded as the Stellar Travel Couple for pursuing their #TravelGoals with AirAsia while supporting the advocacy of rebuilding confidence in air travel and tourism.
Arci Munoz on the other hand was hailed as the Stellar Trendy Traveller, while Kim Chiu was awarded the #Airlineofthestars Trending Photo. Beks Batallion and Donekla in Tandem both received the Stellar Fun Traveler Award and Sofia Pablo received the Youth Stellar Award.
AirAsia Spokesperson and Head of Communications and Public Affairs Steve Dailisan said, “AirAsia Hall of the Stars is also a testament to AirAsia’s commitment to stellar guest service for all that fly with us – celebrity or not. Everyone can fly like a movie star, and influencer or a vlogger with AirAsia. Indeed, stories are best told and experienced when you fly with us.”
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