McDonald’s Grand Reunion Brings People Back Together for the Holidays

For many Filipinos, Christmas is the most exciting time of year.  It's the time for long-awaited grand reunions, when family and friends finally gather together after months or even years away.  It's one of the most treasured traditions in the country.  However, not everyone has the opportunity to organize such events.  Some people spend the holidays apart from their families, missing out on the joys of being together.

This year, McDonald's Philippines intends to bridge that gap by providing free celebrations for certain groups.  Known as "Grand Reunion at McDo," this statewide holiday effort will transform select McDonald's Party Rooms into festive locations for meaningful reunions taking place simultaneously across the country, giving the warmth of the season back to those who need it the most.

“By creating spaces where groups can once again gather meaningfully, McDonald’s taps directly into the Filipino cultural values of pagsasama-sama, pagsasalo-salo, and gratitude. It offers a simple yet heartfelt reminder that those who help make Christmas special for others deserve their own celebration too. In a season that can often feel overwhelming with crowded schedules, growing expenses, and emotional demands, Grand Reunion at McDo offers a refreshing alternative, a warm, uncomplicated, and inclusive holiday gathering that doesn’t require grand preparations.” ~Ada Lazaro, Chief Marketing Officer at McDonald's Philippines

How to be part of McDonalds’ Grand Reunion

Consumers are encouraged to visit the Grand Reunion post on McDonald's Philippines' Facebook page and tell their story about why they want to reunite, what kept them apart, and what makes their relationship worthwhile.  McDonald's will host groups of up to ten people on December 8 from 2-4 p.m., with two groups per party room for a total of 20 people.

Participants will be chosen based on how their stories exemplify the spirit of unity throughout the Christmas season in addition to having a touching and unique story.  Participants can select the McDonald's location of their choice.

Boxes of Honey Butter Chicken McDo, enhanced with a "shake, tear, and sprinkle" moment utilizing Garlic Parmesan and Snow Cheese Powder, will be distributed to each group. The dinner becomes something to enjoy together thanks to this straightforward ritual. In addition to leading light games and toasts, a McDonald's "Happiness Host" will assist in making the event feel a little more memorable and shared.

Reinforcing Filipino values

Lazaro added the initiative aims to reinforce Filipino values of bonding and connection during the Christmas season by offering a venue for meaningful reunions.

For more information about McDonald’s Philippines, visit www.mcdonalds.com.ph, McDo.ph on Meta, on Instagram, and on X. 

Chicken McDo Brings Everyone Closer at Every Table with the Heartwarming Invitation: ‘Chicken McDo Tayo!’

The straightforward word "Kain tayo," which literally translates to "Let's eat," has a deeper meaning than that. It is the literal love language of the Filipino people, expressing warmth and inclusivity and serving as another way of saying, "You are welcome here."  You are a part of this. Naturally, godparents, lifelong friends, dependable neighbors, and even coworkers who feel like family can all be included in this act of belonging.

As Filipino food writer Doreen Fernandez once noted, “To invite someone to eat is to extend not just food, but yourself—your home, your life, your very sense of kinship.” It’s a tradition that turns every meal into an act of connection.

With its new Much Malaki, Much Pinasarap Chicken McDo, McDonald's honors the spirit of unity.  It's large, crispy, and juicy, making it the ideal option for sharing with loved ones, whether it's for a laid-back weeknight meal, an exciting Sunday lunch, or a friend's unexpected visit.

“Every meal is an opportunity to bring people closer. Filipinos know that food is best enjoyed when shared, because it’s never just about the flavors on the plate. It’s about the togetherness and the memories made in between bites. With Chicken McDo, every table becomes a space where everyone is welcome, seen, and valued, and where a simple meal stays with you even after the last bite.” ~Ada Lazaro, McDonald’s Philippines Chief Marketing Officer

Chicken McDo transforms everyday dining into communal events full of coziness, humor, and connection because it is designed for moments that matter.  Every dish conveys the same message as "Kain tayo," whether you're dining in, getting takeout, or having it delivered: you belong here.

Now, McDonald’s invites everyone to share that message in the most delicious way possible -- “Chicken McDo tayo!”

About McDonald’s Philippines

McDonald’s Philippines master franchise holder Dr. George T. Yang -who oversees and sits as chairman for 40 years- founded and brought the first McDonald’s store to the country in 1981. Since then, McDonald’s in the Philippines has been a formidable player in the country’s quick-service restaurant industry, having grown a store network of over 750 nationwide. McDonald’s Philippines continues to aspire to make a difference in communities where it operates through its charity of Choice, Ronald McDonald House Charities Philippines.