Creating Brighter Beginnings: RMHC Philippines Opens Ronald McDonald Bahay Bulilit Learning Center in Marikina

Photo from Left (in-front): Kap. Zaldy Josef, Shiela Josef (Brgy. Sto Nino, Hazel Militante (City Social Welfare Development Officer, Marikina City), Hon. Mayor Marjorie Ann “Maan” Teodoro, Congressman Marcy Teodoro, City Councilor Angel Nunez (Marikina City), Margot B. Torres (Managing Director, McDonald’s Philippines & Vice President, RMHC), Marie Angeles (Executive Director, RMHC), and Rev. Fr. Arvin Jerome Piedad (Diocesan Shrine and Parish of Nuestra Señora de los Desamparados) Photo from Right (back): Austin Torres (Public Affairs Senior Manager, McDonald’s Philippines), Atty. Jiji and Alex Fernandez (Owner Operators, McDonald’s Philippines)

McDonald's Philippines, Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) Philippines, and the City Government of Marikina celebrate the opening of the 57th Ronald McDonald Bahay Bulilit Learning Center in Barangay Sto. Niño, Marikina City, creating brighter beginnings for young learners and reaffirming their shared commitment to advancing early childhood education in Filipino communities.

A daily struggle for many Filipino parents is juggling work and making sure their kids receive high-quality early childhood education. For Monica Dela Cruz, a Barangay Sto tricycle driver. This reality is all too familiar to Niño, a mother of three from Marikina City.

Monica balances taking care of her kids with working long hours on the road as the family's main provider. Her three-year-old son starts preschool this year, marking another significant milestone for her family. This is a new chapter that also entails new obligations and goals.

"For us at McDonald’s and RMHC, making a difference in communities, especially through education has and will always be part of who we are and what we do—from early childhood education, all the way to preparing students to be workforce ready.“ ~Marie Angeles, Executive Director of RMHC Philippines

Stories like Monica's highlight the significance of easily accessible, community-based early childhood education while reflecting the realities faced by many hardworking Filipino families.

On June 26, 2026, in Barangay Sto, McDonald's Philippines and Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) Philippines officially opened the 57th Ronald McDonald Bahay Bulilit Learning Center in recognition of this need. Marikina City, Niño. The learning center offers young children a secure, caring, and engaging setting in which they can develop the fundamental literacy, numeracy, and socioemotional skills necessary for formal education.

"The opening of the Ronald McDonald Bahay Bulilit Learning Center reflects our shared commitment to making quality early childhood education more accessible for every child. Ito po ay magiging daan upang mas marami pa sa ating mga kabataan ang magkaroon ng pagkakataong makatanggap ng dekalidad na edukasyon sa isang ligtas, maayos, at nurturing environment.” ~Mayor Marjorie Ann "Maan" Teodoro of Marikina City

Another significant achievement in McDonald's and RMHC Philippines' ongoing efforts to increase underprivileged communities' access to high-quality early childhood education is the Ronald McDonald Bahay Bulilit Learning Center. McDonald's and RMHC continue to provide educational opportunities that support children's growth, families' success, and communities' strength, with 57 Ronald McDonald Bahay Bulilit Learning Centers currently serving Filipino children nationwide.

"Malaki talaga ang pasasalamat ko sa McDonald’s Philippines at Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) Philippines sa pagbigay ng Bahay Bulilit Learning Center sa Brgy. Sto Nino, sa Marikina sapagkat matitiyak kong makakatanggap ng tamang edukasyon ang aking bunsong anak.” ~For parents like Monica

One learning center at a time, RMHC Philippines continues to grow its network of 57 Ronald McDonald Bahay Bulilit Learning Centers nationwide while staying true to its mission of empowering families, providing children with high-quality early childhood education, and fostering stronger communities.

About McDonald’s Philippines

McDonald’s Philippines master franchise holders Dr. George T. Yang & Kenneth S. Yang brought McDonald’s to the Philippines 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 network of over 860 stores 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.

About Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) Philippines

Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) is the charity of choice of McDonald’s. RMHC Philippines was established in 1996 to make a difference in the lives of Filipino children through programs that support children’s rights to education, health and happiness. It has helped more than 13 million children all over the country. Through the generosity and trust of corporate partners and individuals, RMHC Philippines has raised over PhP350 million to support their flagship programs.

