Engaged Cocolife ambassador shares tips on making a dream-come-true wedding

Weddings mark the beginning of a whole new chapter for couples. The perfect dream-come-true wedding is worth planning, as it is a once-in-a-lifetime event that celebrates the start of their journey together.

Dream weddings are achievable, especially when done right. More than just preparing for a memorable celebration, proper wedding planning is an investment in a couple’s dreams and shared life.

Kiefer Ravena — Filipino professional basketball player of Yokohama B-Corsairs in Japan’s B.League, former Gilas Pilipinas team captain, and Cocolife brand ambassador — recently got engaged to fiancée Diana Mackey and shares his tips for an efficient wedding planning.

Communicating effectively

First and foremost, effective communication is the cornerstone of successful wedding planning. For couples preparing for their big day, being on the same page is essential to ensure a smooth and enjoyable process. This means openly discussing and aligning each other’s visions, priorities, and expectations for the wedding.

Clear and honest dialogue helps avoid misunderstandings and prevents unnecessary stress. Transparency, active listening, and mutual respect create a strong foundation — not just for planning the event, but for the marriage itself. When differing opinions arise, approach them with understanding and a willingness to compromise. Finding the middle ground that satisfies both partners’ wishes strengthens teamwork and builds a shared sense of ownership over the celebration.

As with any lasting relationship, open and honest communication is not just helpful — it’s essential. It transforms wedding planning from a daunting task into a meaningful journey you navigate together.

Setting goals

Start with clear goals and a shared purpose in mind. Before diving into the details, couples should have an open conversation about their ideal wedding and identify what truly matters most to them. Defining the 4 W’s — what, why, where, and when — helps establish direction and clarity from the start.

Visualizing the celebration through inspiration boards, mood boards, or layout sketches can bring ideas to life and ensure both partners are aligned. Remember, investing in a wedding begins with a meaningful purpose. When guided by clear priorities, every decision becomes intentional — making the experience not only more personal but also financially worthwhile.

Smart financial planning

When planning a wedding, couples also need to consider their finances carefully. Discussing the wedding plan, setting a realistic budget, and defining financial goals are some of the essential steps in financial planning for the wedding. To manage finances efficiently, creating a budget is a must. It helps couples track their finances and make informed decisions throughout the process. Smart and realistic financial choices are a key to a successful wedding celebration.

The role of wedding coordinators

Every wedding is unique, and working with wedding coordinators who understand what a couple wants on their special day can make the planning process much more convenient. A wedding coordinator’s job is to manage the entire process—from planning to the wedding program and reception itself. Hiring a wedding coordinator reduces stress, saves time, and ensures that couples can enjoy their big day freely.

These tips can turn the wedding planning journey into a fun and enjoyable experience. Still, a wedding can become even more meaningful with a lasting gift couples can give themselves — something that goes beyond the celebration.

This is why Kiefer highly recommends Cocolife’s Flexi Investment Plan as an excellent option for couples who are already planning for their once-in-a-lifetime dream wedding together. It combines both investment and life insurance features, so you can start your new chapter feeling confident, protected, and financially prepared. Plus, it’s super flexible — you can customize it to match you and your partner’s lifestyle and future goals as a couple.

The Flexi Investment Plan comes with a range of helpful features designed to support couples at every stage. These include life protection, a mix of diversified investment options, flexible payment and withdrawal terms, opportunities for increased growth, and additional policy benefits. With payment periods from 5 to 20 years and coverage that lasts up to age 100, it’s a smart way to stay financially secure — so you can enjoy planning your wedding and looking forward to your future together with a great peace of mind.

“As Kiefer faces a new chapter of his life as a future husband and father, Cocolife is proud to support his journey toward a secure, comfortable, and fulfilling family life,” said Atty. Martin A. Loon, President and CEO of Cocolife. “This is one of the reasons why we developed the Cocolife Flexi Series — to help couples turn their dreams of a joyful, financially secure married life into reality.”

“We wish Kiefer and Diana all the best in their marriage,” he added. “At Cocolife, we remain committed to our promise of helping more couples build better, brighter futures together.”

