Global fast-food chain’s Happy Meals drive holiday giving and early education support
The holiday season in the Philippines often arrives wrapped in small gestures, and this year a familiar fast-food staple is tying that idea to its most recognizable offering.
McDonald’s Philippines founder and chairman George T. Yang appears in the company’s Christmas online video alongside singer and composer Jose Mari Chan. The duo framed the holidays around the message of sharing.
In the video, the two encourage children and adults to pass along a Happy Meal, a toy, and simple moments meant to be remembered.
Yang said the idea grew from a familiar sight during the season.
“All of us love seeing the twinkle in children’s eyes whenever they receive a gift,” he said, adding that McDonald’s also wants children to experience the feeling of giving.
That message was brought into the community ahead of Christmas.
On World Children’s Day on Nov. 20, McDonald’s Philippines, its charity partner Ronald McDonald House Charities, and media groups held an early holiday gathering at the Ronald McDonald Bahay Bulilit in Biñan, Laguna. Children and families supported by RMHC shared food, games, and Happy Meal toys, with appearances by Ronald McDonald and the gang.
The Biñan center holds particular meaning for Yang. The Bahay Bulilit facility, inaugurated in October, was his personal gift to the city’s children. Biñan Mayor Angelo Alonte called it a lasting contribution, saying the learning center would benefit children well beyond the Christmas season.
Giving is also built into this year’s Happy Meal campaign. Starting Dec. 5, McDonald’s Philippines rolled out its “Buy One, Gift One” initiative. Each Happy Meal comes with two toys: one for the buyer and another meant to be given to a sibling, friend, or someone else.
The program is tied to education funding. A portion of every Happy Meal purchase goes to RMHC to support the construction and operation of Ronald McDonald Bahay Bulilit Learning Centers, which serve as preschool spaces where children can learn, play, and develop basic skills before formal schooling.
There are now 53 Bahay Bulilit Learning Centers nationwide, serving at least 5,000 children each year. This Christmas, all children enrolled in the centers are also set to receive a McDonald’s meal and a Happy Meal toy as a holiday treat.
Yang said education remains a year-round focus. “Education truly is one of the greatest gifts we can give children,” he said, noting that support for Bahay Bulilit continues beyond the holidays through Happy Meal purchases.
The seasonal push extends to McDonald’s stores as well. Drive-thru lanes are dressed with Christmas lights and décor, while the menu features limited holiday items such as Honey Butter Chicken and the White Choco Cereal McFlurry.
For many families, the gestures are small and familiar. In a season crowded with obligations and celebrations, McDonald’s is betting that sharing a meal, a toy, or time can still carry weight.