Celebrate everyday wins with McSavers Snack & Match at only P59!

Every victory is worthy of a celebration for McDonald's. They all deserve a celebration, whether it's getting up early, arriving on time, or even escaping traffic! Celebrate your daily victories at McDonald's starting on January 15 for as little as P59.

The new Smokey Melt Chicken Sandwich, which costs P59 on its own or P79 when combined with other snacking favorites, gives McSavers Snack and Match more snaaaks sa sarap. The Smokey Melt Chicken Sandwich, which is only available for a short while, is a delicious blend of meaty, smoky flavor with a zesty, spicy bite. Perfect for anyone who want to try a new, tasty food.

“We’ve said this last year and we’ll say it again: McDonald’s is about making our customers feel that their everyday wins are special. With McSavers Snack and Match, we want to help them celebrate their wins, and celebrate them deliciously. With the Smokey Melt Chicken Sandwich, which is available for as low as PhP59 solo, or PhP79 with your favorite drink or dessert, celebrating shouldn’t be expensive. There’s always a reason to say, ‘Snaaaks!’ and celebrate with McSavers Snack and Match.” ~Ada Almendras-Lazaro, McDonald’s Philippines’ Chief Marketing Officer

Snaaaks sa Sarap Ways to Celebrate Everyday Wins

For as low as PhP59, you can treat yourself with any of the following:

• The Smokey Melt Chicken Sandwich  (available for a limited time)
• Crispy Chicken Sandwich
• Cheesy Burger McDo
• McSpaghetti
• Regular Plain Fries
• Regular McShaker Fries (BBQ or Cheese)

Match your chosen main with a side under McSavers Snack and Match for only PhP79:

• Medium Coke McFloat  with Hot Fudge
• Medium Royal McFloat
• Medium Coke/Coke Zero
• Medium Sprite
• Plain Sundae

Only Front Counter, Take-Out, SOK, and Drive-Thru are available for McSavers Snack and Match. In the meanwhile, the Smokey Melt Chicken Sandwich is offered in more meal options through drive-thru, McDelivery, Take-Out, Front Counter, and 3POs.

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

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 close to 800 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.

McDonald’s Philippines, Davao City Partner to Employ Senior Citizens

McDonald’s Philippines and Davao City kick off the M for All program in the city through the signing of a memorandum of agreement. Also supported by the Department of Labor and Employment and its Public Service Employment Office, M for All will hire 110 senior citizens for McDonald’s stores in Davao City.

As part of its inclusive recruiting initiative M For All, which seeks to engage people with disabilities (PWD) and senior citizens, McDonald's Philippines plans to hire at least 110 senior residents for 18 of its locations in Davao City.  October 2025 to December 2026 is when the program will take place.

Recently, the Davao City Government, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), and its Public Service Employment Office (PESO) inked a memorandum of cooperation with the massive quick service restaurant (QSR).

A welcoming and inclusive workplace for seniors

There is a growing need for a dynamic workforce as McDonald's Philippines expands and opens additional locations throughout the nation.  Additionally, McDonald's strongly believes in offering employment chances to those in their 60s and beyond, even though a large portion of their talent pool consists of working students and recent graduates, or Gen Z.

As part of its people practices, McDonald's Philippines offers its employees a world-class training and development program, job security, and an inclusive workplace through M for All.  McDonald's Philippines has used direct employment and non-contractualization since Chairman and Master Franchise Holder Dr. George T. Yang built the first location in Manila in 1981, giving its more than 65,000 employees job security.

“McDonald’s Philippines is committed to generating employment opportunities for Filipinos, regardless of their age, gender, and background. Our inclusive workplace is a welcoming environment not just for working students and working-age individuals, but also out-of-school youth, persons with disabilities, and through this partnership, senior citizens. We’re excited to partner with Davao City for the M For All  Program, and we’re looking forward to more opportunities for collaboration and partnership that will benefit the people and communities. Since opening our first store in Davao City in the 1990s, McDonald’s Philippines has seen impressive growth and development in the city. For over 30 years, McDonald’s has seen families create feel-good memories, employees develop into the best versions of themselves, and the entire Davao City become stronger and more progressive.” ~Adi Hernandez, Assistant Vice President for Corporate Relations and Impact

M For All, formerly known as the Alternative Workforce Program, has been hiring senior citizens to work in its stores since its start in 2019. In 2025, the initiative was revived and put into effect in 61 company-owned and franchise stores in the City of Manila, Pasay City, Caloocan City, Parañaque City, Pasig City, San Fernando City in Pampanga, and Bacoor, Cavite.