To know more about Cocolife’s Flexi Investment and other quality financial products, visit https://www.cocolife.com/products/individual-insurance/.

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Cocolife ambassador Kiefer Ravena shares tips on smart spending and saving

For young adults just beginning to earn money, saving can often feel like sacrificing all the fun. In a consumer-driven world, spending on nights out and keeping up with pricey trends has become the norm for younger generations. But managing your finances doesn’t have to mean missing out on life.

By developing smart spending habits, young adults can find the sweet spot between enjoying the present and securing their future, proving that financial responsibility and personal well-being can go hand in hand.

Filipino basketball player for Yokohama B-Corsairs in Japan’s B.League and Cocolife Ambassador Kiefer Ravena shares tips on how to make budgeting both a fulfilling and enjoyable journey through smart spending.

Track your expenses and create a realistic budget

One of the biggest mistakes people make with money is not keeping track of where it goes.

Whether it’s through shopping sprees or spontaneous food trips, Filipinos often tend to spend their hard-earned cash on things they don’t really need. This lack of awareness can lead to overspending and financial stress, making it harder to save for bigger goals.

Using budgeting apps, spreadsheets, or even a simple notebook can provide clarity on where funds are going. Once you have a clearer picture, creating a realistic budget that covers essentials like rent, food, and transportation makes it easier to cut unnecessary expenses without completely giving up the things that bring joy.

Popularized by U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren in her book All Your Worth: The Ultimate Lifetime Money Plan, the 50/30/20 rule is a helpful way to maintain financial balance without feeling restricted. The rule suggests allocating 50% of your income to needs, 30% to wants, and 20% to savings or debt repayment.

“I try to write down my expenses and chart them accordingly — from bills to business to extracurriculars. It may not be exact, but at least I have an estimate of how much I spend versus how much I earn,” shared Cocolife ambassador Kiefer C. Ravena.

Practice intentional spending

With the rise of e-commerce platforms, Filipinos now have easy access to make impulse purchases directly from their phones, which can quickly drain their finances. Double-digit sales, seasonal price drops, and payday discounts make it easier than ever to justify unplanned spending, often leading to unnecessary purchases that add up over time.

“I try not to enter stores where I know I’ll make an impulsive purchase. I just avoid so I don’t have a reason to buy,” Mr. Ravena shared.

One method that has helped individuals like Mr. Ravena improve his financial discipline is the 24-hour rule. This rule suggests waiting a full day before deciding on a purchase. If, after 24 hours, consumers still believe the purchase aligns with their financial priorities and long-term goals, then it may be reasonable to proceed. In many cases, however, people find that the desire to buy fades, saving them from unnecessary expenses.

Compare prices and maximize discounts

Even financially disciplined individuals spend some of their money on personal desires every once in a while. The key difference lies in how they approach it. Instead of giving in to impulse purchases, smart consumers take the time to compare prices and use discounts to ensure they get the most value for their money.

With many online and physical stores offering similar products, prices may vary based on quality, demand, and supply. Before making a purchase, it’s wise to explore different retailers, check price comparison websites, and monitor price trends. Additionally, try searching for additional savings through discounts, vouchers, or rewards programs.

However, smart spending also means exercising financial discipline, especially when using credit.

“First, don’t get a credit card if you have difficulty controlling your spending – that’s a common pitfall for many individuals.” Mr. Ravena advised. “Second, set a spending limit on your credit card to ensure that essential expenses are prioritized and not overlooked.”

Avoid lifestyle inflation

Filipinos have become increasingly wary of inflation since the COVID-19 pandemic, as rising costs of goods and services have significantly impacted their daily expenses and spending habits. While prices have eased in some areas, a common pitfall that often goes unnoticed is lifestyle inflation — the tendency to increase spending as earnings rise.

The temptation to splurge on nicer clothes, newer cars, or the latest gadgets can feel like a well-deserved reward for hard work. However, when spending rises as quickly, or even faster than income, it can become difficult to save. What starts as an occasional indulgence can gradually become the norm, making it harder to scale back later on.

