MANILA, PHILIPPINES – This Valentine’s season, McDonald’s is tugging at the heartstrings of Filipinos with its latest campaign, #ForeverDate, which celebrates love’s quiet strength in life’s fragile moments — especially in the face of ageing.
Starring veteran actors Eva Darren and Leo Rialp, the heartwarming film beautifully captures the story of a couple whose love has remained steadfast through the years, with McDonald’s serving as a silent witness to their most treasured moments. As they navigate the realities of growing older together, their bond is strengthened by a simple ritual – a weekly visit to McDonald’s.
Conceptualized by Leo Manila and directed by Joel Limchoc of Film Pabrika, the story unfolds from the perspective of a devoted husband who patiently waits as his wife gets ready for their date, even gently drawing her eyebrows when her trembling hands can no longer do so. These simple yet profound gestures embody the essence of love— patient, kind, and unwavering.
“In a time when social media is filled with stories of fleeting love and viral breakups, it’s good to be reminded that such love exists. We hope that by sharing this feel-good film this Valentine’s Day, we will fill our timelines with more heartwarming stories about true love. We started with this and now, we are looking forward to people sharing their own #ForeverDate stories,” said Ada Lazaro, Chief Marketing Officer, McDonald’s Philippines.
The film, ‘Love Ko ‘To Forever!’ (Love you forever!), launches at a time when social isolation and loneliness are becoming more prevalent in Asia as a result of a rapidly ageing population. By 2050, one in four people in Asia will be aged over 60, according to the Asian Development Bank, making stories that celebrate ageing and companionship more important than ever.
“McDonald’s has played an important part in countless love stories, so we loved the idea of showing how even simple acts – like sharing fries on a park bench – can provide genuine moments of happiness and reconnection. Now, by inviting others to share their own love stories, McDonald’s hopes to continue celebrating a demographic that’s often invisible in popular culture, while showing that love, in its purest form, is unyielding and timeless,” says Leo Manila Chief Creative Officer, Raoul Panes.
McDonald’s is now inviting everyone to share their own #ForeverDate moments. Whether it’s a decades-long relationship, or a cherished friendship, love is worth celebrating. Tag your #ForeverDate and share your own McDo love story.
CREDITS
CLIENT: McDonald’s Philippines
Margot B. Torres: Managing Director
Ada Almendras-Lazaro: Chief Marketing Officer Marketing Director:Ashley Santillan-Delgado
AGENCY: Leo Manila
Chief Creative Officer: Raoul Panes
Executive Creative Director/Copywriter: Kat Gomez-Limchoc Creative Director/Copywriter: Jonah Brocka
General Manager: Judy Medina
Client Services Director: Kimie Arenillo
Account Supervisor: Lara Gascon
Account Executive: Kya Mercader
FILM PRODUCTION: Film Pabrika
Cast: Leo Rialp, Eva Darren
Director: Joel Limchoc
Director of Photography: JA Tadena
Assistant Director: Cris Pasturan
Production Design: Nina Torres
Camera Operators: Jojo Dignos, Shem Hampac, Marco Limjap, Gian Caluag Propsman: Bobot Atanacio
Hair & Makeup: Gina Llanto
Caster: Owel Baal Soundman: Jojo Gonzales
Executive Producer: Ana Fe Manuel
Line Producer: Lei Villena
Production Manager: MeAnn Ballesteros
Production Staff: Rene Milla, RJ Santiago, Sheinna Melaño, Trixia Magdaraog Offline Editor: Jay Halili
Colorist: Marilen Magsaysay
Online: Central Studios – Yard Pacis & Yoy Acuna
SOUNDTRACK PRODUCTION: Prodigious Manila
Producer: Steve Vesagas Music: Allan Feliciano Piano: Gino Cruz
Sound Engineer: Ian Umali
