Revisiting feel-good moments – A Short Story

Nostalgia hits different when you revisit memories with a friend. As Ronnie and Micah go back to the place where they always shared feel-good moments, they find that it’s a bit different yet still the same. The interior has been changed and safety protocols have been placed. Despite these, the place still holds the same feeling of comfort it had when they were younger. Here’s their story:

Ronnie and Micah were like two peas in a pod. They were destined to be best friends since birth – with their moms having a close bond, too.

As they grew up, they would find themselves having a designated meet-up place for milestones reached. Every achievement would bring them to the glowing golden arches nearby.

By the time college rolled in, they weren’t able to spend as much time together. If that wasn’t enough, the pandemic happened.

They never let the distance get the best of their friendship. “Through thick and thin”, they once said when they were children. Through pulling all-nighters for modules or crying over love problems, they never let each other down. It doesn’t erase the fact that they still miss each other – especially after not meeting up for almost two years.

As their hometown was placed under Alert Level 1, Ronnie was fast to contact his friend.

“Nakita mo yung balita?” [Have you heard the news?]

“Yeah. Let’s meet up na please! I miss you huhu”

“This Saturday, same place?”

“G omg!!!”

That’s how they ended up at their favorite McDonald’s.

When they were students, they would take off their school IDs as they entered. Now, both of them pull out their vaccination cards from their bags, ready to show the security guard.

As they approach the self-ordering kiosk, a safety manager welcomes them, ready to assist.

Ronnie and Micah’s routine is now different compared to their previous meetups. It was not a major adjustment for both of them. If anything, it assures them that their chosen place of meet-up is safe.

As they get their orders, a wave of nostalgia hits them when they see their usual spot. It was cleaned thoroughly, just like it had always been.

As they sit down, it’s like they’re back to the old days. It doesn’t matter that things have changed, they are still the same people eating at their special spot.

They could still safely enjoy feel-good moments at McDonald’s.

*Ronnie and Micah are fictional characters. Any similarity to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events, is purely coincidental.

As the country eases the alert levels in certain regions and more citizens are getting vaccinated, there’s a palpable shift in the atmosphere. Filipinos are no longer hesitating to dine out with their friends and family, they are now excited to do so. They are also on the lookout for the safest option. McDonald’s has always given their customers a safe and comfortable dining experience from the start with M Safe.

What makes it a feel good and safe experience at McDonald’s?

The brand prioritizes the safety of its people as it believes in keeping its crew safe so they can keep their customers safe, too. Close to 100% of its 40,000 employee force across the country has been vaccinated.

Practices like “No mask, No entry”, hand sanitation and wearing of hand gloves for employees handling food are still strictly implemented in every branch. Safety officers continue to ensure these practices are being followed by both employees and customers.

For 18 years old and above dine-in customers, proof of vaccination must be presented upon entrance. However, it is not required for those who prefer outdoor dining.

Dining innovations like Bike & Dine also provides an additional safe space for customers.

And yes, it’s still the same feel good McDonald’s experience because of the ambiance, the warm gestures of the crew, and the great tasting meals that many Filipinos have always loved.

What’s your feel good and feel safe McDonald’s story?