Milestones serve as reminders of how far we have come. These may not always make headlines, yet they carry deep meaning—especially when reached after effort, sacrifice, or years of waiting.

For a young couple, the birth of a first child marks a new beginning. For a father who finally earns that long-awaited promotion, it becomes a quiet victory. Graduation remains a reason to celebrate, regardless of honors received. The first paycheck stands as a milestone one remembers forever.

Purchasing a first car or finally upgrading a phone after months of saving both mark personal achievements.

Each one forms a core memory—a story often shared and cherished. In Filipino culture, a milestone usually invites a celebration. A portion of the budget is set aside, loved ones are gathered, and the victory is shared over food.

Often, the moment begins with the familiar phrase:"Tara, McDo tayo."

(Come, let us go to McDonald's).

McDonald's has been part of Filipino families' through many moments and milestones.

Photo source: McDonald's Philippines 

 McDonald's Philippines has achieved milestones of its own. In 1981, the first branch opened in Morayta, University Belt, where Filipinos first tasted the world-famous fries and cheeseburgers. In 1982, the first drive-thru was introduced, offering convenience to those constantly on the go. Then, in 1986, local menu items Chicken McDo and McSpaghetti joined the menu. Today, Chicken McDo remains to be an everyday customer favorite or served during big and small celebrations. 

Succeeding in 2005, Golden Arches Development Corporation (McDonald's Philippines) became a 100% Filipino-owned, with George Yang as Chairman and Founder, and Kenneth Yang as President and CEO.Photo source: McDonald's Philippines 

As the world shifted into the digital age, McDonald's embarked on its own digital transformation—from scaling its McDelivery with the launch of the McDelivery app in 2014, to the adoption of the McDonald's NXTGEN store format which features a split counter for ordering and pick-up, self-ordering kiosks and table service since 2018. 

Furthermore, in 2020, it took a step toward sustainability through its first "Green and Good" store.

Photo source: McDonald's Philippines 

Over the course of 44 years, McDonald's has grown to over 800 branches across the country and employs more than 65,000 individuals. 

In a vlog interview, Kenneth Yang emphasized the importance of staying in touch with operations at the store level. He often visits branches unannounced to ensure everything runs smoothly—from the speed of service to cleanliness, including the tables, chairs, and restrooms. He also makes it a point to try the food to check for consistency in quality.

"So, lumilibot ako. I visit hopefully every week nakakapunta ako sa mga tindahan," Yang shared. "Mas gusto ko surprise visit. Tinitingnan ko kung maayos 'yung patakbo nila. So, kung mabilis ba 'yung service or malinis ba 'yung mga tables, chairs, pati banyo. Saka tinitikman ko rin 'yung pagkain. Quality ng pagkain. Syempre in our business, ang gusto natin, consistent lahat," shared Yang.

(So, I go around. I visit hopefully every week, I go to stores. I like surprise visits more. I check if everything is run correctly. So, if the service is quick or are the tables, chairs, and toilets clean. I also taste the food. Quality of food. Of course, it is our business, we want everything to be consistent).

Photo source: McDonald's Philippines 

"Ang standard natin ma-maintain. On occasion, kailangan ma-improve. Minsan, nadating ako at hindi maganda 'yung ano, bibigyan ko nalang ng feedback 'yung mga managers natin. Saka crew," added Yang.

(We want our standards to be maintained. On occasion, we need improvement. Sometimes, when I come and things are not well kept, I give feedback to managers and also the crew).

He also shared that he started as a crew member at McDonald's Hong Kong when he was only 15. When his father brought the franchise to the Philippines, he continued working behind the counter.

"Nung araw, mas mabigat 'yung trabaho kasi kakargahin mo yung patatas, peel mo 'yung patatas. Saka syempre, maglilinis rin ako ng banyo," Yang said. "Nagtrabaho ako sa second branch ng McDonald's, sa New Frontier. For four years kasi habang nag-aaral rin ako sa Ateneo, college, nagpa-part-time ako. So, both sa Cubao, saka sa Greenhills."