M For All is the first initiative outside of Luzon and the first collaboration between McDonald's Philippines and Davao City. In the upcoming months, the program will also be introduced in collaboration with additional LGUs in Visayas and Luzon.

Every eligible applicant gets hired under the M For All program for a five-month period, working four hours a day, five days a week.  Every applicant is assigned to the store lobby area, where they will interact with customers and guests, offer their drinks and orders, and oversee the tables.  In addition to getting government-mandated salaries, which also include a portion of the required 13th month's pay, they also have group life insurance that is funded by the employer.

Thirty years in Davao City

The cherished QSR has been dedicated to improving the lives of its employees and the communities it serves in addition to giving its patrons satisfying experiences.

The 22 McDonald's restaurants in Davao City alone provide over 2,000 store managers and service staff with their "Best Me," creating jobs for locals and others in the surrounding areas while also boosting the local economy.

The first "Green & Good" McDonald's in Mindanao opened its 800th location at Davao Global Township last July.  McDonald's Davao Global Township is a Green & Good store with solar panels, rainwater collection tanks, motion sensors that save energy, LED lighting, and effective air conditioning.  Both energy usage and the use of natural resources are greatly decreased by these features.

Additionally, Green & Good encourages a more ecologically responsible way of living.  Due to its bike-friendly characteristics, the Davao Global Township store draws not only serious riders but also novices and enthusiasts.

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.

Indulge with McDonald’s NEW Holiday Treats, Here for a Limited Time Only

McDonald’s Philippines is adding a touch of holiday magic to its menu this season with special limited-time offerings starting November 15. The quick-service restaurant giant has given a festive upgrade to its bigger and better Chicken McDo and iconic McFlurry, to bring out the kid in you this Christmas season. 

McDonald’s introduces the Sweet BBQ Glazed Chicken McDo – a new and festive twist on its classic Chicken McDo, lightly glazed with a sweet barbeque sauce, offering the perfect blend of smoky and savory. For dessert lovers, two new McFlurry flavors will be available to satisfy that holiday sweet tooth: indulge in the Tiramisu McFlurry, a balanced mix of sweet coffee and cocoa flavors with bits of Malt Crunch, and the Hazelnut McFlurry, a rich, crunchy chocolaty treat that brings hazelnut indulgence to McDonald’s beloved Vanilla Soft Serve. 

At the company’s launch of their holiday campaign, "Love Ko ang Pasko! Love Ko ang McDo!”

“These are the moments and little things that make the holiday season feel familiar yet special in every McDonald's store. First on the list is sharing feel-good moments over food at McDonald’s. This holiday season, our customers can look forward to bonding with friends and family over our special holiday offers.” ~Ashley Santillan-Delgado, McDonald’s Philippines Marketing Director

Time to go big and indulge as customers can look forward to more festive promos on the McDonald's App starting November 16. Customers can look forward to festive promos you won't be able to say no to!  

• Php109 Holiday Deals running from November 16 –30 

o Double Holiday McFlurry LTO (Hazelnut and Tiramisu) where you can choose two of the same flavors or one of each! 

o Sweet BBQ Glazed Chicken McDo Meal with Mango Passion  

 

• Holiday Mega Deal from December 1–15 

o Enjoy the Sweet BBQ Glazed Chicken McDo Meal with any Holiday McFlurry for only Php159 

Throughout the holiday season, McDonald's remains dedicated to delivering a truly feel-good experience to everyone who walks through its doors or drives through its Ride-Thru lanes. With these holiday treats and offers, every McDonald’s meal can become a reason to celebrate. Enjoy the Love Ko ang Pasko spirit at McDonald's – bringing together family, friends, and festive flavors, this Christmas season and beyond. 

For more information, visit McDonalds.com.ph, or follow https://www.facebook.com/McDo.ph on Facebook, and https://www.instagram.com/mcdo_ph/ on Instagram. 

