PIVOT: How businesses and individuals are adjusting to the NEW NORMAL

In this show — Jannelle focuses on the word PIVOT which is a buzz word these days as businesses and individuals try to adjust their offerings (products/services) to the public as we face the #newnormal

In segment 1 — Designers Pia Gladys Perey and Alexis Monsanto talk about pivoting their business from making gowns and red carpet dresses, to making masks and PPE. They both say it’s what’s needed in the community; but more importantly, they have also added these, so that their staff/seamstresses can keep their jobs in these uncertain times. Both designers also talk about making donations to front liners here in the U.S. and in the Philippines as the world fights a global pandemic.

In segment 2 — Rod Mercado, Founder and CEO of Financial Rescue, LLC shares tips on how families can survive economic uncertainty by making smart, calculated financial decisions. And yes, according to him, it’s even possible to thrive at this time. Financial Rescue, LLC – an 11yo debt relief company – has helped thousands of people in need of debt help.

His tips include

1. Take advantage of every opportunity – CARES ACT, Mortgage forbearance
2. Don’t make fear-based decisions. Don’t make hasty decisions
3. Think-long term, when making changes to your life (Relocating, for example, just because you lost your job)
4. Communicate with your partner, and even children
5. Combine checking accounts with your spouse (Makes it easier to monitor money coming in and going out)
6. Cut to unnecessary subscriptions.
7. Scale back phone and insurance plans
8. Consider a temporary job that is in demand
9. Renegotiate your bills
10. Get help with debt relief during coronavirus pandemic

In segment 3 — We feature Reyza Villarica, restaurant owner of Manila Sunrise in Carson, CA; and Chari Reyes of Ensaymada Project. Reyza talks about their pre-pandemic days of full restaurants when people and families flock right after masses at nearly Philomena Church. Chari talks about being busy doing pop ups, events and night markets. Both businesses have been hugely impacted by shelter-in-place orders. And both #fempreneurs talk about adjusting their services – Reyza started personally delivering food orders to clients; and convinced Chari that she can help. Chari initially lost hope and thought of shutting down. Together, these two women entrepreneur are helping each other, physically and emotionally by providing support and encouragement to each other.

In segment 4 — Individual artist/singer/performer/actress @Jules Aurora talk about realizing that her life was going to change when, one by one, all her bookings (mostly live events) got canceled. Some of the auditions she booked also got canceled because production has come to a halt. In this interview, she talks about her “pivot” – which is taking care of herself, using this time to rest, and preparing so when everything opens up, she is ready! She also talks about the ups and downs of living alone and missing interactions with friends and family.