Back to Where It All Began: McDonald’s Celebrates 44 Years in the Philippines at Its First Store in Morayta

McDonald's Philippines is commemorating 44 years in the Philippines by placing a memorial marker at its historic first location on Morayta Street in Manila. 

Last October 28, McDonald's Philippines President and CEO Kenneth S. Yang, along with Manila Mayor Francisco "Isko Moreno" Domagoso, oversaw the ceremonial unveiling of the memorial honoring McDonald's Philippines Chairman and Founder Dr. George T. Yang.

McDonald’s Philippines Chairman and Founder Dr. George T. Yang (right) is joined by McDonald’s Philippines President and CEO Kenneth S. Yang, Ronald McDonald, and Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso at the unveiling of the commemorative marker at McDonald’s Morayta, the first McDonald’s store in the country. 

McDonald's Morayta, located in the center of the country's University Belt, is a favorite with students, families, employees, and friends. The marker commemorates this historic business, which has hosted innumerable happy memories for generations of Filipinos.

As part of its ongoing commitment to giving back to the community it has served for more than four decades, McDonald's also hosted an exciting and heartwarming McDo Party for over 40 children from the Manila Child Development Center, allowing the brand to celebrate this milestone with the local community.

McDonald’s Morayta in 1981

McDonald’s Morayta today

The Morayta store opened in 1981, soon after Dr. Yang was granted the exclusive franchise to operate McDonald’s in the Philippines. 

“When I brought McDonald’s to the Philippines, I initially envisioned opening 10 branches. Forty-four years later, the Philippines now ranks as one of the top 10 McDonald’s markets in the world, and we have more than 800 stores across the country. This is why I consider it important to shine a spotlight on McDonald’s Morayta, where it all began. It is also our reminder to stay focused on our customers, so that each moment they spend in our stores will create lasting memories for years to come. McDonald’s Morayta also saw our very first batch of working students, many of whom were driven to gain substantial work experience while also pursuing their studies. Our commitment to supporting working students remains true today. I’m happy to say that 70 percent of our workforce are working students.” ~Dr. George T. Yang, McDonald's Philippines Chairman and Founder

McDonald’s Philippines Chairman and Founder Dr. George T. Yang with one of the first batches of McDonald’s Morayta service crew in 1981.

GTY and Ronald McDonald stand next to the commemorative marker at the  McDonald’s Morayta store.

Many significant milestones followed, including the 2005 acquisition of McDonald's Philippines by 100% Filipino owners.  Earlier this year, Dr. Yang received a new 20-year license to operate McDonald's in the country, signaling a strong vote of confidence in Dr. Yang and Kenneth Yang's leadership and governance.  The new-term license also came at a period of rapid expansion, with the firm opening and operating outlets in nearly every province in the country, bringing the McDonald's experience to every Filipino.

A closer look at the McDonald’s Morayta commemorative marker

“We continue to build on the exceptional McDonald’s experience that our customers have grown up with and continue to love. Because our operations are guided by our strong values and our passion for excellence, we are confident that our customers can enjoy the same great-tasting and high-quality food, and the same top-notch customer service in any of our 800-plus stores nationwide.” ~Kenneth Yang, McDonald’s Philippines President and CEO

McDonald's Philippines is the only quick service restaurant (QSR) that uses direct hiring, and the company continues to spend extensively in direct local employment and talent development.  Since 1981, McDonald's has embraced non-contractualization, ensuring job security and growth opportunities for its approximately 70,000 employees.  Each McDonald's employee, regardless of age, background, or gender, has the chance to further their careers through a world-class and holistic training and development curriculum that benefits them both within and outside of the company.  Just this year, McDonald's Philippines was selected Employer of the Year by the People Management Association of the Philippines, demonstrating the company's superior employment and talent development standards.

McDonald's Philippines is also committed to making a difference in local communities, not only by contributing to socioeconomic activity, but also through environmental and sustainability programs under the Green & Good platform, as well as programs that drive positive community impact through Ronald McDonald House Charities.

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 more than 800 stores nationwide with a workforce of more than 70,000 employees. Under the leadership of President and CEO Kenneth S. Yang 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.