The Naderang restaurant in Sharjah. ARCHIVE

A Filipino restaurant in Sharjah is extending a helping hand to the community by offering free meals to those in need. Naderang restaurant will serve complimentary meals on Wednesday (April 15) from 12pm to 2pm as part of the Bayanihan Meal Program, an initiative led by the Philippine Business Council - Dubai and Northern Emirates (PBC-DNE), a Filipino business group in the UAE. Organisers said the programme aims to support kababayans affected by the current situation, providing warm meals in a time of need. Priority will be given to PBC members and their staff, although efforts will be made to accommodate as many non-members as possible. Due to limited slots, residents are encouraged to register in advance via this link. For inquiries call +971 555420160. The initiative reflects the Filipino value of “bayanihan,” or communal unity and support. Behind the effort is restaurant owner Liberty Samonte Galang, whose journey reflects resilience and determination. Her restaurant, known for its Kapampangan dishes, has grown into a well-loved dining spot with branches along King Faisal Road and in Sahara Centre. In a previous interview with Expat Media, Liberty recalled how her family started small, with her mother preparing homemade dishes that quickly gained popularity. “She cooked porridge, veggie okoy, cassava, puto, kutchinta. Everything was sold out by 11am,” she said. “Even our customers started calling others to buy from us.” Today, the restaurant continues to serve not just food, but also a sense of community, especially during challenging times. CAM/Expat Media
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