“I prioritize savings by having an end goal of what I want to achieve 10-15 years down the road. It’s always easy to spend when you have high cash flow, but as athletes, we know we can’t play forever,” Mr. Ravena added.

Automate savings and investments

The easiest way to build wealth is to pay yourself first. However, relying on willpower alone to save a portion of one’s income can be challenging, as daily expenses and impulsive spending often take priority. Fortunately, digital banks and e-wallets now offer automatic savings and investment features on most platforms.

With this method, the urge to spend first and save later becomes an afterthought, since savings and investments are already set aside before any discretionary spending happens. Start small if needed. Even consistently setting aside 5%-10% of your income can make a significant difference over time.

“[My] financial goals have always been, ‘Let your money earn money.’ If I could invest and earn compared to my workload, that is the goal,” Mr. Ravena concluded.

Beyond saving and budgeting, taking advantage of investment opportunities is the next step in growing wealth and securing financial stability. Cocolife’s Flexi Protection, part of the company’s Flexi Series, offers coverage that ensures financial support for loved ones in unexpected events.

This product offers a mix of different investment options based on how much risk you’re comfortable with. You can choose from funds like the Peso Guaranteed Fund, Fixed Income Fund, Equity Fund, and Bond Fund. You can switch between them anytime to fit your financial goals.

“Just as we support Kiefer, Cocolife shares your goal of living a secure, comfortable, and fulfilling life. That’s why we created the Cocolife Flexi Series — to give you the freedom to design your own investment and insurance plan based on your resources and unique needs, so you can enjoy life to the fullest with confidence in your financial future,” said Cocolife President and CEO Atty. Martin A. Loon.

Flexi Protection offers flexible payment options to match your budget and goals. You can choose to pay regularly or for a shorter time — 5, 7, 10, 15, or 20 years. You can also add to or withdraw from your investment anytime without having to wait for your policy anniversary.

To further strengthen your protection, optional riders such as Accidental Death and Dismemberment, Waiver of Premium Upon Disability, and Critical Illness Benefit can be added to your policy.

To learn more about Cocolife’s Flexi Protection, visit https://www.cocolife.com/flexi-protection/.

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As a seasoned basketball player himself, Kiefer Ravena is no longer a stranger to discipline. As one of the top basketball players in the Philippines — and now a player of Yokohama B-Corsairs in Japan’s B.League, his success on the court is built on more than just talent — it’s the result of relentless consistency and a well-balanced approach to fitness.

In an interview, Mr. Ravena shared practical tips on how he maintains his health and performance, both on and off the court.

Stick to your diet

Maintaining peak physical condition takes more than just rigorous training. For Mr. Ravena, a well-balanced diet is essential to staying fit.

“One thing I’ve learned from being overseas is the consistent discipline you need when it comes to your diet,” he shared. “One cheat day can lead to another. I try to avoid sweets as much as I can and make sure to eat on time and eat healthy.”

Mr. Ravena understands how food choices directly impact overall fitness. By limiting sugar intake and following a structured meal schedule, he ensures his body receives the nutrients it needs to perform at its best.

In addition to dieting, hydration is a top priority. Mr. Ravena makes a conscious effort to drink enough water each day, as proper hydration aids in muscle recovery, maintains energy levels, and supports optimal performance.

Strength training as a necessity

Strength training, according to Mr. Ravena, is a non-negotiable part of his fitness regimen.

“Strength training is just as important as the games,” he said.

Competing at a high level demands that athletes push their bodies to the limit, and without proper conditioning, the physical toll of the season can be overwhelming.

Mr. Ravena credits his endurance on the court to a strict and consistent training routine. He believes that beyond skills and strategy, physical preparedness is what enables athletes like him to maintain peak performance.

For those aiming to stay in top shape, Mr. Ravena offers straightforward advice: stay consistent. Fitness, he emphasized, is a long-term commitment that requires dedication. It’s not just about short-term gains; it’s about building and sustaining a healthy, active lifestyle over time.

Prioritize rest

Peak performance is often associated with rigorous training and intense practice sessions. However, the star athlete emphasizes that rest and recovery are just as essential to maintaining a strong and healthy body.

