On Valentine’s Day, young love and new parents come to the fore in advertising. But McDonald’s Philippine and Leo Manila have uncovered real love. Enduring love. Their campaign, #ForeverDate, tugs at all heartstrings. Within the campaign is a story, Love Ko ‘To Forever!’, told simply in gentle dissolves and intimate moments without the intrusion of words, that celebrates love’s quiet strength in life’s fragile moments — especially in the face of ageing.
The heartwarming film, starring veteran actors, Eva Darren and Leo Rialp, 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.
Director, Joel Limchoc of Film Pabrika, tells its story 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,” stated 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,” noted Leo Manila chief creative officer, Raoul Panes.
McDonald’s is also inviting everyone to share their own #ForeverDate moments.
Special note: This little story has a beautiful real life love story behind it. Creative lead, Kat Limchoc, is married to the director, Joel, at Film Pabrika, and the love story is inspired by the top [read:beloved] assistant director of the Philippines’ advertising production teams, Christine, who passed from cancer last year (which is why ‘Christine & Tom’ is etched in the park bench). The film has been getting lots of love on YouTube so far. Apparently, Valentine’s Day still rules.
Credits:
Client: McDonald’s Philippines
Margot B. Torres: Managing Director
Ada Almendras-Lazaro: Chief Marketing Officer
Marketing Director: Ashley Santillan-Delgado
Creative 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
Director: Joel Limchoc
Director of Photography: JA Tadena
Assistant Director: Cris Pasturan
Executive Producer: Ana Fe Manuel
Line Producer: Lei Villena
Production Manager: MeAnn Ballesteros
Offline Editor: Jay Halili
Colourist: Marilen Magsaysay
Online: Yard Pacis & Yoy Acuna @ Central Studios
Sound: Prodigious Manila
Producer: Steve Vesagas
Music: Allan Feliciano
Piano: Gino Cruz
Sound Engineer: Ian Umali
