Celebrating 30 Years of McDonald’s Lovin’ It in the Philippines

You never notice the passing of time –when you’re doing something you love. A lesson best learned, perhaps from the world’s leading fast food chain, McDonald’s, as it marks its 30th anniversary in the Philippines this year. From its very first store along the busy streets of Morayta, Manila to becoming a 300-strong network of well-loved Golden Arches, McDonald’s has become very much a part of the our lives. And what better reason is there than to celebrate than three decades worth of good times, fun memories and great food with the Filipino and lovin’ it more each day.

McDonald’s Philippines marks a milestone year with much festivity and delight, as it takes a trip down memory lane and revisits its vibrant history, its pioneering innovations, its inherent love for kids and family, and its continued commitment to serve Filipinoswith great tasting, quality food products at affordable prices and excellent service.

Opening Doors

With over 300 stores nationwide and growing, the famous Golden Arches is a welcome sight everywhere. But rewind to 30 years ago, McDonald’s humble beginnings is a story filled with excitement, challenges and many fulfilling triumphs.

 “1981 was the year McDonald’s first opened its doors in the Philippines and it was to welcome in the families and communities of Morayta, Manila and nearby cities,” recalls McDonald’s Philippines President and CEO, Mr. Kenneth Yang. “The response was nothing less than heartwarming and every day since then, we have kept to our commitment to serve nothing but the best-tasting, affordable food with excellent service.”

The first McDonald’s store along Morayta, Manila

The astounding reception it received with its first store encouraged the brand to reach out farther across Metro Manila over the years, and eventually to the Visayas and Mindanao in 1992 with stores in Cebu and Cagayan de Oro respectively.

Filipino Flavor

McDonald’s owes much of its success to global iconic products such as the Big Mac, World Famous French Fries, Cheeseburger, and Apple Pie which are well-loved by millions all around the world. But perhaps solidifying McDonald’s in the hearts of Filipinos came with the addition of local offerings that catered to the unique Filipino palette – the McSpaghetti (1986), Chicken McDo (1987), and Burger McDo (1993).

“McDonald’s saw the need to introduce other products that suited not just the Filipino taste but preference and culture as well. Till this day, these products remain to be customer favorites” shares Yang.

Commitment to Service

McDonald’s opened 24/7 restaurants in 2004

More than just food products, it has always been the commitment of McDonald’s to adapt and respond to the ever-changing needs and lifestyles of its customers. It has lived up to the promise of being a true customer-oriented company with the introduction of some remarkable and ground-breaking service innovations throughout the years: the one number delivery hotline 8-MCDO (2002), 24/7 restaurants (2004) and 24/7 delivery service (2005), online delivery website www.mcdelivery.com.ph (2009), no minimum food purchase requirement (2010) and just recently the first cashless mobile ordering system (2011).

”These service innovations allowed McDonald’s to grow with its customers through the years and be there for them every step of the way—our goal is always to make it easy for customers to get great food at affordable prices, anytime, anywhere,” says Margot Torres, McDonald’s Philippines VP for Marketing and Communications.

Love for Kids and Families

At the very heart of McDonald’s is its love for children and with it, the belief in the value of the Filipino family. This is why, providing a fun experience for the entire family every time they go to McDonald’s has remained one of its a top priorities.  The McDonald’s Happy Meal, for instance has become a trademark of this, as featured toys become treasured symbols of fun for kids and joyful moments shared with the family. But through the years, McDonald’s has also pioneered other programs that attest to the brand’s commitment to kids and families - the McDonald’s Kiddie Crew Workshop and McDonald’s Birthday Parties.

McDonald’s Kiddie Crew Workshop

The McDonald’s Kiddie Crew Workshop is an annual   5-day summer program that serves as an avenue for kids 6-12 years old to have fun and meet new friends but also learn important values and lessons along the way. The workshop includes on-floor trainings, values formation lessons, and creative art workshops.

“The McDonald’s Kiddie Crew Workshop is the first of its kind in the country; it has become one of the most much-awaited summer program, with tens of thousands of kids graduating each year,” shares Torres. “In fact, nationwide registration for this year has officially begun and over 15,000 kids are expected to join.”

McDonald’s Birthday Parties

Last but certainly not the least, another popular McDonald’s experience loved by kids and parents alike are the McDonald’s Birthday Parties. Every McDonald’s Birthday Party is special for kids with its fun and exciting party themes but more importantly, hassle-free for parents. With a range of affordable party packages and different exciting themes to choose from, McDonald’s provides all party needs, from venue set-up, party amenities, games and prizes, favorite McDonald’s meals, and so much more, making any child or child at heart’s day truly memorable. “Right now, aside from Ronald and the Gang, we have three Disney Birthday Party themes- Mickey Mouse Club, Disney Princess and Toy Story,” shares Torres.

Speaking from her experience, the newest member of the McDonald’s family is its Kid Ambassador Jillian Ward who shares why she loves celebrating her birthdays at McDonald’s.“Gustung-gusto kopotalaga mag-celebrate ng birthday ko sa McDonald’s kasi nandun na po lahat ng mga paborito ko –mga games, prizes, cute  na themes, at shempre ang paborito ko na mga food sa McDo gaya ng Cheeseburger, Apple Pie at McFloat. Kasama ko pa si Ronald McDonald para mag-celebrate.” (I really like celebrating my birthday at McDonald’s because all my favorites are there –games, prizes, fun themes and of course, my favorite McDonald’s food like the Cheeseburger, Apple Pie at McFloat. Plus, I get to celebrate with Ronald McDonald.)

Whether it’s delicious food at the tip of your fingers, or great activities for kids or the entire family, McDonald’s Philippines has delivered products and services that have woven itself intrinsically in the Filipino way of life. Through 30 years of continuous innovations, there is no lack in the cause for celebrations. And as this milestone year is marked with festivity, McDonald’s looks forward to years and years more of lovin’ it in the Philippines.