Manila, Philippines — Is it possible for customers to create feel-good moments today while also feeling wrapped up in our country’s historic past? For McDonald’s Philippines, the answer is a resounding yes.
At present, there are five McDonald’s stores operating in heritage structures and locations— proving that enjoying one’s favorite McDonald’s meal and spending valuable time with one’s loved ones and friends can become an opportunity to appreciate the country’s rich cultural and architectural history
Just this January, residents of Santa Rosa City, Laguna came together for the official opening of a new McDonald’s store, which also happens to be a reconstruction of an over-100-year-old heritage structure. Formerly the ancestral home of one of Santa Rosa City’s most prominent families, the new structure incorporates some of the adobe stones of the original structure that stood on the site while the architecture and design elements depict the same historical period of the original house. This gives customers the experience of a bygone era while enjoying the latest McDo offerings.
As part of its commitment to preserving the character of the ancestral home, McDonald’s Philippines followed the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) guidelines and approval processes, ensuring that the restoration upheld the building’s historical and cultural significance.
Customer reaction to the creative and seamless melding of past and present has been highly appreciative. On social media, various individuals remarked on how the store brings the much- loved McDonald’s experience into a space that maintains classic Filipino architectural features.
“Should be like this sa mga establishments natin, hopefully to preserve culture,” one Facebook user said. Another Facebook user said: “Hope to see more restoration projects like this in the future.” On TikTok, someone commented: “Eto naman talaga dapat ‘yung style per house, per store. Dapat may culture pa rin tayong pinapakita and tradition, mixed with modern.”
Architects and heritage advocates define “historic reconstruction” as the creation of an homage to a non-surviving or heavily damaged structure, rebuilt to depict its appearance during a specific historical time period. In the Philippines, historic reconstruction is guided by strict laws and requires approval from agencies such as the NHCP. Construction plans, materials, and methods undergo thorough review before any alteration is made.
By adhering to these stringent standards and processes, the integrity of built heritage is not compromised, but instead preserved and newly appreciated.
“McDonald’s Philippines has enormous respect and love for Filipino culture and history,” said Margot Torres, McDonald’s Philippines Managing Director. “As a proudly 100% Filipino‑owned company, we stay connected to what customers value—time with family, celebrating local traditions, and preserving our heritage structures.”
Aside from the Santa Rosa store, other McDonald’s heritage branches can be found in some of the country’s most historically and culturally relevant cities. These include McDonald’s Vigan, located within the UNESCO Heritage City of Vigan, Ilocos Sur; McDonald’s Muralla, located within the walls of historic Intramuros, Manila; McDonald’s Silay, in a city called the Paris of Negros Island for its beautifully preserved mansions and thriving arts and culture scene; and McDonald’s San Pedro Bayan, which operates in one of the oldest houses in San Pedro, Laguna.
These heritage stores have kept most of the original architectural and design elements, including stonework and woodwork, pillars and beams, windows, and more. Where modern construction materials are introduced, they are used in a way that harmonizes with the old structure. For the stores located in major historical sites such as Vigan and Intramuros, much care has been taken to ensure they don’t clash with the overall look and feel of their surroundings.
“So if you’re wondering what it would feel like to enjoy a Chicken McDo meal or score the hottest Happy Meal toy while being immersed in spaces that proudly preserve Filipino history and culture, now’s your chance to visit any or all of our five heritage stores.”
