As a chapter closed with the farewell of the iconic McDonald’s Quezon Avenue store last December 22, 2024, a new one begins for long-time patrons and their loved ones, with an invitation from McDonald’s to create more feel-good moments at the “ReHomecoming” in its new QA Ligaya store.
Opened in 1984 as the eighth McDonald’s store in the Philippines, McDonald’s Quezon Ave. served as the setting of many special moments for the past 40 years—first dates, family gatherings, birthday parties, even simple meet-ups, and more. When news of its closure was announced, an outpouring of nostalgia brought fans together as they flocked online as well as in the store to share beautiful photographs and stories detailing their fondest memories.
“This McDonald’s (store) holds a special place in my heart—it’s where I first met my wife while she was working as a crew back in the 1980s,” Joey Perez commented on the official Facebook post. “It’s where we celebrated my kids’ first birthdays and countless other special moments as a family. Over the years, this place became more than just a restaurant; it was a second home, a space where friendships were made and memories that will last a lifetime were created.”
Roman Sanchez, meanwhile, shared photos of himself and his siblings enjoying the playplace at McDonald’s Quezon Ave. “Our parents used to bring us here when we were still kids. So many memories,” he wrote on Facebook. “Thank you, McDonald’s Quezon Avenue! LOVE KO ‘TO!”
For her part, Anamarie Gutierrez shared several important occasions that happened at McDonald’s QA. “Too many memories at this place,” she wrote online. “But here are the fondest events (at McDonald’s Quezon Ave.)—my daughter Alex celebrated her 18th (debut) birthday; a surprise party for our Mom on her 73rd birthday; our nephew Nate celebrated his 7th birthday.”
Madell Louis Samonte, who started as a crew member in McDonald’s Quezon Ave. and went on to become a local store marketing assistant at McDonald’s head office, remembered being part of a marketing photo shoot, even showing a copy of the photo. “The first photoshoot here wasn’t just about capturing images, but about marking a moment in time, a turning point, a starting point,” she wrote on Facebook. “The Golden Arches aren’t just a symbol of fast food; to me, they represent a chapter of beginnings, of creativity, and of nostalgia. The energy of the place, the bustle, and the simple comfort of familiarity all made this location unforgettable. Though time passes, the memories created here linger, bittersweet yet beautiful, a reminder that sometimes the most significant moments happen in the most unexpected places.”
Winnie Santiago, who now works as a private school teacher, took pride in being a pioneering cashier at McDonald’s Quezon Ave. She said: “I was so proud to be a McDonald’s crew member—I would work mid-shift, and I would have classes in the afternoon. I would ride the jeep to UP Diliman … and attend school in my full uniform. It was sosyal to be part of the crew!”
“It was very heartwarming to see and feel the love from our customers, young and old, our crew, past and present, sharing special moments and memories at McDonald’s Quezon Ave.,” said Adi Hernandez, McDonald’s Philippines Assistant Vice President for Corporate Relations and Impact.
Now, McDonald’s invites its customers to create new memories at an exciting store not too far away–the modern and vibrant McDonald’s QA Ligaya, as it hosts a ReHomecoming Celebration on January 27, 2025 filled with thrilling activities and surprises. Lucky customers who visit the QA Ligaya store will receive exciting treats! There is also a photo booth onsite to let the customers capture their feel-good moments at the store.
“The opening of the Quezon Avenue Ligaya store is another milestone in our continuing journey in the Philippines. It reflects our commitment to reaching more Filipinos with good food while making a positive impact on the communities we serve in meaningful ways,” Hernandez added.
Since George T. Yang opened its first store on Morayta Street, Sampaloc, Manila in 1981, McDonald’s has grown by leaps and bounds, capping 2024 with 792 stores nationwide.