Mr. Ravena follows a structured recovery routine to ensure his body can withstand the demands of high-level competition.

“Recovery equipment, the right supplements, and natural rest,” he shared. “I’ve developed this routine, and it has helped a lot in allowing me to continue what I’m doing.”

While pushing physical limits is a key part of athletic growth, neglecting recovery can lead to fatigue, injuries, and a decline in overall performance.

Consistency in routine

Training requires discipline, and for many athletes, staying consistent is often the biggest challenge. But for Mr. Ravena, the secret to staying fit and healthy lies in one word: routine.

“Routines and daily reminders of why I’m here playing overseas,” he shared.

From early morning workouts to scheduled recovery sessions, having a set plan minimizes distractions and keeps performance levels high. Sticking to a routine ensures that training remains a priority even when fatigue sets in or outside pressures arise.

Listen to your body

While regular exercise is essential, overtraining is a common pitfall among fitness enthusiasts and athletes alike.

Mr. Ravena warns that pushing too hard can often do more harm than good. “You have to really listen to your body. I feel like that’s the only way,” he shared.

When the body is overworked, performance may decline instead of improve. Overtraining can also lead to fatigue and a higher risk of injury. That’s why it’s crucial to recognize the need for rest and give the body time to recover.

Keep a strong mental game

Staying fit and healthy is often associated with regular exercise, but mental well-being is just as important. Mr. Ravena emphasized that clearing the mind and trying new activities can make a significant difference in maintaining overall health.

“Clear your mind every now and then. Find something new to do — something that challenges your curiosity and competitiveness, and is different from what you regularly do,” he explained.

Choose the best health partner

For Mr. Ravena, staying fit goes beyond the court — it’s also about making smart life choices. One of those choices is Cocolife’s ARUGA plan, which provides flexible and affordable insurance options.

Unlike traditional health insurance plans, Cocolife’s ARUGA offers comprehensive health coverage, including benefits for critical illnesses, serious medical problems, and intensive care unit (ICU) confinement.

ARUGA offers a P1,000,000 medical insurance benefit for serious health conditions for just P147 per day. Additionally, up to P200,000 is covered for serious illnesses in their early stages.

In the case of unforeseen events, ARUGA eases the financial burden on the family by ensuring financial security for the beneficiaries.

If the policyholder outlives the policy and no major health condition benefit has been paid, the ARUGA plan includes a “return of premium,” in which they will receive 100% of the entire basic premiums paid.

As a Filipino basketball player competing on the international scene, it’s important for Mr. Ravena to feel confident and secure about his health — allowing him to stay focused on training and performing at his best. That’s why he chooses Cocolife ARUGA as his trusted health and financial partner. Cocolife offers comprehensive insurance products and services designed to meet the evolving needs of Filipinos in all walks of life.

“Cocolife is proud of Kiefer Ravena for showcasing the excellence of Filipino athletes abroad,” said Cocolife President and CEO Atty. Martin A. Loon. “We remain committed to supporting him — and other Filipino athletes like him — by offering top-quality health and financial products and services that empower them to stay focused on achieving their dreams.”

Learn more about Cocolife ARUGA plan by going to https://www.cocolife.com/products/individual-insurance/.

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Before assuming the role of National Field President of McDonald’s USA, Myra Doria worked doubly hard to build a career that began in the 80s, with grit, passion, and perseverance.

Doria started her professional career at McDonald’s in Dau, Mabalacat, Pampanga, in 1985, or known as “Store 005.” 40 years later, her story is an inspiration — a testament to how a young woman from a small town in the Philippines can earn a seat at the table of one of the world’s biggest and most loved brands in the US.

“Standing up here today reminds me of why I got into this business in the first place, and all the incredible people I’ve met along the way. I’ve always wanted to come back to the place where I started. It also reminds me of how far I’ve come and how grateful I am to those who have made my career possible,” she said during her recent visit to the Philippines to speak at an operations leadership summit organized by McDonald’s Philippines — which was also a homecoming a long time in the making.

