McDonald’s Philippines went back to its roots as it celebrated 44 years of serving Filipinos with a heartfelt homecoming at its very first store on Morayta Street, Manila.
Last October 28, McDonald’s Philippines President and CEO Kenneth S. Yang and Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso led the unveiling of a commemorative marker honoring McDonald’s Philippines Founder and Chairman, Dr. George T. Yang. The ceremony paid tribute to the visionary who first brought the Golden Arches to the country in 1981 and laid the foundation for what would become one of the most beloved brands in the Philippines.
Nestled in the heart of the University Belt, McDonald’s Morayta has become a nostalgic landmark for generations of students, workers, and families. The commemorative marker celebrates the thousands of stories, laughter, and friendships that have unfolded within its walls—a reminder that this modest store started a nationwide movement of feel-good moments shared over fries, burgers, and sundaes.
The celebration extended beyond ceremony. McDonald’s hosted a fun-filled McDo Party for more than 40 children from the Manila Child Development Center, turning the milestone into a day of joy, generosity, and connection with the community that helped build its legacy.
“When I brought McDonald’s to the Philippines, I only dreamed of opening 10 branches,” Dr. Yang recalled. “Now, 44 years later, we have more than 800 stores and are one of McDonald’s top 10 markets worldwide. This marker at Morayta reminds us where it all began—and that our true focus will always be on creating memorable moments for our customers.”
Dr. Yang also reflected on McDonald’s long-standing commitment to working students, a tradition that started right at the Morayta branch. “Our first employees were students striving to gain experience while studying. That spirit continues today, with 70 percent of our workforce being working students,” he said.
McDonald’s Philippines’ journey has been marked by milestone after milestone. In 2005, the company became 100 percent Filipino-owned, and earlier this year, Dr. Yang renewed the company’s license to operate McDonald’s in the country for another 20 years—an acknowledgment of the brand’s success, leadership, and enduring connection with Filipino communities.
“We’re proud to keep delivering the same great-tasting food, reliable service, and joyful experience our customers have loved for decades,” said Kenneth Yang. “Guided by our values and passion for excellence, we’ll continue to grow, innovate, and bring the McDonald’s experience closer to every Filipino.”
Beyond burgers and fries, McDonald’s has become a trusted employer and a model for inclusive growth. It remains the only quick-service restaurant in the country that practices direct hiring, employing over 70,000 Filipinos without contractualization since 1981. Through its holistic training and development programs, employees gain lifelong skills that empower them beyond their time with McDonald’s. This dedication to people earned the company the Employer of the Year award from the People Management Association of the Philippines in 2025.
As it looks ahead, McDonald’s Philippines remains committed to making a difference through its Green & Good sustainability platform and community initiatives under the Ronald McDonald House Charities. From one humble store in Morayta to hundreds nationwide, McDonald’s continues to serve not just meals—but memories, opportunities, and love for life, the Filipino way.