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

For many Filipinos, Christmas is the most anticipated time of the year. It is the season for long-awaited grand reunions, when families and friends finally come together after months or even years apart. It’s one of the most cherished traditions in the country. But not everyone is privileged to make these gatherings happen. Some spend the  away from their families, misuo4vgMcDonald’s Grand Reunion Brings People Back Together for the Holidays TT w2222222222w2sing out on the joy of being together.

This year, McDonald’s Philippines hopes to bridge that gap by giving select groups a chance to celebrate for free. Dubbed “Grand Reunion at McDo,” this nationwide holiday initiative will transform select McDonald’s Party Rooms into festive spaces for meaningful reunions happening simultaneously across the country, bringing the warmth of the season back to those who need it 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

Customers are invited to visit McDonald’s Philippines’ Facebook Page and share their story on the Grand Reunion post — why they want to come together, what kept them apart, and what makes their bond worth celebrating. On December 8 from 2-4pm, McDonald’s will accommodate groups of up to 10 members, with two groups per party Room for a total of 20 guests.

Aside from a heartwarming and distinct story, participants will be selected based on how their stories embody the spirit of togetherness during the Christmas season. Participants may choose their preferred McDonald’s branch.

Each group will receive boxes of Honey Butter Chicken McDo, made extra special with a “shake, tear, and sprinkle” moment using Garlic Parmesan and Snow Cheese Powder. It’s a simple ritual that turns the meal into something to savor together. A McDonald’s “Happiness Host” will also be there not just to lead light games or toasts, but to help make the gathering feel a little more shared, a little more memorable.

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, @mcdo_ph on Instagram, and @McDo_PH on X. 

WHY YOU SHOULDN’T MISS THIS YEAR’S STRIPES RUN 2025 WITH YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS!

Whether you’re chasing a new personal best, making memories with your kids and fur babies, or simply out to enjoy the run with friends, McDonald’s Stripes Run 2025 is the run that should be on your calendar to end the year!

Get ready for Stripes Run 2025 on December 7, 2025 at the SM MOA Concert Grounds! It’s more than a race, it’s a feel-good experience where families, friends, and fur babies run together for fun and for a cause.

Here’s why you and your family and friends should register and be part of Stripes Run 2025!

  1.   Everyone’s welcome!

Now in its 14th year, Stripes Run is all about togetherness. Whether you're a fitness enthusiast out to achieve your next goal, a casual runner enjoying the moment, a parent running with your kid, or a fur parent with your pet by your side, there's a spot for you in this race.

  2.   Sulit price!

McDonald’s Stripes Run 2025 is an event that lets you get moving, give back, and go home with something to show off and a story to tell. This year’s race kit includes a shirt, race bib, race socks, tote bag, and a whole bunch of exciting goodies from partner brands. Aside from the race kit, everyone will get freebies at the finish line.

  3.   Lots of surprises await!

Crossing the finish line at Stripes Run always comes with exciting rewards and this year is no exception! Participants will take home freebies and goodies from McDonald’s and brand partners, plus the very first Stripes Run medal! A special symbol of achievement you’ll be proud to wear after the fun run!

  4.   Run with purpose.

Proceeds from the McDonald’s Stripes Run 2025 will help raise money for the programs of Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Philippines, a non-profit organization that supports Filipino children by providing better access to education and healthcare.

  5.   All ages and paces.

McDonald’s Stripes Run 2025 is a non-competitive event that celebrates getting to the finish line any which way you prefer. Whether you’re walking, jogging, sprinting, or running , what matters most is that you’re enjoying the moment.

  6.   Easy registration

Registration is simple and easy. Just visit https://bit.ly/McDonaldsStripesRun2025, fill out your details, choose your race category and shirt size, agree to the terms, and pay your registration fee online via GCash, Grabpay or debit/credit card. You can have your race kit delivered to your home.

  7.   Connect and celebrate!

McDonald’s has always been a place where people gather for good food and good company, and Stripes Run brings that same spirit on the field. This event reflects McDonald’s commitment to creating experiences that bring people closer while promoting wellness.

Don’t be the last to join. Register for the Stripes Run 2025 now and choose your category https://bit.ly/McDonaldsStripesRun2025.

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

McDonald’s Philippines is set to hire at least 110 senior citizens for 18 of its stores in Davao City, as part of the company’s inclusive hiring program M For All, which aims to employ senior citizens and persons with disability (PWD). The program will run from October 2025 to December 2026.

The quick service restaurant (QSR) giant recently signed a memorandum of agreement with the Davao City Government, together with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and its Public Service Employment Office (PESO).

 

A welcoming and inclusive workplace for seniors

As McDonald’s Philippines continues to scale and open more stores across the country, there is also an increasing demand for a dynamic workforce. And while a big percentage of McDonald’s talent pool are working students and fresh graduates—the Gen Z—the company also strongly believes in providing employment opportunities for individuals in their 60s and beyond.

M for All is part of McDonald’s Philippines’ people practices, providing its staff with job security, an inclusive workplace, and a world-class training and development program. Since Chairman and Master Franchise Holder Dr. George T. Yang opened the first store in Manila in 1981, McDonald’s Philippines has practiced direct employment and non-contractualization, providing job security for its over 65,000 workforce.

“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.” ~Adi Hernandez, Assistant Vice President for Corporate Relations and Impact

 

Since its launch in 2019, M For All (formerly Alternative Workforce Program)  has been employing senior citizens in its stores. This 2025, the program has been relaunched and implemented in the City of Manila, Pasay City, Caloocan City, Parañaque City, Pasig City, San Fernando City in Pampanga, and Bacoor, Cavite, covering 61 company-owned and franchise stores.

M For All is McDonald’s Philippines’ first partnership program with Davao City, and is the first activation outside Luzon. The program will also be launched in partnership with other LGUs in Luzon and Visayas in the coming months.

Under the M For All program, each qualified applicant is engaged over a period of five months, reporting for work four hours a day, five days a week. Each applicant is assigned at the store lobby area, interacting with guests and customers, presenting their orders and drinks, and managing the tables. Aside from receiving government-mandated wages (which also include a percentage of the mandated 13th-month pay), they are also covered by a group life insurance paid for by the company.

 

Thirty years in Davao City

The beloved QSR has been committed not just to providing feel-good experiences to its customers, but has also been making a difference in the lives of the people it employs and the communities it serves.

In Davao City alone, over 2,000 store managers and service crew are finding their Best Me at the 22 McDonald’s stores in the city, helping generate employment for residents of the city and nearby areas while also contributing to local economic growth.

Said Hernandez: “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.”  

Last July, the 800th McDonald’s store was launched at Davao Global Township, the first “Green & Good” store in Mindanao. As a Green & Good store, McDonald’s Davao Global Township features solar panels, rainwater harvesting tanks, power-saving motion sensors, LED lights, and efficient air-conditioning systems. These features significantly reduce energy consumption as well as the use of natural resources.

Green & Good also promotes a more environmentally conscious lifestyle. The Davao Global Township store has bike-friendly features, which attracts not just serious cyclists but also biking beginners and enthusiasts.