Humble Beginnings

“I was born and raised in Minalin, Pampanga. Ako po ang pinaka matanda sa anim na magkakapatid (I was the eldest in a brood of six), and early in life my parents instilled in me the importance of being the role model for my siblings. It is a huge responsibility that I carry with me still today,” Doria shared.

Working in the palengke (public market) not only honed her business acumen; it also developed her passion for shoes.

“I’ve come to see my shoes as a sort of metaphor for how I’ve approached my life and career. When I look at my shoes, I remember my days working at the flea market and my first days at McDonald’s. It may have been 40 years ago, but I remember the day vividly. I had just graduated from college when my mom treated me to a meal at McDonald’s. Without me knowing about it, she asked for a job application and, surprisingly, I was interviewed on the spot that day,” she shared.

Eleven interviews later, she received a start date for her management training.

From PH to US

From management trainee in 1985, Doria worked very hard to rise through the ranks, eventually becoming a successful restaurant manager, committed to the growth of her team and her restaurant–an empowered woman who also believed in empowering the people around her.

When she got married, her priorities evolved. Her husband was serving with the United States Navy stationed in Guam, and she was getting ready to embark on a new life. She said: “Moving to an entirely new country like the United States was the greatest change I had ever experienced. The culture was completely new and foreign to me. In the Philippines, I was called ‘Ma’am Myra.’ In the States, it was just ‘Myra — do this… Myra — do that!’ ”

In the US, she started building a career at McDonald’s, and although at first she didn’t see a lot of people who looked or talked like her, she grew as a professional and eventually as a leader. She said: “I learned to have the courage to be assertive and create my own seat at the table and bring my own voice — including my accent.” She steadily advanced through the ranks, taking on increasingly prominent roles. Starting as a business consultant, she progressed to field vice president, then zone president. In 2023, she was appointed National Field President of McDonald’s USA, playing a critical role in overseeing 14,000 restaurants all over the US and over $56 billion in annual sales, and empowering more than 1,800 franchisees and 500 company employees.

A Culture of Empowerment

McDonald’s takes pride in having a culture of empowering its people, particularly women. In the Philippines with a McDonald’s workforce of over 65,000, women comprise over 51% of key segments of the workforce, from crew members (50.6%) to store managers (57%), all the way up to the leadership team (53%). Among McDonald’s Developmental Licensee markets, the Philippines has the highest percentage of female sub-franchisees (53%), followed by Hungary (38%) and China (35%). It reinforces McDonald’s long-standing commitment of focusing on what their employees can do.

In Doria’s experience, while she learned to constantly show what she was capable of doing, she also acknowledged that she couldn’t have done it alone and is grateful for the people who believed and supported her on her journey to becoming US National Field President.

Doria is also grateful for the opportunity that McDonald’s Philippines Chairman and Founder Dr. George T. Yang has given her, and how he opened the doors for a life-long career with the Golden Arches.

“George gave me my first opportunity as a manager trainee 40 years ago. If not for him, who knows where I’d be today,” she said.

When asked how he feels about hearing about Myra’s success, Yang simply said, “I am very proud of her.”

The empowering leadership Doria encountered throughout her career has motivated her to empower others as well. In fact, she is known for honing leaders at McDonald’s — people say, “You work for Myra, you will be supported, and you will develop into a better leader.”

Many of the people she trained excelled in their careers — rising through the ranks to become supervisors and even national and international leaders. In fact, Doria mentored talents who ended up becoming the Chief Restaurant Officer (CRO) in McDonald’s Australia and the CRO in the McDonald’s United Kingdom. The UK CRO is a woman — proof that McDonald’s recognizes the great power women hold, and how this power can accelerate action.

A Multifaceted Woman

Doria is a multifaceted woman. Aside from being a successful leader at McDonald’s, she is also committed to her family, the way her family has supported her throughout her career.

“Working at McDonald’s is just one of my jobs. I’m also a wife, a mother, and now a lola for the very first time. Cora (her granddaughter) is a year old and she’s the love of our lives. I can’t thank my family enough for their unconditional love and support. They also do a great job of grounding me,” Doria said.

She emphasized that remembering where you came from and what you value most in life should guide your future decisions, whether personal or at work.

