MANILA, Philippines - For many business enterprises, 25 years is a landmark that should be marked by much celebration and fanfare. But for Hotdog on Sticks (HOS), that familiar and well-loved Filipino hotdog shop, this anniversary is also a time for giving back and sharing blessings, especially in a time of crisis and tragedy.
On the eve of its anniversary, Hotdog on Sticks joined the growing number of socially-aware companies by giving a P150,000 donation to the flood victims of the recent typhoon Ondoy, most especially in the hard-hit city of Markina.
“We know how hard it is to start from nothing. And our hearts go to all the flood victims who lost nearly everything,” says HOS owner Rene De Leon. He relates that the floods damaged a warehouse facility owned by the company and disrupted business operations for a few days.
Hotdog on Sticks was established in 1984 by husband-and-wife entrepreneurs Rene and Amy De Leon. Not adverse to the hardship of setting up a fledgling business, Rene and Amy began with nothing but a dream of putting up a business and an idea about serving convenient hotdog meals to Filipinos.
Their idea caught on, allowing Hotdog on Sticks to grow from its pioneer stall at Harrison Plaza in Manila to over 150 outlets all over the country. In most major shopping centers including SM malls, Gaisano and Robinsons, one can readily see the familiar yellow and red sign of Hotdog on Sticks beckoning passersby for a quick and tasty bite.hit city of Markina.