About McDonald’s Philippines 

McDonald’s Philippines’ master franchise holder Dr. George T. Yang – who oversees and sits as Chairman for over 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. 

McDonald’s “Night Classroom”, “Ride the Arches” Prevail at PANATA Awards

McDonald’s Philippines was the big winner at the recent PANATA Brand Effectiveness Awards 2024, held at Seda Hotel Bonifacio Global City, securing multiple Gold Awards for its standout campaigns, "Night Classroom" and “Ride the Arches.”

Presented by the Philippine Association of National Advertisers (PANA), the awards were judged by a distinguished panel of experts from the fields of advertising, media, and academia. The PANATA Brand Effectiveness Awards 2024 was not just a celebration of individual brand achievements but a recognition of the collective progress in the industry. Already on its 15th year, the award underscored brands’ resilience in a challenging economic climate, as it continued to push boundaries and set new standards for consumer engagement.

First launched in 2023 and sustained this year, "Night Classroom" won four Golds in the Corporate Sustainability and Trust category, Brand Effectiveness through Customer Experience, Disruptive Innovation, and Effective Use of Marketing Communication Channels (Single Medium-BTL). The initiative converted party areas of McDonald’s stores into dedicated spaces for both teachers and students for late-night study sessions, offering safe and convenient space for learning.

On the other hand, the QSR giant also garnered the Grand PANATA Award for “Ride the Arches,” the first campaign of its kind for McDonald’s, which had McDonald’s turn its stores into cyclist-friendly meeting places complete with refueling stations, encouraging cyclists to bike and dine along scenic routes across the country. “Ride the Arches” also likewise won Gold in Marketing Communication Channel - Single Medium BTL, Gold in Customer Experience, Bronze in Corporate Sustainability and Brand Trust, and Bronze in Disruptive Innovation.

Also, for “Ride the Arches”, McDonald’s won the Brand Team of the Year with Barrameda bringing home the award for Rookie Brand Builder of the Year.

“We are truly honored by the recognition we received from this year’s PANATA Awards. Beyond the accolades, we are thankful to our customers and community partners   for embracing and supporting our initiatives. And as McDonald’s continues to grow in the country, our commitment to making real and meaningful impact will also grow.” ~Adi Hernandez, McDonald’s Philippines Assistant Vice President for Corporate Relations and Impact and Vice President of RMHC Philippines

The PANATA Brand Effectiveness Awards truly highlighted McDonald's Philippines' exceptional marketing prowess, with several other campaigns striking gold.

"Better Chicken McDo” earned Gold for Brand Effectiveness through Business Growth, showcasing its success in driving tangible results. Campaigns such as "Best Me at McDo,” "Our Best Everrrr Burgers,” "Lovin' All,” and "Kami Naman, Ma” all clinched Gold awards for their effective use of marketing communication channels, highlighting the brand’s ability to connect with its audience through various media. Notably, "Kami Naman, Ma” was specifically recognized for its excellence in the Single Medium-Digital category.

These additional wins underscored McDonald's commitment to innovation, sustainability, and creating meaningful connections with its customers through a diverse range of impactful campaigns.

Asia Pacific Tambuli Awards 2024

• McDonald’s Philippines named "Advertiser of the Year"
• "Night Classroom"

Grand Prix Award in the Champions for Humanity Category

Silver in the Builders of Society Category

• "Ride the Arches"

Silver in the Champions for Humanity Category

Bronze for Advocacy

• "I’m Lovin’ Me" campaign

Bronze award

• "Unlocking 60,000 Filipinos’ Best Selves" campaign

Silver

• "Lovin’ All" campaign

Bronze

 

2024 Kidlat Awards

• "Lovin’ All" by TBWA\ SMP

Gold in Creativity in Engagement – PR.

Gold in Creativity in Engagement – Social

• "Night Classroom" by Leo Burnett Group Manila

Gold in Creativity in Experience

Gold in Creative Commerce

Gold in Creative Effectiveness

Gold in Creative Strategy

• "Lovin’ All" film:

Silver in Classic Creativity – Film category.

• "Lovin Her" series by FilmPabrika Inc.

Silver in Film Craft – Direction, Casting, Low Budget Film.

• "Ride the Arches" campaign:

Silver for Creativity in Experience

• "Night Classroom"

Silver for Creativity for Good – Corporate Social Responsibility