“No matter how your career started, always remember where you came from. As I say, lead with empathy and don’t let your title or responsibilities get in the way,” she said.

“#IMPower”

Asked what other advice she could give to women who also want a seat at the table, Doria underlined the importance of taking risks.

“My advice to everyone is don’t be afraid. Take risks. Actually, the higher the risks, the more is the gain of that risk. Risk is so important in leadership. Progressive companies like McDonald’s always take risks,” she said.

She also highlighted the importance of making an impact on people’s lives. In fact, she would like this to be her legacy. “The most fulfilling thing about my career is when I see people achieve their aspirations, [when] they get better and achieve their dreams,” she explained.

As the world celebrates International Women’s Month, McDonald’s emphasizes that it is an environment where women say “I M Power.” They are empowered to be their best selves, and they are empowered to bring out the best in others. As a woman, Doria was “#MPowered” to succeed as National Field President and a member of the McDonald’s US Senior Leadership Team.

And women have the opportunity to “#MPower,” be “#MPowered,” and be their best selves at McDonald’s, just like Doria. Learn more about the #MPowered women at McDonald’s (McDonald’s Philippines (Golden Arches Development Corporation): Overview | LinkedIn).

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Cashless payments for groceries and other essentials have never been easier and quicker with the Scan to Pay feature of BDO Pay. It can be linked to your BDO savings account or credit card so there’s no need to load the app or e-wallet, just start shopping!

To use the Scan to Pay feature when making cashless in-store purchases, BDO Pay users just simply need to scan the merchant’s quick response (QR) Code, input the amount, and they’re done.

With Scan to Pay, purchases are completed in seconds, offering convenience to shoppers who may be short on cash, and even offsetting the need to carry it for future in-store purchases.

What’s more, BDO Pay is accepted at numerous merchants nationwide with the adoption of the QR Ph, the standardized QR code system in the Philippines. With purchases now completed a lot faster with the app, shoppers will have more time to bond with their family or friends at SM malls, or wherever they may choose to shop.

For more information on BDO and the BDO Pay app, visit https://www.bdo.com.ph/. Download the BDO Pay app for free from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.

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BDO Unibank Inc. (BDO), along with leading Asian banks, has published the Asia Transition Finance Annual Report 2024 to help Asian economies achieve a “just and orderly transition” toward a more sustainable future.

BDO is a member of The Asian Transition Finance (ATF) Study Group, a private-led initiative whose core participants are banks with operations in Asia. The ATF Study Group was set up in recognition of the important role that transition finance (TF) will play in helping Asian economies address challenges as they move toward net-zero emissions. Its goal is to create practical recommendations to supplement existing frameworks, including global standards and taxonomies, when financial institutions (FIs) consider and assess TF cases, as well as to understand challenges and explore potential enablers to transition finance. 

This year, the ATF Annual Report 2024 was created after months of discussion among the core members, composed primarily of commercial banks. Development banks, export credit agencies, public agencies, and finance associations joined as observers and knowledge contributors. Energy and industry players, insurance and guarantee providers, and advisors also participated as guest speakers to share their perspectives.

The ATF Annual Report 2024 describes how transition projects can become feasible and bankable by mitigating and allocating risks through public and private sector collaboration. This fundamental issue, identified during discussions in 2022 and 2023, is crucial for enabling FIs to engage in transition projects. The Study Group considers that understanding the main risks of transition projects and how each risk can be addressed by both public and private sectors would foster coherent collaboration among all stakeholders.

As a founding core member of the ATF Study Group since 2021, BDO, along with other Asian financial institutions, believes that its sustainability journey will be more gradual in pace compared to counterpart banks in Europe and the United States. But in collaborating with others, the Bank welcomes the opportunity to bring everyone towards the same direction and better manage the energy transition for Asian nations.

BDO will continue to expand its Sustainable Finance initiatives, in place since 2010, towards funding new and existing renewable energy projects to increase their capacity, and support the country’s avoidance of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.