(In the past, the work was much more difficult because you have to carry the potatoes and peel them yourself. I also clean the toilets. I worked too in the second brand of McDonald's, in the New Frontier. For four years while I was studying in Ateneo, college, I worked part-time there. Also both in Cubao and Greenhills).

Photo source: McDonald's Philippines 

Many young Filipinos have found their start at McDonald's. From the beginning, the company never practiced contractual hiring and prioritized direct hiring of students, offering flexible work hours, training, and other benefits. The goal or commitment to people extended beyond employment—it was about teaching life skills.

"Kasi sa start pa lang, ang purpose ng father ko, ang aming founder, si George Yang, he is really to hire directly," Yang said. "When a person starts, at a young age, they start work, they gain the values from working." (From the start, the purpose of my father – George Yang, is really to hire directly. When a person starts at a young age, they start to work and gain the values from working).

Thousands of crew members gained confidence, learned effective communication, and developed teamwork. Many have gone on to become professionals—managers, doctors, and even public figures. Actor-politician Richard Gomez and journalist Rico Hizon, once worked behind the counter as a McDonald's crew at the Greenhills branch.

"We are proud to say lifetime employability. Kasi lahat nung matututunan nila sa McDo, puwede nilang i-apply sa ibang career nila," Yang explained.

(We are proud to say that we provide lifetime employability. Everything that they learn from McDo, they can apply in their other careers).

Although McDonald's is a global brand originating in the United States with a presence in more than 120 countries, bringing it to the Philippines required perseverance.

Kenneth Yang recalled how his father, Dr. George Yang, had to fight hard to secure the franchise. He was not the only applicant, and during a time when communication was slower and more complicated, the process was filled with delays and uncertainty.

"Years ago, basically, ang McDonald's, hindi pa nila masyado kilala 'yung Philippines at that time. Iba 'yung priority nila," he said. "Pero 'yung father ko ang pursigidong kumakausap sa kanila para makumbinsi sila na pumunta sa Philippines at bigyan siya ng franchise para magtayo ng McDonald's dito,"Yang shared.

(Years ago, basically, McDonald's did not know much about the Philippines at that time. Their priority was different. However, my father was persistently talking to them to convince them to come to the Philippines and give him the franchise to be able to put up a McDonald's here).

Today, Kenneth Yang views his role as more than leading a business. McDonald's presence in the Philippines plays a role in supporting nation building.

"Whether it is a coup d'etat or a revolution, lahat nadaanan na natin. COVID, kailangan lang, you are strong, you are prepared for such events. If ever. There will be some downturns. Pero there will always be a cycle up naman. Pero 'yung outlook po ng ekonomiya ngayon, kayo nakikita niyo 'yan eh."

(Whether it is a coup d'etat or a revolution, we have been through everything. COVID, you just need to be strong, you are prepared for such events. If ever. There will be some downturns. However there will always be a cycle up. The outlook of the economy now, you can see it too).

In 2024, McDonald's celebrates 44 years of serving generations of Filipinos. During a media event on April 4 at the Avenue Ligaya branch in Quezon City, the company announced another key milestone—a renewed 20-year franchise term in the Philippines.

 Photo source: McDonald's Philippines 

"This holds great significance as it confirms the trust and confidence in my father, George Yang, and myself, as well as the management and stewardship of this company," said Kenneth Yang. "We are very excited for our future. Twenty more years. For us, this means significant growth, more opportunities for our people, and expanded efforts in nation-building and community impact."

Last year McDonald's has opened 65 new stores—almost one per week. This 2025, McDonald's is eyeing to open its 800th store.

From kids enjoying their Happy Meal to grandparents sipping their McCafe; from celebrities to working students; from lunch outs, payday celebrations to comfort after heartbreak — since its beginnings, McDonald's has positioned itself as a place for everyone. Decades later, it remains a place where everyone is welcome.

To know more about McDonald's new offerings visit their website. Or visit their Facebook page, X, or Instagram.