The Asia Transition Finance Annual Report 2024 is available at https://www.atfsg.org/report/asia-transition-finance-study-group-atf-sg-annual-report-2024

Asia Transition Finance Study Group Website: https://www.atfsg.org/

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McDonald’s Philippines was the big winner at the recent PANATA Brand Effectiveness Awards 2024, held at Seda Hotel Bonifacio Global City, securing multiple Gold Awards for its standout campaigns, “Night Classroom” and “Ride the Arches.” 

Presented by the Philippine Association of National Advertisers (PANA), the awards were judged by a distinguished panel of experts from the fields of advertising, media, and academia. The PANATA Brand Effectiveness Awards 2024 was not just a celebration of individual brand achievements but a recognition of the collective progress in the industry. Already on its 15^th year, the award underscored brands’ resilience in a challenging economic climate, as it continued to push boundaries and set new standards for consumer engagement.

First launched in 2023 and sustained this year, “Night Classroom” won four Golds in the Corporate Sustainability and Trust category, Brand Effectiveness through Customer Experience, Disruptive Innovation, and Effective Use of Marketing Communication Channels (Single Medium-BTL). The initiative converted party areas of McDonald’s stores into dedicated spaces for both teachers and students for late-night study sessions, offering safe and convenient space for learning.

On the other hand, the QSR giant also garnered the Grand PANATA Award for “Ride the Arches,” the first campaign of its kind for McDonald’s, which had McDonald’s turn its stores into cyclist-friendly meeting places complete with refueling stations, encouraging cyclists to bike and dine along scenic routes across the country. “Ride the Arches” also likewise won Gold in Marketing Communication Channel — Single Medium BTL, Gold in Customer Experience, Bronze in Corporate Sustainability and Brand Trust, and Bronze in Disruptive Innovation.

Also, for “Ride the Arches,” McDonald’s won the Brand Team of the Year with Barrameda bringing home the award for Rookie Brand Builder of the Year.

“We are truly honored by the recognition we received from this year’s PANATA Awards. Beyond the accolades, we are thankful to our customers and community partners for embracing and supporting our initiatives. And as McDonald’s continues to grow in the country, our commitment to making real and meaningful impact will also grow,” said Hernandez.

The PANATA Brand Effectiveness Awards truly highlighted McDonald’s Philippines’ exceptional marketing prowess, with several other campaigns striking gold.

“Better Chicken McDo” earned Gold for Brand Effectiveness through Business Growth, showcasing its success in driving tangible results. Campaigns such as “Best Me at McDo,” “Our Best Everrrr Burgers,” “Lovin’ All,” and “Kami Naman, Ma” all clinched Gold awards for their effective use of marketing communication channels, highlighting the brand’s ability to connect with its audience through various media. Notably, “Kami Naman, Ma” was specifically recognized for its excellence in the Single Medium-Digital category.

These additional wins underscored McDonald’s commitment to innovation, sustainability, and creating meaningful connections with its customers through a diverse range of impactful campaigns.

Asia Pacific Tambuli Awards 2024

• McDonald’s Philippines named “Advertiser of the Year”

• “Night Classroom”

• • Grand Prix Award in the Champions for Humanity Category

• • Silver in the Builders of Society Category

• “Ride the Arches”

• • Silver in the Champions for Humanity Category

• • Bronze for Advocacy

• “I’m Lovin’ Me” campaign

• • Bronze award

• “Unlocking 60,000 Filipinos’ Best Selves” campaign

• • Silver

• “Lovin’ All” campaign

• • Bronze

2024 Kidlat Awards

• “Lovin’ All” by TBWA\ SMP

• • Gold in Creativity in Engagement — PR

• • Gold in Creativity in Engagement — Social

• “Night Classroom” by Leo Burnett Group Manila

• • Gold in Creativity in Experience

• • Gold in Creative Commerce

• • Gold in Creative Effectiveness

• • Gold in Creative Strategy

• “Lovin’ All” film:

• • Silver in Classic Creativity — Film category

• “Lovin Her” series by FilmPabrika, Inc.

• • Silver in Film Craft — Direction, Casting, Low Budget Film

• “Ride the Arches” campaign

• • Silver for Creativity in Experience

• “Night Classroom”

• • Silver for Creativity for Good — Corporate Social Responsibility

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